7-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour
Ancient rock fortress, hill country, wild elephants and the south coast in one week.
- ✈️ Airport to airport
- 🚗 Private vehicle and driver
- 🛠️ Fully customisable
Route at a glance
- Airport
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Udawalawe
- Mirissa
- Galle
- Airport
About this tour
The classic first-visit route: a rock fortress, a sacred city, tea country, a famous train-bridge village, an elephant safari and a beach finish. Every day has a clear highlight, and the longest drives are on the days you change region.
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Airport to Sigiriya
Drive north, stopping at the Dambulla Cave Temple if time allows, and settle in near Sigiriya.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 4 to 5 hours
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Sigiriya
- 2
Day 2: Sigiriya Rock to Kandy
Climb Sigiriya Rock early, then drive to Kandy with a stop at a spice garden near Matale. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 3 to 3.5 hours
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Kandy
- 3
Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, then drive up through tea country to Nuwara Eliya, with a tea factory stop.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 3 to 3.5 hours
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Nuwara Eliya
- 4
Day 4: Horton Plains to Ella
Start early for the World's End walk at Horton Plains, when the views are clearest. Then drive to Ella through tea country.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 5 to 6 hours of driving, plus the 3 to 4 hour walk
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Ella
- 5
Day 5: Ella to Udawalawe and the south coast
See the Nine Arches Bridge in the morning, then drive to Udawalawe for an afternoon jeep safari to see wild elephants. Continue to the south coast.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 6 hours in total, plus the safari
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Mirissa
- 6
Day 6: Mirissa and Galle Fort
Take an optional early whale-watching trip from Mirissa (roughly November to April, never guaranteed). Then drive to Galle Fort, walk the ramparts and watch the sunset.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 1 hour
- 🛏️ Overnight:
- Galle or Unawatuna
- 7
Day 7: Galle to the airport
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the sea, then drive to the airport using the Southern Expressway.
- 🚗 Driving:
- About 2.5 to 3 hours
- 🛏️ 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
- ✅ Climbing Sigiriya Rock
- ✅ Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- ✅ Tea country and Nuwara Eliya
- ✅ World's End at Horton Plains
- ✅ Nine Arches Bridge in Ella
- ✅ Wild elephants at Udawalawe
- ✅ Galle Fort at sunset
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 7-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.
