North Sri Lanka Revealed
Overview
Highlights
- The unexplored north, including the Hindu temples of Jaffna
- Game drives in Wilpattu and Udawalawe National Parks
- Discover the ancient capital of Anuradhapura
- Climb the rock fortress at Sigirya for breathtaking views
- The beautiful lakeside town of Kandy
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All breakfasts and 4 lunches
- All accommodation (see below)
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Itinerary
The group flight usually departs in the evening from London Heathrow. **
The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel at Veyangoda. Those not flying with the group will meet us at the hotel. *Covanro Hotel or similar*
We depart after breakfast for the drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 4-5 hours) including a game drive in Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest national park, is a fairly thick dry zone jungle interspersed with a number of flood plain lakes banked with ...
Today we start in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Now picturesque ruins, it was once a major centre of Sri Lankan civilisation. There is a lot to see including huge bell-shaped stupas, the sacred Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries and monuments. Later in...
We have a full day's journey north today to Jaffna (approx. 6 hours). After an hour we will stop at Tantirimale monastery, which is set in a vast panoramic area amongst sprawling boulders, in the midst of thick forest. The climb and the walk around the caves and r...
Leaving Jaffna early in the morning we drive across causeways to Punkudutivu (approx. 1 hour) where we will take a ferry over to Delft (Neduntheevu). This is the largest island in the Palk Strait and is Sri Lanka's furthest inhabited point. The island has a small ...
A slightly more relaxing day, but we still keep busy visiting a number of sites in and around Jaffna. In the morning we will head out of the main city to visit the Hindu temple at Keerimale, one of the oldest shrines of the region and the northernmost shrine on th...
We leave the very north of the country today and head to the beaches of the east coast (approx. 6-7 hours). En route we will stop at the hot springs of Kanniyai, where there are seven hot wells of varying temperatures, commonly referred to as 'the Seven Wonders of Sri Lanka'. *Anantamaa Hotel Trincomalee or similar*
Today is free for you to relax by the hotel pool or do some optional activities such as whale watching (March - August) or snorkelling. The tropical conditions of the Indian Ocean mean it is the habitat to hundreds of thousands of varied species. Your leader will ...
We set off early this morning to see some of the sites of Trincomalee before transferring to Sigiriya (approx. 3 hours). The main site we visit is Koneswaram temple, one of the three principal places of worship dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva; we will also see the...
This morning we will take a gentle bike ride through the local villages and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon you can either relax by the hotel pool or take an optional game drive to see elephants in their natural habitat. We will visit either Minneriya or K...
Today we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful and very well preserved paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st Century BC. After lunch we stop at...
Kandy is located on a small lake and we spend the day in and around the town. We visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka...
This morning we leave Kandy and head towards Ella; on the way we visit a tea factory to learn about tea production. We should also have time to stop in Bandarawella, a trading centre where exotic fruits from the east coast are traded for hill-country vegetables. We...
We have a chance for a relaxed breakfast before we head further south to Udawalawe National Park. With an area of 30,821 hectares, this park covers the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir, and has a rich elephant population estimated at around 500. We view the wi...
Today's free day to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also numerous optional activities that you can take part in during the day including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation. From November to April you can go whale watchin...
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is...
If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime flight to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. **
Land Only
The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and we transfer to our hotel at Veyangoda. Those not flying with the group will meet us at the hotel. *Covanro Hotel or similar*
We depart after breakfast for the drive to Anuradhapura (approx. 4-5 hours) including a game drive in Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest national park, is a fairly thick dry zone jungle interspersed with a number of flood plain lakes banked with ...
Today we start in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Now picturesque ruins, it was once a major centre of Sri Lankan civilisation. There is a lot to see including huge bell-shaped stupas, the sacred Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries and monuments. Later in...
We have a full day's journey north today to Jaffna (approx. 6 hours). After an hour we will stop at Tantirimale monastery, which is set in a vast panoramic area amongst sprawling boulders, in the midst of thick forest. The climb and the walk around the caves and r...
Leaving Jaffna early in the morning we drive across causeways to Punkudutivu (approx. 1 hour) where we will take a ferry over to Delft (Neduntheevu). This is the largest island in the Palk Strait and is Sri Lanka's furthest inhabited point. The island has a small ...
A slightly more relaxing day, but we still keep busy visiting a number of sites in and around Jaffna. In the morning we will head out of the main city to visit the Hindu temple at Keerimale, one of the oldest shrines of the region and the northernmost shrine on th...
We leave the very north of the country today and head to the beaches of the east coast (approx. 6-7 hours). En route we will stop at the hot springs of Kanniyai, where there are seven hot wells of varying temperatures, commonly referred to as 'the Seven Wonders of Sri Lanka'. *Anantamaa Hotel Trincomalee or similar*
Today is free for you to relax by the hotel pool or do some optional activities such as whale watching (March - August) or snorkelling. The tropical conditions of the Indian Ocean mean it is the habitat to hundreds of thousands of varied species. Your leader will ...
We set off early this morning to see some of the sites of Trincomalee before transferring to Sigiriya (approx. 3 hours). The main site we visit is Koneswaram temple, one of the three principal places of worship dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva; we will also see the...
This morning we will take a gentle bike ride through the local villages and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon you can either relax by the hotel pool or take an optional game drive to see elephants in their natural habitat. We will visit either Minneriya or K...
Today we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful and very well preserved paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st Century BC. After lunch we stop at...
Kandy is located on a small lake and we spend the day in and around the town. We visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka...
This morning we leave Kandy and head towards Ella; on the way we visit a tea factory to learn about tea production. We should also have time to stop in Bandarawella, a trading centre where exotic fruits from the east coast are traded for hill-country vegetables. We...
We have a chance for a relaxed breakfast before we head further south to Udawalawe National Park. With an area of 30,821 hectares, this park covers the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir, and has a rich elephant population estimated at around 500. We view the wi...
Today's free day to relax on the beach or by the hotel pool. There are also numerous optional activities that you can take part in during the day including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation. From November to April you can go whale watchin...
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is...
If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime flight to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after check out. **
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Dates & Availability
Check current availability, prices, specials & more.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Excellent tour
This was our first visit to Sri Lanka and the itinery for this tour enabled us to travel to many area of the island and to experience a diverse range of cultures. ...
A good taster of Sir Lanka
This tour takes in the north of the island that many other tour companies are not yet doing. The countryside differs vastly from the north to the middle to the so...
North Sri Lanka revealed
No problems worth the journey there. Easy trip not as difficult as advertised. The north seeing the effects of the war and getting a locals facts on the troubles. ...
North Sri Lanka revealed
This is a beautiful country and we felt the trip gave us a comprehensive view of its highlights. We were particularly impressed by the magnificent settings of sev...
Spot on
Amazing trip - Emirates flights were excellent . Arrangements on the ground were superb - transport and accommodations were perfect . Our guide Rama’s knowledge ...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.
Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.
All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.
Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
-
Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
-
Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- Travel by private bus, boat, bicycle and jeep
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs.
- 16 nights hotels, all en suite
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