Ceylan Highlights Explorer

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A nine-day tour that builds on the classic Sigiriya-Kandy-Ella circuit with a proper introduction to Colombo, a Galle Fort exploration, and a relaxed coastal finale in Bentota. The routing allows for a Colombo shopping stop on the return leg – practical for travellers departing from Bandaranaike.

Best For: Asian market travellers wanting to add a coastal experience and Colombo orientation to the classic highland circuit

Route: Colombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Galle → Bentota → Colombo

Day 01

Arrival in Colombo

Airport transfer to Colombo. Evening city walk along Galle Face Green, Dutch Hospital precinct exploration, and street food tasting.

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Travel Time

Day 02

Colombo to Sigiriya

Drive to Sigiriya. Afternoon village experience with bullock cart ride, canoe crossing, and farming interaction. Sunset at leisure in jungle surroundings.

Distance:~175 km

Travel Time~4.5 hours (excluding sightseeing stops)

Day 03

Sigiriya Heritage Exploration

Early morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Afternoon village cooking demonstration and chena farming experience. Optional sunset safari drive.

Distance:

Travel Time

Day 04

Sigiriya to Kandy

Drive to Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Evening cultural dance show and lake promenade.

Distance:~95 km

Travel Time~3 hours (excluding sightseeing stops)

Day 05

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Scenic drive through waterfalls and tea estates to Nuwara Eliya. Tea plantation and factory visit with tasting. Gregory Lake and colonial town walk.

Distance:~80 km

Travel Time~3 hours (excluding tea plantation, waterfall or sightseeing stops)

Day 06

Nuwara Eliya to Ella by Scenic Train

Transfer to Nanu Oya. Train journey through tea fields, tunnels, and mountains to Ella. Visit Nine Arches Bridge and hike to Little Adam’s Peak.

Distance:~60 km by train

Travel Time~3–4 hours by scenic train (plus the short transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Nanu Oya Station)

Day 07

Ella to Galle

Morning hike or Ravana Falls visit. Drive to Galle. Explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort including the ramparts, lighthouse, colonial cafés, and boutique streets.

Distance:~235 km

Travel Time~6 hours (excluding sightseeing or coastal stops)

Day 08

Galle to Bentota

Drive to Bentota. Lagoon safari boat ride, mangrove exploration, and optional water sports. Beach leisure and sunset walk.

Distance:~75 km

Travel Time~2 hours (excluding coastal sightseeing stops)

Day 09

Bentota to Colombo & Departure

Morning beach time. Drive to Colombo with shopping opportunities at local markets, Odel, Arcade Independence Square, or Pettah Market depending on departure timing. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.

Distance:~85 km

Travel Time~2.5 hours (excluding Colombo sightseeing, shopping and airport check-in)

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Inclusions

Private airport transfers
Private transport throughout
English-speaking chauffeur guide
Accommodation as specified
All guided visits and entrance fees
Scenic train journey
Welcome dinner
Bottled water throughout

Exclusions

International airfare
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Meals not specified
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities