Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Ella · Yala · Galle · Bentota · Colombo
This is the route that covers all the headline reasons people come to Sri Lanka in one trip: the sacred city of Kandy, the cool tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, the waterfalls and Nine Arch Bridge at Ella, a leopard safari in Yala, the Dutch-era Galle Fort, and beach time in Bentota before flying out of Colombo. A private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur take care of every transfer, so the only planning left is deciding how long to linger at each stop.
Day by day
Arrive in Sri Lanka and drive to Kandy (approx. 3 hrs), stopping at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see rescued elephants bathe and feed. Continue to a spice garden in Mawanella and a gem gallery in Kandy, then round off the evening with a traditional Kandyan dance show before checking in for the night.
Morning city tour of Kandy — Upper Lake Drive, the Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most revered sites. Drive up into the hills to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hrs), stopping at Ramboda Falls, Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple and a working tea factory en route, then settle into Sri Lanka's "Little England".
Visit Seetha Amman Temple and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, then continue via the hill town of Ella (approx. 4 hrs in total), stopping at Ravana Falls, Ravana Cave and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, before descending to Yala for the night.
Early-morning jeep safari through Yala National Park (05:30–09:30), home to one of the world's densest leopard populations alongside elephants and over 200 bird species. After breakfast, drive to Bentota (approx. 4 hrs) via the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, the walled city first built by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch.
A relaxed day around Bentota with a Madu River boat ride through its mangroves and islands, and a stop at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a conservation project protecting Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The rest of the day is free on the beach.
Transfer to Colombo (approx. 2.5 hrs) for a city tour taking in its colonial-era streets, Vihara Maha Devi Park and the seafront, followed by free time for shopping at the city's malls and markets.
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (approx. 45 mins) for your flight home.
Costs
Good to know
Entry to Yala National Park including the jeep works out to around $70 per person, paid locally and quoted separately from the tour price.
Yes — it's built specifically to cover culture, hill country, safari and beach in one loop, which suits most first-time visitors.
Yes, the itinerary can be adjusted — just let us know when you enquire.
We quote 3, 4 and 5-star options at every stop, and if a listed hotel isn't available we'll book an alternative in the same category.
Yes, rates vary slightly by travel date — message us your dates on WhatsApp and we'll confirm the exact price.
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