Sri Lanka highlights in 7 days
One week is short for Sri Lanka, but it works if you know what to leave out. You sleep one or two nights in each place and see Sigiriya, Kandy, the tea hills, Ella and Galle.
Some days have four hours on the road. If you can add even two days, look at our 10-day trip.
Route
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival and drive to Sigiriya
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel near Sigiriya.
- Day 2
Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock early in the morning, then visit the cave temple of Dambulla. If you have energy left, add a jeep safari to see elephants in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Spices and the Temple of the Tooth
Drive to Kandy with a stop at a spice garden. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth.
- Day 4
Tea country
Climb into the hills past Ramboda Falls, visit a tea factory and stroll through Nuwara Eliya.
- Day 5
On to Ella
The hill-country railway was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and is being repaired in sections. Trains currently run from Nanu Oya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, one of the most beautiful parts of the line: your driver drops you at the station and meets you in Ella with your luggage. If the line from Kandy has reopened by your travel date, we can plan a longer train ride. In the afternoon: the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
- Day 6
Down to the sea
The longest drive of the trip takes you past Ravana Falls and down to the south coast. You arrive in time for a swim and sunset.
- Day 7
Galle Fort and departure
Visit Galle Fort, then drive to the airport for your flight.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car (usually a Toyota hybrid) with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Good 3-star hotels, double room with breakfast (4-star and 5-star on request)
- Fuel, parking, highway tolls, and your driver’s meals and lodging
- Drinking water in the car
- Support on WhatsApp in English and German throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Entrance tickets to sights and national parks
- Safari jeeps, boat trips and other optional activities
- Lunch and dinner
- Tips for your driver and guides
- Travel insurance
Prices are per person for 2 people sharing a room. They change with season, hotel level and group size. Your personal quote is final.
Make it yours
- Extend with beach days at the end
- Skip the south coast for shorter drives
- Upgrade hotels
Questions about this trip
Is one week in Sri Lanka worth it?
Make this trip yours
Send us your dates and wishes. You get the route with your hotels and a firm price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days
Other round trips
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, hills and coast
The best of the island in ten days: three nights in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella, a safari in Yala and a last night by the sea.
Sri Lanka in summer: round trip with the east coast
Built for the European summer holidays: the east coast is dry and the sea is calm, while the south-west has its monsoon.