This 7-day journey takes you through Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations—ancient heritage sites, lush hill-country landscapes, wildlife-rich national parks, and the beautiful southern coastline. With a private guide and comfortable vehicle, you’ll experience culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation in a well-balanced itinerary designed for an unforgettable holiday.
Day 1: Airport Arrival → Colombo City Tour
Begin your journey in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in before starting a guided city tour.
Activities
- 🏯 Gangaramaya Temple: Visit this famous architectural and cultural landmark.
- 🌿 Galle Face Green: Stroll along the seaside urban park.
- 🏛️ Independence Square: Explore the national monument and surrounding gardens.
- 🛍️ Dutch Hospital Precinct: Explore this beautifully restored colonial-era complex for shopping or dining.
Summary: Your first day offers the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka’s modern energy and cultural mix. The relaxed city drive allows you to unwind after your flight and get a first taste of Sri Lankan life.
Day 2: Colombo → Pinnawala → Kandy
Today, you travel to the hill capital of Kandy. The journey includes an essential stop for an intimate wildlife experience.
Activities
- 🐘 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Optional): Watch rescued elephants bathe in the river and interact.
- 🛕 Temple of the Tooth Relic: Visit this highly sacred shrine containing the relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
- 🌊 Kandy Lake: Enjoy a peaceful walk around the scenic lake at the city’s heart.
- 💃 Kandyan Cultural Dance Show: Attend an evening show featuring traditional music and dance.
Summary: This day combines wildlife, culture, and beautiful highland scenery. Pinnawala offers a heartwarming experience with gentle giants, while Kandy immerses you in the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
Day 3: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country)
Journey into the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, enjoying one of the island’s most scenic drives.
Activities
- 🌳 Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Explore this vast and impressive garden famous for its orchid collection (optional stop).
- 💦 Waterfalls & Viewpoints: Stop at scenic spots along the route to admire cascading waterfalls and lush mountains.
- ☕ Tea Factory and Estate Tour: Visit a plantation to learn the process of Ceylon Tea production and enjoy a tasting.
- ⛵ Gregory Lake: Enjoy a relaxing walk around the serene lake, known as “Little England.”
Summary: Nuwara Eliya offers refreshing climate, colonial-style buildings, and lush landscapes. The tea plantation visit is a highlight, where you can taste pure Ceylon Tea right where it’s grown.
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya → Ella by Train
Experience the world’s most scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella.
Activities
- 🚂 Scenic Train Ride (Nanu Oya to Ella): Enjoy the breathtaking views of tea fields, misty mountains, and viaducts (tickets subject to availability).
- 🌉 Nine Arches Bridge: Visit this stunning architectural marvel set amongst tea plantations.
- 🏞️ Ravana Falls: Stop to admire one of Ella’s largest and most famous waterfalls.
- 🚶 Explore Ella Village: Check in and explore the lively village streets filled with cafés and shops.
Summary: The train journey through misty mountains and tea fields is unforgettable. Ella offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for nature lovers, with spectacular viewpoints and a charming local vibe.
Day 5: Ella → Yala National Park (Safari)
Travel south to the dry zone and prepare for an exciting wildlife adventure.
Activities
- 🚗 Drive to Yala / Tissamaharama area.
- 🐆 Afternoon/Evening Jeep Safari at Yala National Park: Search for leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer, and a wide variety of birds.
- 🏨 Check in to your Yala/Tissamaharama hotel/lodge.
Summary: The Yala safari is a thrilling highlight of the tour. As one of the world’s top leopard habitats, the park offers great opportunities for wildlife photography and unforgettable encounters with Sri Lanka’s iconic animals in their natural environment.
Day 6: Yala → Galle → Bentota / South Coast
After breakfast, you drive along the scenic southern coastline, stopping for a dose of history and architecture.
Activities
- 🏰 Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Explore the colonial architecture, narrow streets, boutique shops, and ramparts.
- 🖼️ Galle Lighthouse: Visit this iconic coastal landmark.
- 🏖️ Drive to Bentota/South Coast: Continue to a southern beach town for relaxation.
- 🏨 Check in to your beach hotel.
Summary: Galle Fort combines history and coastal beauty, offering a charming mix of Dutch architecture and seaside views. The afternoon brings a change of pace as you unwind on one of Sri Lanka’s stunning golden beaches.
Day 7: South Coast Relaxation → Airport Drop-Off
Spend your final day enjoying the beautiful South Coast before your departure. The journey from Bentota to the airport (BIA) takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the Southern Expressway.
Activities
- 🛶 Madu River Boat Safari (Optional): Explore the mangrove ecosystem and Cinnamon Island.
- 🐢 Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (Optional): Visit a project focused on protecting sea turtles.
- 🌊 Beach Relaxation / Water Sports: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or optional jet skiing/windsurfing.
- ✈️ Transfer to Katunayaka (BIA): Your driver will safely transfer you to the airport for departure.
Summary: Your last day is all about rest and enjoying the peaceful coastal atmosphere. This ensures a comfortable and timely transfer for your departure.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- 3-4 Star Accommodation
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Professional Driver
- Private Transportation
Excludes
- Departure Taxes
- Air Tickets & Visa
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees at visiting sites
- Laundry, telephone calls, tipping, etc
- Lunch
