A more compact eight-day itinerary covering Colombo, Kandy, tea country, Ella, a Yala safari and a south-coast beach finish. It is designed for travellers with limited time who still want a cross-section of Sri Lanka’s culture, highlands, wildlife and coastline.
Back to Round Tours
The Authentic Sri Lankan Experience
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 01
Colombo City Introduction
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo for a tour of city highlights, including Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple and the waterfront areas. Spend the evening at leisure at Galle Face Green, watching the sunset over the ocean. Overnight stay in Colombo.
2
Day 02
Kandy's Elephants & Temples
Enjoy a scenic journey towards Kandy, with an optional stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, then explore Kandy Lake and its surrounding local markets. Overnight stay in Kandy.
3
Day 03
Botanical Gardens & Tea Tastings
Travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, visiting Peradeniya Botanical Gardens along the way through tea plantations and mountain landscapes. Enjoy a tea factory visit and tasting, then explore Nuwara Eliya’s colonial landmarks at your own pace. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
4
Day 04
Rails & Ridges of Ella
Take the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, then visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Spend the rest of the day exploring Ella town and its surrounding viewpoints. Overnight stay in Ella.
5
Day 05
Peaks to Wild Yala
Visit Little Adam’s Peak and stop at Ravana Falls before transferring to Yala. In the evening, join a jeep safari at Yala National Park in search of leopards, elephants and other wildlife. Overnight stay near Yala.
6
Day 06
Bentota's Golden Shores
Enjoy a morning safari experience before travelling toward the southern coastline. Relax at Bentota beach, best visited December to April, unwinding after days of travel with sand, sun and calm waters. Overnight stay in Bentota.
7
Day 07
Galle Fort & River Safaris
Visit Galle Fort’s historic streets and ramparts, with an optional Madu River boat safari and turtle conservation experience adding a nature-focused touch. Spend the remaining time at leisure by the beach. Overnight stay in Bentota.
8
Day 08
Departure Day
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, concluding an eight-day journey through Colombo, Kandy, tea country, Ella and the south coast, a taste of Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and beaches.
Tour Highlights
- Colombo city highlights, including Independence Square and Galle Face Green
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake
- Tea factory visit and tasting in Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic train journey to Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak
- Evening jeep safari at Yala National Park
- Galle Fort visit and Bentota beach time
Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking chauffeur guide throughout the tour
- All accommodation as per the itinerary, on a bed & breakfast basis
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle throughout the tour
- Yala National Park jeep safari and entrance fees
- Reserved-seat train tickets to Ella
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and tips
- Travel insurance
Book This Package
Interested in the Pearl Escape? Reach out to discuss dates, group size or any customisations – we’ll handle the details.
Nights
07 Nights
Days
08 Days
Category
Tailor-Made for You
Your Journey, Your Way
No two travellers want the same trip. We design custom Sri Lanka itineraries around your dates, interests and pace building in the experiences that matter most to you.