Sri Lanka 8-Day Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Yala with Driver

Summary

From Sigiriya’s ancient rock to tea hills and wild elephants

You’ll land in Colombo and travel across Sri Lanka with your own driver—climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ride trains through misty tea country, spot elephants in Yala, taste real home-cooked curry. Every day brings new faces and flavors—and you might find yourself missing it before you’ve even left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of jasmine when we landed in Colombo—someone handed me a garland and I just stood there blinking, not quite awake after the flight. Our driver, Sunil, waved us over with this wide grin and somehow made us feel like we already belonged here. The drive north to Sigiriya was long but oddly calming; the windows fogged up from the AC and outside it was all green fields and the occasional cow wandering where it pleased. I kept thinking: so this is Sri Lanka.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress was harder than I’d expected (my legs still remind me), but the view at the top—misty trees stretching forever—was worth every step. Sunil told us stories about ancient kings as we caught our breath. Later that day in Polonnaruwa, we wandered among old stone ruins while a group of schoolkids practiced their English on us (“Where you from?”). Lunch was rice and curry at a roadside spot—spicy enough to make me sweat, but so good I finished every bite.

There was this moment on the train from Kandy to Ella when everything slowed down—the hills rolled by in layers of green and tea pickers waved back at us. I tried to snap photos but mostly just stared out the window. In Ella, rain hit the tin roof at night so hard it drowned out my thoughts (in a good way). We hiked Little Adam’s Peak in light drizzle; my shoes were soaked but honestly, I didn’t care.

I still think about Yala—the sudden hush right before a herd of elephants crossed our path during the jeep safari. Our guide whispered something about luck and I believed him for a second. Mirissa felt softer somehow: lazy breakfasts by the sea, salty air sticking to my skin. Leaving felt weirdly heavy; Sunil dropped us at Colombo airport with another smile and a “come back soon,” which actually made me want to.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Sigiriya

• Arrive at Bandaranaike Airport
• Meet tour representative
• Receive garland of flowers
• Drive to Habarana
• Check in at hotel in Sigiriya
• Relax at leisure

Day 2 — Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

• Have breakfast at hotel
• Visit archaeological city Polonnaruwa
• Have lunch
• Drive to Minneriya National Park
• See wild elephants
• Return to hotel in Sigiriya

Day 3 — Sigiriya to Kandy via attractions

• Have breakfast at hotel
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Optional village tour
• Visit spice garden
• Visit Hindu temple in Matale
• Drive to Kandy
• Check in at hotel in Kandy

Day 4 — Kandy city sightseeing

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

Day 5 — Scenic train to Ella

• Have breakfast at hotel
• Take train from Kandy to Ella
• Enjoy scenic views
• Check in at hotel in Ella

Day 6 — Ella to Yala via waterfalls

• Have breakfast at hotel
• 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

• Have breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Mirissa
• Check in at hotel in Mirissa

Day 8 — Departure from Mirissa

• Have breakfast at hotel
• Drive to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Catch departure flight

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Sri Lanka tour?

Yes, airport pickup is included when you arrive in Colombo.

How many days does this Sri Lanka classic tour last?

The tour lasts 8 days with 7 nights of hotel accommodation.

Are meals included during the trip?

Lunch is included each day along with coffee or tea.

Do I get a private driver for the whole trip?

Yes, you’ll have a private driver-guide throughout your journey.

Is Wi-Fi available during travel?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided in your vehicle during the tour.

What kind of hotels are offered?

You can choose from budget/economy to standard or luxury hotels depending on preference.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, vehicles are wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

Does this tour include visits to national parks?

Yes, you’ll visit Minneriya for wild elephants and go on safari in Yala.

What’s included

Your trip includes airport pickup and drop-off, all ground transport by air-conditioned private vehicle with free Wi-Fi throughout, daily lunch plus coffee or tea breaks, entry fees for main sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Yala safari, seven nights’ hotel accommodation (from budget up to luxury), bottled water each day—and your own licensed driver-guide who’ll help with everything along the way.