Highlights of Sri Lanka

15 Days from $4,064 USD / person

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

The historical Sigiriya rock fortress is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, Sri Lanka, Asia

Sri Lankan monks - Sri Lanka travel guide

One of the most famous landmarks on Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligava), Asia

elephant family in water, Pinnawala, Sri Lanka, Asia, shutterstock_107817812

Ideal For

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Itinerary Summary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 2

Negombo
Highlights: Beach, Relaxation, Buzzing Bars, Al Fresco Dining

Goldi Sands Hotel

2 – 3

Galle Fort
Highlights: Portuguese and Dutch Heritage, Beach, Watersports, Diving, Local Dances

Galle Fort Hotel

3 – 4

Yala National Park
Highlights: Elephants, Leopards and Aquatic Birds, Sithulpahuwa, Magul Vihara

Chaarya Resort and Spa
Cinnamon Wild

4 – 6

Nuwara Eliya
Highlights: Colonial Hill Station, Tea Plantations, Asia's Oldest Golf Course

Araliya Green Hills
Heritance Tea Factory

6 – 8

Kandy
Highlights: Tooth Temple, Magnificent Hills, Tea Plantations, Kandy Lake, Traditional Dance Performances

Hotel Suisse
The Kandy House

8 – 9

Sigiriya
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rock Fortress, Rock Paintings and Frescoes

Sigiriya, Vil Uyana

9 – 13

Trincomalee
Highlights: Natural Harbors, Breathtaking Beaches, Windsurfing, Diving

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

13 – 14

Anuradhapura
Highlights: Huge Bell-Shaped Stupas, World's Oldest Tree Sri Maha Bodi, Art and Architecture

Forest Rock Garden
Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

14 – 15

Negombo
Highlights: Beach, Relaxation, Buzzing Bars, Al Fresco Dining

Goldi Sands Hotel
The Wallawwa

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Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 2

1 Night

Negombo

Negombo is a bustling beach town with plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation! Nestled on the rim of Negombo Lagoon, the town boasts a long stretch of buzzing yet beautiful beach, and is located close to Colombo. Originally named as the Group of Bees in the local language of Sinhalese, Negombo enjoyed pride of place for centuries as one of the biggest and best producers of wild cinnamon. Traces of Negombo’s colonial history are still evident in the ornately crafted Roman Catholic churches that are strewn around the town. It’s for this reason that the town is affectionately known as Little Rome. Negombo offers safe swimming and ample diving opportunities, including to a 50 year old shipwreck that houses coral reefs and an array of fish. There’s also an abundance of fresh and delicious seafood for you to feast on.

Hotel options

Goldi Sands Hotel – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

Day 2 – 3

1 Night

Galle Fort

Galle offers a unique historical and cultural perspective into the development of Sri Lanka during its colonial era. This natural harbor boasts a gorgeous landscape with gentle sea breezes. Galle became an important trading port on the Spice Route, and even King Solomon is rumored to have shopped here for spice, gems and tropical wildlife! The city’s main feature is the foreboding historic Galle Fort, which was built during Dutch rule and towers over the Indian Ocean with its architectural marvels and administrative buildings within. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Outside of the fort, you can experience a heady miscellany of vibrant markets, exotic cuisine, boutique shops and cultural experiences that will invoke your senses. If you are an art lover, this is your little piece of paradise!

Included activities

Highlights of Galle Fort

Unearth history and glance into what life in a 16th century port city would have been like as you experience the legends and myths of Galle Fort as you amble around. There are many archaeological artefacts on display at the Maritime Museum, including 800 year old items salvaged from shipwrecks. Witness how today’s locals live within this colossal Dutch fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. There is an abundance of chic and boutique shops, where you can purchase gems, handmade lace and antiques. Unwind in pretty garden and terrace cafés, and admire the coastal beds of pure blue ocean and coral reefs. (TOTAL DURATION: 2 hrs; TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: Walking; Private Activity; NOTES: Activity in walkable distance. Avoid afternoon since this is the walking tour and afternoon it gets hot. )

Hotel options

Galle Fort Hotel – Opt 1

Room Galle Fort Hotel – Garden room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 3 – 4

1 Night

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is a sprawling natural paradise teeming with wildlife, in southeastern Sri Lanka. Shrouded in legend, Yala is believed to be the former kingdom of Ravana, from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The region was an important trading port, and a few abandoned traces of its former glory still remain. Today, dense forests, open grasslands and rocky outcrops provide a natural habitat for elephants, bears and deer, while crafty crocodiles gather at abundant watering holes. The park was a former hunting ground, and the verdant landscape boasts a striking population of leopards and birds,. It is also home to two major sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus alike.

