Tour Itinerary
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights
- Complete flexibility – plan your travel dates on your schedule.
- Chauffeured – dedicated driver throughout the trip.
- Private and exclusive – your driver will take you from point A to B, help you set up, then leave for his own accommodation elsewhere thus giving you complete privacy.
- Ambiance – scenic and safe parking locations.
- Meals – you could get help from your driver in cooking meals. Alternatively, you may buy food from your parking slot host.
- Authentic local experiences – experience toddy tapping, explore the land of wild horses at Delft Island, learn traditional Kandyan dancing with a dancing guru, craft traditional drums and more.
- Meet different communities – from the Kaffir community in Puttalam, to Jaffna Tamil communities and tea plucking communities.
- Wild Zones – experience the wilderness of the ‘Land of Natural Lakes’ where Leopards, Elephants, and Sloth Bears live, via a Wilpattu National Park safari.
- Talaimannar – explore the pier that connects Sri Lanka and India.
- Point Pedro – spend a night at the top of Sri Lanka.
- Walking through history – witness the remains of 30 years of conflict in the North & East.
- Heritage at its best – Fort Fredrick in Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa historical sites, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Mountain Trains – enjoy a scenic train ride through the hill country, with tracks wrapped around the mountains.
- Little England – take in the panoramic views of enormous tea plantations in the hill country, and indulge in a tea experience at chilly Nuwara Eliya.
- Elephant safari – explore the ‘Land of Elephants’ with a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: Airport to Chilaw
Check-in to your motorhome, grocery shopping, and dinner on the beautiful Chilaw beach
Meet our representative and driver at the Colombo Airport Arrival Lobby and get on board to your motorhome for the next two weeks in Sri Lanka! Enjoy the drive to Chilaw – a small town located 60km north of the Colombo Airport. En-route, stock up on provisions for meals from grocery shops en-route. On arrival, your motorhome will be parked in a slot near the beach. Celebrate your first night in Chilaw with a (motor)home-cooked seaside dinner.
Day 2: Chilaw to Wilpattu
Wilderness excursions and real local experiences – traditional toddy tapping, meeting the Kaffir Community, and a Wilpattu National Park jeep safari
After breakfast, enjoy the drive to Wilpattu via Puttalam. En-route you will visit a local toddy tapper to witness how boozy ‘Ra’ is made. Tasting fresh toddy is possible, however, it is not recommended if you are prone to indigestion. The next stop is a small village in Puttalam named ‘Sirambiadiya’, which is famous for its Sri Lankan-African community. Hear their Manja Songs and learn a few steps of Kaffiringa Dancing before continuing to a luxury campsite in Wilpattu, bordering the National Park. Enjoy a complimentary Sri Lankan lunch at the campsite before your game drive inside Wilpattu National Park in a safari jeep. Post-safari, freshen up at your motorhome and head to your complimentary BBQ dinner at the campsite, under the stars, by a bonfire. After dinner, spend the night in your Motorhome at Wilpattu.
Day 3 – Wilpattu to Mannar
Three multi-religious experiences in a day – Thanthirimale Temple, Madu Church & Thiruketheeshwaram Kovil
Leave for Mannar via Mahawilachchiya. Visit the Thanthirimale Ancient Temple, dating back to the 3rd Century BC and see the famous Buddha Statues carved from large rocks. As the temple is rarely visited by tourists, you will be treated as pilgrims! As you continue to Mannar, your next stop will be the Catholic Church and Shrine of Our Lady of Madu. Though destroyed during the war, it has now been renovated by good Samaritans from across the nation. Next, see the Thiruketheeswaram, which is one of the five Ishwarams dedicated to God Shiva, a Hindu deity. Continue to Talaimannar, the closest point to India, and spend the night on a scenic beach in Talaimannar.
Day 4 – Mannar to Jaffna
Cross a 288m bridge and travel to the top of Sri Lanka
Meet the inhabitants of Mannar Island before you leave for Jaffna! Talaimannar Pier, Mannar Dutch Fort and the ancient Baobab Tree are some of the must-see sights in Mannar. As you drive deeper into Jaffna via Pooneryn, experience roads unlike any other while making your way to sparsely populated areas. Journey across the serene Sangupiddy Bridge – a 288m bridge allowing incredible photo opportunities, as it’s one of the two bridges which connect Jaffna Peninsula with the rest of the country! Continue to Point Pedro via Chavakachcheri, where you may buy provisions for meals en-route. Note that there aren’t many grocery shops at Point Pedro where you’ll be spending a quiet night soaking in the stars.
