Sri Lanka: 9-Day Tour Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella & Galle Fort

Summary

Train rides, ancient temples and wild elephants in Sri Lanka

You’ll feel Sri Lanka’s rhythm from Negombo’s lively markets to sunrise over Ella’s hills. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress with your guide, sip fresh Ceylon tea in misty plantations, spot elephants on safari and wander Galle Fort at dusk — all with easy hotel pickups and comfort throughout.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the salty air in Negombo — not just the beach itself, but the way it clung to my skin after a long flight. Our driver, Sunil, grinned when I asked if people ever get used to the fish market smell. “Never,” he said, laughing. That morning we wandered through rows of silver fish glinting in the sun and watched women haggle with a kind of gentle ferocity I wish I could pull off. Later on the lagoon boat ride, mangroves closed around us so tight it felt like another world entirely. The birds were louder than I expected.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress was… well, I still don’t know how they built that thing. We started early (Sunil’s advice), but by halfway up my shirt was sticking to my back from the heat. The view at the top made me forget all about it — green stretching out forever, monkeys darting between trees below. Afterward, we tried a local lunch in a village; I attempted to stir coconut sambol and got rice everywhere. The cook just winked and handed me more chilies. Later that afternoon we bounced around Minneriya in a jeep — seeing elephants up close is different than any zoo or documentary; there’s this hush when they appear that made even Sunil go quiet for a minute.

Kandy felt busier somehow — maybe it was the drumming from the cultural show echoing down side streets or maybe just all those tuk-tuks weaving past fruit stalls. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic had this scent of incense and old stone; people moved slowly inside, some whispering prayers under their breath. At Peradeniya Gardens I lost track of time watching giant bats hang upside down (and yes, one dropped something on my shoe). The train ride up into hill country was all misty windows and flashes of tea fields — locals waved as we rattled past little stations painted blue and green.

I’m not really a morning person but dragging myself out for sunrise at Ella’s hilltop was worth it — cool air on my face and everything turning gold for a few minutes before breakfast. Down in Galle later that week we walked along the fort walls at sunset; kids played cricket below while tourists snapped photos above them. There was this tiny café where I tried hoppers with spicy sambol — still crave them sometimes when I’m back home staring at cold cereal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and transfer to Negombo

• Receive at Colombo airport
• Transfer to hotel in Negombo
• Relax at Negombo beach

Day 2 — Explore Negombo and travel to Sigiriya

• Visit Negombo fish market
• Boat tour on Dutch tunnel
• Tour traditional Sri Lankan village
• Enjoy local cookery demonstration and lunch
• Travel to Sigiriya

Day 3 — Sigiriya fortress and safari tour

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress early
• Visit nearby historical rock
• Experience traditional Ayurveda wellness
• Safari at Minneriya National Park

Day 4 — Dambulla caves and travel to Kandy

• Visit local farmers market
• Explore Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit spice garden in Mathale
• Attend Kandy cultural show
• Travel to Kandy

Day 5 — Sightseeing in Kandy city

• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Walk in Kandy forest reserve
• Explore Kandy market
• Visit gem museum
• Visit war cemetery
• Relax at botanical gardens
• Tour batik industry
• Visit Arthur's seat viewpoint
• Walk around Kandy lake

Day 6 — Hill country and scenic train journey

• Visit tea estate and factory
• See Ramboda Falls
• Explore Nuwara Eliya city
• Visit Gregory Lake park
• Take scenic train from Nanuoya to Ella
• Transfer to hotel in Ella
• Evening in Ella town

Day 7 — Explore Ella and travel to Galle

• Visit hilltop for sunrise
• See Nine Arch Bridge
• Visit Ravana Falls
• Hike to Ella viewpoint (optional)
• Travel to Galle
• Check in beach hotel in Galle

Day 8 — Whale watching and beach time

• Early morning whale watching at Mirissa
• Relax at Unawatuna beach
• Visit Galle Fort at sunset

Day 9 — Departure and Colombo city visit

• Visit reptile park in Galle
• Tour Colombo city highlights
• Transfer to Colombo airport or hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Sri Lanka tour?

Yes, airport pickup and drop-off are included along with all transfers between destinations.

How many nights does this tour cover?

The tour covers 8 nights across several cities including Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and Galle.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Daily breakfast is included at each hotel plus one complimentary Sri Lankan lunch during the village visit.

Is there a local guide throughout?

Yes, you’ll have a chauffeur-guide with strong local knowledge staying at your hotels throughout the trip.

Does this itinerary include entrance fees?

Entry fees are generally covered for main attractions as part of your package; check details for specifics.

Is there a scenic train journey included?

Yes, reserved seats are booked for you on the famous train ride from Nanuoya to Ella through hill country.

What wildlife experiences are part of this tour?

A safari in Minneriya is included where you can see wild elephants; whale watching is also possible near Galle depending on season.

Are accommodations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most hotels are wheelchair accessible; specialized infant seats are also available if needed.

What’s included

Your journey includes private airport pickup and drop-off plus comfortable transport between all stops with an experienced chauffeur-guide who stays with you throughout. Accommodation is always in 3-star+ hotels (with WiFi and pools), daily breakfast is provided along with bottled water and reserved scenic train tickets from Nanuoya to Ella. You’ll also enjoy a traditional lunch during your village visit before heading back each evening to relax by the pool or beach.