Horathapola — Anuradhapura

Stroll the organic farm and rural village surrounding Horathapola with a guided walk this morning. Afterwards, drive to Anuradhapura — the ancient capital and an active religious site that draws Buddhist pilgrims from across the globe — and visit the main stupa. In Anuradhapura we stay within its sacred city, allowing us the opportunity this afternoon to walk to the much-revered Bodhi tree.

Overnight The Sanctuary, Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura — Kaludiya Pokuna — Ritigala — Anuradhapura

Discover the lesser-known archaeological ruins of the Cultural Triangle guided by a resident practicing archaeologist. Explore Kaludiya Pokuna with its nearby residing monks and the meditational jungle pathways of Ritigala — an ancient monastic complex with an intriguing layout.

Overnight The Sanctuary, Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura — Jaffna

Travel on the Queen of Jaffna express into Tamil heartland in the country’s very far north, passing barren landscapes and occasional villages on this comfortable local train. As we explore northern Sri Lanka, we will hear about the country’s civil war from the Tamil perspective. This afternoon, discover bullet-ravaged buildings, fishing villages and the city library on a rickshaw tour of Jaffna with our local Tamil guide Mohan. Don’t miss the Rio Special — ice cream, fruit salad, jelly, topped with cashews and a wafer — when we stop at the city’s most-loved ice cream parlour.

Overnight Jetwing Jaffna, Jaffna

Jaffna — Delft — Jaffna

Join local residents on the ferry to Delft Island, the remotest part of Sri Lanka. A barren and nondescript island with modest sights, we travel to Delft to discover its strategic importance and see the wild horses left by the Portuguese 400 years ago. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch, freshly prepared by a local family on Delft. In the afternoon, we return to Jaffna by private boat.

Overnight Jetwing Jaffna, Jaffna

Jaffna

Visit Nallur Temple, the largest Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, adorned with 108 paintings of Lord Shiva dancing. Join bare-chested men and shoe-less pilgrims inside the temple, surrounded by the sounds and energy of morning prayers. Later, drive to the fishing village of Point Pedro and sample Jaffna prawn curry during lunch in a family home.

Overnight Jetwing Jaffna, Jaffna

Jaffna — Kuchchaveli

After breakfast, depart for Sri Lanka’s east coast and a beach stay. For the next two nights enjoy the lush surroundings of our accommodation Jungle Beach, where private villas are nestled in the jungle and the beach is at our doorstep. A chance to pause and relax. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight Jungle Beach, Kuchchaveli

Kuchchaveli — Trincomalee — Kuchchaveli

Like other days on this tour, today is about discovering the modest everyday life that’s little changed in Sri Lanka. Visit Fort Frederic and see the small shops and old-fashioned businesses with a walking tour of Trincomalee. Haircuts, Spices and Hindu Gods will introduce you to the former bodybuilder turned barber who can cut your hair, and you will see spices freshly ground and mixed at Ruben’s spice store. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight Jungle Beach, Kuchchaveli

Kuchchaveli — Batticaloa — Gal Oya

Drive to Batticaloa and meet our local host, Mala, who will reveal the lingering reminders of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and who will serve us lunch under the fruit trees in her garden. Later, continue to Gal Oya National Park, Sri Lanka’s least-visited park. For the next two nights stay within the park at Gal Oya Lodge where wildlife research and protection is as much a focus as wildlife viewing.

Overnight Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya

Gal Oya

Observe crocodiles, elephants and monkeys in their natural habitat in Gal Oya National Park on a boat safari, and stop for a picnic breakfast. Gal Oya is the country’s only national park where you can safari by boat. In the afternoon, head into the forest for a guided walk with a local Vedda chief. The Vedda are the original Indigenous community of Sri Lanka, though their traditional culture and way of life is being severely impacted by Sri Lanka’s rapidly modernising economy.

Overnight Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya

Gal Oya — Kandy

Rise early for a gentle bird watching walk led by one of the lodge’s naturalists. Feel the forest and countryside come to life as the day wakes. Later, drive to Kandy. Witness the prayers and rituals at the World Heritage-listed Buddhist `Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’ in Kandy in the late afternoon.

Overnight Kandyan Manor, Kandy

Kandy

Uncover the secrets of Sri Lankan recipes today with a hands-on cooking demonstration by our host Suzy. In her kitchen you’ll fnd an ancient stone grinder used for pounding spices, traditional Sri Lankan clay pots for cooking and an old-fashioned wood-fueled stove. Visit the local market to shop for ingredients before spending the morning in the kitchen.

vernight Kandyan Manor, Kandy

Kandy — Colombo

Drive to Kandy railway station and board a train to Colombo. Transfer to the Galle Face Hotel upon arrival, a 150-year restored heritage hotel that is a landmark of Sri Lanka’s capital. At dusk, join locals for an evening stroll on Galle Face Green before enjoying a final dinner of contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine at Rare.

Overnight Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

Colombo — Airport

Immerse yourself in Colombo’s history with a city walk led by expert resident guide Mark Forbes. See the architecture of the Dutch and the British, enjoy a drink at an historic hotel and hear the anecdotes and tales of this city from a passionate local guide. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit some of the Colombo boutiques and cafes we frequent ourselves for last-minute gifts and mementoes. Freshen up at the hotel before transferring to the airport for departing flights. Farewell the people and places you have discovered in Insights of Sri Lanka.