1
Arrival — Colombo & Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Met on arrival by a RIZ representative and private chauffeur guide, then transferred to Negombo to settle in.
RIZ-058 Days / 7 NightsPrivate Journey
Northern Sri Lanka
A distinctive journey into Jaffna and the northern peninsula, revealing a different culture, cuisine and heritage rarely seen by most visitors.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
Beyond the Classic Circuit.
Northern Sri Lanka is built for travellers who have visited before, or who simply want to see a side of the island most itineraries never reach. Jaffna and its peninsula carry a distinct Tamil cultural identity — vivid Hindu temples, Dutch colonial forts and a cuisine built around seafood and northern spice blends found nowhere else on the island.
The route travels north via Anuradhapura's sacred city, spends unhurried time in Jaffna itself, and returns south through Sigiriya, giving a genuine contrast between the island's north and its more familiar Cultural Triangle.
ROUTEColombo / Negombo→Anuradhapura→Jaffna→Jaffna Peninsula→Sigiriya→Departure
Why This Journey
- Reaches Jaffna and the northern peninsula, rarely covered by standard itineraries.
- A genuinely different cultural, culinary and architectural experience.
- Ideal for repeat visitors or those wanting to go beyond the classic circuit.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout — no fixed group departures.
- Every accommodation and vehicle tier can be adjusted to suit budget and style.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Moments That Define the Journey
Jaffna's colourful Hindu temples
The sacred city of Anuradhapura
The Dutch fort at Jaffna
Distinctive northern cuisine
Climb to the summit of Sigiriya
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Eight Days in the North
1
2
Anuradhapura
The Sacred City
A guided tour of Sri Lanka's first great capital, its ancient dagobas and sacred Sri Maha Bodhi, en route north.
3–5
Jaffna
A Distinctive Northern Culture
Three days exploring Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, the local market and the region's distinctive cuisine.
6
Jaffna Peninsula
Islands & Coastline
A day exploring the causeway-linked islands off the peninsula and quiet northern coastline.
7
Sigiriya
Return to the Cultural Triangle
Travel south to Sigiriya, with time for the climb to the summit of the rock fortress.
8
Departure
Journey's End
Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
This itinerary is indicative. Sequence, drive times and inclusions may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or supplier availability, and your final programme is confirmed in your RIZ quotation.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Choose Your Level of Comfort
Accommodation Tier
- EssentialQuality 3-star / boutique
- Comfort4-Star / 5-Star / Boutique Hotels & Villas
- PremiumSuperior 4-star / selected 5-star
- Luxury5-star / curated boutique
- SignatureHandpicked unique stays
Vehicle Category
- StandardPrivate sedan
- ComfortPrivate SUV / premium MPV
- Family / Small GroupPrivate SUV / large MPV / premium van
- Premium GroupLuxury van / premium coach
- Large GroupTour coach
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ADD-ONS
Extend the Journey
Local Food Tour — JaffnaIsland Hopping — Jaffna PeninsulaTrincomalee ExtensionVillage & Homestay ExperienceAdditional Night — Colombo
CORE INCLUSIONS
What's Included
- 7 nights' accommodation at the selected tier
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur-guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet and departure transfer
- 24/7 RIZ emergency contact during travel
NOT INCLUDED
Important Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified for a particular day)
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and add-ons
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Before You Travel
- Itinerary sequence may be adjusted for seasonal conditions or road access.
- Dietary and accessibility requirements should be shared before confirmation.
- Hotel check-in/check-out times follow individual property policies.
- Northern Sri Lanka has fewer international hotel brands; boutique and local options are prioritised.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & SAFETY
Travelling Responsibly
- Pre-arrival confirmation and an arrival safety briefing are provided.
- Drivers and guides are briefed to RIZ's professional service standards.
- Religious sites are visited with respect for local customs and dress codes.
- Local suppliers and community experiences are prioritised where possible.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Ready to Begin Planning
Northern Sri Lanka?
Share your travel dates and preferences and a RIZ Lanka DMC specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for RIZ-05.