Sri Lanka 5 Day Express Tour
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group Size
2–16 people
Cities
6 Cities
About This Tour
Five days, privately driven, taking in the island's headline sights without a wasted morning. Negombo on the west coast to start, the herd bathing in the river at Pinnawala, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a Kandyan cultural show at Kandy, tea country through Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya into Ella, and a dawn jeep safari at Yala before the drive back to the airport.
Tour Style
Categories
Day by Day Itinerary
5 days of curated experiences
Airport to Negombo
Welcome to the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka, your home for the next 12 days. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our airport representative and chauffeur. Thereafter, you will be transferred by our air- conditioned airport transfer vehicle to Negombo (approximate transfer time: 20 minutes). Check in at your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, allowing time to relax after your international flight. Negombo is a lively coastal town located on Sri Lanka’s west coast, just north of the capital city Colombo. Historically known for its strong Dutch influence, the city is home to the remains of a 17th-century Dutch Fort, now used as a
Accommodation Details
Earl's Regent Negombo
Hotel· 4
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
1 – 1.5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Welcome to Sri Lanka and You will relax at Earl's Regent Negombo
Colombo City
Negombo to Kandy
Welcome to Sri Lanka, Your Home for next 7days. After arrival, you will begin your journey towards Kandy. En route, you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a well-known sanctuary dedicated to the care and protection of orphaned and injured elephants. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe elephants at close range, including their feeding routines and river bathing sessions, offering a memorable insight into Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage. Following the visit, the journey continues through scenic countryside landscapes towards Kandy, the historic last royal capital of Sri Lanka, nestled in the central highlands. Kandy holds great cultural and religious significance, having ser
Accommodation Details
Oak Ray Regency
Hotel· 3
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
4 - 5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Old Parliament Building
Herd Bathing in the Maha Oya River
Kandy - Temple of the Tooth Relic
Kandy Lake Front of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Kandy to Ella
After breakfast at your hotel in Kandy, begin your scenic journey towards Ella, traveling through the beautiful central highlands of Sri Lanka. En route, visit the Ramboda Waterfall, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region, followed by a stop at a tea factory, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s world- famous Ceylon tea production. You may also visit the Ambuluwawa Tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” due to its cool climate and colonial charm. Enjoy a short city tour including Gregory Lake and a photo stop at the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office. Afterward, proceed towards Ella
Accommodation Details
Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel
Hotel· 3
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
5 - 6 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Ambuluwawa Tower - Kandy
Ramboda Waterfall Nuwara Eliya
Old Post Office Nuwara Eliya
Nine Arch Bridge - Ella
Ella to Yala
After breakfast at the hotel in Ella, set out to explore this charming hill-country destination surrounded by lush green mountains and tea plantations. Begin the day with a visit to Ravana Falls, a beautiful roadside waterfall steeped in local legend and framed by a dramatic natural setting. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive colonial-era railway bridge hidden within a forested valley and one of Ella’s most photographed landmarks. Later, enjoy a gentle hike to Little Adam’s Peak, an easy and scenic walk that rewards you with panoramic views over Ella Gap and the surrounding countryside. Lunch will be enjoyed at a café in Ella town, followed by time to walk around the town
Accommodation Details
Oak Ray Wild Yala
Hotel· 3
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
3 – 4 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Misty Mountain Slopes of Ella
Bird in Yala
Elephant in Yala National Park
Sri Lankan Leopard
Yala – Departure
Please note: Travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions, road conditions, and stops for lunch, tea, or short breaks Start your day early with an exciting jeep safari at Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, known for its high density of leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a wide variety of birdlife. After the safari, return to your hotel and enjoy breakfast. Take some time to relax, freshen up, and complete your check-out procedures. Thereafter, begin your journey towards the airport. Enjoy a comfortable drive through Sri Lanka’s southern landscapes as you proceed with your departure. Arrive at the airport in time for your onward flight, marking t
Accommodation Details
Not applicable
Not applicable
Meals
Half Board
Travel Time
4 – 5 hours
Transport
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Moments That Define the Journey
Weaver Bird Nest at Sunset
Colombo Seema Malakaya Temple
What's Included
Everything you need to know before you go
Included
7 items- Accommodation on half board (HB) basis at the hotels listed, or similar standard
- All transport by private air-conditioned vehicle, including fuel, parking and highway charges
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
- English-speaking chauffeur-guide throughout (national guide for 8 pax and above)
- City tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Two 500ml bottles of mineral water per person per day while travelling
- All applicable local government taxes
Not Included
7 items- Entrance fees to sites not listed under inclusions
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and mini-bar expenses
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips and porterage
- Camera or video permits at religious and cultural sites
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees
- Anything arising from force majeure, including flight delays
Travel Map
Destinations on this tour
Terms & Conditions & Policies
Important information about booking and cancellation policies
Assurance
Your safety, comfort, and trust are our priority. We work with government-licensed travel partners, verified accommodations, and experienced chauffeur-guides to ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience from arrival to departure.