Included activities

Half Day Private Jeep Safari in Yala National Park

Safari in style with an unforgettable adventure on a morning or evening jeep safari through the forests of Yala National Park. You can enjoy a close encounter with the abundance of wildlife who live here. There are about 44 species of mammals, including elephants and deer, and many reptiles and lagoon fauna. If you enjoy birdwatching then there are 125 bird species to be spotted, particularly around the wetlands where waterbirds and waders have made a home. The park is home to the endangered subspecies of the Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka. Kindly note that Yala sometimes closes during the months of September and October for maintenance. (Duration: 5 hrs; Travel Time to Activity: 3 or 4 hrs only for the Safari. Consider the time taken to reach the safari shot from the hotel; Private Activity; Time of the Day: Morning or Evening; CLOSED: Mid Sep – Mid Oct Park will be closed due to rainy season; NOTES: Only 1 Safari per day)

Hotel options

Chaarya Resort and Spa – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Cinnamon Wild – Opt 2

Room Cinnamon Wild – Jungle Chalet(Double)

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 4 – 6

2 Nights

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka’s very own “Little England”, this is decidedly a trip to a surrealistic hill station with swirling mists and tumbling waterfalls! Nuwara Eliya exudes fresh air and charm by the gallons! Home to the country’s fragrant tea plantations that were once owned by British and Scottish planters—this Sinhalese highland is to be seen to be believed. Built by the English along the lines of their homeland, the emerald hamlet is still home to Victorian gardens, sprawling colonial bungalows, and golfing greens. Fill your lungs with the fresh highland air, enjoy the mild and breezy climate, take long walks, and immerse yourself in the genteel ambiance. You could trek down the area’s many wooded trails, visit a local tea plantation or rent a bike for an energetic ride along the hills. Enjoy a panoramic hill-top view, as you settle down to a ‘proper high tea’ spread out for your pleasure!

Included activities

Half Day Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory Tour

Fancy a cup of fragrant Ceylonese tea? You could take this interesting and informative half day tour to the Pedro Tea Factory at Nuwara Eliya for a fascinating insight into the island’s tea industry. The Ceylon Black Tea is perhaps the most well-known of teas around the world. Accompanied by your local guide, enroute stop, visit the tea plantation and factory to find out how tea leaves are plucked and processed for the best cuppa. Learn the subtle differences between high and low grown teas from the your guide, and watch plantation workers hand pluck the tender tea leaves against a verdant background of rolling hills. Test your newfound knowledge at a tea tasting session at the factory, trying out cups of honey golden to burgundy brown brews with their own distinct aroma and flavor! (Half Day including drive timings; Time of Day: Morning; Duration of the activity: 1-2 hrs; Shared Activity; Meal: Cups of Tea; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable walking shoes). Sunday & Holiday tea pluckers do not work

Half Day Hike to Horton Plains

Adventure seekers can go hiking at an altitude of 2,134m to the ‘World’s End’ – a sheer 1,000 feet vertical escarpment, a unique feature of Horton Plains. The scenic beauty impresses even the most discerning traveler. If lucky, catch a glimpse of the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Magpie, Black-throated Munia, Black-napped Hare and Giant Squirrel. (DURATION: 6 hrs;TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 1.5 hrs;TIMINGS: 05:30 – 10:30; Private Activity; NOTES: Best time to visit is in the morning / Guest must be physically fit because lot of walking is involved.)

Hotel options

Araliya Green Hills – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Heritance Tea Factory – Opt 2

Room Superior

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 6 – 8

2 Nights

Kandy

Kandy was established in the 14th century and was the last independent city and capital of the Singhalese kingdom. Despite successfully defying many invaders for over 300 years, including fierce Portuguese and Dutch colonialists, the city fell to the British in the 19th century. Today, Kandy stands proudly with its fusion of colonial, Buddhist and post-independent Bawa architecture that adorn its streets, whilst enveloping a manmade lake. The city’s outskirts are provincial and incredibly scenic, with abounding rubber and tea plantations and paddy fields. Each year, Kandy hosts the world renowned Esala Perahera, a magnificently regal parade, complete with decorated elephants, trumpet fanfare and costumed drummers.