Day 5: Jaffna’s Delft Island
Exploring Delft Island – the island of Wild Horses
After breakfast, travel to Kurikadduwan and board a public ferry to Delft Island. This 45-minute cruise will take you to the mystical Delft Island, Jaffna’s famous attraction. Hop in a tuk tuk or local truck to explore this 50 square kilometre island with a local guide. The Baobab Tree, Wild Horses, Growing Rock, Delft Island Fort, Pigeon House, Coral Walls, and Giant’s Footprint are some of the highlights in this excursion. Afterwards, explore the menu for seafood delicacies at the only restaurant on the island! Return to Kurikadduwan by public ferry where you will be driven to the calm Casuarina Beach for overnight parking.
Day 6: Jaffna Beach and City Tour
Enjoy a sea bath, temple visit and immersive cultural experience at Jaffna Fort
Spend a few hours at Casuarina Beach – the beach is famous for its white sand – and enjoy a morning swim in the shallow waters. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the highlights of Jaffna Peninsula – Nagadeepa Temple, Kadurugoda Ancient Temple, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Jaffna Public Library, Jaffna Fort, Sangiliyan Statue, and the bizarre Keerimale Pool. You will also get to sample Rio Ice Cream, known as the ‘ice cream of Jaffna’. Apart from ice cream, go ahead and indulge in a range of local food, culturally unique to the Sri Lankan Tamil Community. Your night will be spent parked at a blissful spot overlooking the starlit Sankupitti Bridge.
Day 7: Jaffna to Mullaitivu via Kilinochchi
Witness the remains of 3 decades of conflict
Say goodbye to Jaffna with a peaceful drive towards Mullaitivu via Kilinochchi. Did you know that Kilinochchi was the administrative centre and de facto capital of the LTTE until 2009? Post 2009 is when the Sri Lankan Army finally recaptured the city! The remains of the Kilinochchi Water Tower, which was destroyed by the LTTE during the final phase of the civil war, is a stark reminder of the destructive 30-year conflict. The Water Tower has since been made a monument. As you continue to Mullaitivu on the A35, you’ll stop for a quick visit en-route at the iconic Puthukkudiyiruppu War Museum and learn of its dark history. The Monument of Victory neighbouring the War Museum commemorates a bittersweet victory marking the end of a bloody war which lasted 30 years. As you reach Mullaitivu – a fishing village situated on the north-east coast of the island – enjoy an inspiring sunset while parked by the beach for your overnight stay.
Day 8: Mullaitivu to Trincomalee
Your East Coast Adventure
A visit to the Mullaitivu Beach will bring you to the remains of the grounded MV Farah III – the cargo ship en-route to South Africa via India with a shipment of 14,000 tonnes of rice, captured by the LTTE! Departing Mullaitivu, you will then be driven to Trincomalee via Vavuniya and Horowpathana. The route carefully takes you through dense jungles, paddy fields and chena cultivations – a prelude to the agricultural livelihood of the people in this area. Kebithigollewa Town – your next destination – involves similar terrain. If fascinating landscapes captivate you, you’ll definitely fall in love with the constantly changing view of the typical agrarian fields and farming lifestyle outside your window. Passing through Horowpathana, you will reach one of the main cities in the East – Trincomalee. Your overnight parking slot overlooks the extraordinary Trincomalee Natural Harbour on Nilaveli Beach.
Day 9: Trincomalee to Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya
A Journey through the Medieval and Monkey Kingdom
A visit to Fredrick Fort in Trincomalee brings you to the sacred Thirukoneswaram Temple – a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex and main highlight at the Fort. Leaving Trincomalee, you will head to Polonnaruwa, the Medieval Kingdom of Sri Lanka. See the remains of the ancient palace and temples, and don’t forget to take a picture with the ‘monkey actors’ who were featured in the world-renowned Disney Film ‘Monkey Kingdom’! After visiting the Polonnaruwa historical site, continue to Sigiriya for overnight parking and revel in an exciting night on a lake bank as nocturnal animals watch from the shadows!
Day 10: Sigiriya to Kandy
Climb the ancestral engineering marvels – Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple
Wake up to bird singing in the treetops and prep for the day’s journey to Kandy. Your first stop, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is considered the 8th Wonder of the World! Climb the giant construction and see the artistic paintings, graffiti of ancient travellers, remains of the palace on the summit, and the famous Lion’s Paw. Enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings from the summit, then return to your motorhome for a sunny drive to Kandy via Dambulla. Your stop at Dambulla lets you visit a 3rd Century BC creation – the Dambulla Cave Temple. This complex of caves consists of over 100 Buddha Statues and wall paintings! As you arrive in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – the most revered place amongst the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Winding down, you may order dinner at a restaurant in Kandy before proceeding to your overnight parking inside an idyllic tea plantation.
