Sri Lanka Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Yala

More details for you on Sri Lanka Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Yala

Sri Lanka Holiday

9 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary featuring Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Yala. Stay in 4-Star and 5-Star hotels with Half Board dining included throughout, a private Car with Driver/Guide and entrance fees included. 

Experience the soul of Sri Lanka — a land where ancient kingdoms rise from lush jungles, misty tea mountains touch the clouds, and golden beaches are met by the Indian Ocean. This Sri Lanka Itinerary takes you across the island’s most captivating landscapes including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Colombo, Galle and Yala. 

With private transport, an expert driver–guide, and premium accommodation throughout, this Sri Lanka Holiday will be unforgettable. 

Highlights:

• Kandy: Journey to the sacred city of Kandy, the island’s cultural capital nestled among emerald hills. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine, and experience the city’s spiritual pulse.
• Nuwara Eliya: Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is enchanting with its colonial architecture, cool climate, and scenic beauty. Visit a tea factory, take a leisurely walk by Gregory Lake, and enjoy scenic view of gardens and mountain peaks.
• Yala: Yala is home to Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy a Jeep Safari in Yala National Park, where leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles roam freely among scrub forests and lagoons.

Travel Advisor Tip - why not pair your Sri Lanka holiday with a Golden Triangle Experience in India or a relaxing week in The Maldives! 

Sri Lanka Itinerary 

Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka | Negombo
Stay: Jetwing Sea – Negombo

Your trip begins on the sun-drenched west coast. Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, your private driver–guide will greet you and escort you to your seaside haven in Negombo — the Jetwing Sea, a contemporary resort blending coastal elegance with warm Sri Lankan hospitality.

Spend the day relaxing after your flight. Stroll along the golden sands of Negombo Beach, watch fishing boats return at sunset, or enjoy a leisurely swim in the Indian Ocean. In the evening, dine by the sea and taste the island’s renowned seafood.

Day 2–3 – The Cultural Heart | Sigiriya
Stay: Sigiriya Jungles – Sigiriya

Travel inland to the Cultural Triangle, where Sri Lanka’s most ancient treasures lie. Nestled amidst lush greenery, your hotel — Sigiriya Jungles — offers comfort surrounded by nature.

Embark on a climb up the world-famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a royal citadel. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views across the plains and forests below. Continue your exploration with a visit to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, where stone temples, ancient statues, and lotus ponds whisper stories of a glorious past.

In the afternoon, set out on an exhilarating Minneriya National Park Safari, renowned for the majestic “Gathering” — herds of wild elephants congregating near the reservoir. Witness this extraordinary sight in its natural splendor before returning to your resort for a peaceful evening.

Day 4 – Traditions of Kandy
Stay: Earls Regent – Kandy

Nestled among emerald hills and misty lakes, Kandy stands as the cultural soul of Sri Lanka. Once the seat of the island’s ancient kings, the city still beats with a deep sense of history and spirituality. At its centre lies the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites, surrounded by tranquil gardens and traditional architecture. Beyond its spiritual allure, Kandy enchants visitors with its serene lake views, colourful markets, and the rhythmic energy of Kandyan dance performances.

A visit here reveals not only the beauty of the city but also the heart of Sri Lanka’s living traditions — graceful, sacred, and timeless. Whislt in Kandy, be sure to enjoy a tranquil walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, home to over 4,000 species of tropical flora. In the evening, a traditional Kandyan dance performance will introduce you to the rhythmic heart of Sri Lanka’s heritage.

Day 5 – Serenity in the Tea Country | Nuwara Eliya
Stay: Araliya Green Hills – Nuwara Eliya

High in the central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is a world apart — a tranquil haven of rolling tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and colonial charm. Known affectionately as “Little England,” this cool-climate retreat is dotted with rose gardens, golf courses, and charming bungalows that echo its British heritage. Visitors can trace the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup at one of the region’s working tea factories, then enjoy a freshly brewed cup overlooking the lush plantations.

Stroll by the picturesque Gregory Lake, framed by mist-covered mountains, or simply breathe in the crisp highland air. Nuwara Eliya captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s natural grace — serene, scenic, and endlessly refreshing.

Day 6 – Scenic Splendour | Ella
Stay: Ekho Ella – Ella

Today, embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys — winding from Nuwara Eliya to Ella through misty valleys, waterfalls, and emerald-green hills.

Upon arrival, check into Ekho Ella, perched above a stunning valley. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial engineering, and take a short hike to Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views that capture the island’s soul.

Day 7 – Into the Wild | Yala National Park
Stay: Ekho Safari – Yala

On the southeastern coast lies Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife sanctuary and a paradise for nature lovers. Here, untamed beauty meets thrilling adventure. Set out on an open-top Jeep Safari through landscapes that shift from dry forests to shimmering lagoons, keeping an eye out for leopards, elephants, and sloth bears that roam freely in their natural habitat. Yala is one of the best places in Asia to spot these elusive big cats, and every safari feels like a genuine expedition into the wild.

Complement your experience with a visit to nearby Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with exotic birds and flamingos. A stay in Yala offers a rare connection with the wild — raw, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Return to your lakeside resort to unwind with serene views and delicious cuisine.

Day 8 – Heritage and Charm | Galle
Stay: Yara Galle – Galle

Journey along the southern coastline to the fortified city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history. Explore cobblestone streets, Dutch-era buildings, and stylish cafés within the old fort walls. Enjoy ocean views from the ramparts at sunset before retreating to your elegant boutique hotel, Yara Galle.

Day 9 – The Capital’s Vibrance | Colombo & Departure
Stay: Granbell – Colombo

Conclude your journey in Colombo, the island’s bustling capital where colonial charm meets modern sophistication. Visit local landmarks, boutique shops, and art galleries, or simply relax before your onward flight.

Your Experience Includes:

• Half Board throughout 
• Private Car with Professional Driver–Guide
• Sightseeing and Monument Entrance Fees
• Minneriya, Yala & Bundala National Park Safaris
• All Transfers and Scenic Drives

From ancient rock citadels and sacred temples to tea-clad hills and sun-kissed shores, this journey through Sri Lanka offers an experience of breathtaking diversity. Blending comfort, culture, and adventure, it is the perfect escape for those who wish to discover the island’s timeless beauty — in style.

All offers and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and our terms and conditions. Selected travel dates apply. Offers are based on maximum occupancy for accommodation and based on a per person price unless stated otherwise. Resort fees/entrance fees are not included.