Sri Lanka Highlights Tour (7 Days)

A week of Sri Lanka highlights: Colombo, Kandy, the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, the train to Ella, a Yala safari and historic Galle.

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This seven day tour packs the very best of Sri Lanka into one week. Start with a Colombo city tour, see the elephants of Pinnawala and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, then head into tea country for waterfalls, tea tasting and the famous train ride to Ella. Finish with a leopard safari in Yala and a walk around the Dutch fort in Galle.

Route: BIA → Colombo → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Galle → BIA

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA & Transfer to Colombo

Warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
Transfer to Colombo (approx. 45 mins – 1 hour)
Colombo city tour:
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Square
- Galle Face Green
- Local markets or shopping (optional)
Dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight stay in Colombo

Colombo

Day02

Colombo to Kandy

Scenic drive to Kandy (approx. 3.5 hours)
Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route
Arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital
Stop at the Mawanella Spice Garden:
- Learn about traditional Sri Lankan spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and cardamom. Discover Ayurvedic herbs and oils used for natural healing
Explore:
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO site)
- Kandy Lake
- Evening Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Overnight stay in Kandy

Colombo

Kandy

Day03

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in the morning
Drive through tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
Visit:
- Tea factory & tea tasting
- Ramboda Falls
- Gregory Lake and town tour

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy

Nuwara Eliya

Day04

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Optional morning Horton Plains trek (World’s End viewpoint)
Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella (subject to availability)
Visit:
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Little Adam’s Peak
- Relax in Ella cafés with mountain views

Overnight stay in Ella

Nuwara Eliya

Ella

Day05

Ella to Yala

Leisurely morning in Ella
Drive to Yala National Park (approx. 3 hours)
Evening jeep safari in Yala, famous for leopards, elephants, and birds

Overnight stay near Yala

Ella

Yala

Day06

Yala to Galle (via Mirissa)

Early morning drive to Mirissa
Optional whale watching tour (seasonal: Nov–April)
Continue to Galle
Explore:
- Galle Dutch Fort (UNESCO site)
- Lighthouse, art galleries, colonial architecture
- Optional beach visit (Unawatuna or Dalawella)

Overnight stay in Galle

Yala

Mirissa

Galle

Day07

Galle to BIA (Airport Departure)

Breakfast and relaxed morning in Galle
Drive back to Bandaranaike International Airport (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
Optional short stop in Bentota or Colombo based on flight time

End of tour with unforgettable memories

Galle

Journey Highlights

Trip Length: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Colombo city tour
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
Kandyan cultural dance show
Tea plantation and factory visit
Scenic hill country train ride
Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, Ella
Yala National Park safari
Whale watching in Mirissa (seasonal)
Galle Fort (UNESCO)

Travel Tips

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and sacred sites.
Train seats to Ella sell out in high season, so book early.
Safaris start early, so bring a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is included?: Private air-conditioned vehicle & English-speaking chauffeur
Accommodation with breakfast (customizable: 3★, 4★, 5★)
Entrance tickets to major attractions
Jeep safari in Yala
Train tickets (subject to availability)
24/7 on-ground support
Q. Is this a private tour?: Yes. You travel with your own driver guide in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Q. Can the itinerary be changed?: Yes. Every tour can be tailored to your dates, budget, hotel standard and interests.