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

Summary

Sigiriya fortress sunrise, Kandy relics, tea hills & wild safari adventure

You’ll taste village curd near Sigiriya, watch sunrise over tea hills in Ella, feel ancient stone beneath your feet at Dambulla caves, and spot wild elephants on safari—all with a local chauffeur handling every detail from pickup to drop-off. Expect laughter, strong tea, and moments that linger long after you’ve left Sri Lanka.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Sigiriya when our driver, Sunil, handed us little bottles of cold water and asked if we’d ever climbed a rock in the rain. I hadn’t. The air smelled like wet earth and something floral—jasmine maybe?—and every bump in the road felt like it was shaking off the last bit of jet lag. By the time we reached Lion Rock, the sky was clearing up but my shoes were still damp from that quick village walk (the one where I tried buffalo curd for the first time). Climbing those ancient steps with Sunil pointing out faded frescoes—he called them “cloud maidens”—felt surreal. The view from the top is still stuck in my mind: green everywhere, monkeys chattering below.

The next morning we headed to Kandy. On the way, there was this sudden hush as we stepped into Dambulla Cave Temple—cool stone underfoot and that faint smell of incense clinging to everything. Our guide explained how each cave told its own story; I’ll admit I zoned out for a second just watching a monk light candles. In Kandy itself, visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic felt oddly intimate—even with crowds around us. Later at the Hill Club’s dance show, everyone clapped along but I mostly watched an old man in the back who seemed to know every beat by heart.

Nuwara Eliya was all mist and tea leaves. We stopped at a tea factory where they let me try rolling leaves between my palms (I’m not sure I did it right—the workers laughed kindly). The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is as beautiful as people say but also louder and slower than I expected; windows open wide, wind whipping through, kids waving at every bend. My phone filled up with blurry shots of waterfalls and endless green hills.

By day five I’d lost track of time—Ella mornings are chilly enough for sweaters and strong Ceylon tea. We hiked up before sunrise; my legs complained but seeing those clouds drift below us made it worth it. Udawalawe came next: bouncing in a jeep while elephants wandered close enough to hear their breathing (no kidding). Our driver grinned every time someone gasped at peacocks or water buffaloes crossing our path.

The last morning in Mirissa was slow—just salt air and sand sticking between my toes while thinking back over everything we’d packed into one week across Sri Lanka by private car. There’s something about being driven from place to place with someone local behind the wheel; you see more than you would alone, even if you can’t pronounce half the towns right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Sigiriya visit

• Arrive at Colombo Airport
• Drive to Sigiriya
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Evening village safari in Sigiriya

Day 2 — Sigiriya to Kandy with temple visit

• Breakfast at hotel in Sigiriya
• Stop at Dambulla Cave Temple
• Proceed to Kandy
• Visit Temple of the Tooth
• Attend Kandy Cultural Dancing show

Day 3 — Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via tea factory

• Depart Kandy early morning
• Visit Tea Factory
• Drive through waterfalls and tea plantations
• Check into hotel in Nuwara Eliya
• Walk around Gregory Lake

Day 4 — Nuwara Eliya to Ella by train

• Breakfast at hotel
• Train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella
• Receive local guidance in Ella

Day 5 — Leisure and hiking in Ella

• Enjoy morning tea and mountain views
• Explore Ella with chauffeur guide
• Hike to mountain peak for sunrise views

Day 6 — Ella to Udawalawa and safari

• Depart Ella after rest
• Jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park
• Drive to Mirissa for overnight stay

Day 7 — Relax in Mirissa and departure

• Leisure time on Mirissa beach
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this 7-day Sri Lanka private tour?

Yes, pickup at Colombo Airport or your hotel is included at the start of your tour.

What are some highlights on this round trip from Colombo?

You’ll visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy’s Sacred Tooth Relic temple, Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations and Gregory Lake, take a scenic train to Ella, go on safari at Udawalawe Park and relax in Mirissa.

Is there WiFi available during transport?

Yes, WiFi is provided onboard your private vehicle throughout the tour.

Are meals or entrance fees included?

No meals or entrance fees are included; only transportation with driver expenses and water bottles are covered.

How far do we travel during this 7-day Sri Lanka tour?

The itinerary covers up to 1000 km across Sri Lanka’s main attractions within seven days.

Is this private car tour suitable for families or wheelchair users?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels; wheelchair access and infant seats are available upon request.

Do we get free time during this itinerary?

Yes—you’ll have leisure time especially in Ella and Mirissa to relax or explore on your own.

What’s included

Your week includes private transportation with air-conditioning across Sri Lanka’s highlights—from airport pickup to final drop-off—plus bottled water daily, all highway tolls covered by your English-speaking chauffeur guide (who also handles their own meals and accommodation), WiFi onboard for sharing photos as you go along, and support for families or travelers needing wheelchair access or infant seats if you ask ahead.