Skip to content

Private, tailor-made tours across Sri Lanka

Talk to an expert(+94) 70 143 0096 Plan My Trip

Sri Lanka Hill Country to Coast Tour (9 Days)

Nine days from Kandy and the tea hills to Ella, a Yala safari, Mirissa beach, Galle Fort and Colombo.

View Itinerary Enquire Now

Follow the road from the misty hills to the golden coast on this nine day tour. See the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, trek Horton Plains, ride the train to Ella, go on safari in Yala, then enjoy whale watching and beach time in Mirissa and the colonial streets of Galle.

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

Day by Day Itinerary

Day01

Arrival at BIA → Transfer to Kandy

  • Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Transfer to Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs)
  • En route, optional visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Evening visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake

Overnight stay in Kandy

Kandy Kandy
Day02

Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

  • Scenic drive through tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya (“Little England”)
  • En route visit a tea factory and Ramboda Falls
  • In Nuwara Eliya: explore Gregory Lake, colonial town center, markets

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Kandy Kandy Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day03

Explore Nuwara Eliya: Horton Plains & Ambewela

  • Early morning visit to Horton Plains National Park & hike to World’s End
  • Afternoon visit to Ambewela Dairy Farm – known as “Little New Zealand”

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya
Day04

Scenic Train Ride to Ella

  • Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station
  • Enjoy the iconic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella (approx. 3–4 hrs):
    • Famous for lush views, tea hills, and scenic viaducts
  • In Ella: visit Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, or Ella Gap

Overnight stay in Ella

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Ella Ella
Day05

Ella → Yala National Park

  • Morning departure from Ella
  • Drive to Yala (approx. 2.5–3 hrs)
  • Evening Jeep Safari in Yala National Park – spot leopards, elephants, deer, and birds

Overnight stay in Yala or nearby

Ella Ella Yala Yala
Day06

Yala → Mirissa

  • Morning free or optional second safari
  • Drive along the scenic south coast to Mirissa (approx. 3–4 hrs)
  • Relax at the beach or enjoy the sunset at Coconut Tree Hill

Overnight stay in Mirissa

Yala Yala Mirissa Mirissa
Day07

Mirissa → Galle

  • Optional: Whale Watching Tour (Nov–Apr season)
  • Depart for Galle (approx. 1.5 hrs)
  • Explore the charming Galle Fort (UNESCO Site) – lighthouse, Dutch Church, boutique shops

Overnight stay in Galle

Mirissa Mirissa Galle Galle
Day08

Galle → Colombo

  • Coastal drive to Colombo (approx. 2 hrs)
  • Optional stops:
    • Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda
    • Madu River Boat Safari
  • In Colombo: city tour covering Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square

Overnight stay in Colombo

Galle Galle Colombo Colombo
Day09

Colombo → Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

  • Final shopping or relaxing breakfast
  • Transfer to BIA for your departure flight

Farewell from Sri Lanka!

Colombo Colombo

Journey Highlights

  • Trip Length: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
  • Tea plantation and factory visit
  • Horton Plains and World's End
  • Scenic hill country train ride
  • Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
  • Little Adam's Peak hike
  • Yala National Park safari
  • Whale watching
  • 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. 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.