6 days · from $690
Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast
Explore Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, Bentota and Colombo on a private 6-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural sites, hill country, wildlife areas and southern coast.
Tour overview
See several sides of Sri Lanka in 6 days and 5 nights. This private tour travels from the cultural city of Kandy through the cool hill country and Ella, then continues to Yala, Galle, Bentota and Colombo.
The route includes important temples, botanical gardens, waterfalls, tea country, a Yala jeep safari, a river boat ride and time beside the sea. You will stay for one night in Kandy, one night in Nuwara Eliya, one night near Yala and two nights in Bentota.
Tour highlights
Visit Pinnawala on the way from the airport to Kandy.
See the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
Travel through Ramboda and visit a hill-country tea centre.
Walk to Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge in Ella.
Take one jeep safari in Yala National Park.
Explore the ramparts and old streets of Galle Fort.
Relax in Bentota and take a boat ride on the Madu River.
Visit Gangaramaya Temple, Beira Lake and Galle Face Green in Colombo.
Practical information
This is an active itinerary with several long drives and short walks. A morning arrival on Day 1 and an evening departure on Day 6 are recommended if you want to complete every listed stop. Daily times may change because of flight schedules, traffic, weather, park operations and opening hours.
Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge have uneven paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples should cover their shoulders and knees and remove shoes when required. Swimming and water activities in Bentota depend on sea conditions.
Travel with care
We use a private vehicle suited to the group size and support local services where practical. Guests are asked to respect temple customs, avoid disturbing animals and follow all national park rules. Wildlife sightings in Yala and animal routines at Pinnawala can never be guaranteed.
Gallery
Highlights
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel for the planned route
- English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour
- German, Japanese or Malay guide support on advance request and subject to availability
- 5 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Airport pickup on Day 1 and airport or Colombo hotel drop-off on Day 6
- Admission to Pinnawala, the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and Gangaramaya Temple
- One Yala National Park jeep safari with park and jeep fees
- Madu River boat ride
- Traditional Kandyan dance show ticket
- Drinking water provided daily
- Parking charges, applicable taxes and trip support
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Airport Arrival, Pinnawala and Kandy
Meet your driver-guide at Bandaranaike International Airport and begin the drive to Kandy. Stop at Pinnawala to see the elephants from the designated visitor areas and learn about the centre. Feeding, bathing and river routines are controlled by the centre and may change. Continue to Kandy, check in and attend the included Kandyan cultural dance show in the evening. This full plan requires a morning arrival. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 2
Kandy, Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites, and take a short walk beside Kandy Lake. Continue to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens to see its palms, orchids and tropical plants. Travel into the hills with a stop at Ramboda Falls and visit a tea centre for an introduction to tea making and a tasting. Factory activity depends on the operating day. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and stay overnight.
Day 3
Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Yala Area
Begin with a short stop at Gregory Lake and see the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office from outside. Drive through the hill country to Ella. Walk to Little Adam’s Peak for wide views, then visit Nine Arch Bridge. The paths can be steep, wet or uneven. Stop at Ravana Falls before continuing to Tissamaharama or another hotel near Yala. Overnight near Yala.
Day 4
Yala Safari, Galle Fort and Bentota
Leave early for the included jeep safari in Yala National Park. Look for elephants, deer, crocodiles, monkeys and birds while following park rules. Leopards live in the park, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. After the safari, drive west along the southern coast and explore the ramparts, lighthouse area and historic streets of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Continue to Bentota for check-in and an evening at leisure. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 5
Bentota Villages, Beach and Madu River
Explore the Bentota area at a relaxed pace. See paddy fields near Katukoliha Temple, visit Mullegoda Temple and stop near Dedduwa Lake. An optional bicycle ride can be arranged, but bicycle hire is not included. Spend time on Bentota Beach, where swimming is possible only when sea conditions are safe. Later, take the included Madu River boat ride through mangroves and around small islands near Balapitiya. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 6
Colombo City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, drive to Colombo. Visit Gangaramaya Temple and the Beira Lake area, walk along the Galle Face Green seafront and see the restored Old Colombo Dutch Hospital precinct. Finish with a transfer to a Colombo hotel or Bandaranaike International Airport. An evening flight is recommended; the city route will be shortened if an earlier departure requires it.
Google Maps route
Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast driving route
Quick answers
How many days is the Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast?
This private package is designed as 6 days, covering key Sri Lanka regions. You can request a shorter or longer version when you enquire.
How much does the Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast cost?
Published from prices: 2 travellers sharing USD 690 Starting price per person in a shared twin or double room. The final quote depends on travel dates and availability.. Starting from USD 690. Final quote confirmed when you enquire.
What is included in Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast?
Expect a private chauffeur vehicle and a paced route featuring Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel for the planned route. Exact tickets and optional activities are confirmed when you request the tour.
When is the best time for Sri Lanka 6-Day Tour (5 Nights) – Highlands, Wildlife and Coast?
Sri Lanka is year-round if you match coasts to the monsoon. Explore Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, Bentota and Colombo on a private 6-day journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural sites, hill country, wildlife areas and southern coast.