Sri Lanka7 days
Sri Lanka: Kandy, Highlands & Coast — 7 Days
Temple, tea estates, and coastal exploration across central highlands and western beaches
This seven-day itinerary moves from Colombo through Sri Lanka's cultural heartland to the hill country and back to the coast. The route begins in Kandy, the island's second-largest city and former royal capital, situated at 465 meters elevation in the central highlands. From there, travelers board a railway line to Ella, traveling through tea plantations and mountain terrain. The journey concludes with time at Negombo Beach on the western coast before returning to the airport. Accommodations range from a riverside villa near Colombo to heritage properties in Kandy and a tea estate resort in Ella, with a final night at a beachfront hotel. All transfers include an English-speaking driver, and guided activities cover the Temple of the Tooth, local exploration, and water-based recreation.
Highlights
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy — the primary Buddhist shrine housing Sri Lanka's most sacred relic
- Peradeniya to Ella railway journey — a 6-hour crossing through tea estates, tunnels, and mountain villages
- Tea estate stay and surroundings at 98 Acres Resort in Ella
- Kandy city walking tour including the Royal Botanical Garden vicinity and lake surroundings
- White-water rafting on the Kelani River near Negombo
- Beach time at Negombo
Day by day
1Arrival in Colombo and transfer to KaleliyaColombo International Airport · Casa Heliconia in Kaleliya
The journey begins with arrival at Colombo International Airport. A driver meets guests in the arrival lounge and transfers them to Casa Heliconia in Kaleliya, approximately one hour south of the airport. The remainder of the day allows time to settle into the accommodation and rest after travel.
2Kandy — cultural capital and former royal residenceKandy · Kandy House · Colombo to Kandy
A two-and-a-half-hour drive northward leads to Kandy, situated 115 kilometers from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level. The city served as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and remains its principal cultural and religious center. The afternoon allows time to orient to the town and hotel surroundings. Accommodation is at Kandy House, a heritage property in the city center.
3Temple of the Tooth and Kandy city walking tourTemple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy · central district, Kandy · lake adjacent to the main shrine, Kandy
A guided walking tour covers the central district and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy's principal Buddhist shrine. The temple complex, positioned north of the lake, is distinguished by its golden roof and houses the tooth of the Buddha — Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The tooth itself is kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), enclosed within a series of six nested dagoba caskets of diminishing size. The room containing the tooth opens to visitors and devotees during puja (prayer and offering ceremonies), though the relic remains within its caskets and is not directly visible. The full complex encompasses numerous additional temples, shrines, and small museums spread across a substantial area. The tour allows time to visit these secondary sites and walk around the lake adjacent to the main shrine.
4Train journey from Peradeniya to Ella through the highlandsPeradeniya to Ella · Kandy to Peradeniya Railway Station · dining compartments · 98 Acres Resort
Travel by road from Kandy to Peradeniya Railway Station, followed by a scenic train crossing to Ella. The six-hour journey traverses tea plantations, numerous mountain tunnels, farming settlements, and mixed forest zones. Two dining compartments serve food and beverages during the passage. The train arrives in Ella in late afternoon. Accommodation is at 98 Acres Resort, a property situated on a tea estate at elevation.
5Rest and dine at 98 Acres Resort98 Acres Resort · tea estate surroundings
Breakfast at the hotel, then a free day to visit the tea estate surroundings. Evening candlelit dinner with champagne, followed by overnight stay at the resort.
6Negombo and Kelani River RaftingNegombo · Kelani River · Jetwing Beach
A six-hour drive leads to Negombo on Sri Lanka's western coast. White-water rafting on the Kelani River follows, passing through forest and agricultural terrain. Overnight at Jetwing Beach.
7Departure from ColomboNegombo to Colombo International Airport
A twenty-minute transfer from Negombo to Colombo International Airport concludes the itinerary.
Where you go
- 1Kandy
- 2Negombo
Included
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels
- Meals as per mentioned meal plans
- Air conditioned transfers with an English speaking chauffeur guide
- All mentioned activities and park entrance fees
- Accommodation and meals For 2 Adults)
- 1 night in Pagoda Gold or Temple Angkor at Casa Heliconia on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Black Rajah room at Kandy House on Half Board Basis
- 2 nights in Honeymoon Suite at 98 Acres Resort on Half Board Basis
- 1 night in a suite room at Jetwing Beach on Half board basis