Aart & Yvonne can offer you a unique and interesting individual roundtrip 15 or 21 days from the North, including Jaffna to the very south of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a paradise island in the blue indian ocean with a rich colonial history. The presence of Portuguese, Dutch and British in past ages have left influences and traces such as Forts, Churches, Graveyards, Colonial Hotels and other buildings; of which an important part is well preserved. Sri Lanka’s transport system, railroads and bridges also dates back to the British period.
We explored the North of Sri Lanka, experiencing an awesome visit to this authentic and non-touristic Province (eg. Jaffna area). Here, we found friendly people and also an overwhelming nature: one kind of open national park (NP) with few tourists.
In good cooperation/consultation with our partner in Colombo we have arranged a 15 days Dutch VOC/HISTORY Tour (event. extend to 21 days) with many unique experiences which we would like to share with you.
The Northern Province became available after the ending of many years of Civil War in the past since then welcomes tourists.
You will be happy to meet the kind and friendly people. We found a non-touristic environment and a high level of authenticity. Sometimes, we even felt as though we were living in the past ages but then with all the modern day comforts (eg. TV, GSM & WIFI-Skype)
We have selected for you a number of good and affordable hotels/restaurants. However, we advise you to make an early booking!!!
Prices are based on 2 persons with HB accommodation, and excludes entrance tickets of 79,- euro p.p. Ask us the price upgrade info for Christmas, New Year peak periods Also discount for children.
We offer you the following choice of standard Dutch VOC /History Tours with a private driver and A/C Car:
15-days tour (Negombo, Jaffna, Kalpitiya, Colombo, Galle/Matara) Event. to extend to 21 days.
21-days tour (Negombo, Kalpitiya, Jaffna, Eastcoast: Trincomalee/Batticaloa, Kandy, Ella, Galle, Colombo .
During both these tours there will be enough time to spend some days relaxing on the beautiful beaches.
These tours could be combined with parts from our standard 15-days roundtrip ( Tailormade)
We are specialized in unique and affordable Sri Lankan holiday tours. Our “personal touch” (communication, advice, creativity) is the base for a unique and successful holiday. We work in a flexible way, listening carefully to your (special) wishes and doing our best in advising and fulfill them.
Have a look at our 15-days Dutch VOC & HISTORY tour. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are gladly prepared to help you.
Email: y.weijmer@gmail.com
Your 15-days Itinerary
Day 1: Airport Colombo / Negombo
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. You will be welcomed by the driver/guide who will also accompany you during the tour. He will settle the bill and handover your invoice. Transfer to your hotel in Negombo. Remaining part of day at leisure at the hotel pool or on the beach where you can relax and acclimatize.
Dinner and overnight stay in Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo.
Francis, driver-guide and host.
Day 2: Negombo / Colombo
After breakfast, short tour in Negombo. Here you will see the fish market, Dutch Canals and the old Dutch Fort with the year 1698 written on its gateway. The Fort is now used as a prison. We then proceed to Colombo for a city tour. You will see all of the important buildings and monuments such as the Independence Monument, the colourful Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Period Museum. There are minimal remains of the Colombo Fort built in 1554 by the Portuguese and later rebuilt by the Dutch. A quarter of the city, which is built on the old site, still takes the name of the Fort. Also the station is called: Fort Station.
Time to go for a drink/ lunch. We recommend the top floor of the colonial Grand Orient Hotel which has a wonderful view of Colombo harbour. Afterwards, we will visit the old Dutch Wolvendael Church and graveyard. We will then return to Negombo where you will have some hours of leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay in Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo.
Old headstone Wolvendael Church
Day 3: Negombo
This is a free day. You will be able to relax and enjoy the sun & sea or, if you wish, make some half day optional excursions, such as:
- – Visit to the FHP Welcome Village. Dutch project for elderly/homeless people or
- – Boat Nature Tours: Ma Oya River Tour, Muthurujawela Wetlands Lake Tour or
- – Ayurvedic Massage in Villa Jasmin with free transfer & a cup of special ginger tea.
Dinner and overnight stay in Camelot Beach Hotel in Negombo.
Camelot Beach Hotel Swimming Pool
Day 4: Northern Province / Jaffna
An early breakfast and depart to Jaffna situated on the northern part of Sri Lanka Island. We will visit, en route, a palmtree/coconut plantation showing/tasting the national toddy/arrack process and drinks. After passing by the city of Chilaw, we will stop to visit the beautiful and colourfull Munneswaran Hindu Temple, the largest Shiva temple in Sri Lanka.
Timebreak for drink/lunch in Anuradhapura, Hotel Holidays Homes.
Further north, we will drive via Elephant Pass, known from the Civil war and the heavy fighting which occurred there. We arrive in the city of Jaffna. You may take an optional evening walk with your driver through the old center of Jaffna, tasting the authentic atmosphere and lifestyle of the Tamil inhabitants and their old colonial houses.