- Fully government-licensed tour operator with registered travel services.
- Experienced and vetted chauffeur-guides trained in safe driving and hospitality.
- Secure bank payment handling with monitored confirmation and verified receipts.
- Accommodation partners personally inspected and selected for quality and safety.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- 24/7 on-tour support for emergencies, modifications, or assistance.
- Compliance with all local tourism regulations and safety standards.
Booking Information
Once you submit your booking details, we will begin processing your reservation. A 20% advance payment is required via bank deposit. Your booking confirmation will be sent within 48 hours after we receive the payment.
The remaining 80% of the package cost is payable 30 days prior to the tour start date. Once the final payment is completed, you may proceed with visa arrangements and other travel preparations.
Important Notes
- The above rates are based on the hotels listed in the program and are subject to change if government taxes are revised.
- Rooms are subject to availability at the time of reservation. If clients wish to secure rooms in advance, a 50% block-booking payment is required to guarantee availability with the hotels.
- Rates apply only for this specific itinerary. If you wish to add or remove destinations, we can adjust the pricing accordingly. We also offer customized tailor-made programs upon request.
Cancellation Policy
All travel offers listed on our website are discounted. As such, all orders are non-refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion.
Cancellations made less than 30 days before the tour start date and no-shows are non-refundable.
Featured Blog Stories
Discover the Hidden Gems of Sri Lanka's Ancient Cities
Step into the past and explore the lesser known ruins, quiet monasteries, and archaeological wonders that reveal the depth of Sri Lanka's cultural history.
The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lankan Tea Country
From misty mountains to emerald plantations, explore the highlands of Ceylon tea culture, plantation tours, and the best tea experiences in Nuwara Eliya.
Wildlife Safari Adventures: Yala National Park and Beyond
Track leopards, elephants, and exotic birds in Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations. Your complete guide to safari experiences and wildlife photography.
Our Lady of Lanka Basilica: Sri Lanka’s National Marian Shrine
Set amid the quiet hills of Tewatta, the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka stands as Sri Lanka’s national Marian shrine, offering pilgrims a place of prayer, reflection, and deep spiritual calm.
Sri Lanka Ayurveda: From Ancient Healing to the Legacy of G. P. Wickramarachchi
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka is far older and deeper than the treatment menu at a beach resort. This is the story of how the island's indigenous healing knowledge travelled from village physicians to a rural college founded in 1929, and finally to a national university of indigenous medicine.
Ella to Mirissa: The Attractions Everyone Drives Past
Almost every Sri Lanka itinerary runs Ella to the south coast with a single safari in the middle and four hours of car window either side. The stretch in between — Sri Lanka's driest, strangest corner — holds a 300-acre botanic garden, a drive-through safari park, hot springs and a red plateau found nowhere else on the island.
Beyond Ella: Why Haputale Could Be Sri Lanka's Most Underrated Highland Escape
Ella is a destination. Haputale is a gateway. One ridge west of Sri Lanka's most photographed hill town sits a quieter railway village with colonial bones, a viewpoint at nearly 2,000 metres, a Benedictine monastery in a Tudor house, and road access to some of the island's most demanding mountain routes.