Sri Lanka · Wildlife

6-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour with Ella Train Ride and Yala Safari

6 Days Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Observe elephants up close at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
02 Explore Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic and scenic hill-country landscapes
03 Experience a Yala National Park jeep safari to spot leopards and elephants
04 Relax on southern beaches and enjoy a Madu River mangrove safari with a turtle hatchery visit

Discover Sri Lanka's highlights on this 6-day private tour. Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, explore Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, enjoy scenic hill-country drives with tea tasting, experience the world-famous train ride to Ella, spot wildlife on a Yala National Park safari, explore historic Galle Fort, and relax on southern beaches with a Madu River mangrove safari and turtle hatchery visit. This well-paced itinerary blends culture, nature, wildlife, and beach relaxation for an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, explore Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, enjoy scenic hill-country drives with tea tasting, experience the world-famous train ride to Ella, spot wildlife on a Yala National Park safari, explore historic Galle Fort, and relax on southern beaches with a Madu River mangrove safari and turtle hatchery visit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Bentota, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Pinnawala, Kosgoda, Unawatuna

Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Pinnawala and Kandy Highlights

06:30 AM - Pick-up from your Colombo hotel or the airport.
09:00 AM - Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
12:30 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant.
02:30 PM - Drive to Kandy.
04:30 PM - Hotel check-in and time to refresh.
05:30 PM - Visit Kandy Lake and the viewpoint.
07:00 PM - Enjoy the Kandyan Cultural Dance Show followed by dinner.
Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 02

Kandy, Temple Visit, and Nuwara Eliya

07:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM - Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
09:30 AM - Enjoy a scenic hill-country drive via Ramboda Falls.
12:30 PM - Visit a tea factory and enjoy tea tasting.
01:30 PM - Lunch in Nuwara Eliya.
03:00 PM - Visit Gregory Lake and Victoria Park.
05:00 PM - Hotel check-in and leisure time.
07:00 PM - Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 03

Scenic Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

06:30 AM - Early breakfast and transfer to Nanu Oya railway station.
07:30 AM - Scenic train ride to Ella in 2nd class reserved seating.
01:30 PM - Arrive in Ella, followed by lunch and hotel check-in.
03:30 PM - Visit Nine Arches Bridge.
04:30 PM - Take a short hike to Little Adam's Peak.
07:00 PM - Dinner at a restaurant in Ella town.
Overnight stay in Ella.

Day 04

Ella to Yala National Park Safari

07:00 AM - Breakfast and check-out.
09:30 AM - Drive towards Yala with sightseeing stops along the way.
12:30 PM - Check in at your hotel or safari lodge near Yala.
03:00 PM - Evening jeep safari in Yala National Park.
06:30 PM - Return to the hotel and relax.
07:30 PM - Dinner.
Overnight stay near Yala.

Day 05

Yala to Galle Fort and Bentota

07:30 AM - Breakfast and departure.
11:30 AM - Explore Galle Dutch Fort and the lighthouse.
01:00 PM - Lunch inside Galle Fort.
03:00 PM - Visit Unawatuna or Jungle Beach for an optional swim.
05:30 PM - Arrive in Bentota and check in at the hotel.
07:30 PM - Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight stay in Bentota.

Day 06

Bentota, Madu River, and Return to Colombo

07:30 AM - Breakfast and check-out.
08:30 AM - Madu River boat safari through the mangroves.
10:30 AM - Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
12:30 PM - Lunch at a beachside restaurant.
02:00 PM - Scenic drive back to Colombo.
05:00-06:00 PM - Drop-off at your Colombo hotel or the airport.

Where this trip takes you

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Nine Arch Bridge, Kandy Lake, Madu River mangroves

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 10 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur-guide
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Hotel accommodation with breakfast
All sightseeing as per the itinerary
Fuel, parking, and highway charges
Travel insurance
Lunches and dinners

What's Not Included

International airfare and visa fees
Entrance tickets not mentioned under inclusions
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, tips)
Yala National Park jeep safari
Madu River boat safari
Optional activities and water sports
Scenic train tickets (subject to availability)

What to bring

Valid passport and travel documents
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Light jacket for Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Modest clothing for temple visits
Camera or smartphone for photography
Small backpack for day trips
Swimwear and towel for beach stays

Know before you go

Train tickets are subject to availability; alternatives will be arranged if unavailable.
Safari sightings depend on wildlife movement and cannot be guaranteed.
Early mornings and long drives are part of this itinerary.
Temple visits require covered shoulders and knees.
Sri Lanka uses Sri Lankan Rupees; carry some cash for rural areas.
Weather can vary between regions; pack accordingly.
Check-in times depend on the hotel.

Logistics