Deep Dive into the Northern Peninsula & Islands
Travel from Anuradhapura to Jaffna, then return via Mannar and Wilpattu.
This route is designed for those who have already seen the classic loop. After heading north through the ancient capital, spend 5 nights in Jaffna to explore Tamil temples, the Dutch fort, and two offshore islands. Then, travel along the northwest coast to Mannar, and return via Wilpattu for wildlife viewing. The north is hot and dry, with sights spread far apart and simpler facilities than the south, but it has fewer tourists and offers valuable insight into post-civil war society.
The northeast monsoon brings rain from October to December; April to August is very hot, so early departures are recommended.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura（Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi、Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace)、Ruwanwelisaya）
Charter a car from the airport north for about 4 hours, arriving in the Sacred City in the afternoon. Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi and the great stupas in the evening.
Stay: New Town
Day 2 · Ancient Capital North to Jaffna
Anuradhapura（Abhayagiri Vihāra、Samadhi Statue、Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)） → Jaffna（Elephant Pass）
Explore the northern ruins in the morning, then take the A9 highway to Jaffna in the afternoon (about 4 hours), passing through Elephant Pass.
You can also take the Colombo-to-Jaffna train; check the latest schedule beforehand.
Stay: Nallur
Day 3 · A Day in Jaffna Town
Jaffna（Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil、Jaffna Public Library、Jaffna Fort、Jaffna Market）
Get around town by tuk-tuk or bicycle; sights are about 10–15 minutes apart, and you will stay within the city all day.
Men must remove their shirts to enter the main hall of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil; pay attention to the opening hours.
Stay: Nallur
Day 4 · A Day on Delft Island
Travel from Jaffna to Kurikadduwan Jetty (about 1 hour), take the ferry to the island (about 1 hour), and return in the afternoon.
There is no fixed ferry timetable; confirm the schedule a day in advance and arrive at the jetty early.
Stay: Nallur
Day 5 · Sacred Island & Casuarina Beach
Jaffna（Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple、Nagadeepa Purana Vihara、Casuarina Beach）
Drive to the jetty (about 1 hour), take the ferry to Nainativu Island (about 20 minutes), and head to the beach on the way back.
The last return ferry usually departs around 4:30 PM; confirm this on the day of travel.
Stay: Nallur
Day 6 · Northern Peninsula Coastal Loop
Jaffna（Kantarodai Stupas、Keerimalai Springs、Naguleswaram Temple、Point Pedro）
Charter a car for a loop around the northern coast of the peninsula (about 100 km), taking 5–6 hours for the full day including stops.
There are still active minefields in the north; stick to established roads and do not wander into wasteland.
Stay: Nallur
Day 7 · Coastal Route to Mannar
Mannar
Take the A32 coastal highway to Mannar (about 2.5–3 hours), and explore the island's fort in the afternoon.
Men must remove their shirts and go barefoot to enter the temples; expect crowds during festivals.
Stay: Mannar
Day 8 · Head to Wilpattu
Anuradhapura（Wilpattu National Park）
Wake up early and take the inland highway to Wilpattu (about 3 hours). Enter the park by jeep in the afternoon, and arrive in Anuradhapura in the evening.
Dirt roads inside the park may close after rain; contact your jeep driver in advance.
Stay: New Town
Day 9 · Mihintale and Return
Climb Mihintale in the early morning (about 2 hours), then drive to the airport (about 4.5 hours).