Explore Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Yala on a private 7-day tour from Kosgoda or Bentota with chauffeur guide and hotels.
Discover some of Sri Lanka’s most famous cultural, scenic and wildlife destinations during a private seven-day journey from Kosgoda, Bentota or a nearby beach hotel.Explore Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, visit Kandy, travel through the central tea country to Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and finish with a wildlife safari in Yala National Park.Travel in a comfortable private vehicle with a chauffeur guide or private driver.
Tour Overview
The Sri Lanka Highlights 7-Day Tour is designed for travellers who want to experience a wide variety of Sri Lanka within one week.
The route combines:
The tour starts directly from Kosgoda, Bentota or another confirmed location and can return to the southern coast or finish at another suitable destination.
Seven days provide a comfortable balance between sightseeing and road travel while covering several of Sri Lanka’s main highlights.
Day 1: Southern Coast to Dambulla and Sigiriya
Your private driver or chauffeur guide will collect you from your hotel, villa or guesthouse at the confirmed time.
An early departure is recommended for the journey from the southern coast to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Breakfast, refreshment and comfort stops can be arranged along the way.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Visit the historic Dambulla Cave Temple, known for its Buddhist statues, murals and religious artwork.
The visit includes:
Guests should wear clothing covering the shoulders and knees.
Optional Village Experience
When time permits, add a local village experience featuring rural scenery, local cooking and traditional lifestyle activities.
Hotel Check-In
Continue to the selected hotel in Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana.
Overnight: Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 2: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
After breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore:
The summit climb includes many steps and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Guests who prefer less walking may explore the lower gardens without climbing to the top.
Lunch or Refreshment Stop
Stop at a suitable restaurant before continuing towards Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Explore the remains of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital.
Possible highlights include:
The site can be explored by vehicle with selected walking stops or, for active travellers, partly by bicycle.
Optional Minneriya or Kaudulla Safari
A wildlife safari may be added depending on available time and seasonal wildlife movement.
Adding a safari will create a full day, so the final programme should be planned carefully.
Return to Hotel
Return to the selected hotel in the Sigiriya or Habarana area.
Overnight: Sigiriya or Habarana
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 3: Sigiriya or Habarana to Kandy
After breakfast, check out and travel towards Kandy.
Optional Cultural or Local Stop
Depending on time, the journey may include:
Any commercial stop should be optional.
Arrival in Kandy
Begin the selected Kandy sightseeing programme.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist religious sites.
Guests should:
Kandy Lake
Enjoy a scenic drive or short walk around Kandy Lake.
Kandy Viewpoint
Stop at a viewpoint overlooking the city and surrounding hills.
Optional Cultural Dance Show
A cultural performance may be added in the evening, subject to timing and availability.
Hotel Check-In
Check in at the selected hotel in Kandy.
Overnight: Kandy
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, continue selected sightseeing in Kandy.
Optional Royal Botanical Garden
Visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya when selected.
The garden requires a reasonable amount of walking.
Journey Through the Tea Country
Leave Kandy and travel into Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
Ramboda Falls
Stop at a suitable viewpoint near Ramboda Falls.
Tea Plantation
Enjoy views across tea-covered hills and valleys.
Tea Factory Visit
Visit a selected tea factory and learn about:
Factory operating schedules may vary.
Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing
Possible stops include:
Hotel Check-In
Check in at the selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
After breakfast, continue through the hill country.
Optional Victoria Park
Visit Victoria Park when selected and when time permits.
Optional Scenic Train Journey
When suitable tickets are available, a scenic train journey may be included from Nanu Oya towards Ella.
Your private driver can continue by road with the luggage and meet you at the destination.
Train tickets are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until successfully reserved.
If tickets are unavailable, the journey continues by private vehicle.
Arrival in Ella
Arrive in Ella and begin selected sightseeing.
Nine Arch Bridge
Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge surrounded by green hills and forest.
The standard route includes walking on uneven paths.
An easier viewing option may be considered for guests with mobility concerns.
Ella Town
Enjoy time for refreshments, shopping or relaxed sightseeing.
Hotel Check-In
Check in at the selected hotel in Ella.
Overnight: Ella
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 6: Ella to Yala
After breakfast, explore more of Ella before travelling to Yala.
Ravana Falls
Stop at Ravana Falls.
Guests should remain within safe viewing areas and avoid climbing on slippery rocks.
Optional Little Adam’s Peak
Travellers who enjoy walking may add Little Adam’s Peak.
