8-day Sri Lanka private tour from Colombo with guide

Eight days crossing Sri Lanka's ancient cities, highlands and wildlife reserves

An 8-day private guided tour of Sri Lanka departing from Colombo with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport. You visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the archaeological city of Polonaruwa, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, ride the scenic train to Ella, explore Yala National Park by jeep, and end at the coastal town of Mirissa before returning to Colombo. Seven nights of accommodation, a driver-guide, train tickets and wi-fi are included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Habarana

• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Meet tour representative and receive garland
• Proceed to Habarana
• Check in at hotel
• Relax at leisure

Day 2: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit archaeological city of Polonnaruwa
• Have lunch
• Drive to national park for elephant safari
• Return to hotel in Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya and Kandy via spice garden

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Optional village tour
• Drive to Kandy
• Visit spice garden and Hindu temple
• Check in at hotel in Kandy

Day 4: Explore Kandy city

• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Visit Kandy View Point
• Walk around Kandy Lake
• Shopping at Kandy City Center

Day 5: Scenic train ride to Ella

• Train ride from Kandy to Ella
• Explore Ella town
• Check in at hotel in Ella

Day 6: Ella to Yala National Park

• Visit Little Adam’s Peak
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge
• Visit Ravana Falls
• Drive to Tissamaharama
• Check in at hotel in Tissamaharama
• Jeep safari in Yala National Park

Day 7: Transfer to Mirissa

• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Mirissa
• Check in at hotel in Mirissa

Day 8: Departure from Colombo

• Breakfast at hotel
• Depart for Bandaranaike International Airport
• Catch flight home

The experience

You arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and are met by a tour representative with a garland of flowers, then driven to Habarana for your first night. From there, the route moves north and east through Sri Lanka's cultural triangle: Polonaruwa's ancient ruins, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the spice gardens and Hindu temple on the way to Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred sites, sits in Kandy's center, and you walk around Kandy Lake and visit the city's viewpoint before boarding the train.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the world's most scenic rail routes, a three-hour ride through tea plantations and mountain passes. Ella itself is a quiet highland village surrounded by waterfalls and green hills. From there you visit Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge, then drive south to Tissamaharama, stopping at Ravana Falls on the way. In the afternoon you take a five-hour jeep safari through Yala National Park, where you may see Sri Lankan elephants, leopards and aquatic birds across scrublands, grasslands and lagoons. The final leg takes you to Mirissa on the coast, then back to Colombo airport for your departure.

All vehicles are air-conditioned with a driver-guide who speaks English, and free wi-fi runs throughout the tour. Baby seats are available if you're traveling with infants. Your seven nights cover a range of hotel options from economy to five-star, and the cost adjusts based on your choice. Train tickets are included. National park fees (roughly $10–$50) and gratuities are separate.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide throughout.
• seven nights' hotel accommodation in economy to luxury options.
• train tickets from Kandy to Ella.
• free wi-fi.
• water bottles.
• pickup from Colombo airport and transfer to the airport on departure day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Dec

AgesAdult (18 to 44 years) · Senior (45 to 65 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Respect Lanka Travels

Is this one for you?Choose this private tour if you want a single guide and vehicle for the full eight days, which means no schedule changes to fit other travelers and the flexibility to request additions like the village tour. The fixed route covers Sri Lanka's main cultural and natural sites in sequence, so you move through the country without backtracking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (3 to 8 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Sigiriya Rock Fortress and why is it on this tour?

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its preserved urban planning from centuries past. You spend three hours there on day three, climbing the rock and exploring the ruins at the summit.

Can I do the village tour, and what does it include?

A village tour is available on request during the Kandy leg of the journey. It lets you spend time with local villagers, ride in an oxen cart, take a catamaran ride through the fields, and learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan food.

How long is the train ride from Kandy to Ella?

The train journey takes three hours and is considered one of the world's most scenic rail trips, passing through tea plantations and mountain scenery in the central highlands.

What wildlife might I see on the Yala National Park jeep safari?

Yala National Park is home to Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and aquatic birds. The five-hour safari covers scrublands, grasslands, tanks and lagoons across two open blocks of the park, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.