7-Day Sri Lanka Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Yala Safari

Summary

Sri Lanka Multi-Day Adventure: Culture, Wildlife & Scenic Train Ride

You’ll explore ancient rock fortresses, wander bustling markets in Kandy, sip fresh Ceylon tea among misty hills, ride scenic trains through lush countryside, spot wild leopards on safari in Yala National Park, watch stilt fishermen at work near Galle Fort, and finish with street food by Colombo’s oceanfront—all packed into seven unforgettable days across Sri Lanka.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Colombo after a long flight, I was met with that familiar warm air and the scent of frangipani. Our driver waved us over and we set off straight for Sigiriya. Early the next morning, we wandered into the Sigiriya Sanctuary—birdsong everywhere. Our guide pointed out a flash of color: a Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill perched above a water tank. I’d never seen so many birds in one place—pelicans gliding low over the water, drongos darting between branches. The sun was already strong by mid-morning, so we took it slow. Dinner that night in Habarana was simple rice and curry; nothing fancy but just what we needed after the day’s travel.

The climb up Sigiriya Rock Fortress is no joke—my legs were burning halfway up those ancient steps. But pausing to catch my breath gave me time to admire the faded frescoes and watch monkeys darting along the walls. Later at Dambulla Cave Temple, incense hung heavy in the air as we ducked into cool caves filled with golden Buddhas. If you’re up for it, there’s an optional village tour by bullock cart and catamaran—I skipped it but heard from another traveler that you get proper tea and homemade roti at a local house.

Kandy felt busy but welcoming. At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, crowds shuffled quietly past flower offerings and drummers played outside—our guide explained how important this relic is to Buddhists here. We stopped by a gem museum (lots of blue sapphires on display) before heading into misty hills lined with tea estates. Walking through rows of tea bushes, I could smell fresh leaves being processed inside one of the old factories—they let us try pouring our own cup of Ceylon tea.

Nuwara Eliya was chilly enough for a sweater in June—locals call it “Little England” for good reason. Gregory Lake shimmered under grey clouds; families rented paddle boats while vendors sold hot corn on the cob dusted with chili salt. After lunch, we caught the train from Nanuoya to Ella—a seven-hour ride winding through endless green tea fields and tiny villages where kids waved at us from trackside houses. It’s not luxury travel (the seats are basic), but those views are something else.

Ella itself is laid-back—a couple cafés serving strong coffee and coconut pancakes. We stopped at Rawana Falls (loud and crowded on weekends) before heading south to Yala National Park. Up before sunrise for our jeep safari: bumpy roads, wild peacocks strutting across tracks, and finally—a leopard lounging in the shade! Elephants too, plus crocodiles sunning themselves near muddy pools. Our guide knew every bird call; he even spotted a shy sloth bear far off in the bush.

Driving along the coast toward Galle, we pulled over to watch stilt fishermen balancing on their poles in Weligama Bay—something you really have to see up close to believe. In Galle Fort’s narrow streets, Dutch-era buildings now house little art shops and gelato stands; I grabbed a lime soda from Pedlar’s Inn Café just to cool down.

The last day took us back north along palm-lined roads to Colombo. We visited a turtle hatchery where volunteers showed us tiny hatchlings wriggling toward their first swim—felt good knowing some make it thanks to these projects. In Colombo itself: Gangaramaya Temple sits right on Beira Lake (watch out for cheeky monkeys), Independence Square is peaceful early morning before joggers arrive, and Galle Face Green comes alive at sunset with kite flyers and street food stalls selling isso wade (shrimp fritters). By evening I was tired but happy—Sri Lanka packs so much into just one week.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Sigiriya Birdwatching

• Pickup from Airport and proceed to Sigiriya
• Birdwatching at Sigiriya Sanctuary
• Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana

Day 2 — Climb Sigiriya and Village Tour

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit Dambulla Cave Temple
• Optional Habarana Village tour by bullock cart and catamaran
• Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy

Day 3 — Kandy Temple and Tea Gardens

• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Visit Gem Museum
• Tour Tea Garden and Tea Estate
• Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 4 — Nuwara Eliya and Train to Ella

• Visit Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya
• Train journey from Nanuoya to Ella
• Explore Ella town
• Visit Ella Rawana Falls
• Proceed to Yala and overnight stay

Day 5 — Yala Safari and Galle Tour

• Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
• Visit Stilt Fishermen in Weligama
• Tour Galle Dutch Fort
• Overnight stay in Galle

Day 6 — Galle to Colombo via Turtle Hatchery

• Visit Tsunami Museum en route to Colombo
• Visit Turtle Hatchery
• Overnight stay in Colombo

Day 7 — Colombo City Tour and Departure

• Visit Gangaramaya Temple
• Walk at Galle Face Green
• Tour Colombo Fort and Pettah
• Visit Independence Square

Top questions

Is this 7-day Sri Lanka tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes—it’s family-friendly! There are options for prams or strollers and specialized infant seats available upon request.

Are vegetarian meals available during this trip?

Absolutely! Just let us know your dietary needs when booking—we can arrange vegetarian options throughout your journey.

How do I book observation class train tickets from Nanuoya to Ella?

We’ll handle train ticket bookings based on your travel dates; availability can vary so booking early helps secure your preferred class.

Is this tour accessible for travelers using wheelchairs?

Most transportation options are wheelchair accessible; please mention any specific requirements when booking so we can assist fully.

What’s included

This trip covers airport pickup/drop-off; all ground transport; accommodation each night; guided visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple of the Tooth Relic; entry fees where needed; scenic train ride from Nanuoya to Ella; Yala National Park jeep safari; stops at Gregory Lake, Galle Fort & Colombo highlights; plus daily breakfast and most dinners (let us know about dietary needs!).