Northern Odyssey

Day 01 | Sigiriya

Welcome to Sri Lanka! It is time to discover the vibrant but lesser-known Northern territory of the Island. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by the chauffeur or the representative from Rediscover Sri Lanka.
The drive today will take you to the center of the cultural triangle, Habarana. For those of you who have already visited the island this is a very familiar place. Having checked in to the hotel Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Or discuss with your chauffeur about attractions in the neighborhood and activities on offer.

Day 02 | Sigiriya

This morning you will have a chance to experience the rural lifestyle of Habarana. As much as being a hot spot for tourism, Habarana is still a farming region where large majority of people rely on agriculture. You can hop on a small tractor and explore the small roads of the village and reach the man-made reservoir that irrigates all the fields. Enjoy the scenic views and cooling breeze while you paddle across the reservoir to visit a small local farm house. The family who runs the farm house will happily host you and show insightful aspects of typical Sri Lankan traditional lifestyle. From selecting a matured coconut to peeling it and extracting the white flesh which will be turned in to the local delicacy coconut roti will be an interesting experience to take part in. This leisurely encounter will definitely teach you some good Asian cooking tips to take back home as well.
The journey back to the main road will be a fun ride in a local tuk tuk, why not try your hands at maneuvering it.
The World Heritage Sigiriya Lion Rock, Minneriya National Park well known for its large herds of Elephants, Dambulla Golden Rock temple are some of the other interesting places to visit as per your desire.

Day 03 | Jaffna

An early breakfast today will help you to leave for Anuradhapura to catch the Jaffna bound express train on time. The northbound train journey will pass through vast open spaces, dry zones forests, small villages and occasional towns offering you a different vantage point from the regular road travel. This will also be an opportunity to mingle with fellow local travelers who will be interested to know what you are planning to do in the North.
Upon arriving in Jaffana you will be picked up by the hotel staff and assist to check in and rest until the chauffer arrives with baggage. Jaffna tend to be quite warm all through out the year. Some resting time to avoid the mid-day sun after the long commute would be a good idea.
In the evening meet your local guide who is a native in Jaffna, take a leisurely walk along the quiet streets shaded with large trees and observe the interesting architecture. You may want to continue all the way up to Pannai Causeway and witness the local fishermen at Sun set.

Day 04 | Jaffna

It is a day full of local highlights beginning with a visit to the Jaffna local market. Fresh vegetable and fruits cultivated in the fields around Jaffana as well as delivered from the South will be available here. Jaffna is well known for its variety of products made from Palmyra palm tree. Sweet palm sugar known as jaggery, steamed sprouts and many other lesser-known edible products are made from Palmyra along with all types of handmade baskets and containers made with its leaves. This would be a good place to explore and purchase locally made kitchen wear, bags and decorative items. A freshly made juice or a coconut will be a good idea to keep you hydrated during the hot mid-day.
A short drive from the market stands one of the most important icons in Jaffna, the public library. With almost a hundred years of history Jaffna library used to preserve some large collection of rare manuscripts both Tamil and Sinhalese before facing destruction during 1981 riots. The library has since been rebuilt but the lost treasures never recovered. Visitors are welcome to take a walk through most of the sections as well as the beautifully maintained gardens.
The popular Malayan café would be a good place to try the south Indian style vegetarian food. You can return to the hotel for a few hours of rest during the mid-day.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most respected places of worship among the predominant Hindu population in Jaffna. Built in honor of God Murugan this beautiful shrine with adorned with intricately designed tall Raja Gopuram attracts devotees during the six puja times each day. Dressed up in suitable attire, your local guide will take you on an insightful experience at the Shrine.

Day 05 | Jaffna

An early start to the day with a drive over 1.5 hours passing local villages and two land bridges will bring you through Kayts and punkudutivu islands to Kurikadduwan jetty. This jetty connects some of the small local islands with the mainland with the help of ferry services.
Getting on a local ferry you can reach Nainativu island which is a very popular and respected place of worship for Buddhists in the South. According to Buddhist Legends the Buddha has visited the island three times and one of the early visits was to this island also known as Nagadeepa. The shrine NagaPooshani Amman kovil is of high importance to the Hindus in the region and attracts large numbers of devotees through out the year. Explore these landmarks before you hop on a bicycle and leisurely paddle around the small local island.
The lunch today will be cooked and served at a local home offering you a chance to try the island flavors and get to know the lifestyle of the people.
After a fulfilling day of new adventures, you can enjoy an easy evening at the hotel.

Day 06 | Jaffna

We plan to explore the surrounding rural neighborhood around Jaffna and explore the local life today. You will get the chance to visit a small local school and spend some time with the kids and teachers. Learn a bit about the education system in Sri Lanka, achievements of the school kids and challenges they face for a broader perspective of this part of the country. Your visit will be a highlight for the kids for long time to remember.
Fisheries and agriculture are the two main income sources for local people in the region. Hard working farmers put the lands and resources to the best use and cultivate dry zone vegetables all over the peninsula. Jaffna is also known for grapes as well as tobacco. With the help of our local guide, you can visit a cultivation, talk to the farmers and see how their livelihood continue, up close.
Rest of the day will be at leisure for you plan. If you want to visit some other known attractions like keerimalai Springs, Naguleaswaram Kovil or local beaches here is the opportunity.

