Tour · 10 nights · with Explore Worldwide
A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo
A small-group escorted tour with Explore Worldwide tracing the northern, eastern and central regions of Sri Lanka, from Tamil-influenced Jaffna to Colombo via coastal towns and ancient cultural sites, focused on local food and everyday life.
- Duration
- 10 nights
- Departures
- 8 dates
- Choose a month below
- Countries
- Sri Lanka
- Operator
- Explore Worldwide
- From
- £1,745
- per person
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Train journey from Colombo to Jaffna at dawn
Palmyrah toddy tapping demonstration near Jaffna
Tour of Dambulla cave templesWith Buddha and Hindu sculptures
Early morning fish auction and seafood brunch in Trincomalee
Climb of the Sigiriya 'Lion Rock' fortress
About the trip
This ten-night tour by Explore Worldwide moves in a largely north-to-south direction across Sri Lanka. It begins on the west coast in Negombo, a fishing town where catamarans still set sail and golden sands meet bustling fish markets. An early morning train ride takes the group north to Jaffna, the island’s furthest point, known for its distinct Tamil culture and unique cuisine, including toddy tapped from towering Palmyrah palms.
The journey continues eastwards to Trincomalee, where a visit to the fish auction and markets reveals a working harbour lifestyle. From there, the tour dips south into the Cultural Triangle, stopping at Dambulla’s ancient cave temples and Sigiriya’s lion-shaped rock fortress. Along the way, a paddy field ride, hands-on cooking classes and visits to Hindu temples, temples and roadside eateries highlight culinary traditions deeply woven into daily life.
The final days are in Colombo, where colonial legacies mingle with a lively urban scene. A tea tasting and visits to local fast food outlets provide insight into Sri Lanka's diverse cultural influences. The tour balances early starts, travel days and free afternoons, not shying away from the practical sides of moving around the island.
- 1 Negombo
- 2 Colombo
- 3 Jaffna
- 4 Trincomalee
- 5 Dambulla
- 6 Sigiriya
Itinerary
The route
Negombo
Colombo
Jaffna
Trincomalee
Dambulla
Sigiriya
These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Per personThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Explore Worldwide
- Flights
- Not included: you book your own to the start
- What’s included
- Check with Explore Worldwide
- Accessibility
- Check with Explore Worldwide
For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo?
- A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo is a 10 nights tour holiday.
- Who operates A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo?
- A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo is operated by Explore Worldwide.
- How much does A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo cost?
- Prices for A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka - Jaffna to Colombo start from £1,745, subject to availability.
The operator
Explore Worldwide
Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife
Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.
You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
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