7 days
Culture & tea country in 7 days
Ancient rock fortresses, the Temple of the Tooth and the train through the tea hills — a compact first taste of Sri Lanka.
© Bergentroll · CC0
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival and drive to the Cultural Triangle
Your driver meets you at the airport. Relax on the way and settle in among the forests near Sigiriya.
- Travel:
- About 4–5 hours by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 2
Sigiriya and an elephant safari
Climb Sigiriya early in the morning. In the afternoon, an optional jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla.
- Overnight
- Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 3
Dambulla cave temple and on to Kandy
Visit the painted caves of Dambulla, perhaps a spice garden on the way, and arrive in Kandy for the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth.
- Travel:
- About 3 hours by road with stops
- Overnight
- Overnight: Kandy
Day 4
Botanical gardens and up into the tea hills
Morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, then climb into the hills past waterfalls. Visit a tea factory near Nuwara Eliya.
- Travel:
- About 3–4 hours by road, or part of the way by train
- Overnight
- Overnight: Nuwara Eliya & tea country
Day 5
The train to Ella
Ride the most scenic part of the railway, from Nanu Oya to Ella. Your driver meets you at the station.
- Travel:
- About 3–4 hours by train, if reserved seats are available; otherwise by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Ella
Day 6
Ella at your own pace
Sunrise on Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arches Bridge and an afternoon to rest — or a guided hike to Ella Rock.
- Overnight
- Overnight: Ella
Day 7
Return to the airport
A long but scenic drive back. With a late flight this works well; otherwise we suggest a final night near the airport.
- Travel:
- About 5–7 hours by road
- Overnight
- Departure day