Cultural Triangle & Hill Country
Photo: Dylan Shaw / Unsplash
A classic first journey through Sri Lanka's ancient cities and cool tea country, with a private driver throughout. Climb Sigiriya at sunrise, explore the Dambulla cave temples, spend an evening in Kandy and ride the hill-country train to Ella. Every day can be adjusted to your interests and pace.
Suggested itinerary
A starting point. We can change the order, add nights or swap stops.
Day 1, overnight in Sigiriya
Arrival and drive to Sigiriya
Meet your driver at the airport and travel north to the Cultural Triangle.
Day 2, overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya and Pidurangala
An early climb of the rock fortress, with the afternoon free, a village visit or a jeep safari.
Day 3, overnight in Kandy
Dambulla to Kandy
Visit the Dambulla cave temples and a spice garden, then continue to Kandy.
Day 4, overnight in Kandy
Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth, the Peradeniya botanic gardens and an evening cultural show.
Day 5, overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Into tea country
Drive up through waterfalls and tea estates to Nuwara Eliya, with a tea factory visit.
Day 6, overnight in Ella
The train to Ella
Ride the hill-country train while your driver meets you in Ella. Evening at Nine Arches Bridge.
Day 7
Little Adam's Peak and departure
A short sunrise hike, then the drive back to the airport or on to the coast.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Driver's meals and accommodation
Not included
- International flights
- Accommodation unless arranged in your quotation
- Entrance tickets
- Meals
- Personal expenses and tips
Optional extras
Reserved train seats
Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella, subject to availability
Jeep safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla
Elephant gathering, roughly July to October
