Sri Lanka 7-Day Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Galle by Private Car

Summary

Climb Sigiriya at dawn, ride tea trains, spot elephants in Yala and wander Galle’s old streets

You’ll start your Sri Lanka tour with ancient cave temples and sunrise climbs at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, then wind through tea country by train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Spot wild elephants in Yala’s grasslands before ending with sunset walks around Galle Fort’s old walls—all with private car, local guide, and hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Negombo with our driver—he introduced himself as Saman and had this easy smile—and the city faded quick behind us. The road wound north toward Dambulla, where the first thing that hit me was the cool hush inside the cave temple. Incense drifted in lazy spirals; I could smell old stone and something sweet I couldn’t place. Saman explained how monks painted those ceilings centuries ago—he pointed out a tiny crack where sunlight slipped through, catching gold paint just so. It was quieter than I expected, except for a kid giggling somewhere down the corridor.

The next morning started early—like before-the-crowds early—to climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress. My legs were not ready for those stairs but honestly, being up there before it got busy felt worth every step. Mist hung over the jungle and you could hear monkeys somewhere below. After breakfast back at our guesthouse (the papaya was so much sweeter than at home), we headed to Polonnaruwa. Ruins everywhere, just scattered under trees—Saman told stories about ancient kings and I tried to picture what it looked like full of people instead of sleepy dogs.

Kandy felt busier—temple bells ringing near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, flower sellers waving frangipani garlands at us. There was a moment in the Royal Botanic Gardens when it started to drizzle; we ducked under a giant fig tree and watched school kids chase each other in uniforms that somehow stayed white. That night’s cultural dance show was louder than I expected (and longer), but I caught myself smiling at how into it everyone seemed.

The drive through Ramboda Pass smelled like wet leaves and diesel from passing buses. We stopped at a tea factory—the woman showing us around handed me a fistful of leaves to crush between my palms (I probably did it wrong). Nuwara Eliya really does look like “Little England”—all misty gardens and faded colonial houses—and then that train ride to Ella… windows open, wind in your face, everyone waving at stations we barely slowed for. It’s weirdly peaceful even with all the noise.

By Yala, we were up before sunrise again—Saman said leopards are shy but we did see wild elephants crashing through brush (one calf flapped its ears at us). Lunch in Mirissa tasted mostly of chili and coconut milk—I still think about that soup sometimes—and then wandering Galle Fort’s ramparts with salty air blowing off the sea. The last day sort of slipped by; Saman dropped us at Colombo airport with a wave like he’d known us longer than a week. Funny how fast you get used to new rhythms.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Negombo to Sigiriya via Dambulla

• Visit Dambulla cave temple
• Visit Kaudulla or Minneriya national park

Day 2 — Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa tour

• Climb Sigiriya rock fortress early
• Return to hotel for breakfast
• Visit Polonnaruwa ancient city

Day 3 — Kandy cultural and garden visit

• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Visit Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya
• Explore Kandy city and local market
• Attend Cultural Dance Show

Day 4 — Kandy to Ella via Nuwara Eliya

• Visit Ramboda waterfall and tea factory
• Walk around Nuwara Eliya city
• Take train from Nanu Oya to Ella

Day 5 — Ella to Yala via waterfalls and bridge

• Watch sunrise in Ella
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge
• Stop at Ravana waterfall for photos

Day 6 — Yala safari and Galle visit

• Morning safari at Yala national park
• Stop for lunch in Mirissa
• Visit Galle Fort

Day 7 — Galle to Colombo airport

• Visit Galle Fort
• Drop off at Colombo international airport or Negombo hotel

Top questions

How long is this Sri Lanka private car tour?

This is a 7-day multi-destination tour across Sri Lanka with private car and driver.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from Negombo or Colombo Airport at the start of your trip.

Which main places do we visit on this itinerary?

You’ll visit Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa ruins, Kandy (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella (including Nine Arch Bridge), Yala for safari, Mirissa for lunch stop, and Galle Fort.

Are entry fees included in this Sri Lanka 7-day tour?

All government fees and taxes are covered; entry fees are generally included unless otherwise specified locally.

Is there an English-speaking driver or guide?

Your private driver acts as local guide throughout the tour and speaks English fluently.

What kind of vehicle is provided?

An air-conditioned spacious car with fuel is provided for all transfers during your Sri Lanka 7-day tour.

Can infants join this trip? Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available on request for families traveling with small children.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking/climbing involved.

What’s included

Your week includes private air-conditioned transportation throughout Sri Lanka with fuel costs covered from Negombo to Colombo airport (or hotel drop-off), all government fees and taxes taken care of up front, plus specialized infant seats if you need them—so you can just focus on climbing rocks or sipping tea without sweating logistics along the way.