Spirit of Sri Lanka

16 Days from $3,990 USD / person

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Wasserfälle und farbenfrohe Vegetation in Nuwara Eliya

Ideal For

Beaches

Heritage & Culture

Nature & Landscapes

Itinerary Summary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 1

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

1 – 2

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

Fort Printers

2 – 3

Sinharaja Rainforest
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spectacular Biodiversity, Endemic Birds, Nature Reserves

Boulder Garden Hotel

3 – 5

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

Grand Hotel
Heritance Tea Factory

5 – 7

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

Clove Villa
Theva Residency

7 – 9

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

Aliya Resort & Spa Habarana
Arika Villa, Dambulla

9 – 12

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

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

12 – 14

Jaffna
Highlights: Religious Excursions, Archaeological Sites, Island

Jetwing Jaffna

14 – 15

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

Palm Garden Village
Forest Rock Garden

15 – 16

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

Heritance Negombo

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Itinerary Details

Day 1 – 1

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.

Day 1 – 2

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.

Hotel options

Fort Printers – Opt 1

Room Fort Printers Arts

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 2 – 3

1 Night

Sinharaja Rainforest

The Sinharaja (Lion King) Rain Forest is a world heritage site and is arguably the most important site in Sri-Lanka and is internationally important for its biodiversity. The reserve encompasses some of the few remaining sizeable tracts of undisturbed primary lowland rain forest. It is home to 15 species of endemic birds of the country.

Included activities

Sinharaja Rain Forest Trek

Enjoy trekking into the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka.

Hotel options

Boulder Garden Hotel – Opt 1

Room Boulder Gard Suite

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 3 – 5

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 Plantation Tour

Tickle your tastebuds with a cup of world-renowned brew! A cup of delicious Ceylon tea is so much more when you discover the history and process of making the blend. Embark on an hour-long tour of learning at one of Nuwara Eliya’s famous tea factories, accompanied by an expert. Observe the process of harvesting, manufacturing and quality control – including an insightful look into the tea leaf grading techniques. End your visit with your own well-deserved fresh brew – right at the source!

Bird Watching At Tea Factory (If You Stay At Tea Factory)

Heritance Tea Factory follows a strict green philosophy and does much to conserve nature. The lovely tea gardens are home to several rare species of birds and flora. Feast your eyes on the myriad colors of this avian paradise and marvel at the 50 varieties of migratory birds that come from as far away as Europe and Siberia. You can also observe the yellow-eared bulbul and the Sri Lanka white eye that are endemic to this region.

Hotel options

Grand Hotel – Opt 1

Room Grand Hotel – Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Heritance Tea Factory – Opt 2

Room Superior

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 5 – 7

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.

Half Day Kandy Temples Tour

Explore a Sri Lankan jewel! Located at an altitude of almost 500 m above sea level, the ancient capital city of Kandy offers a rich amalgam of ancient wonders. Visit centuries-old famous temples and architectural marvels on a pleasant Kandy loop, past three 14th century Hindu-Buddhist temples and back through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Embekka Devalaya, Lankatilaka Vihara and Gadaladeniya Temples are among the other famous sites in the city. Discover fascinating traditional and contemporary motifs and colors during your visit to a local batik printing factory, before you return to your hotel.

Hotel options

Clove Villa – Opt 1

Room Clove Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Theva Residency – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 7 – 9

2 Nights

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.

Highlights Of Sigiriya

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.

Day Trip To Polonnaruwa (From Sigiriya)

Polonnaruwa..the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, was the second capital city of the country after the destruction of the ancient city of Anuradhapura in 993 (from 10th-12th century AD). Note ancient Sri Lankan architecture from the 12th Century..see Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Visit the ruins of the King’s Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, the Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House, Kiri Vehera and Gal Vihare; see Art, Architecture and Sculpture at Gal Viharaya, Thuparamaya Image House and Lankatilaka Image House.

Hotel options

Aliya Resort & Spa Habarana – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Arika Villa, Dambulla – Opt 2

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Day 9 – 12

3 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 12 – 14

2 Nights

Jaffna

Jaffna is the capital city of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, and has always been a major hub for its deep, creative culture of Hindu tradition. Jaffna was the major stronghold of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for decades, and is the location of the 1995 Battle of Jaffna, in which much of the city was damaged. Until recently, Jaffna was closed off to world, but it is now safe to visit, with a light military presence that continues to keep the peace. Today you can witness tranquil, palm-lined Dutch and Portuguese colonial suburbs, historic forts and churches, and modern shopping malls and railway stations. This is the perfect time to experience Jaffna without the crowds of other visitors, before it becomes a popular tourist destination. It is home to many Kovils, a Dravidian architectural style of Hindu temples, including the important Nallur Kandasamy Kovil and the Vallipuram Kovil at Point Pedro.

Included activities

Jaffna City Highlights

Discover Jaffna and its local environs highlights! Venture to Nagadeepa Temple, located on small island (which is also known as Nainativu). The island is just 56 kms from India and holds historical records of Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka almost 3,000 years ago! Allegedly, the Buddha came to this location after a vision inspired him to settle a regal family feud over a gem studded throne. Head to the Keerimalai fresh water springs, located in Jaffna’s suburbs, which is known locally as a bottomless well. The local Hindu people believe that this well has miraculous powers. You will then visit Jaffna Library, which is reputedly one of South Asia’s best, with its collection of 100,000 priceless books and centuries old manuscripts. In the early evening, wander around the local market, before visiting Point Pedro, which is 35 kms away from Jaffna, and an ideal location to watch the sun set. (Full Day Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate as it includes some walking.)

Hotel options

Jetwing Jaffna – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room (Double)

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 14 – 15

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.

Hotel options

Palm Garden Village – Opt 1

Room Anuradhapura, Palm Grdn Village – Standard

Meals Breakfast

Style Resort

Forest Rock Garden – Opt 2

Room Forest Rock Deluxe HB

Meals Half Board (Breakfast & Dinner)

Style Resort

Day 15 – 16

1 Night

Negombo

Hotel options

Heritance Negombo – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

This luxurious tour takes you on a journey of discovery through the best known destinations of the island nation. Discover ancient history, verdant landscapes, picturesque beaches and a vibrant culture on this private Sri Lanka tour.

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

From $3,990 USD / person

Option 2

From $4,290 USD / person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

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

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