5-Day Hill Country & Ella Tour
Sacred Kandy, cool Nuwara Eliya, tea-covered mountains and the famous scenic landscapes of Ella in five days.
- ✈️ Airport to airport
- 🚗 Private vehicle and driver
- 🛠️ Fully customisable
Route at a glance
- Bandaranaike International Airport
- Kandy
- Peradeniya
- Nuwara Eliya
- Nanu Oya
- Ella
- Bandaranaike International Airport
About this tour
Experience Sri Lanka's central highlands on a private journey through cultural Kandy, the tea country around Nuwara Eliya and the mountain scenery of Ella. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, enjoy a tea estate or factory visit, explore the gardens and lake in Nuwara Eliya, and discover Ella's iconic Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak. The itinerary balances sightseeing with scenic drives and two nights in Ella. A train journey through the hills can be requested, subject to ticket availability and suitable timings.
ℹ️ Hill-country drives are slower than their distances may suggest because of winding mountain roads. The airport-to-Kandy journey may take around 3 to 4.5 hours or longer, while Ella-to-airport can take approximately 4.5 to 6 hours or longer. A late departure flight is recommended on Day 5. The optional train journey requires advance planning, and tickets are not guaranteed. If taking the train, arrange luggage transport with your driver separately.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Airport to Kandy
Meet your private driver at Bandaranaike International Airport and travel to Kandy. After checking in, visit the Temple of the Tooth if opening hours and your arrival time permit. You can also take a relaxed walk around Kandy Lake. If your flight arrives late, transfer directly to your accommodation and begin sightseeing the following morning.
- 🚗 Driving:
- Approximately 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Kandy
- 2
Day 2: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Tea Country
After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya through the central highlands. If not visited on Day 1, you may stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, provided the schedule allows. Continue through tea-growing areas and visit a tea estate or factory that is open to visitors. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a walk around Gregory Lake or the town if time permits.
- 🚗 Driving:
- Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours of driving, excluding sightseeing and stops
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Nuwara Eliya
- 3
Day 3: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Enjoy the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya with a morning visit to a local garden or a short walk around the town. Then travel towards Ella through scenic highland roads. An optional train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella may be arranged if tickets and suitable departure times are available. In that case, your driver can transport your luggage by road and meet you in Ella. Otherwise, continue the entire journey by private vehicle. Enjoy a relaxed evening in Ella.
- 🚗 Driving:
- Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road, excluding sightseeing; the optional train adds station transfers and rail travel time
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Ella
- 4
Day 4: Explore Ella and the Mountain Scenery
Spend the day discovering Ella at a comfortable pace. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, timing your visit around train movements where practical. If you enjoy walking and conditions are suitable, hike Little Adam's Peak for views of the surrounding hills. You can also visit Ravana Falls or a nearby tea estate. Allow extra time for walking, changing weather and local traffic.
- 🚗 Driving:
- Short local drives, with additional time for walks and sightseeing
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Ella
- 5
Day 5: Ella to the Airport
After breakfast, depart Ella for Bandaranaike International Airport. This is a substantial transfer through the hill country and lower elevations, so plan your departure time around your flight. A short stop may be possible along the way, but do not rely on additional sightseeing if you have an afternoon flight. If your flight is early, an overnight stay closer to the airport before departure may be more suitable.
- 🚗 Driving:
- Approximately 4.5 to 6 hours or longer, depending on traffic, route and stops
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- None (departure day)
Driving times are estimates and change with traffic, weather and road works. Your driver will plan the day around your pace.
Tour highlights
- ✅ Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- ✅ Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya
- ✅ Discover tea plantations and a working tea factory
- ✅ Enjoy Gregory Lake and the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya
- ✅ Optional scenic train journey from Nanu Oya towards Ella
- ✅ See the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella
- ✅ Walk to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic mountain views
- ✅ Visit Ravana Falls when conditions and time permit
Included
- ✅ Airport pickup and drop-off
- ✅ Vehicle
- ✅ Fuel
- ✅ English-speaking driver
- ✅ Driver accommodation
- ✅ Highway toll fees
- ✅ Parking fees
Not included
- ➖ Entrance and safari fees
- ➖ Your hotels and meals
Places on this tour
Frequently asked questions
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. This 5-day tour is a starting point. Tell us your interests and dates and we will adjust the route, the number of nights and the stops.
Is airport pickup included?
Yes. Your driver meets you at the airport on day 1 and takes you back for your flight on the last day. Send us your flight details when you book.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the vehicle, fuel, an English-speaking driver, the driver's accommodation, highway tolls and parking. Entrance and safari fees, and your own hotels and meals, are not included.
Can you help with hotels?
Hotels are booked separately and are not included in the price. Tell us your budget and preferences, and we will suggest suitable places along the route.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp or send an inquiry with your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote, and we confirm payment and cancellation terms in writing before you book.
