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Day 1 Arrival in Jaffna
- Morning: Arrive in Jaffna, the cultural hub of the Tamil community. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit the “Jaffna Fort”, an imposing structure built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch.
- Evening: Explore the bustling “Jaffna Market” to get a feel for local life and cuisine. Try some traditional Tamil dishes.
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Day 2 Jaffna Exploration
- Morning: Visit the “Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil”, a significant Hindu temple known for its intricate Dravidian architecture.
- Afternoon: Head to “Dambakola Patuna”, an ancient port believed to be the landing place of Buddha's relics.
- Evening: Relax at “Casuarina Beach” on Karainagar Island. Enjoy the sunset and perhaps a swim.
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Day 3 Point Pedro and Surroundings
- Morning: Drive to Point Pedro, the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. Enjoy the views and take some photos.
- Afternoon: Visit Nilaveli to explore its pristine beaches and coral reefs. You can also go snorkeling or just relax by the sea.
- Evening: Return to Jaffna for dinner and maybe explore local cafes or shops.
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Day 4 Anuradhapura
- Morning: Travel to Anuradhapura (about a 2-3 hour drive from Jaffna). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the ancient city, including the “Sri Maha Bodhi Tree”, “Ruwanwelisaya Stupa”, and “Jetavanarama Stupa”.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore the local area.
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Day 5 Mihintale and Wilpattu National Park
- Morning: Visit “Mihintale”, the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. The climb offers panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Head to “Wilpattu National Park” for an afternoon safari. The park is known for its leopards, elephants, and bird species.
- Evening: Return to Anuradhapura or proceed to your next destination.
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Day 6 Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Morning: Drive to Sigiriya (about 1.5 hours from Anuradhapura). Climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Afternoon: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, filled with Buddha statues and murals.
- Evening: Travel to Kandy or stay in Dambulla for the night.
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Day 7 Kandy (Optional for a broader exploration)
- Morning: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, one of the most important Buddhist sites.
- Afternoon: Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for its orchids and giant bamboo.