Northern Explorer

After an early breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura Via, Willpattuwa National Park, Jeep Safari to Willpattuwa, Arrive at The hotel in time for lunch, evening city tour of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, Overnight at Anuradhapura.

After an early breakfast proceeds to Jaffna, continued the journey until on the infamous A9. Short stop at the tiny museum for in Vavunia. There is not much to see but a few artifacts from 5 century BC. It shows the history of Sri Lanka and how there was an advanced civilization even during that time. Lunch en route., another 5min stop at the Murikandy Pillayar Shrine .The water tank destroyed by the LTTE is on the road side in Kilinochi At Elephant Pass see the vehicle that a young Sri Lankan soldier detonated by wearing a bomb on himself, to protect the army camp from the LTTE. Elephant Pass, is the only place in Sri Lanka where one could see the sun rise and sun set! From the same place. Overnight stay at Jaffna.

After Breakfast visit Nagadeepa – a place visited by Lord Buddha. The boat ride takes 20min (one way) you will spend half day on this excursion. There is also a kovil on the same island, from where the boat leaves for the main land. Preferably, (should be attaired in white clothes. No short skits/ shorts/ sleeveless/ skinnies. A cap, scarf or an umbrella would be useful.) Abandoned houses and small settlements centered around the village as well can be seen. In the afternoon we visit Kantharodai – a collection of small sthupas. There are several folk tales connected to this site. Then visit Naguleswaram Shiva Temple and the Keerimalai Springs. (Be mindful that females should not venture into the pond allocated to men), the pond for the females are behind and enclosed. These ponds are said to have therapeutic medicinal benefits. Next visit to Dambakola Patuna – where Theri Sanghamitta brought a Bo sapling during the 3rd Century BC. Our next stop is at the Nilavarai, a pond said to be bottomless. The story goes that even foreign scuba divers could not reach the bottom and spoke of strong currents below. Late evening you will also visit the Naga Viharaya. Overnight stay at Jaffna.

Visit the huge Nallur Kovil. On the way to Point Pedro, and Theru Modi Madam – the ancient pilgrim resting place that spans the main road. To the right of it you see an old well with a balancing pole where a person used to walk up and down to draw water. At Point Pedro you can see the light house and the actual northern most point marked by the Sri Lankan flag. On the way back we will visit the Manthree Manai, said to be built during the 15th Century which shelters a treasure in its foundation. Short stop at the Jaffna Library and spend few minutes on the Fort. It is said to be the best preserved Fort in Sri Lanka and the most technically perfect around the Indian Ocean. The recent terrorist activities destroyed most parts of it. Late afternoon we set off to Karainagar (Small Island) to the Casuarina Beach. The shallow waters are safe and clean. Late evening we visited the Jaffna Market. Overnight stay at Jaffna.

After the breakfast proceed to Trincomalee, on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu road, the once abandoned paddy fields had been prepared and planted. Neat plots of green paddy fields spread far and wide into the distance seemingly merging with the blue sky at the horizon. On the way you will stop at Mullatihivu, Life is slowly returning to Mullaitivu, Where large crowds come in buses to visit Mullaitivu from all around the country. This is the last strong hold of the LTTE and Mullatitivu is where the infamous bunker of the LTTE leader is located. This is a massive local tourist attraction, and the myths that’s is connected to the most feared terror leader in the world for over two decades. A short stop at the Vattappalai Kannakki Amman Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Kannakki Amma. As such there is an outer building within the Temple premises that especially details the story of the Goddess’ arrival to Sri Lanka. According to Karna legend, Kannaki from Madurai arrived in Sri Lanka and rested in ten different places. The tenth place she visited was named Paththam-Palai (Paththam-tenth, Palairesidence) where her anger completely receded. Over time the name evolved into Vattappalai. Overnight stay at Trincomalee.

After breakfast visit Pigeon Island for bit of snorkeling and city tour, back to the hotel for Lunch. Evening at leisure on the beach. Overnight stay at Trincomalee.

After breakfast proceed Sigiriya via Polonnaruwa. “Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka” Evening climb Sigiriya rock fortress, Both UESCO world heritage sites. Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

After breakfast proceed to Colombo, en route visit the breathtaking cave temples of Dambulla another UNESCO world heritage sites. Overnight stay at Colombo.

End of tour and depart to the Airport.