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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Arrive in Anuradhapura
阿努拉德普勒（阿努拉德普勒聖菩提樹、銅殿遺址、盧梵維利大塔）
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.
住宿：新城
第 2 天 · Ancient Capital North to Jaffna
阿努拉德普勒（無畏山寺、三昧佛像、雙池） → 賈夫納（象隘）
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.
住宿：納魯爾
第 3 天 · A Day in Jaffna Town
賈夫納（納魯爾坎達斯瓦米神廟、賈夫納公共圖書館、賈夫納古堡、賈夫納中央市場）
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.
住宿：納魯爾
第 4 天 · 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.
住宿：納魯爾
第 5 天 · Sacred Island & 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.
住宿：納魯爾
第 6 天 · Northern Peninsula Coastal Loop
賈夫納（坎達羅代佛塔群、基裡馬萊聖泉、那古萊斯瓦拉姆神廟、角點（佩德羅角））
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.
住宿：納魯爾
第 7 天 · 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.
住宿：Mannar
第 8 天 · Head to Wilpattu
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.
住宿：新城
第 9 天 · Mihintale and Return
Climb Mihintale in the early morning (about 2 hours), then drive to the airport (about 4.5 hours).