Day 07 | Mannar

Having spent 4 days in the northern Capital it is time to bid farewell and leave for the North western region of Mannar. Exit Jaffna Peninsula along Sangupiddi bridge and drive passing mostly under developed small villages, forested areas which used to be in the war zone. In a couple of hours, you will reach Mannar Island. Check in to the hotel and spend the mid-day at the comfort of your room or by the pool. In the late afternoon you have the option of visiting some of the highlights such as the Baobab Trees, Mannar Fort and Thiru Ketheeswaram shrine.
After busy few days full of activities spending the day pampering at the hotel would not be a bad idea either.

Day 08 | Mannar

During the months between November to March the salt marshes around Mannar island attracts many bird lovers who flock to witness the migrant Flamingos. An early morning trip can be booked with the resident naturalist to see these beautiful creatures and many other varieties of bird life. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and spend the mid-day hours in the comforts of the hotel. In the late afternoon join a short trip to the Talaimannar fishing villages for a short work to see the activities of local fishermen. You can walk passing the light house towards the Talaimannar Pier which used to be a main point of contact between Sri Lanka and Rameswaram India until 1964. A ferry service used to transport people and goods between the two countries whom could then use the train to reach the major cities of the island. Plans are underway to revive the ferry services again.
The shallow sea between the two countries along the Palk straight consist of many sandy islands. According to Hindu legend Ramayana these are remnants of the Rama Setu built by the monk god Hanuman and his troops to attack the Lankapura. Driving just south of Talaimannar you can reach the first of these unique Sand bars. Take a leisurely walk exploring this fascinating location at on clear days you can also see as far as some telecommunication towers off Indian shores. The wonderful scenery of the setting sun over the white sandy shore and shallow water will be an experience to savor for years.

Day 09 | Anuradhapura

Having spent six days in the north, today you will drive interior towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. The natural vegetation will quickly change from semi-arid bush covered lands to dry evergreen forests. The Hindu shrines and mosques will be replaced by the Buddhist temples and villages of predominantly Sinhalese population. You can take a short break next to a small road side shelter where the locals sell vegetables and fresh watermelons, coconuts and many other varieties of fruits.
Reach the hotel for lunch followed by a couple of hours rest. Your afternoon will be spent among massive stupas and monastic ruins dating back for thousands of years. Anuradhapura was the most powerful of all our kingdoms lasting for fifteen hundred years. The former glory of this prosperous kingdom is still visible in the form of numerous remains of royal palaces, irrigation works and Buddhist shrines. As the evening approaches visit the Sacred Bodhi tree considered as the oldest recorded tree in the world and observe the customs and rituals of local Buddhists. Finally walk to the beautifully lit up Ruwanweliseya Stupa during the evening puja ceremony for a quiet and blissful experience among the white clad devotees.

Day 10 | Wilpattu

An easy morning in Anuradhapura allows you time to rest at the hotel or go for a short walk along the bund of one of the many reservoirs in the area. You can also discuss with the chauffeur and visit some of the lesser-known highlights of the area. Check out of the hotel after lunch and proceed towards the north western coast of Kalpitiya. On your way to the coast visit Wilpattu National Park the largest in Sri Lanka for an afternoon safari. Consisting of many natural lakes known as willus, this park has a diverse range of ecosystems providing shelter for variety of mammals, reptiles and birds as well as other fauna and flora. Elusive leopards, sloth bears and the Sri Lankan elephants roam freely occasionally venturing out of the woods.
By the evening reach you’re your hotel located on the beaches of Kalpitiya. These few days at the beach will help rest and rejuvenate while reminiscing of all the pleasant experiences you encountered during the journey.

Day 11-13 | Kalpitiya

Enjoy the sea, warm and sunny weather, delicious sea food and comfortable stay at your beach resort. During the period between November to April the sea off Kalpitiya is frequented by Blue and Sperm whales as well as pods of Dolphins. Whale and Dolphin watching excursions can be booked with the help of the resort. Local highlights such as Kalpitiya fishery harbor and town, Thalawila church, local islands and mangroves are some of the worthwhile visits to try.

Day 14

You don’t believe holidays are just for relaxing by the pool or beach. You’ve gone off the beaten track and seen the other half of Sri Lanka which the common traveler does not get to witness. Experience of diverse people, cultures, religions, cuisine, geography, climate and even architecture. What better way to get to know a country up close and personal. It is the finale of another adventure, until next time.
Having checked out of the hotel you will be picked up and escorted to Colombo airport to begin the home bound journey. End of a memorable holiday in the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Photo Credit – Mahinthan Someswarapillai.