Classic Sri Lanka - Suggested Car & Driver Itinerary

Take a delightfully leisurely journey from the Cultural Triangle through Hill Country to the balmy south coast shores.

After a few days exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a driver will take you on a scenic journey south. You’ll stop overnight at lovely hotels in the Hill Country amid mist-clad scenery and historic tea plantations en route to Yala, where you’ll search for elephants. The trip finishes with a few blissful days on Sri Lanka’s sandy south coast.

Tour type Car & Driver

Duration 12 nights

Visiting Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Ellya, Ella, Yala, Bentota

Recommended itinerary

Days 1-3

Kandalama

After touching down in Colombo, a driver will meet you and take you to Heritance Kandalama, an 85-mile journey northeast of the city. Your driver will be at your disposal for the next eight days, taking you to the locations and sights you’ll visit over the first part of your trip. You’ll have three nights in Kandalama, the perfect base for visiting caves at Dambulla, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and searching for Sri Lankan elephants in Minneriya National Park.

Days 4-5

Kandy

You’ll head south to Kandy, a cultural hub of Sri Lanka in the misty Hill Country. A stay at Earl’s Regency Kandy breaks up the journey to Nuwara Eliya, where you can enjoy a leisurely supper in the Royal Pavilion restaurant with a menu inspired by global cuisines.

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Day 6

Nuwara Eliya

The colonial bungalows and Tudor-style buildings lend an English countryside feel to this area. Stay in a former tea factory where there’s a sense of history amid the luxury.

Nuwara Eliya

Day 7

Ella

A comparatively short journey brings you to a Hill Country village where you’ll stay on the grounds of a tea plantation at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. The chalets are striking, constructed from reclaimed materials with prime views of the Ella Gap.

Days 8-9

Yala

Your driver will take you to the south coast, where you’ll check into the Jetwing Safari Camp in Yala. Here, you can venture into the world-famous Yala National Park searching for elephants, then return to relax by the pool or on the beach.

Days 10-12

Bentota

A private transfer takes you from Yala to Bentota to finish your trip on a relaxing note at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. You’ve got three nights to enjoy this luxury resort on the Gold Coast before returning to Colombo for your flight home.

Bentota

Suggested hotels

5 stars

Heritance Kandalama

An eco-friendly hotel which has been incorporated into its natural setting.

5 stars

Earl's Regency

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this serene hillside retreat a short drive from the heart of Kandy.

Heritance Tea Factory

Beautifully restored tea factory in the Nuwara Eliya hills.

4 stars

98 Acres Resort & Spa

This award-winning boutique mountain resort has a beautiful tranquil setting on a historic tea plantation.

4 stars

Jetwing Safari Camp

On an unspoiled stretch of coastline close to Yala National Park, this tiny wilderness retreat offers a personalised safari experience.

5 stars

Cinnamon Bentota Beach

A makeover of a classic property has brought an increased level of luxury to the Bentota coastline.

Sorry, your hotel is no longer available

Please check alternatives

Where do you want to go?

When

Choose dates

{{store.searchDuration}} nights, {{formattedDate}}

Who

From

Class

Occasion

Sorry, our price & availability is currently unavailable

{{item.title}} {{item.body}}
{{item.title}} {{item.body}}

Choose a departure date

Duration

{{store.searchDuration}} nights

Enter rooms & guests

Adults Aged 18 or above

Children Aged 0-17 years

Select child age{{store.passengers[0].childAges.length > 1 ? "s" : ""}}:

Child {{i+1}} Age Age on date of return

+ Add another room

{{airport.text}}

{{flightClass.text}}

{{occasion.text}}

Checking prices & availability

{{term}}, {{formattedDate}} for {{searchDuration}} nights

All ({{destinations.length + products.length + offers.length + inspiration.length}})
Destinations ({{destinations.length}})
Holidays ({{products.length}})
Offers ({{offers.length}})
Inspiration ({{inspiration.length}})