The hotel in Jaffna has an excellent vegetarian kitchen. Should you prefer to dine non/veg. we advise you to book only B&B in this hotel so you will be able to arrange your own dinner (driver will bring you) in the local Green Grass Hotel or Tilko Hotel where they have excellent non/veg kitchens.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Fox Resort/ Hotel or Valampuri Hotel in Jaffna.
Gate to the Dutch Fort in Jaffna
Day 5: City Jaffna / Point Pedro
After breakfast, we leave for a Jaffna City tour. We will visit the newly reconstructed Jaffna Dutch Fort with a VOC exposition, the beautiful White Library, the authentic Jaffna fishing harbour and quarters (non touristic), the market place and the impressive and beautiful Hindu Temple complex of Nallur Kandaswamy, the old governors house Mandri Manai, etc.
Timebreak for drink or lunch in local Green Grass Hotel/Restaurant which has a swimming pool
In the afternoon, we will go sightseeing in the Northern Province area, visiting the most northern part of Sri Lanka Island: Point Pedro Light House, the healing/wellnes bathes of Keerimalai (take your bathing suits) and, if time allows, we will visit the northern beach dunes, a very special coast line.
We return to Jaffna with (optional) visiting the famous Rio Ice Saloon and enjoy the delicious home made ice or perhaps just a cup of coffee.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Fox Resort Hotel or Valampuri Hotel in Jaffna.
Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Tempel
Day 6: Jaffna Nature / Fort Hammenhiel
After an early breakfast, we depart to the old dutch Hammenhiel Fort and visit an authentic local fish market, just three km. past Jaffna city. Here you will see the fishermen bring in their catch with many birds trying to steal the fish. On our way to the Dutch Fort Hammenhiel we will pass some unique nature scenes with numerous specimen of birds. Though it is not yet a touristic National Park it is certainly as beautiful and…. no entry fees. Good opportunity to make photos/videos, and observe nature with a pair of binoculars.
After interesting and varied sceneries of sea and dikes, we will reach the guarded entrance of the Dutch Fort Hammenhiel, still owned and under protection of the friendly Sri Lankan Navy. After dinner, you will have an overnight stay on the island in the old Dutch Hammenhiel Fort. This will be a pleasant and very surprising experience, unforgettable!!! (on availability +supp. price of Euro 43,– pp.)
Dinner and overnight stay at the Fox resort or Valampuri Hotel in Jaffna or at the Fort Hammenhiel Hotel on the island of Hammenhiel. ( on availability + supp. price of Eur 43,-)
Bird watching in Northern Province.
Dutch Fort Hammenhiel
Day 7: Anuradhapura / Wilpattu National Park (NP)
After an early breakfast, departure to Anurhadhapura , one of the three ancient Kings’cities of Sri Lanka. Anurhadhapura was in the ancient times the political and religious capital of Ceylon and flourished for 1300 years. However, it was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, this splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now, once again, accessible and is on the UNESCO list of world heritages. You will see, for example, the Sri Ma Bodhi (Holy Bo Tree), the Copper Palace and the enormous white dagoba (55 mtrs high) built by King Dutugemunu in the second century BC. After a lunch break, we will proceed to Wilpattu NP where you will stay in an Eco Lodge on the border of the Park. After freshening up you will enjoy a late afternoon yeep safari in the NP. You will see many specimen of birds, deers, crocodiles and sometimes elephants. We will return to the Eco Lodge at sunset and enjoy dinner served by a friendly Sri Lankan couple. Don’t forget to listen to the nature music.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Big Game Safari Camp in Wilpattu Park NP
Wilpattu National Park
Day 8: Wilpattu NP/ Kalpitiya Peninsula
Today, we make a short transfer to the peninsula of Kalpitiya where you will find softly sloped beaches to the Indian Ocean. It is a safe and quiet sea, wonderful to swim in. Don’t expect many tourists or Benidorm entertainment. This unique and beautiful place is not yet discovered, it is still quiet, you could be the only tourists. Here you will stay in a small scale nature resort with the personal touch of the owner and his cook. Enjoy his daily fresh and tasty fish specialties caught by the local fishing community. Dinner and overnight stay in one of the charming cabana’s of the Dolphin Village Nature Resort or Kalpitiya Chalets by Thilanka in Kalpitiya
Optional you could visit/stay one night In Mannar, visiting the dutch Fort and the Boabap upside down tree. You are able to book this either an extra/additional night or delete 1 night from your stay in Negombo.
Dolphin Village Nature Resort
Day 9: Kalpitiya
Very early in the morning there is an optional possibility to arrange an exciting ‘dolphin watching experience’ with the local fisherman. Discuss your wishes with your driver and/or owner of the resort.
