Northern Province is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its sweeping landscapes, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, this region has no shortage of outdoor adventures and historical landmarks to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone who just wants to get away from it all, there are plenty of day trips in Northern Province that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. In this post, we will highlight the 2 best day trips in Northern Province that are a must-visit for anyone who wants to discover the region’s natural beauty and cultural splendor.
The 2 Best Day Trips in Northern Province
- From Kigali: Gorilla Trekking Day Trips with Lunch
- Wilpattu National Park: Leopard Safari Experience
The 2 Best Day Trips in Northern Province
1. From Kigali: Gorilla Trekking Day Trips with Lunch
Explore the stunning landscape and wildlife of Rwanda’s Northern Province with one of the best day trips available. Join our gorilla trekking tour and meet one of the twelve gorilla families residing in the Volcanoes National Park. Your expert local guide will take you on a hiking tour to look for the gentle creatures and provide fascinating insights into their behavior.
On this full-day tour, you’ll start early with a hotel pickup from Kigali and enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive to the park. Once at the park, enjoy breakfast and a briefing by the park warden at Kinigi before embarking on your trek through the bamboo slopes. Keep an eye out for the gorillas on your way, and spend time getting up close to one of Rwanda’s most beautiful and endangered creatures.
Throughout the day, take in the picturesque scenery and marvel at the size and peacefulness of the gentle giants. The tour includes lunch and alcoholic drinks, as well as permits for gorilla trekking. Please note that flash photography is not allowed and children under 15 years and pregnant women are not permitted. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as well as your passport and visa if required. Book your day trip today for an unforgettable experience in Rwanda’s Northern Province.
2. Wilpattu National Park: Leopard Safari Experience
Experience the thrilling adventures of Wilpattu National Park on a Leopard Safari tour! Start with a pickup from the park entrance and hop on a modified game viewing safari Jeep to explore the North part of Sri Lanka. Wilpattu comprises a range of habitats including scrub jungles, water reservoirs, brackish lagoons, and riverine habitats. Known to have one of the highest leopard sightings in the world, Wilpattu also has a diversity of wildlife that includes elephants, sloth bears, wild buffaloes, spotted deer, sambar deer, anuman langur or toque monkeys, stripe-necked and ruddy mongooses, wild oar, and golden jackal. After some exploring, enjoy a picnic lunch with fresh fruits (if full-day option selected) and mingle with your guide to learn more about wildlife and history. Get ready for your second round of the game drive where you can try your luck at witnessing a leopard! The tour includes free hotel pickup from the Wilpattu entrance area (radius 10KM), transportation in a safari Jeep (maximum of 6 passengers per jeep), entrance fees, and food and drinks. Meeting point is at the Wilpattu National Park main entrance to start the tour. If you’re staying near the park, pick up at your accommodation may be available. Book now and take a leap into a wild adventure!
Introduction
The Northern Province of Sri Lanka is an enigmatic region located in the northern part of the country. This region has a rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Despite the end of the civil war in 2009, many tourists still have many questions about this region before they decide to visit. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the Northern Province to help you plan your visit to this fascinating region.
1. What are the main cities in the Northern Province?
The Northern Province has three main cities: Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Mannar. Jaffna is the cultural capital of the province, with a rich history and a vibrant Tamil culture. Kilinochchi is known for its war history while Mannar is famous for its beautiful beaches and unique cultural heritage.
2. What is the best time to visit the Northern Province?
The best time to visit the Northern Province is between December and March when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting during the offseason, between April and November. However, keep in mind that the weather during this time can be unpredictable, with occasional rains and winds.
3. What are the must-see attractions in the Northern Province?
The Northern Province has a wealth of attractions, from ancient temples to sprawling beaches. Some of the must-see attractions include:
- Jaffna Fort
- Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
- Jaffna Library
- Keerimalai Hot Springs
- Elephant Pass War Memorial
- Mannar Fort
- Talaimannar Pier
- Adam’s Bridge
4. What is the traditional cuisine of the Northern Province?
The traditional cuisine of the Northern Province is heavily influenced by Tamil cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include:
- Idiyappam (String Hoppers)
- Puttu (Steamed Rice Cake)
- Vadai (Fried Snack)
- Thosai (Fermented Crepe)
- Sambar (Spiced Lentil Soup)
- Kothu Roti (Chopped Flatbread with Vegetables and Meat)
- Crab Curry
5. Is it safe to travel to the Northern Province?
Yes, it is safe to travel to the Northern Province. The region has come a long way since the end of the civil war in 2009, and the government has invested heavily in infrastructure to boost tourism. However, it is always advisable to be vigilant and take basic safety precautions when traveling to any destination.
6. How do I get to the Northern Province?
You can reach the Northern Province by road or air. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Jaffna or book a taxi or bus to the Northern Province. There are also daily trains from Colombo to Jaffna that take approximately 10 hours.
Conclusion
The Northern Province is a fascinating region that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With this blog post, we hope that we were able to answer some of your frequently asked questions about the Northern Province to help you plan your visit to this incredible destination.
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