Off the Beat Tour

This tour lets you immerse in local cultures, traditions, and mystical heritage sites. Explore vibrant towns, hidden islands, and secluded waterfalls, each with its own story to tell. Encounter the unseen aspects of a nation’s history, where mythical stories and legends come alive. Connect with nature’s rhythm on boat safaris and relax on pristine beaches.

Tour Duration

Tour Information

The tour begins in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka with tour on a vintage Land Rover followed by a scenic train journey to Anuradhapura the next day. Visit its ancient ruins and learn the rich Tamil heritage in Jaffna also visiting a traditional drum-making village. The tour takes you to many other parts of the island covering beaches, indigenous people of Sri Lanka, nature walks, wildlife and boats safaris.

Who is it for?

The tour is best suited for travellers interested in immersive experiences, including a mix of sacred sites, culture & local life and less visited areas of the island. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate unspoilt landscapes and unique activities throughout making this one of the highlighted tours in our portfolio. Anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and cultures will no doubt be enthralled by booing this activity rich programme.

Optional Activities

Here are some optional activities you can include to enhance your itinerary in Sri Lanka. Please discuss with our travel designers on how and when you would like to include them into your custom designed tour package.

Customise This Tour Package

Day 1 - Colombo

Upon arrival, transfer to Colombo, the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. Spend the late afternoon exploring Colombo’s vibrant urban landscape in a vintage Land Rover, which adds a nostalgic touch to your city adventure.

Day 2 - Anuradhapura

Begin your day with a scenic morning train journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura, immersing yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka’s countryside as the train glides through lush greenery and charming rural vistas. Arrive in Anuradhapura in the evening.

Day 3 - Jaffna

Transfer to Jaffna in the morning with a late afternoon tour of the Jaffna Town. Jaffna is renowned for its historical significance, vibrant culture, and resilience. It offers unique Tamil heritage, a unique blend of ancient traditions, colonial architecture, history and its recovery of revitalization post-conflict.

Day 4

This morning, take a boat to Nagadeepa Island which holds an important place in Buddhist and Hindu histories. Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya is worshipped as one of the holiest Buddhist sites and Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is mentioned on several ancient chronicles. This afternoon we will visit a drum making village which links Jaffna with Kandy. This village is a living museum which has upheld the legacy of crafting Kandyan drums for generations in Jaffna.

Day 5 - Trincomalee

Depart Jaffna and journey to the coastal haven of Trincomalee or Nilaveli, where pristine beaches and a tranquil atmosphere await. As you travel, enjoy scenic views of Sri Lanka’s northern landscapes transitioning into the lush coastal terrain. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of your accommodation, renowned for its stunning beachfront location and exceptional amenities.

Day 6

Start with a visit to Fort Frederick, a historic 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. Next, immerse yourself in the Thirukoneswaram Kovil. Head out for snorkelling in Pigeon Islands, a retreat for marine life with crystal-clear waters teeming with colourful coral reefs and diverse fish species.

Day 7 - Mahiyangana

Leave Trincomalee after a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a night in Mahiyanganaya. Known for its historical significance and natural beauty with may water bodies, Mahiyanganaya is believed to be one of the earliest inhabited areas in the country.

Day 8

Leave early and do a sunrise Sorabora Wewa which is an ancient reservoir boasting rich history and mesmerising beauty. With its serene surroundings and abundant wildlife, Sorabora offers a tranquil escape from the bustling world. Later embark on a scenic Waterfall Trail, where you will explore cascading waterfalls in lush landscapes offering a unique opportunity to marvel at nature’s beauty.

Day 9 - Gal Oya

Take a short drive to Gal Oya and spend another two exciting nights exploring the diverse wildlife and nature in the area. This afternoon, we will do the jungle drive in the Gal Oya National Park. The jeep ride through once the protectorate of ancient royalty is abundant of medicinal plants, birdlife and mammals. Although shy and sometimes hard to spot, the park boasts of many animals found in other parts of the island. Some of the more likely species to look out for include herds of elephants, four species of deer as well as bird species.

Day 10

Do a boat safari in the morning as It is a unique way to immerse yourself in the animal habitats and with a little luck you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. The area is also inhabited by indigenous people and we will include a visit in the afternoon. Discover and learn about local nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribes use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.

Day 11 - Kaduruketha

Leave for Kaduruketha and the day is at leisure to unwind at this tranquil location. Do a night walk with the resident naturalist to spot a variety of animals such as owls, frogs and a plethora of insects in their nocturnal habitat.

Day 12

In the morning, visit a small yet enchanting Ella Wala waterfall which is one of the most popular attractions in Wellawaya. This secluded waterfall lies hidden inside the jungle about 5 kilometers from the town and can be accessed by bicycles.

Day 13 - South Coast / Inland

Transfer to the South Coast, where you’ll find yourself enveloped in the serene beauty of Sri Lanka’s coastline. Choose to retreat to your hotel or villa, which is on the beach or inland.

Day 14

Spend the day at leisure, allowing yourself to fully relax and immerse in the island’s serene and captivating natural beauty. Embrace the opportunity to unwind amid lush landscapes, tranquil beaches, or scenic vistas.