The Island of a Thousand Views
Package 04 Popular Tours 5 Nights / 6 Days

The Island of a Thousand Views

Six days of Sri Lanka's best views: Kandy, the tea highlands, the famous train to Ella and a beach finish in Bentota.

See the day-by-day plan
Duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Best for
Travellers from India
Pace
Active
Best time to travel
Nov – Apr
Starts & ends
Bandaranaike International Airport

The journey at a glance

Overview

Sri Lanka's best views in six days: Colombo, Kandy, the tea highlands, the train to Ella and a beach finish at Bentota, with time for shopping before the flight home.

  1. Colombo1 night
  2. Kandy1 night
  3. Nuwara Eliya1 night
  4. Ella1 night
  5. Bentota1 night
  6. DepartFly home

Who this journey suits

A short 5-night best-of with cool tea country, the famous train, a beach finish and Colombo shopping, plus Jain/vegetarian meals. Easy for India's short-break travellers.

Tour highlights

  • Sunset on Galle Face Green, Colombo
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake
  • Tea plantation and factory visit
  • Gregory Lake stroll or boating in Nuwara Eliya
  • Scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella
  • Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls
  • Galle Fort's ramparts and lighthouse
  • Bentota beach sunset and shopping in Colombo

6 days, paced for real travel

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Arrive BIA → Colombo
    Colombo

    Day 1: Day 1

    Arrive BIA → Colombo

    Travel
    ~1 hr airport transfer
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Colombo
    • MorningArrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo.
    • AfternoonCheck in to a city hotel and rest.
    • EveningSunset walk at Galle Face Green. Optional street food (Jain-friendly options on request).

    Sample hotels: Cinnamon Grand · Taj Samudra (or similar)

  2. Colombo → Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 2: Day 2

    Colombo → Kandy

    Travel
    ~3.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon after check-in
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningScenic drive to Kandy.
    • AfternoonCheck in at a hill-country hotel, then a relaxed walk around Kandy Lake.
    • EveningTemple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Optional cultural dance performance.

    Sample hotels: Earl's Regency · Cinnamon Citadel · Amaya Hills (or similar)

  3. Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
    Nuwara Eliya

    Day 3: Day 3

    Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

    Travel
    ~2.5–3 hrs drive
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Nuwara Eliya
    • MorningDrive into tea country.
    • AfternoonTea plantation and factory visit on the way.
    • EveningGregory Lake stroll or boating.

    Sample hotels: Araliya Green Hills · The Grand Hotel (or similar)

  4. Nanu Oya → Ella (train)
    Ella

    Day 4: Day 4

    Nanu Oya → Ella (train)

    Travel
    ~3–3.5 hrs train
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningTransfer to Nanu Oya station and board the scenic train through tea estates, tunnels and waterfalls.
    • AfternoonNine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · Newburgh Ella · EKHO Ella (or similar)

  5. Ella → Galle → Bentota
    Bentota

    Day 5: Day 5

    Ella → Galle → Bentota

    Travel
    ~6 hrs drive + ~1.5 hrs at Galle Fort (long day)
    Free time
    Limited: a long travel day
    Overnight
    Bentota
    • MorningEarly departure via the Southern Expressway.
    • AfternoonStop at Galle Fort: ramparts, lighthouse and boutique streets.
    • EveningArrive in Bentota for sunset on the beach.

    Sample hotels: Cinnamon Bentota Beach · Taj Bentota · Avani Bentota (or similar)

  6. Bentota → Colombo → Depart
    Departure day

    Day 6: Day 6

    Bentota → Colombo → Depart

    Travel
    ~1.5–2 hrs to Colombo + ~1 hr to the airport
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Departure
    • MorningLeisure, or an optional Madu River boat safari or turtle hatchery visit.
    • AfternoonShopping in Colombo: One Galle Face Mall, local markets, tea boutiques, gems and souvenirs.
    • EveningTransfer to the airport for departure.

    No overnight: departure day

Chosen for character and comfort

Hotels at a glance

LocationNightsDaysSample hotels (or similar)
Colombo1Day 01Cinnamon Grand · Taj Samudra
Kandy1Day 02Earl's Regency · Cinnamon Citadel · Amaya Hills
Nuwara Eliya1Day 03Araliya Green Hills · The Grand Hotel
Ella1Day 0498 Acres Resort & Spa · Newburgh Ella · EKHO Ella
Bentota1Day 05Cinnamon Bentota Beach · Taj Bentota · Avani Bentota
Total55 nights / 6 days

Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide (other languages on request)
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar, with daily breakfast
  • Airport meet & greet and private transfers
  • Fuel, parking, highway tolls and your guide's meals and lodging
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 local support throughout your journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka visa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and train tickets, unless your quote includes them
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera and video permits at some sites
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, early check-in, late check-out and personal expenses

Good to know

  • Vegetarian and Jain meals can be arranged at all hotels on request.
  • Day 05 is a long travel day; leave Ella by 7:30 AM.
  • Reserved and observation seats on the hill-country train sell out. Book as soon as dates are confirmed.
  • Temple visits: shoulders and knees covered; shoes and hats off at shrines.
  • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and photo stops.
  • Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

Day tours on this route

Each of these days is also available on its own.

Galle Fort and Southern Coast Heritage TourMadu River Safari and Turtle ConservationKandy TourElla Highlights Day Tour

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