Tour Overview
The definitive week-long Sri Lanka experience — from the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Kandyan culture to the tea hills and the Dutch colonial coast at Galle.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This is our most popular itinerary — the definitive week in Sri Lanka. The scenic train leg is one of Asia's great journeys; we strongly recommend booking it.
Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya
Colombo Airport → Sigiriya
Your driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to Sigiriya (approx. 3.5 hours). Settle in and enjoy the first evening at leisure.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple
Sigiriya → Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the cooler morning hours, then explore the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple in the afternoon — 153 Buddha statues and ancient murals within a cave complex that has been active for over 2,000 years.
Sigiriya to Kandy — Pinnawala & Temple of the Tooth
Sigiriya → Pinnawala → Kandy
En route to Kandy, stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to watch Sri Lanka's rescued elephants bathe in the river. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enjoy an evening Kandyan cultural dance performance.
The Hill Country Train — Kandy to Ella
Kandy → Ella
Board the legendary hill country train from Kandy and journey through misty tea plantations, tumbling waterfalls, and cool mountain air to Ella — one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge before sunset.
Ella — Waterfalls, Bridge & Mountain Views
A full day to explore Ella at your own pace — hike Little Adam's Peak for sweeping valley views, walk the scenic trail to the Nine Arch Bridge, and visit the dramatic Ravana Falls cascading down the hillside.
Ella to the South Coast
Ella → Galle
Drive south through the hill country and along the dramatic southern coastline to Galle. Stop at Mirissa or Unawatuna beach for a swim, and arrive in Galle in time to watch the sunset from the fort ramparts.
Galle Fort & Departure
Galle → Colombo
Morning walk through Galle Fort — the best-preserved Dutch colonial fortification in Asia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with charming streets, boutiques, and a lighthouse overlooking the Indian Ocean. Transfer to Colombo for your departure.
Tour Route
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Bottled water in vehicle throughout
- Scenic train ticket (Kandy to Ella) — subject to availability
Not Included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners unless otherwise specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
