Encantos del Este - Sri Lanka Summer Escape
Experience the charm of Sri Lanka’s sunlit east coast on a relaxed summer escape filled with golden beaches, cultural wonders and scenic highland beauty. This journey blends heritage, wildlife, ocean adventures and breezy coastal days. From ancient citadels to coral islands and serene hill country landscapes, the itinerary offers a perfect balance of exploration and indulgence along Sri Lanka’s most enchanting shores.
Cultural Wonders and Scenic Highland Beauty - 12 Days / 11 Nights
Duration
11 Nights / 12 Days
Theme
Heritage · History · Culture
Route
Colombo > Negombo > Sigiriya > Dambulla > Trincomalee > Pasikudha > kandy > Ella
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Negombo and Overnight in Negombo
Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your guide at the airport before heading to Negombo. Settle into your hotel and unwind by the beach or lagoon as you ease into the island’s tropical atmosphere. Overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 02: Transfer to Sigiriya via Pinnawala and Evening Leisure and Overnight in Sigiriya
Travel to Sigiriya with an optional stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you may observe elephants at close range. Continue your journey to the Cultural Triangle and check in at your hotel surrounded by forest views. Enjoy a calm evening at leisure before overnight stay.
Day 03: Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb and Village Experience and Safari and Overnight in Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress early in the morning and explore its ancient engineering, frescoes and breathtaking summit views. Later enjoy a village experience that includes a bullock cart ride, a peaceful catamaran crossing and a traditional home cooked lunch. In the afternoon embark on a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park where elephant herds often gather. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 04: Dambulla Cave Temple Visit and Transfer to Trincomalee and Overnight in Trincomalee
Visit the UNESCO listed Dambulla Cave Temple with its centuries old murals and statues. Continue toward the east coast and arrive at the beaches of Nilaveli or Uppuveli. Check in and relax by the calm waters before overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 05: Pigeon Island Snorkeling and Beach Leisure and Overnight in Trincomalee
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island Marine Park and snorkel among vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or swimming in crystal clear water. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 06: Koneswaram Temple and Lover’s Leap and Kanniya Hot Springs and Overnight in Trincomalee
Visit Koneswaram Temple set atop Swami Rock with sweeping views of the ocean. Continue to Lover’s Leap viewpoint before exploring the historic Kanniya Hot Springs. Enjoy the evening by the beach before overnight stay.
Day 07: Beach Leisure and Optional Whale Watching and Trincomalee City Visit and Overnight in Trincomalee
Enjoy a leisurely morning by the sea or join an optional seasonal whale watching excursion. In the afternoon visit Fort Frederick and explore the charming streets of Trincomalee. Overnight stay in Trincomalee.
Day 08: Coastal Transfer to Pasikudah and Overnight in Pasikudah
Journey along the eastern coastline to Pasikudah, famous for one of the island’s most tranquil and shallow bays. Check in at your beachfront resort and enjoy an afternoon of seaside relaxation. Overnight stay in Pasikudah.
Day 09: Full Day Leisure in Pasikudah and Optional Water Sports and Overnight in Pasikudah
Spend the day by the turquoise bay where the calm sea invites swimming and relaxation. Choose from optional water activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling or catamaran sailing. End your day with a serene sunset walk along the soft white sands. Overnight stay in Pasikudah.
Day 10: Scenic Transfer to Kandy and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Show and Overnight in Kandy
Travel through Mahiyanganaya toward Kandy and check in upon arrival. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during evening rituals followed by a cultural dance performance. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 11: Hill Country Transfer and Tea Experience and Train Journey to Ella and Overnight in Ella
Head into the misty highlands and visit a tea plantation and factory to learn the craft of Ceylon tea with an aromatic tasting session. Travel to Ella by the scenic train journey if available and enjoy the cool mountain ambience on arrival. Overnight stay in Ella.
Day 12: Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls and Transfer to Colombo and DepartureDay 12: Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls and Transfer to Colombo and Departure
Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and the refreshing Ravana Falls before travelling to Colombo. Enjoy a brief city tour passing landmarks such as Galle Face Green, Independence Square and the Dutch Hospital precinct. Continue to the airport for your departure with memories of a bright and breezy east coast summer escape.
