Sri Lanka: Beauty and Justice
A magical country emerging from a dark period, full of beauty and still searching for justice. Join our first trip in July 2019!
Your Itinerary
Tour Highlights
- Visit Jaffna and the north, understanding the devastating impact of atrocities committed and the ongoing search for justice
- Tour the spectacular beaches and remote fishing communities of the eastern coast
- Walk with elephants, descend in the Dambulla Caves, and witness the majesty of Sigiriya
- Meet unionizing tea workers in the verdant green hills of tea country, and journalists fighting to shine a light on abuses of the past and the present
Day
01
Arrival
Colombo
Day Briefing
Arrive to Bandaranaike International Airport and transport to hotel.
For early arrivals, some sightseeing in Colombo around the hotel. In the evening, a group welcome dinner.
Day
02
City Tour
Colombo
Day Briefing
In the morning, breakfast with with a local activist to learn more about recent history and human rights in Sri Lanka. After a midday rest to avoid the heat, a brief city tour to Pettah Market, famous mosques and temples, and the beachfront at sunset.
Early dinner and early night! Rest up, big day tomorrow 🙂
Day
03
To the North
Colombo to Jaffna
Day Briefing
We depart at dawn to beat the heat and the traffic.
On the road to Jaffna via Mannar, we will visit the Madhu shrine (the most famous Catholic shrine in the country, which was also the site of a refugee camp), a monument for a catholic priest, the site of mass grave in Mannar, and the Baob tree - said to be the widest in all of Asia.
We will stop at strategic place for sunset, and reach Jaffna around 7pm.
Day
04
Nainatheevu Island
Jaffna
Day Briefing
We leave the hotel at 8am to take a boat to Nainatheevu Island, an amazing spot off the coast of Jaffna.
We return early afternoon for a delicious vegetarian lunch at a restaurant close to the famous Nallur Hindu temple.
After lunch we will visit a local newspaper and meet with journalists there. This newspaper was attacked during the war for reporting on the reality of violence, and their mission continues during peace time.
Day
05
Along the Coast
Jaffna to Mullaitheevu
Day Briefing
We will start the day with a walking tour of Jaffna. We will visit the famous Nallur Hindu temple, the Jaffna Fort, several monuments for Tamil leaders, and the city market.
Traveling south on the A9 road, we will visit Elephant Pass and Kilinochchi (time permitting), a military site and the former headquarters of the LTTE, respectively.
We reach Mullaitheevu around 6pm for a sunset walk on the beach before arriving at the hotel.
Day
06
The Scenic Route
Mullaitheevu to Batticaloa
Day Briefing
Today we explore the unexplored, the hidden north-eastern coast of Sri Lanka. We will stop in villages and beaches along the jungle route, getting to see a side of the country that few outsiders do.
After a late lunch in Trincomalee, we will reach Batticaloa around 6pm.
Day
07
The Beach
Batticaloa
Day Briefing
After a few intense days of travel and learning, today will be relaxed! We will have breakfast with an Eastern coast NGO, to discuss the protection of local fishing villages and culture.
Afterwards, some can stay at the hotel or wander around town, while others can ride a short distance out of town to the stunning beach at Pasikudah. There is also the option for a boat ride around the Batticaloa lagoon.
Day
08
Living History
Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa
Day Briefing
Today we will delve into painful history around the civil war - on all sides. We will visit a memorial for Tamil civilians killed by the Army, then a mosque attacked by Tamil forces, a memorial for Buddhist Monks killed by Tamil forces, and meeting with a local community group fighting for justice.
We reach Polonnaruwa for dinner at the hotel.
Day
09
Elephants!
Polonnaruwa
Day Briefing
In the morning we’ll walk around Pollonaruwa to see the beautiful temples and ruins spotted around town.
After lunch, we spend the rest of the day in Kaudulla park watching the majestic Sri Lankan elephants during the early part of their annual gathering.
Return to Polonnaruwa in the evening.
Day
10
Splendor of the Center
Polonnaruwa to Kandy
Day Briefing
In the early morning, we will drive to the majestic Sigiriya rock for photos. Afterwards we visit the spectacular Dambulla caves, dive into the cool depths, and have lunch in Dambulla.
We reach Kandy by 4pm, and have some time to walk around the park, the lake, and the famous Temple of the Tooth.
That night we will have dinner with tea worker union organizers, fighting for fair wages in the tea industry.
Day
11
Tea Country
Nuwara Eliya
Day Briefing
In the morning we’ll drive to the tea workers museum for a short visit, and then on to Nuwara Eliya, a gem in the middle of tea country. We’ll have a relaxed afternoon there to explore the green hills outside of town. In the evening, you’ll have a choice: return to Kandy with a scenic train ride, or stay to climb nearby Adam’s Peak at night and return to Kandy in the morning.
Day
12
Last Day
Kandy
Day Briefing
On our last full day, we will have an easy morning and then a closing lunch to talk about everything we saw, heard, and learned on the trip.
Departures to airport for those leaving at night. Travel to hotel near airport for those leaving in the morning.
Day
13
Departure
Day Briefing
Departure for those flying from Colombo in the morning
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What's Included?
Country Representative
Our Sri Lanka country representative will be with you throughout the tour, an expert in Sri Lanka past and present. Other local hosts will join in different cities and towns.
Transportation
All ground transportation included, using modern, air-conditioned vehicles
Hotels
All hotels included, at 3- and 4-star hotels with air conditioning
Food
All breakfasts included. Some lunches and dinners included.
International Flights
You must purchase airfare from your home country to and from Sri Lanka. Please ask for advice on flights!
Travel Insurance
You must purchase travel insurance separately
| Start | End | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday July 9, 2025 Colombo |
Monday July 22, 2025 Colombo |
$3400 |
Sri Lanka is an amazing country, an island gem that sparkles with natural beauty and a completely unique culture. Yet for twenty six years it was also the site of atrocities committed by the military government against the Tamil people. 2009 brought an end to violence, but not the true establishment of justice and reconciliation that many were hoping for. Tourism has brought prosperity to some - Sri Lanka is now one of the hottest tourism destinations in the world - but many human rights issues remain unaddressed and victims' voices unheard.
Justice Travel will lead its first tour to Sri Lanka in July 2019, an unforgettable experience through the north, east, and center of the country. We will travel through the areas worst affected by the war, meeting with activists and journalists seeking to finally bring justice to their communities. We will visit spectacular beaches and verdant green hills, ancient monasteries and colonial ruins, getting a window into local culture that few outsiders ever do. Join us on this unique trip to a country full of beauty, and still searching for justice.
Email [email protected] for more information.
Learn more:
40 of the Island's Best Dishes
Sri Lanka's Killing Fields (documentary)
Tour Operator
Justice Travel
Our Partners
Tour Operator
Justice Travel
Country Representative
Stay tuned!
Ask your friends
Ask your friends whether they want to join you on this meaningful adventure.
