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Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotels 6 Days Sri Lanka Tour: Kandy, Tea Country, Ella & YalaA compact loop from Kandy through the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya to Ella, then down to Yala for a leopard safari and on to the Bentota coast, with a private driver-guide. Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotelsEasy intensityEnglish-speaking guide Tour priceFromUSD 448per person This 6 day Sri Lanka tour with Ella and Yala packs tea hills, a railway village and a leopard park into one neat loop. It is meant for travellers who like to keep moving and who prefer a short, varied trip to a long, slow one: you sleep somewhere new almost every night, and the scenery changes with each drive, from temple town to cloud-level tea country, then dry scrub and finally a palm-lined coast. Nothing in the programme is strenuous, so it works for couples, friends and families whose children cope well with car journeys. A private air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver-guide travel with you from the airport to the last transfer. Why choose the 6 day Sri Lanka tour with Ella and YalaYour Volata Travels driver meets you in the arrivals hall and sets out for Kandy, pausing at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage and a spice garden on the way. In Kandy you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and watch a dance performance with drummers and fire. The next morning the road climbs through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya. You stop at a factory to see how leaf becomes tea and finish with a fresh cup, then pause at Ramboda Falls. Nuwara Eliya, the cool hill station nicknamed Little England, has a market, lawns and flower gardens to explore before dinner. Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana FallsOn day three you travel to Ella, calling at Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge. The bridge is a curved stone viaduct, built in the early twentieth century, and waiting for a blue train to cross it is the reason most people come. Ella itself is a small village with cafés, homestays and views through a gap in the hills, and an easy walk to Little Adam's Peak takes about an hour if you have energy left. We suggest keeping the afternoon open. Ravana Falls, set beside the road on the way, is broad and pretty after rain, and a short pause there breaks the drive nicely. The scenic train between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is an optional alternative if you prefer rails to roads. A Yala safari and the Madu RiverA morning drive of about two hours takes you down from the hills to Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala. After a rest through the heat of the day, a jeep and tracker take you into the park, which is known for one of the highest leopard densities anywhere, as well as elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and many birds. Sightings are never promised, but the odds are good. The next day you travel to the south-west coast, with a boat ride through the mangroves of the Madu River and a visit to a turtle hatchery before you reach Bentota. This leg is the longest drive of the trip, about four to five hours, so you leave early and the stops are planned to keep it comfortable. The tour then ends the following morning with a transfer to the airport, roughly two hours away. Practical details and the best time to goBreakfast is part of the package every day at your hotel, while lunch, dinner and drinks are paid by the guests, and your driver-guide is happy to suggest good local restaurants. Park entrance and jeep fees are paid separately on the day. The hill country and the south-west coast are driest from about December to March, while Yala is at its best between roughly February and September, so February and March suit the whole loop. Yala closes for part of every year, and we check the dates before fixing your plan. Hill mornings can be misty even in the dry months, and Nuwara Eliya evenings are cold throughout the year, so pack a fleece alongside your lightweight clothes. Making the loop your ownBecause every Volata Travels itinerary can be customised, you can swap the road between Nuwara Eliya and Ella for the scenic train, add a night in Ella or Nuwara Eliya to slow things down, or finish with a different beach. Tell us your dates and your pace, and we will shape the days around them. Tour highlights
Day-by-day itinerary After you land, your Volata Travels driver meets you in the arrivals hall and sets off for Kandy. The whole journey is roughly three hours of driving, and the programme makes three stops along the way, so this is a full first day. It works best if your flight arrives in the morning. If you land late at night, we will shorten or reorder the sightseeing with you. The first stop is Pinnawala, about an hour and a half from Colombo. The orphanage began in 1975, when the Wildlife Department turned a coconut estate beside the Maha Oya river into a home for elephants left without their mothers. The idea is to copy the wild as far as possible, though the herd is led to the river for a bath twice a day and the youngest calves are fed from bottles. Watching them go down to the water is the highlight. Next comes a spice garden, where guides introduce the plants that made the island famous. You see how pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and others are grown, how they are processed and which of them are used in Ayurvedic remedies. A cooperative of farmers runs the nearby processing unit, and you can buy spices if you like. In Kandy, the hill capital of the Sinhalese kings, you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Tradition says the relic was brought here in the fourth century, hidden in the hair of a princess. Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes. A cultural show follows between five and six o'clock, with drummers, dancers and acrobats in bright costumes, and then you settle into your hotel. Accommodation Devon Hotel, Kandy or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After breakfast you leave Kandy and start to climb. Before long the roadside is lined with tea bushes, and your driver-guide pulls in at an estate factory. The central hills are the heart of Ceylon tea. The British found that the climate suited the crop and turned large areas into plantations, and the first plant came from China and was grown at Peradeniya. Today tea is still one of the island's major earners. At the factory you follow the leaf from fresh pluck to finished product, through withering, rolling, drying and grading, and finish with a cup on the terrace. A little higher up, Ramboda Falls drops in several tiers beside the road. Close by, a small Hindu temple stands on a hillside, dedicated to Hanuman and tied to the Ramayana story. The temple holds a tall statue of the monkey god, and the stop is brief. Keep a camera ready. The drive to Nuwara Eliya takes three to four hours without stops, so the day is paced around those breaks. At about 1,900 metres, the town is cool and green, and it earned the name Little England from its colonial villas and lawns. Your driver-guide takes you on a loop through town and the market. If you still have energy, the Hakgala gardens, with their roses and tree ferns, and the colourful Seetha Amman temple are close by. Evenings are cold, so keep a jumper handy. You can eat at your hotel restaurant or ask your driver-guide for a place nearby, and since there is no early start tomorrow, you can stay up late by a warm fire. Meals Breakfast Accommodation London Eye Hotel Nuwara Eliya or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 Today's drive to Ella takes about three hours, and the stops keep it gentle. The road leaves the high plateau and winds through tea terraces, and the views widen as you go. Your driver-guide can pull over wherever the light is good. Ravana Falls sits right beside the road. The water falls from a rounded rock face of around 82 feet, and in the rainy season it spreads like the drooping flower of an areca palm, though in dry spells it shrinks to a thin ribbon. Local legend ties the cascade to King Ravana, and the falls lie within a small wildlife sanctuary. Further on, you reach the Nine Arch Bridge, a graceful stone viaduct that curves through the jungle. It was commissioned in 1921, in the British period, and is built entirely of stone blocks and cement with no iron reinforcement, which makes it unusual. Arrive in good time before a train is due, because a blue carriage crossing the arches is the whole point of the visit. Your driver-guide will know the timetable and can suggest the best viewing spot. Then you check in to your hotel in Ella. The afternoon is open. Ella is a small village of cafés and homestays, with views through the Ella Gap, and the easy walk to Little Adam's Peak takes around an hour through tea fields to a ridge above the valley. Prefer rails to roads? The scenic train between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is a popular optional swap, and we can help arrange it. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Ivory Canopy Resort - Ella or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 The drive from Ella to Tissamaharama takes about two hours and carries you out of the cool hills into the warm, flat south-east. Tissamaharama is a lakeside town and the main base for safaris in Yala. You check in, have lunch and rest through the hottest hours, because the animals are quiet then too. In the afternoon a safari jeep collects you for the park. A tracker rides with your driver and knows where the cats like to lie up. Yala is famous for one of the highest leopard densities known anywhere, but a sighting is never promised, and patience is part of the fun. Between big cats you may see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, peacocks and dozens of bird species. The park is one of the finest in the country for wildlife. Expect a dusty, bumpy ride of a few hours in an open vehicle, so bring a hat, sunglasses, a scarf for dust and a light long-sleeved top. Dress in dull greens and browns, avoid bright colours and keep your voice low when the jeep stops. Park entrance and jeep fees are paid separately on the day, and the park closes for part of each year, so we check the dates before fixing your plan. You return to the hotel as the light fades, dusty and hungry, ready to choose a good dinner. The safari is part of this programme, and a second drive can be added if you want more time. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Magampura Eco Village Resort or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 This is the longest day of the tour, with roughly four to five hours on the road from Tissamaharama to Bentota, so you set off early. The route crosses the southern lowlands and then follows the coast, with palm groves and fishing villages beside the road. Pack water and a few snacks. The first big stop is the Madu River, a maze of mangrove channels with some sixty-four islands, a few of them inhabited. The wetland covers about 915 hectares and has been protected since 2006. A small boat takes you between the islands, and you stop at a cinnamon-peeling demonstration, a temple island and a platform where tiny fish nibble at your feet in a fish spa. It tickles at first and then feels pleasant. Then a turtle hatchery near Kosgoda shows how eggs are protected, injured turtles are cared for and young turtles are released into the sea around dusk. If the road eats into the day, the hatchery is the stop we would shorten. Bentota is a resort town at the mouth of its river, with a wide beach and a long tradition of Ayurveda. You reach your hotel in the evening, where you can eat at the hotel or choose a restaurant nearby for dinner. The calm river-mouth beach is a pleasant place to unwind after the day's driving, and the water is warm enough for a quick dip. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Laluna Ayurveda Resort or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After a last breakfast by the coast, your driver-guide takes you to the airport. Allow around two hours for the road, and tell us your flight time so we can leave with a comfortable margin. If you wake early and the sea is calm, a short walk on the sand is a good way to say goodbye to the island. Keep your passport and documents at hand in the vehicle, and ask your driver-guide about a last coffee or snack stop on the way if you have time. Meals Breakfast Included Activities
Landmarks
Route mapWhere you'll stayThese are the hotels we plan to use. If one of them is full on your dates, we book another hotel of the same standard (“or similar”) and tell you its name before you travel. Devon Hotel, Kandy or similarKandy 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel London Eye Hotel Nuwara Eliya or similarNuwara Eliya 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel Ivory Canopy Resort - Ella or similarElla 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel Magampura Eco Village Resort or similarTissamaharama 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel Laluna Ayurveda Resort or similarBentota 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel What's included
What's not included
Pickup & drop-offPickup: Your Volata Travels driver-guide meets you in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, with a name board. Pick-up from a hotel in Colombo or Negombo can also be arranged. Drop-off: Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure flight, with the timing planned around your flight. Important informationItinerary order and overnight stops can be adjusted to fit your dates and pace — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed departure. Cancellation policyAll cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. 19.1 Unless otherwise specified in your quotation, the following cancellation terms will apply to your booking: 19.1.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 61 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit. 19.1.2 Cancellations received 60 – 46 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25% of the tour price. 19.1.3 Cancellations received 45 – 29 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. 19.1.4 Cancellations received 28 – 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 75% of the tour price. 19.1.5 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price. 19.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net-based fares are used. 19.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details. 19.4 Volata reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred in excess of your cancellation fee as a result of cancellation.... What travellers say4.5 average from 6 customer reviews EP Elena Petrova, Bulgaria The itinerary was full but rewarding. We enjoyed the cooler mountain air and the scenic route. OB Orla Brennan, Ireland Beautiful landscapes and a friendly guide. We would have happily stayed longer. AG Amelia Grant, United Kingdom Ella’s scenery was breathtaking. The tour was well organized, and our guide made the journey enjoyable. AK Anna Keller, Switzerland Great Sri Lanka HolidayThe trip was very well planned. We enjoyed the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the tea country around Nuwara Eliya, Ella and the southern beaches. Our driver was professional and the private vehicle gave us flexibility. Hotel arrangements were handled smoothly and the team responded quickly to our questions. Our selected hotel arrangements were comfortable, including Fairway Colombo, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy and a beach hotel in Bentota. The accommodation worked well with the daily sightseeing schedule and gave us a good place to relax after travelling. CD Claire Dubois, France Wonderful Private TourWe had an excellent experience with Volata Travels & Events during our Sri Lanka holiday. From the first airport pickup, everything was organized clearly. Our driver met us on time, helped with our luggage and explained the daily program. The drive to Kandy was comfortable and we enjoyed the cultural attractions and evening activities. The hotel in Kandy was comfortable and well located for sightseeing. In Nuwara Eliya we enjoyed the cooler weather, tea plantations and scenic views. The hotel there was clean and the breakfast was good. Ella was one of our favorite parts of the journey because of the mountain scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Later we continued to Yala for the wildlife experience and then to the southern coast. The beach hotel gave us time to relax after the sightseeing days. Overall, the program was well balanced between sightseeing, driving and free time. Our selected hotel arrangements were comfortable, including Fairway Colombo, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy and a beach hotel in Bentota. The accommodation worked well with the daily sightseeing schedule and gave us a good place to relax after travelling. FO Finn O’Connor, Ireland Great scenery and a relaxed pace. We enjoyed learning about the region from our guide. You might also like       Ready to plan your Sri Lanka trip?Tell us your dates and interests — we'll put together a private itinerary within a day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 6 days enough for Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Yala?