Day 01: Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Negombo / Sunset Canal Boat Ride / Overnight in Negombo
Warmly meet your guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and enjoy a private transfer to Negombo. Receive a refreshing tropical welcome drink upon arrival before embarking on a tranquil evening boat ride through Negombo’s historic canals at sunset. Conclude the day with a fresh seafood dinner and overnight stay at your beachside hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Cultural Triangle / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Sigiriya / Village Cooking Demonstration / Overnight in Sigiriya
After breakfast, journey towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or an alternative ethical elephant experience, according to your preference. En route, sample fresh coconuts and spices at local stops. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, enjoy an evening walk with a naturalist to spot local birds and wildlife, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration with a village chef. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 03: Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb / Village Experience / Ayurvedic Relaxation / Overnight in Sigiriya
Rise early to climb Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress under the golden sunrise. Explore ancient frescoes, the mirror wall, and royal water gardens. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then embark on a village tour by tractor and canoe, experiencing rural life and tasting freshly prepared pol sambol and hoppers in a local home. Conclude the day with an Ayurvedic relaxation treatment before overnighting in Sigiriya.
Day 04: Morning at Leisure / Optional Cycling / Minneriya or Kaudulla Jeep Safari / Stargazing Dinner / Overnight in Sigiriya
Spend the morning at leisure with an option to cycle through surrounding paddy fields. In the afternoon, take a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness hundreds of elephants roaming freely, depending on the season. Return to your hotel for a special outdoor stargazing dinner surrounded by forest sounds before overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Day 05: Matale Spice Gardens / Kandy / Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic / Artisan Stroll / Overnight in Kandy
Depart for Kandy and visit the Matale Spice Gardens, enjoying a hands-on Ayurveda demonstration. Arrive in Kandy, the historic city of kings, and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic during evening rituals for a deeply spiritual experience. Take a stroll around Kandy Lake, explore artisan shops, and visit wood carving and batik studios before overnighting in Kandy.
Day 06: Tea Plantation Visit / Nuwara Eliya / Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, drive through misty mountains, waterfalls, and cloud forests. Visit a working tea plantation and factory to learn the art of Ceylon Tea, from leaf plucking to tasting premium single-estate varieties. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England,” to explore its colonial charm and scenic landscapes. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 07: Scenic Train to Ella / Nine Arch Bridge / Little Adam’s Peak / Sunset Cocktail / Overnight in Ella
Transfer to Nanu Oya station and experience the legendary train ride to Ella, passing emerald valleys, tea gardens, and local villages. Upon arrival, check in to a mountain-view resort. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge or take a light nature walk to Little Adam’s Peak. Enjoy an evening cocktail while watching the panoramic sunset over the hill country before overnighting in Ella.
Day 08: Ravana Falls / Galle Dutch Fort / Overnight in Galle
Drive downhill from Ella, stopping for photos at the majestic Ravana Falls. Continue to Galle and explore the UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort with its cobbled streets, art galleries, Italian-style cafés, boutiques, and centuries-old ramparts. Enjoy a sunset walk along the fort walls before settling into your boutique hotel in Galle for overnight.
Day 09: Leisure Morning / Drive to Bentota / Coastal Resort / Optional Activities / Overnight in Bentota
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Galle before traveling to Bentota and checking in at a luxury coastal resort. Optional experiences include a Madu River Safari, turtle hatchery visit, Ayurveda wellness therapy, or catamaran sunset cruise. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the Indian Ocean, soaking in the coastal beauty before overnight stay.
Day 10: Beach Morning / Airport Transfer / Departure
Savor a relaxed breakfast and a final morning by the beach before a private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. Receive assistance with departure formalities and fly home with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s culture, landscapes, and luxury experiences.
Inclusions
Accommodation with daily breakfast as per itinerary
Private air-conditioned transport with driver throughout the tour
English-speaking guide for all excursions and activities mentioned
Entrance fees to key attractions including Sigiriya, Dambulla, Koneswaram Temple, Pigeon Island, and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Optional village experience, safari, and tea plantation visits as specified
Exclusions
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses, shopping, or optional activities not listed
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Travel insurance or additional services not mentioned
Optional seasonal activities like whale watching or water sports not included