After breakfast, short tour to Kalpitiya City. You will visit the old Dutch Church and graveyard, still very authentic; the fishing harbour and the outside walls of the Dutch Fort which is still used by the Sri Lankan Army.
Afternoon at leisure: enjoy the quiet beach. If wished, there are nearby sea/lake surf and snorkling facilities. You may think yourself on the Maldives !
Dinner and overnight stay in the Dolphin Village Nature Resort or Kalpitiya Chalets by Thilanka in Kalpitiya
Options: Dolphin watching
Day 10: Mount Lavinia (Colombo)
After breakfast, departure to Mount Lavinia nearby Colombo. Here you will stay in the luxury and beautiful colonial Mount Lavinia Hotel, one of the most beautiful hotels of Sri Lanka, 5* which is situated on breathtaking beaches. The hotel, kept in perfect style, is the former residence of the British Governor, Thomas Maitland, who built it in the year 1806 and named it after a beautiful dancer, Lovina, with whom he had a hidden love affair for many years. He had tunnels dug under his residence so that they could secretly meet; a romantic story. Ask the hotel to show you the tunnels.
You will be welcomed by the friendly guards of the hotel, dressed in authentic old British costumes.The afternoon is free and you will be able to enjoy the beautiful pool, beaches, gardens and terraces; all with splendid views over the ocean. Don’t forget to photograph the colorful sunset.
You will be able to enjoy an exquisive buffet dinner in one of the restaurants and after a choice of evening entertainment supplied by the hotel.
A stay in this 5* colonial hotel is a real “experience”.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel Mount Lavinia in Mount Lavinia. or The Galle Face Hotel in Colombo (suppl. price)
Mount Lavinia Hotel
Day 11: Mount Lavinia (Mount Lavinia)
This day is for your leisure so you are able to enjoy everything this wonderful hotel has to offer.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel MountLavinia in Mount Lavina
Mount Lavinia hotel Pool
Day 12: Galle / Unawattuna
After breakfast, transfer via the new national Highway to the historical city of Galle where you will see the Dutch Fort and surroundings, the Dutch Museum and the city walls; followed by a walk through the historic city centre. We will see the Old Dutch Reformed church with headstones dating from that period. The art of lace weaving, for which the city is well known, is a dutch heritage (Flemish origine) which was passed down from mother to daughter.
You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
With regard to the hotels you can choose from: the Old Dutch colonial style Heritage Hotel “Nooit Gedacht” in Unawatuna or Joes Villa Hotel or (supplemental) the Araliya Beach Hotel with nice beach situated on a turqoise bay.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Hotel “Nooit Gedacht” in Unawatuna/ Joes Villa Hotel.
Galle Dutch Fort
Day 13: Unawatuna
This day is totally for your leisure, time to relax and reminisce your Sri Lanka experiences.
Eventually, if you like to buy your souvenirs, you can do some shopping in the centre of Unawatuna or Galle.
Or optional visits:
- – to the nearby Colonial Hotel Closenburg, which is situated on a high rock nearby Galle. You have a beautiful view of the surroundings, the Unawattuna bay and beaches, while enjoying a Sri Lanka high tea.
- – to the Dutch sponsored Orphanage Somawathi Holland House of Hope nearby Koggola which was founded by a dutch lady, Marja van Leeuwen, after the tsunami in 2004. Many orphaned children have been adopted and cared for here.
Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel “Nooit Gedacht” Joes Villa Hotel or Araliya Beach Hotel (suppl. price) in Unawatuna
Heritage Hotel Nooitgedacht (old Glory)
Day 14: Unawatuna
After the breakfast, we will visit the city of Matara and the most southern part of Sri Lanka: Dondra. In Matara you will see two old Dutch Forts, dating from United :East-Indies Company: the remainings of The Dutch Fort and the beautiful Star Fort that is still intact. The Star Fort was buit between 1763-170 by the Dutch Gouverner Van Eck. Also we will visit the Dutch Reformed Church dating from 1686., Sri Lanka’s eldest church. Other antic places are: The Rest House and the Halls. Thereafter we will visit the nearby situated Dondra, most southern place in sri lanka and see its Lighthouse/Museum.
Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel “Nooit Gedacht”/Joes Villa Hotel in Unawatuna
Southern Lighthouse Point Dondra
Day 15: Unawatuna/Colombo Airport
After breakfast, departure to the Airport. We drive via the Southern highway to the airport. (+ 2,5 hours transfer time). You will arrive at the airport in time for your return flight, about 3 hrs. in advance.
In case of departure in the late night we can arrange Late Checkout + Dinner (Supplement for you.
Say farewell to your driver who is certainly by now a friend and goodbye to the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka. You will take with you unforgettable memories of your time in Sri Lanka.