Included activities

Highlights of Kandy

Delve into regality as you explore the last royal capital. Venture to Dalda Maligawa, the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth, which houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, a tooth of Lord Buddha. Observe the many pilgrims conducting pujas (prayers) throughout the temple complex. Surrounded by aromatic tea plantations, magnificent hills and set by a lake, you can also enjoy some wonderful scenic views. Take a leisurely stroll around Lake Kandy, a protected lake where fishing is banned. Sip up the history of tea drinking pioneers like Lipton and Taylor at the Ceylon Tea Museum, a 1920s vintage tea factory. Enjoy traditional dance performances that capture the imagination and connect audiences to the tribal roots of the performers. (TOTAL DURATION: 5 hrs;TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 30 mins;TIMINGS: 08:30 – 16:30; Private Activity; NOTES: During Kandy Perhera Festival Temples will be closed in the Evening(JUL – AUG))

Half Day Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (from Kandy)

Spend a half day at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a three hour drive (80km) from Negombo. Witness the biggest herd of captive pachyderms in the world who journey to the river twice a day to bathe. Managed by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department, Pinnawala encourages both breeding and aiding the recovery and release of injured wild elephants back into the forest. The little jumbos, orphaned as their parents were victims of poachers/accidents, also splash about. Learn how they are tamed, reared and trained by their human keepers (known as mahouts) who bottle feed and bathe them. (USP: Bottle feeding is one of the highlight for this Orphanage; Duration: 1-2 hrs; Times (if specific): Milk Feeding:Daily at : 9.15am – 9.45am / 01.15pm-01.45pm, Bathing: Daily at : 10.00am – 12.00pm / 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Fruit Feeding: 09.00am – 09.45am / 12.00pm – 1.45pm; Time of Day : Open between 8:30hrs till 18hrs; Shared activity; Private Transfer)

Hotel options

Hotel Suisse – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

The Kandy House – Opt 2

Room Kandy House Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 8 – 9

1 Night

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is the ideal location if you wish to venture back in time! Unearth this UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back 5,000 years to the Mesolithic period. Built by King Kassapa I in the 5th century who decided to leave Anuradhapura, this palatial city was inspired by the mythical abode of Kuvera, the God of Wealth. Showcasing Sri Lanka’s architectural tradition, this ancient city center has been remarkably preserved and portrays the complexity and finesse of early urban planning. The fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements are smattered through functional and spiritual buildings, water gardens and tree-lined pathways, with the world renowned rock fortress at its heart.

Included activities

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple Visit

Encounter the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka during this one hour visit! Dating back to the 1st century, the Dambulla rock caves became a Buddhist temples when they were converted into residential quarters for monks. You will be amazed by the five caves that sit under a vast overhanging rock. Each one now acts as a shrine room and contains numerous images of Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. Mural paintings line the walls, depicting Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and his teachings. Throughout the centuries, this has been a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.(Duration – 1 hr Activity Type excluding drive Timings; Private Activity Type ; Private Transfer)

Highlights of Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya, which translates to Lion’s Rock, is aptly named as it juts out of a granite peak, standing tall at 180 meters and dominating the surrounding dense jungle. Witness Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is uniquely shaped and can be seen from great distances. You can also discover the fascinating rock paintings and frescoes of Sigiri apsaras (mythical dancing damsels), painted inside the cavity of the western rock face. Discover the style of 7th to 10th century graffiti by visiting the Mirror Wall! Kindly note that this activity requires a good level of physical fitness due to the steep steps to reach the fortress. (TOTAL DURATION: 5 hrs; Private Activity; TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 1 hr; TIMINGS: 08:30 hrs – 16:30 hrs; NOTES: The climb is rather difficult with lots of steep steps.)

