Sri Lanka 8-Day Private Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Chauffeur

Summary

From Sigiriya’s lion paws to Mirissa’s waves, Sri Lanka’s colors and quiet moments

You’ll glide across Sri Lanka’s heart with a friendly chauffeur—climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, taste home-style curry near Polonnaruwa ruins, breathe spice-scented air in Kandy temples and ride trains through misty tea fields to Ella. Along the way there’s laughter over local words you can’t pronounce and quiet moments watching waves in Mirissa. It lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Colombo airport just after sunrise, still blinking from the flight and that sticky air you only get in the tropics. Our driver—Nuwan, always with a soft grin—waved us over like we were old friends. He handed us cold bottled water before I even thought to ask (honestly, a lifesaver). The drive up north was long but not dull; I kept staring at the green fields flashing by, half-wondering how many kinds of birds we’d already missed spotting. We reached Sigiriya while my body still felt halfway between time zones. That first night in the hotel—I remember the sheets smelled faintly of jasmine, or maybe it was just something drifting in through the window.

The next morning started with Polonnaruwa’s ruins—ancient stones scattered under a sky that threatened rain but never quite delivered. Nuwan explained bits of history as we walked (he called it “storytime on wheels”), then took us for rice and curry at a roadside spot where I tried to eat with my right hand like everyone else. I probably looked ridiculous. Later, bouncing along rough roads towards safari, I caught myself grinning for no reason; I guess that’s what happens when you’re somewhere new and everything smells like wet earth after rain.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock was tougher than I expected—1,200 steps isn’t nothing—but Nuwan paced us gently and pointed out monkeys stealing snacks from someone’s bag (he laughed so hard he had to stop walking). If climbing isn’t your thing, he’ll drive you around for photos instead; he made sure everyone felt included, which mattered more than I realized at first. In Kandy, incense curled through temple courtyards while locals pressed lotus flowers into our hands at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. There was this hush inside—not silence exactly, more like everyone breathing together.

The tea country train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is one of those things people hype up online but… yeah, it really is something. Mist hugging the hills, tea pickers waving back as we rattled past—it all felt both slow and electric at once. By Mirissa beach on day seven I’d lost track of time entirely; sand everywhere, salt in my hair, sunset turning everything gold for a minute or two before dinner. The last morning came too soon—I still think about that view from our room in Ella when the light shifted blue just before dawn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Sigiriya

• Arrive at Bandaranaike Airport
• Meet THE VISIT LANKA representative
• Drive to Sigiriya
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (time permitting)
• Check-in at hotel in Sigiriya
• Relax at leisure

Day 2 — Explore Polonnaruwa and safari

• Drive to Polonnaruwa ancient city
• Explore Polonnaruwa ruins
• Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meal
• Go on safari tour
• Return to hotel in Sigiriya

Day 3 — Climb Sigiriya Rock and travel to Kandy

• Breakfast at hotel
• Climb Sigiriya Rock fortress
• Visit spice garden en route to Kandy
• Drive to Kandy
• Check-in at hotel in Kandy

Day 4 — Visit Kandy city and cultural sites

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
• Watch traditional Sri Lankan dance show
• Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 5 — Travel from Kandy to Ella

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Nuwara Eliya
• View waterfalls and tea plantations
• Visit tea estate and factory
• Take train or drive to Ella
• Overnight stay in Ella

Day 6 — Explore Ella and safari at Yala

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Little Adams Peak
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge
• Drive to Tissamaharama
• Lunch at hotel
• Safari tour at Yala National Park
• Overnight stay in Tissamaharama

Day 7 — Travel to Mirissa and beach time

• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive from Yala to Mirissa
• Enjoy Mirissa Beach and water activities
• Overnight stay in Mirissa

Day 8 — Departure from Mirissa to airport

• Breakfast at hotel
• Depart for Bandaranaike International Airport
• Arrive at airport for flight

Top questions

Is this Sri Lanka private tour suitable for families?

Yes, it includes infant seats and is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include hotel accommodation?

Yes, 7 nights’ accommodation are included based on your selected standard (budget to luxury).

Are meals provided during the tour?

The tour includes half-board (breakfast and dinner) at certified hotels; lunch is not always included but local options are available daily.

Is pickup from Colombo airport included?

Yes, pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport is included at arrival.

Will there be a private guide during sightseeing?

No private guide is provided; your certified chauffeur will share local insights throughout the journey.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, all vehicles are air-conditioned cars or vans with regular sanitization.

Can elderly travelers join this tour?

Yes; special care is given to elderly guests including help during climbs or alternative routes if needed.

Are entrance fees to attractions included?

No; entrance fees are not specified as included so expect to pay these separately during visits.

What’s included

Your days include airport pickup in Colombo by a certified chauffeur with an air-conditioned vehicle (car or van), seven nights’ stay in government-approved hotels with breakfast and dinner each day depending on your chosen comfort level, bottled water on drives, sanitizer always handy—and if you need baby seats or wheelchair access they’ve got that sorted too. No private guide—just your friendly driver sharing stories along every stretch of road.