Founders Notes…
“This immersive holiday uncovers the delightful culture of Jaffna as well as the beauty of the north central region and the east. Each trip supports people from diverse ethnicities who love to celebrate our nations pride in heritage, faith and cuisine. As you explore colourful kovils (Hindu temples) and discover palmyrah-lined roads with scores of migratory birds, our local community-based guide will tell you stories of King Ellalan and those difficult days as a schoolboy when he had to relocate during the conflict. You could meet one amazingly talented woman entrepreneur who has beaten the odds of a physical disability by obtaining a Degree in Fine Arts. Enjoy a private safari in the island’s largest wildlife park and cook mouth-watering Tamil and Sinhalese cuisine before relaxing by the stunning east coast known to us locals as the best beaches in Sri Lanka.” Read more about our Philanthropic Journeys and the Sustainable Travel Sri Lanka Initiative.
Chamintha, Co-Founder
Image © Scott M Salt Photography
Itinerary at a glance
Days 1 and 2: Vibrant Colombo City
Days 2 and 3: Wilpattu National Park
Days 4, 5 and 6: Ceylon’s first Royal Kingdom of Anuradhapura
Days 7, 8 and 9: Jaffna and the North
Days 10 and 11: Sigiriya
Days 12, 13 and 14: Stunning Pasikuda beach
- Duration: 14 days or tailor-made
The Founders remain committed to curating only a limited number of low footfall high impact holidays in Sri Lanka each year.
OTHER INSPIRING HOLIDAYS TO SRI LANKA
Map
Click here to view a map of exciting locations you can explore on this North Sri Lanka route.
Privately Guided
Private driver and local guides are included throughout.
Pricing
All trips are tailor-made and private, based on individual client needs and are priced accordingly.
TRAVEL TIPS
Ideal itinerary for travel between end April to September. This is when the lovely east coast beach in Pasikuda is in season with its shallow, calm Indian Ocean waters and its selection of fabulous luxury resorts, or visit Trincomalee to spot Dolphins. A domestic flight is essential to connect from the east coast direct to the international airport. Early April could be extremely hot.
“My husband and I are international travellers and I would rate our tour with Ayu in the Wild as one of our best and most memorable. Chamintha and her husband truly want to show people their wonderful Sri Lanka.”
Vivian and Allen Lord, USA
What you can experience on this tour:
Culture
You will be inspired by our local community-based guides as you enjoy sunset walks through the Jaffna Fort and sunrise treks to the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock; absorb the same fervour of faith during poojahs (religious ceremonies) in the sacred city of Anuradhapura and at the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna and explore hidden gems of the mysterious northern peninsular on heritage walks. You could even visit the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa en route to the eastern beaches.
Wildlife
We take you through a quiet entrance to the heart of the ‘Villus’ (saucer shaped lakes) in Wilpattu which is the most game rich parts of the park and know you will absolutely love our African styled private safaris with insights on animal behaviour inside Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and largest national park. Wilpattu is famous for leopards, birds, crocodiles, sambur deer and more. We could even include walks along the bird rich saltpans of Mannar or guided boat safaris to spot Dolphins in Trincomalee. As always, we strongly advocate against elephant back rides and the display of captive wild animals, including turtles.
Beach
Enjoy the most spectacular East coast beaches in Pasikuda or Trincomalee, indulging on the vast uncrowded soft sands. Spend your time snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing on yachts at sunset or doing nothing.
Wow Moments
Meet women entrepreneurs kickstarting their livelihoods and try your hand at their craft. Immerse yourself in traditional northern dance, learn art and sign language with speech and hearing-impaired kids and explore the Jaffna markets. We take you inside the homes of locals to try Sri Lankan cooking where you experience Sinhalese cuisine with a humble jungle farmer in Anuradhapura and learn Tamil cuisine with a delightful Jaffna resident. Discover the islands off Jaffna on a luxury Yacht. Explore the inland routes of the Jaffna Peninsula meeting locals and uncovering their stories under the Palmyrah Tree where amidst a beautiful, friendly culture rural people live off the sun burnt red soil, and city people cling to a fascinating heritage amidst urbanization. First, be ready to rub shoulders with big trucks on tiny streets on our ‘Other-Side-of-Colombo’ Street Food Tour.
Stylish Accommodation that works well with this itinerary:
This itinerary can include a handpicked mix of luxurious and unique properties like Ulagalla Resort, Kalundewa Retreat, Fox Resorts Jaffna, Jetwing Jaffna, the Backwaters Lodge, Palmyrah House Mannar, Vil Uyana, Uga Bay, Maalu Maalu, Uga Residence,Tintagel and Galle Face Hotel. Walawwa and Casa Haleconia are best for a night closer to the Airport.
We work closely with a range of stylish properties across the island. All hotel and villa recommendations are independent of any affiliations and are based on the finer details of each, to make your holiday just right.
Ceylon Concierge by Ayu
We are redefining the concept of exceptional private travel.
How to book
To start planning your private luxury holidays to Sri Lanka with Ayu in the Wild, complete the contact form and we’ll respond within 24-48 hours