Classic Sri Lanka: Culture, Kandy & Ella
The definitive first-time Sri Lanka tour. Loop from the cultural triangle through the sacred city of Kandy and up into the tea-covered highlands, riding one of the world's most beautiful train journeys to Ella. Ancient sites, hill country and plenty of scenery in one perfectly paced week.
- Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla cave temples
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy
- Scenic hill-country train to Ella
- Tea estates and waterfalls of Nuwara Eliya
Day by day
- Day 1Overnight in Sigiriya
Colombo Airport (CMB) → Dambulla Cave Temple
We meet you at the airport and drive up to the cultural triangle, stopping at the Dambulla cave temples — five rock shrines lined with reclining Buddhas and centuries-old ceiling paintings — before checking in near Sigiriya.
- Day 2Overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
An early climb of the Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress, past the water gardens and lion's paws to the summit ruins and its 360-degree view over the jungle. The rest of the day is at leisure.
- Day 3Overnight in Kandy
Pinnawala
We drive south towards Kandy, stopping at Pinnawala to see the elephants, then arrive in the hill capital in time for the evening rituals at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
- Day 4Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
A morning around Kandy's lake and botanical gardens, then a beautiful climb through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya, the cool colonial hill station known as 'Little England', with a tea-factory visit en route.
- Day 5Overnight in Ella
Nuwara Eliya → Nine Arch Bridge
We board the famous hill-country train and ride through emerald tea gardens and misty ridges down to Ella, arriving in time to watch a train cross the graceful Nine Arch Bridge.
- Day 6Overnight in Ella
Little Adam's Peak → Ravana Falls
A gentle day in Ella: hike up Little Adam's Peak for valley views at your own pace, then relax by the cascading Ravana Falls.
- Day 7Overnight in Colombo
Colombo Airport (CMB)
We descend from the highlands and cross the lowlands back to Colombo for your onward transfer or airport drop-off.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole trip
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
- Driver's meals and accommodation
- Bottled water and pick-up / drop-off
Not included
- Hotels and your own meals
- National park entrance fees and safari jeep hire
- Entrance tickets to sites
- Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
Best months
Not per person · car, fuel and tolls included
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