Ceylon North Coast Discovery
Package 15 Special Interest Tours 6 Nights / 7 Days

Ceylon North Coast Discovery

A pilgrimage to the great Hindu temples of the north, with Tamil culture, Jaffna cuisine and a ferry to Nainativu island.

See the day-by-day plan
Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days
Best for
Travellers from India
Pace
Moderate
Best time to travel
Feb – Sep
Starts & ends
Bandaranaike International Airport

The journey at a glance

Overview

A pilgrimage north through Sri Lanka's Hindu heritage: Chilaw's Ramayana temples, Thiruketheeswaram in Mannar, three nights in Jaffna with a ferry to Nainativu, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

  1. Chilaw1 night
  2. Mannar1 night
  3. Jaffna3 nights
  4. Anuradhapura1 night
  5. DepartFly home

Who this journey suits

Sacred Hindu temples (Pancha Ishwaram, Nallur, Nainativu) and Tamil culture, for South Indian pilgrims with strong language and cultural ties.

Tour highlights

  • Munneswaram Kovil and Manavari Temple
  • Thiruketheeswaram Kovil, one of the Pancha Ishwarams
  • Mannar's baobab trees, lagoons and fishing villages
  • Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna
  • Naguleswaram Kovil and the Keerimalai Springs
  • Ferry to Nainativu: Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa
  • Jaffna's Tamil cuisine, markets and fort
  • Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya

7 days, paced for real travel

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Arrive BIA → Chilaw
    Chilaw

    Day 1: Day 1

    Arrive BIA → Chilaw

    Travel
    ~1.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Chilaw
    • MorningWarm meet & greet and private transfer to Chilaw.
    • AfternoonMunneswaram Kovil, one of Sri Lanka's most important Shiva temples, and Manavari Temple (the Ramalingam).
    • EveningSettle into the coastal surroundings.

    Sample hotels: Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw (or similar)

  2. Chilaw → Mannar
    Mannar

    Day 2: Day 2

    Chilaw → Mannar

    Travel
    ~4–5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening for prayer and rest
    Overnight
    Mannar
    • MorningEarly departure through coconut plantations, fishing villages and dry-zone scenery.
    • AfternoonThiruketheeswaram Kovil, one of the ancient Pancha Ishwaram temples. Mannar's baobab trees, lagoons and fishing communities.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: Palmyrah House (or similar)

  3. Mannar → Jaffna
    Jaffna

    Day 3: Day 3

    Mannar → Jaffna

    Travel
    ~2.5–3 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Jaffna
    • MorningScenic journey into northern Sri Lanka.
    • AfternoonArrive in Jaffna and visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (check pooja times).
    • EveningJaffna's colourful streets, local markets, Tamil shops and northern cuisine.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Jaffna · The Thinnai · Fox Resorts Jaffna (or similar)

  4. Jaffna
    Jaffna

    Day 4: Day 4

    Jaffna

    Travel
    ~1 hr drives around the peninsula
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Jaffna
    • MorningNaguleswaram Kovil and the sacred Keerimalai Springs.
    • AfternoonKadurugoda Viharaya and other local kovils, depending on temple timings.
    • EveningAuthentic Jaffna Tamil cuisine.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Jaffna · The Thinnai · Fox Resorts Jaffna (same hotel)

  5. Jaffna (Nainativu by ferry)
    Jaffna

    Day 5: Day 5

    Jaffna (Nainativu by ferry)

    Travel
    ~1 hr drive + ~20 min ferry each way
    Free time
    Late afternoon
    Overnight
    Jaffna
    • MorningFerry to Nainativu Island (weather permitting): Nagapooshani Amman Kovil and Nagadeepa Purana Vihara.
    • AfternoonReturn to Jaffna. Optional Jaffna Fort, local markets and handicraft shops.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Jaffna · The Thinnai · Fox Resorts Jaffna (same hotel)

  6. Jaffna → Anuradhapura
    Anuradhapura

    Day 6: Day 6

    Jaffna → Anuradhapura

    Travel
    ~4 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Anuradhapura
    • MorningMorning departure through the northern and north-central landscapes.
    • AfternoonSacred city of Anuradhapura: Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Isurumuniya and ancient kingdom sites.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: Ulagalla by Uga Escapes · Palm Garden Village (or similar)

  7. Anuradhapura → BIA → Depart
    Departure day

    Day 7: Day 7

    Anuradhapura → BIA → Depart

    Travel
    ~4 hrs drive
    Free time
    None (travel day)
    Overnight
    Departure
    • MorningBreakfast, then depart for the airport.
    • AfternoonArrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
    • EveningDeparture.

    No overnight: departure day

Chosen for character and comfort

Hotels at a glance

LocationNightsDaysSample hotels (or similar)
Chilaw1Day 01Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw
Mannar1Day 02Palmyrah House
Jaffna3Days 03–05Jetwing Jaffna · The Thinnai · Fox Resorts Jaffna
Anuradhapura1Day 06Ulagalla by Uga Escapes · Palm Garden Village
Total66 nights / 7 days

Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide (other languages on request)
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar, with daily breakfast
  • Airport meet & greet and private transfers
  • Fuel, parking, highway tolls and your guide's meals and lodging
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 local support throughout your journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka visa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and train tickets, unless your quote includes them
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera and video permits at some sites
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, early check-in, late check-out and personal expenses

Good to know

  • The Nainativu ferry depends on weather and sea conditions; Day 05 has buffer time.
  • Temple dress codes apply: men may need to remove shirts at some kovils.
  • Option: IndiGo flies Chennai → Jaffna direct, so guests can fly into Jaffna and out of Colombo.
  • Temple visits: shoulders and knees covered; shoes and hats off at shrines.
  • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and photo stops.
  • Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

Day tours on this route

Each of these days is also available on its own.

Anuradhapura Day Tour

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