'The Original' Sri Lanka Island Tour 2023

After meeting you at the airport or your hotel on Sri Lanka's West Coast, we'll drive to Anuradhapura, visiting the Wilpattu National Park on the way. The Wilpattu wildlife sanctuary is located close to the historical city of Anuradhapura and was declared a National Park in 1938. Home to a population of roughly 50 wild leopards, it is also important for resident and migratory water-birds due to the natural lakes. The history of the park is also of interest with ancient ruins pointing to a queen named “Kuweni” (considered to be the mother of the Sinhala race) who is said to have lived in a place known as Kalli Villu. Historical evidence also shows the fact that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago.   Overnight at the Gamodh Citadel Resort or Miridiya Lake Resort, Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka's ancient ruined cities. This city is the repository of several priceless treasures of Buddhism and as a World Heritage site definetly a MUST to every visitor to Sri Lanka. One is the dagoba of Thuparama, an immense spire-topped dome that is believed to enshrine the collarbone of the Buddha, himself. The base of the temple is surrounded by a frieze of elephants in bas relief. Another remarkable treasure in Anuradhapura is the sacred Bo Tree said to have been grown from a branch of the tree under which Siddhartha Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. As the story goes, a sapling of the ficus religioso that sheltered the Buddha was brought from the Magadha Kingdom of ancient India to Sri Lanka in a golden bowl 2,250 years ago and planted on this spot in Sri Lanka, bowl and all. It is said to be the oldest authenticated tree in the world.  Later we proceed to Trincomalee on the East Coast. Trincomalee is an important port city since ancient times. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built initially by the Portuguese and captured in 1639 by the Dutch. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.  In the late afternoon you will visit Kanniya Hot Wells. The seven hot water wells in Kenniya revolve around myth and legend of Ramayana. It is believed the springs appeared after King Ravana struck the ground seven times with his sword. The water in each well varies in heat and sometimes bubbles up like a pot of boiling water. The water is believed to contain healing properties which cure skin ailments and arthritis. Overnight at the Anantamaa Hotel or JKAB Beach Resort, Trincomalee

Just off the coast of Sri Lanka swims the majestic blue whale, the largest creature on earth. Nowhere in the wold is it possible to see these ocean giants so close to shore.  Depending on the conditions, this gives you the opportunity to watch blue whales along with sperm whales, orcas, playful spinner and bottlenose dolphins, turtles and whale sharks in their natural environment. Whale Watching can be done from the shore or on-board an excursion boat.  In the afternoon it's time to enjoy a truly tropical beach. Nilaveli is facing the Pigeon Island Marine National Park and is perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Bright corals and colorful fish swarms can be seen directly through the crystal clear waters.  Overnight at the Anantamaa Hotel or JKAB Beach Resort, Trincomalee