Hotel options

Sigiriya, Vil Uyana – Opt 1

Room Sigiriya Vil Uyana – Paddy/ Mash

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 9 – 13

4 Nights

Trincomalee

Tricomalee is home to one of the world’s largest natural harbors and great opportunities for snorkeling, windsurfing, surfing and diving. It is situated on the northeast coast of Sri-Lanka. This city boasting its natural harbor and breathtaking beaches has the most convoluted colonial history of any place in Sri-Lanka. Throughout history it was captured by the Indians, Portuguese, French, Dutch and British. It had Danish and Arabian naval ships coming through its harbor as well as the Japanese bombing it in World War II!

Hotel options

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon – Opt 1

Room Chaaya Blue Superior Rooms

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Beach Resort

Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes – Opt 2

Room Jungle Beach Resort – Lagoon Cabin

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

Day 13 – 14

1 Night

Anuradhapura

Declared a world heritage city by UNESCO, the sacred city of Anuradapura is considered Sri Lanka’s first known kingdom and the Island’s capital for many centuries. Now in picturesque yet fascinating ruins – huge bell-shaped stupas built of small sun-dried bricks, temples, sculptures, palaces, age-old drinking-water reservoirs, wild life, art and architecture – this ancient sacred city is a draw for Buddhist pilgrims and visitors. Glorious monuments of its heyday survive to tell a story past…amid the stillness of cold stony silence, the austere umbrage of trees, and the tranquility of the sheltering sky. See the world’s oldest Bo tree – Sri Maha Bodi – under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, the tallest Dagabas and remains depicting Buddhism.

Included activities

Highlights of Anuradhapura

Uncover an ancient world with your tour of what was once a sacred capital city over one thousand years ago. Observe some of the largest bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist stupas) in the country, made of small sundried bricks. There are also ancient drinking water reservoirs, various sculptures, palaces and temples to explore. Witness the sacred Bo (Bodhi) tree, that was grown from a sapling of the very tree that Lord Buddha sat under when he attained enlightenment 2,5000 years ago. Today it’s recorded as the oldest tree in history! Visit Isurumuniya Vihara, a temple and monastery, where you can admire fascinating stone carvings of lovers, elephants and a royal family. There’s also a reclining Buddha that has been cut from the rock. This culturally-rich is generously surrounded by lakes, paddy fields and undulating rocks. (DURATION: 4 hrs: DISTANCES: 205 kms North of Colombo; ACTIVITY TYPE: Must do / Private; IDEAL FOR: Culture + History Traveler; TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 20 mins; TIMINGS: 08:00 – 16:00)

Hotel options

Forest Rock Garden – Opt 1

Room Forest Rock Deluxe HB

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Resort

Ulagalla by Uga Escapes – Opt 2

Room Ulagalla by Uga Escapes – Ulagalla Chalet With Pool

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 14 – 15

1 Night

Negombo

Negombo is a bustling beach town with plenty of opportunities for rest and relaxation! Nestled on the rim of Negombo Lagoon, the town boasts a long stretch of buzzing yet beautiful beach, and is located close to Colombo. Originally named as the Group of Bees in the local language of Sinhalese, Negombo enjoyed pride of place for centuries as one of the biggest and best producers of wild cinnamon. Traces of Negombo’s colonial history are still evident in the ornately crafted Roman Catholic churches that are strewn around the town. It’s for this reason that the town is affectionately known as Little Rome. Negombo offers safe swimming and ample diving opportunities, including to a 50 year old shipwreck that houses coral reefs and an array of fish. There’s also an abundance of fresh and delicious seafood for you to feast on.

Hotel options

Goldi Sands Hotel – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Beach Resort

The Wallawwa – Opt 2

Room The Walawwa – Garden Suite

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Explore the gorgeous Emerald Island of the Indian Ocean on this comprehensive Sri Lanka trip! Starting off in Negombo, continue to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort which offers a unique perspective on the country’s colonial past through its art, architecture and culture. Explore the Dutch-built Galle Fort and travel west to Yala National Park to go on exciting wildlife and leopard safaris! Up next, explore the highland country of Nuwara Eliya and sample famous Ceylon Tea right at the source, apart from hiking in the lush countryside. Nearby in Kandy, discover the famous Temple of the Tooth flanked by tranquil Kandy Lake on a privately guided tour. Delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s past with a custom excursion in Sigiriya to explore the breathtaking Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Rock Cave. Afterward, take a break at the pristine shores of Trincomalee, swimming in azure waters and feasting on the day’s fresh catch! On your way back, spend time exploring the sacred city of Anuradhapura and visit the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment! Personalize this tour to suit your exact preferences and pace with inputs from our experts. Get in touch with us to plan a private and seamless Sri Lanka trip!