Day 11: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
From drum-making to a scenic train ride around mountains covered with tea plantations
Depart for the cold hills after breakfast, with a visit to a local village in the suburbs en-route. Here you will meet the artisan and craft community who’ve been making traditional drums for generations. Witness the process of making a drum from scratch and master a few beats with different drums! As you say goodbye to the villagers, you will be transferred to the Gampola Railway Station for a surreal train ride to Nanu Oya with the locals. Meet your driver at Nanu Oya Railway Station, hop back into your motorhome and begin your journey to mist-covered Nuwara Eliya. En-route, enjoy a hands-on tea plucking experience with local women, contributing to the production of making the world’s finest tea! This includes a visit to a nearby tea factory. On arrival at Nuwara Eliya, try a local food truck or simply make your own dinner and hot cocoa. Your overnight parking is a mist-kissed, prime location on the banks of Lake Gregory.
Day 12: Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawa
From the Hill Country to the Land of Elephants
Journey to Udawalawe after breakfast, with a stopover at Ella to bask in the views of the valleys below. Visit the mythical Ravana Falls en-route before continuing to Udawalawe for a safari experience. Your motorhome will be parked at a luxury campsite inside a private forest, on the buffer zone of Udawalawe National Park. Hop into a safari jeep and enjoy a game drive at Udawalawe National Park, famous for large herds of Asian Elephants seen throughout the year. Post-safari, enjoy a complimentary BBQ dinner by the fire at the campsite, illuminated by the moon. After dinner, spend the night in your Motorhome surrounded by Udawalawe’s wilderness.
Day 13: Udawalawe to Galle
Discover a Living Heritage – Galle Dutch Fort
Rising early, enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the campsite before leaving for Galle. En-route, visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home around 9am and enjoy bottle-feeding milk to elephant calves! The Elephant Transit Home is a temporary home for disabled elephants and elephant calves, where they are treated and released back into the jungle. As you continue to Galle – the ‘big city’ in the Southern Province and once major port in Sri Lanka – you’ll discover the living heritage that is Galle Dutch Fort. The Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most significant colonial remains on the island. Explore the Fort by foot and wander through alleys and ramparts, before leaving for your overnight parking in the private suburbs of Galle.
Day 14: Galle to the Airport
The road back home
After 2 weeks of road-tripping and exploring the best parts of an exotic island in a motorhome, it’s now time to say goodbye! After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Colombo Airport so that you may connect with your departure flight, based on your flight schedule.
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Terms & Conditions
OUR RATES INCLUDE
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Accommodation/transportation in motorhomes, based on your group size, on a sharing basis.
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Service of a professional driver, his meals and accommodation.
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Entry permits and cost of activities:
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Toddy Tapping
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Kaffir Village in Puttalam
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Safari in Wilpattu National Park – including permits and use of a private jeep equipped with snacks and refreshments
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Delft Island excursion – including ferry fare, tuk tuk / lorry transport and local guide
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Polonnaruwa Historical Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
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Drum-making village in the suburbs of Kandy
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Tea plucking experience, tea factory and community visit
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Train ride from Gampola to Nanu Oya
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Safari in Udawalawe National Park – including permits and use of a private jeep equipped with snacks and refreshments
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Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe
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All applicable government taxes
OUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE
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Any Airfare or Visa Fee
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Any meal except complimentary meals at the Wilpattu and Udawalawe campsites
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Any additional activity or site visit
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Any tips to the staff / driver
IMPORTANT
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Personal effects for windy / rainy / warm weather conditions should be carried by guests
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Please refrain from throwing / offering food or fruits to wild animals
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Insect repellents, sunscreen lotions etc. are recommended
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Please refrain from applying or carrying fruity or strong-smelling perfumes, lotions or balms during wildlife safaris
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Dress code and other important things to note when visiting temples or religious sites:
- Clothing should cover shoulders and legs down to knee level
- Head should be uncovered
- Shoes should be taken off
- White is the widely used colour for clothing
- Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent mode
- Refrain from taking pictures or videos without asking or referring signage, as certain religious places do not allow it
- When entering religious sites or grounds, please speak softly and respectfully
Trip Notes
Trip Notes
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Duration : 13 nights / 14 days
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Start /Finish: Colombo Airport to Colombo Airport
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Physical grading: 3 – Average
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Accommodation: In a Motorhome
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Meals include : 4 complimentary meals at the Wilpattu and Udawalawe campsite (1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners). All other meals to be cooked by guests in the motorhome. Utensils are provided.
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Trip type: Small groups (1 – 5 pax)
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Minimum age: No age restrictions. Families with kids are welcome.
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Driver and Fuel : Included in the package cost.
* Your driver will stay in a guest house or homestay close to the Motorhome Park.
Packing List
PACKING LIST
- Day bag (used for daily excursions/safaris to carry water, cameras and other electronics)
- Footwear
- Small travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellents
- Sunblock / sunscreen
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Windproof rain jacket
- Locks for bags
- Shorts/skirts (long shorts / knee-length skirts are recommended)
- Sun hat/bandana
- Swimwear
- Waterproof clothes
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
- Flashlight/torch (head torches are ideal)