This activity is optional and includes slopes and steps.
Optional Ella Experiences
Depending on available time, guests may add:
Journey to Yala
Travel from the hill country towards Tissamaharama, Kirinda or the Yala region.
Hotel Check-In
Check in at the selected hotel and rest before the following morning’s safari.
Overnight: Tissamaharama or Yala area
Meal Plan: According to the selected package
Day 7: Yala Safari and Return to the Southern Coast
Wake early and travel to the confirmed Yala National Park entrance.
Yala National Park Safari
Meet your safari-jeep driver and enter the park.
Wildlife that may be seen includes:
Specific wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed and depend on animal movements, weather and park conditions.
Return to the Hotel
Return to the hotel for breakfast, luggage collection or check-out when required.
Return to Kosgoda or Bentota
Travel back to the southern coast.
Drop-off can be arranged in:
Alternative Tour Endings
The tour can finish in:
The final route can be adjusted around the guest’s onward travel plans.
Alternative Tour Options
Option 1: Add Anuradhapura
Extend the tour to eight days and include Anuradhapura Ancient City.
Option 2: Add Udawalawe
Include Udawalawe National Park as a second wildlife destination.
Option 3: Replace Yala with Udawalawe
Travellers mainly interested in elephants may choose Udawalawe instead of Yala.
Option 4: More Time in Ella
Add another night in Ella for hiking, adventure activities or a slower travel pace.
Option 5: Beach Extension
Finish the tour in Tangalle, Mirissa or Galle for an additional beach stay.
Chauffeur Guide and Driver Services
A chauffeur guide may assist with:
Specialised heritage or wildlife guides can be arranged separately when requested.
Transport-Only Option
Guests who have booked their own hotels may request transport-only service.
This option is suitable for travellers who:
Recommended Items
Recommended items for the tour include:
Physical Requirements and Mobility
This tour includes a mixture of cultural sightseeing, walking, climbing, road travel and safari travel.
Possible physical requirements include:
The itinerary can be adjusted by:
Guests should provide details about mobility limitations or other health concerns before booking so the itinerary can be planned appropriately.
Plan your perfect Sri Lanka journey with flexible private tours, instant assistance, and trusted local travel experts.
Suggested Route
The suggested route is Kosgoda or Bentota → Dambulla → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Yala → Southern beach hotel.
Recommended Overnight Stays
Transport Options
Starting Locations
Private pickup can be arranged from:
The tour can also start from Colombo Airport, Colombo, Galle or another confirmed location.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation can be arranged according to the guest’s preferred category.
Possible options include:
Guests may choose:
Final hotel selection depends on travel dates and availability.
Meal-Plan Options
Hotels may be arranged with:
Please provide details about:
Meals outside the confirmed meal plan may be paid for directly.
Vehicle Options
Private Car
Suitable for:
Mini Van
Suitable for:
Larger Passenger Van
Suitable for:
Final vehicle selection depends on passenger numbers and luggage requirements.
Wildlife and Safari Safety
Guests should follow responsible wildlife-viewing practices throughout the safari:
Wildlife welfare and guest safety should always come before close sightings or photographs.
The summit climb is optional and physically demanding.
The archaeological site covers a large area and can be explored using the private vehicle between major stops.
Train seats are subject to availability.
No specific wildlife sighting can be guaranteed.
Conditions vary significantly between the Cultural Triangle, hill country and Yala.
Driving times depend on traffic, road conditions and weather.
Hotel prices and availability may change until booking confirmation.
Yes. Bentota and Kosgoda are our main pickup areas.
Yes. The route can be adjusted according to the arrival time.
Yes. We recommend the eight-day Sri Lanka Discovery Tour.
Yes. Minneriya or Kaudulla can be added according to wildlife conditions.
No. Guests may explore only the lower gardens.
Yes. The private vehicle can be used between major sites.
Yes, subject to ticket availability.
No. It is optional.
No. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. The itinerary can be customised.
Yes. The final drop-off can be arranged there.
Yes, depending on the flight schedule.
Yes. Activities can be adjusted according to the children’s ages.
Yes. The itinerary can be modified to reduce walking and climbing.
Yes. Transport-only service is available.
They may be included or quoted separately. The final quotation will clearly explain this.
Yes. The next recommended itinerary is the Sri Lanka Discovery 8-Day Tour.
Plan your perfect Sri Lanka journey with flexible private tours, instant assistance, and trusted local travel experts.