It is enough for a good taste of each, but it is a moving tour. You change hotels almost every night and spend several hours on the road on most days. If you want more time to walk in Ella or relax in the hills, we can lengthen the trip by a night or two rather than cut places.
How long is the drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
By road it is roughly three to four hours without stops, and the climb is winding. With a tea factory visit and Ramboda Falls on the way, plan on most of the day. The scenic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya takes about four to five hours, if you would like to try it.
Will we see a leopard on the Yala safari?
Yala has a high density of leopards and there is a good chance of a sighting, but wild animals never follow a timetable. Many guests see elephants, crocodiles, birds and other wildlife even on a day without a leopard. Your tracker works to give you the best chance, and a second drive can be added.
What is the best time to take this tour?
February and March are the sweet spot, when the hill country and the south-west coast are dry and Yala is open. Yala is also good through to around September, with fewer visitors in the shoulder months. The park has an annual closure, so we always check dates first. In the wetter shoulder months the park is greener and quieter, and sightings are still good.
Can I take the scenic train between Nuwara Eliya and Ella?
Yes, as an optional change. The train runs about three to four hours and is one of the most photographed rides on the island. Seats can sell out, so tell us early. Your driver can meet you at the end station with your luggage and carry on from there. If you choose the train, we will help you book seats early, since the popular carriages fill quickly.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, for children who are comfortable with long drives. Elephants, tea tasting and the jeep safari tend to go down well, and the walks are short and easy. The longest day is the drive from Tissamaharama to the coast, so bring snacks, games and plenty of water. The jeep seats are open, so younger children need sun hats, and an adult should sit beside them.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast is included every day at the hotel. Lunch, dinner and drinks are paid by the guest, so you are free to eat where and when you like. Park entrance and jeep fees for Yala are also paid separately, and your driver-guide will point out good places to eat. Park entrance and jeep fees for Yala are also paid separately, and your driver-guide will point out good places to eat.
How much walking is involved?
Very little. Most stops need only short, flat walks of a few minutes, such as the tea factory, the waterfalls and the temple. The walk to Little Adam's Peak is optional and takes about an hour, and the Nine Arch Bridge needs a short stroll along a path. Comfortable shoes and a warm layer for Nuwara Eliya are all you need.
What's included in the 6-day tour price?
Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport; 5 nights in 3-star and 2-star hotels (or similar), double or twin room sharing; a single room if you travel alone; Daily breakfast at your hotels (bed and breakfast); All transfers and sightseeing in a private air-conditioned vehicle; English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour; Fuel, parking, driver accommodation and highway fees. The tour costs USD 448 per person when two adults share a room, or USD 846 for one traveller in a single room, for 5 nights / 6 days. These prices are valid for travel from 8 October 2026 to 30 November 2027.
What's not included?
International flights and the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee; Lunches, dinners and drinks (breakfast is included); Entrance fees and activity fees (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and cultural show, Yala jeep safari, Madu River boat ride, turtle hatchery); Optional tours and optional activities; Train tickets (if you choose the scenic train); Hotel supplements when you travel on 24 December and 31 December (New Year), and the Christmas supplement on 24 December; Tips, porterage and personal expenses; Early check-in and late check-out at hotels; Travel insurance and bank charges.
Is the price the same on 24 and 31 December?
Not quite. Hotels charge a compulsory supplement for the nights of 24 December (Christmas Eve) and 31 December (New Year's Eve), and these supplements are not included in the tour price. If your dates include either night, tell us when you enquire and we will confirm the supplement for the hotels on your route before you book.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes. The order of stops, the number of nights in each place, the hotels and the activities can all be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed group departure. Tell us what you would like to change and we will send a revised quote.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. Cancellations received up to 61 days before departure result in the loss of the deposit. Between 60 and 46 days before departure a charge of 25% of the tour price applies; between 45 and 29 days, 50%; between 28 and 15 days, 75%; and 14 days or less before departure the entire tour price is forfeited. Airline tickets follow the refund policy of each airline, and special event tickets follow the policy of each event. The full Terms & Conditions are at www.volatatravels.com/terms-and-conditions.