7 days · 6 nights · 6 destinations
Enchanting Wonders
The island's greatest hits, at a human pace.
Overview
The island's greatest hits, at a human pace
Seven days is where Sri Lanka stops being a list of highlights and starts to make sense. Sigiriya's rock, Kandy's temples, tea country, the hill train to Ella, Galle Fort and the beach at Bentota.
A starting point, not a fixed package. Change the pace, hotels or places and we'll re-plan it around you.
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Bentota
- Colombo
Day by day
Your 7 days
Day 01Airport → SigiriyaInto the Cultural Triangle
Your guide meets you at arrivals. The drive north moves from coastal plain to forest and paddy fields, with optional stops at Pinnawala and the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Evening arrival in Sigiriya.
✦ Add if you like: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage · Golden Temple of Dambulla · Village tour · Tuk-tuk ride
Day 02Sigiriya → KandyLion Rock and the hill capital
An early start for Sigiriya Rock Fortress: a 5th-century citadel 200 m above the jungle, with frescoes and the Lion Gate. Then south to Kandy via a spice garden, a city tour and a Kandyan dance show.
Included: Spice garden · Kandy city tour · Kandyan dance show
✦ Add if you like: Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1,200 steps) · Elephant safari in Habarana · Temple of the Tooth Relic
Day 03Kandy → Nuwara EliyaLittle England
Cool air and tea-filled valleys. Ramboda Falls, a working tea factory with tasting, and a tour of the colonial town.
Included: Ramboda Falls · Tea factory visit and tasting · Nuwara Eliya town tour
✦ Add if you like: Gregory Lake · Hakgala Botanical Gardens · Horton Plains and World's End
Day 04Nuwara Eliya → EllaThe hill train
Take the Nanu Oya–Ella train through cloud forest and tea terraces, or go by road. In Ella, Ravana Falls and the Nine Arches Bridge.
Included: Ravana Falls · Nine Arches Bridge
✦ Add if you like: Nanu Oya–Ella train · Mini Adam's Peak · Flying Ravana zipline
Day 05Ella → BentotaGalle Fort and the coast
Down through the southern interior to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ramparts and cobbled lanes. On to Bentota for the beach.
Included: Galle Fort · Bentota beach
✦ Add if you like: Madu River boat ride · Water sports
Day 06Bentota → ColomboThe city that never sits still
Colombo surprises people. Our guide takes you around Independence Square, the Red Mosque and Pettah market, or Fort's boutique lanes if you'd rather shop. Dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged.
Included: Colombo city tour · Independence Square · Red Mosque · Pettah market
✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple · Lotus Tower
Day 07Colombo → AirportUntil next time
The last morning is yours. Depending on your flight, there's time for one last walk or one last meal before your private transfer to the airport.
Included: Airport drop-off
✦ Optional: entry tickets for these aren't in the tour price. Tell us which you'd like and we'll add them to your quote.
Highlights
Why travellers choose this route
- 01Sigiriya Rock Fortress
A 5th-century citadel with frescoes and a view across the Cultural Triangle.
- 02The Ella train
One of the world's great rail journeys, through cloud forest and tea.
- 03Galle Fort
Dutch ramparts, cobbled lanes and sunset over the ocean.
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, with assistance
- 3–5★ hotels, bed and breakfast or half board (you choose when we quote)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel and local vehicle insurance
- City and shopping tours in every destination
- Gem, batik and handcraft workshops, and a spice garden visit
- Kandyan dance show (on routes through Kandy)
- Tea factory visit (on routes through the hill country)
- All government taxes
Not included
- Entry tickets for ✦ optional experiences
- International flights and visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
- Camera and video permits
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Guide and driver tips
Cancellation: no charge 30+ days before arrival (bank charges aside), 30% at 14–29 days, 75% at 7–13 days, 100% under 7 days. See Terms.
Make this route yours
Send your dates and we'll reply with a day-by-day plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.