7-Day Sri Lanka Hill Country Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe & Mirissa
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with basic fitness: able to handle multiple 2–4 hour drives, a few short hikes with stair sections and moderate elevation gain.
Overview
Traverse Sri Lanka’s dramatic interior on a 7‑day private tour that pairs ancient sites, a legendary hill‑country train ride, tea‑estate panoramas and an elephant safari—finishing with beach time on the south coast. Practical transfers and a local chauffeur‑guide keep the focus on sightlines, culture and wildlife.
7-Day Sri Lanka Hill Country Tour: Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe & Mirissa
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You step off the short flight into humid air that smells of wet earth and coconut fire—Bandaranaike International hums with engines and palm trees. Within an hour you’re in an air‑conditioned vehicle, and the island’s contradictions arrive fast: scrubby plains rolling into red‑rock outcrops, jungle giving way to tea terraces that climb like green stairs. This 6‑night, 7‑day loop stitches together the island’s most cinematic scenes—Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress, Kandy’s ornate Temple of the Tooth, the steam‑soft train ride into Nuwara Eliya, the wind‑cut ridges around Ella, an elephant encounter in Udawalawe, and a final unwind on Mirissa’s southern shore.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for Ella Rock
Begin the Ella Rock hike before 8 a.m. to avoid clouds and heat; the trail climbs ~250–350 m and takes 2–3 hours roundtrip.
Carry Sri Lankan rupees
Many smaller sites and vendors don’t accept cards—have cash for entrance fees, local snacks, and small tips.
Temple etiquette
At Buddhist sites remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees; keep voices low during ceremonies and photography restrictions in mind.
Hydration and rain shell
Daily transfers and hikes require 2–3 liters of water and a lightweight rain jacket—the highlands can cloud over suddenly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sri Lankan elephant
- Toque macaque
History
Sigiriya was transformed into a palace‑fortress by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD and later served as a Buddhist monastery; Kandy was the last royal capital of the island’s Sinhalese kings.
Conservation
Udawalawe protects elephant corridors created by the reservoir; travelers are urged to avoid feeding wildlife and support locally‑run conservation initiatives.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colombo
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Good grip and ankle support are useful for Sigiriya stairs and Ella Rock trails.
Light rain shell
Highland weather changes quickly—waterproofs keep you comfortable during sudden showers.
fall specific
Daypack with hydration
Carry 2–3 liters, snacks, camera and temple cover‑ups for full days of sightseeing.
summer specific
Wide‑brim hat & sunscreen
Sun protection is important during open‑sky views at Sigiriya and tea estates.
summer specific