What Our Guests Say

We’ve worked with Enchanting Travels on more than ten trips now………….many have been 3-5 week adventures that require tremendous attention to detail in remote parts of the world. We have never been disappointed–only incredibly delighted! Anita was amazing to work with for Sri Lanka/Southeast Asia. I had a very specific wish list and she made sure I crossed everything off of it! The itinerary was geared to our interests and the pace we prefer. Divya kept a close eye on us throughout to ensure that things went smoothly. Working with Enchanting for so many years has allowed us to build relationships that increase the quality of our experiences as time goes on. Not only do they know the best places to see throughout the world but now the bonus is that they know US! These trips keep getting better. We run out of superlatives in trying to explain just how outstanding our experiences have been since we started working with Enchanting. As long as we can drag our suitcases to an airport, we will continue to plan meaningful, life changing adventures with them. Many thanks to the entire Enchanting Team for all of the efforts in making this trip so memorable!

Rating 5/5

Carol Susan Larimore

USA

Once again we were delighted to travel with Enchanting Travels. This was our third time and destination and they didn’t disappoint. Our driver/guide was of exceptional standard proudly showing us his country with the combination of the Enchanting team in the background making it a seamless adventure. I would recommend them to one and all.

Rating 5/5

Pauline Hunter Kleeman

Australia

Enchanting Travels always provides an impeccably curated trip experience. We have traveled on 3 long trips with them and have never been disappointed

Rating 5/5

Mark Raymond Wallace

USA

Enchanting Travels put together a beautiful trip for our family. They took all the stress out of planning the trip, and delivered a richer experience than we could have achieved on our own.

Rating 5/5

Tonya Lester

USA

Not only did we get a personal, private tour for the family, we got an authentic experience on many days getting personalized experiences with locals such as going to a seafood market visited only by locals and authentic food eating with locals.

Rating 5/5

Christopher Hsu

USA

This was our third Enchanting Travel trip and was the longest one, 6 weeks. From beginning to end, all communication, arrangements, accommodations, activities were just what we wanted in this trip. Visiting Sri Lanka, southern India, Assam and Bhutan via car and 6 internal flights sounds tiring but, surprisingly, it really wasn’t. Some of the boutique hotels were exceptional, ranging from charming and quaint to luxurious, and all memorable. Our guides in Sri Lanka (Kusum) and Assam (Dipankar) were outstanding and provided us with unique experiences of day-to-day life for the average person that were not on the itinerary. This was exactly what we wanted and they delivered!! In Bhutan, our local trekking guide, who spoke no English, invited us to eat our picnic lunch in his home and to meet his wife. It was a spur-of-the moment offer as we neared the end of the trek (which was above 12,000 ft elevation). That kind gesture was heartwarming and we truly appreciated his hospitality! At several sites we visited in Assam, we were asked to pose for selfies with many people. We now know how celebrities feel!! At one point, we had about 30 people surround us for photo opps. We never felt threatened, just sort of embarrassed by the attention. However, my husband said he loved being asked to pose for selfies with pretty young women! (He’s 80, so everyone is young!)

Rating 5/5

Tonya Harper

USA

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Ideal For

Itinerary Summary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Your Vacation. Your Way.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 2

Day 2 – 3

Day 3 – 4

Day 4 – 6

Day 6 – 8

Day 8 – 9

Day 9 – 13

Day 13 – 14

Day 14 – 15

Negombo

Galle Fort

Highlights of Galle Fort

Yala National Park

Half Day Private Jeep Safari in Yala National Park

Nuwara Eliya

Half Day Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory Tour

Half Day Hike to Horton Plains

Kandy

Highlights of Kandy

Half Day Visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (from Kandy)

Sigiriya

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple Visit

Highlights of Sigiriya Rock

Trincomalee

Anuradhapura

Highlights of Anuradhapura

Negombo

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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