Colombo to Ella Itinerary – 6 Days Of Pure Luxury
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Sri Lanka is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and there’s so much to explore even in just 6 days. Here, I have put together a detailed 6-day luxury Colombo to Ella itinerary, with must-visit spots, hidden gems, and local food recommendations:
So get ready to swap the hustle and bustle of Colombo for the chill vibes of Ella. This Colombo to Ella itinerary is your ticket to exploring Sri Lanka’s most scenic and exciting spots in luxury, from jaw dropping views to quirky little adventures. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or sipping tea at a plantation or just enjoying the ride, we’ve packed in all the must sees. So grab your camera it’s time for a memorable trip.
Colombo to Ella Itinerary Overview:
Best Months to complete this itinerary – Feb to April
- Day 1 – Arrive In Colombo (Stay at Shangri-La Colombo)
- Day 2 – Travel to Sigiriya – 4-5hr drive (Stay at Heritance Kandalama Hotel)
- Day 3 – Travel to Kandy – 2.5hr-3hr drive (Stay at Kandy Mist at Cinnamon)
- Day 4 – Travel to Nuwara Eliya – 2.5hr drive (Stay at W15 Lake Gregory)
- Day 5 – Travel to Ella – 1.5hr drive (Stay at Chill Ville, View Point Hotel)
- Day 6 – Climb Ella Rock early morning. After breakfast, head back to Colombo or continue exploring the Island.
Day 1 Itinerary: Colombo (Arrival Day)
Morning:
- Arrive in Colombo: After your arrival, take some time to get settled in.
- Stay – Shangri- La Colombo
Late Morning to Afternoon: (Things to do in Colombo)
- Colombo City Tour: Explore the bustling capital:
- Galle Face Green: A popular waterfront promenade perfect for a walk and some snacks.
- Gangaramaya Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple with a museum that showcases local history.
- Colombo National Museum: Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Lunch: Try Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (typically served with a variety of vegetables, fish, or meat, and accompanied by sambol, a spicy coconut relish). For a great spot, try Nuga Gama at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
Evening:
Dinner: Head to The Lagoon in Colombo for fresh seafood dishes. Try Sri Lankan specialties like Crab Curry or Devilled Prawns.
Day 2 Itinerary: Sigiriya & Dambulla
Stay – Heritance Kandalama Sigiriya
Early Morning:
- Travel from Colombo to Sigiriya (approximately 4-5 hours by car). The drive will give you a beautiful view of the rural landscape of Sri Lanka.
Late Morning:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. Climb to the top of the massive rock, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle and lakes. Explore the ancient frescoes, water gardens, and the impressive Lion’s Gate.
Lunch: Head to Hotel Sigiriya, where you can have a traditional Sri Lankan buffet with dishes like Kottu Roti (chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables or meat), Hoppers (a bowl-shaped pancake), and fresh juices.
Afternoon:
- Dambulla Cave Temple (about 30 minutes drive from Sigiriya): This site is famous for its impressive collection of Buddha statues and vibrant murals inside five caves carved into a rock.
Evening:
Relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of your hotel.
Try Sri Lankan rice and curry or Lamprais (a Dutch Burgher-influenced rice dish, wrapped in a banana leaf).
Day 3 Itinerary: Kandy
Stay – Kandy Mist by Cinnamon
Travel to Kandy (around 2.5-3 hours from Sigiriya).
Late Morning to Afternoon:
- Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): This iconic Buddhist temple houses a sacred relic of the Buddha. Attend a ritual ceremony if possible, but remember to keep knees and shoulder covered.
- Kandy Lake: Enjoy a stroll around this picturesque lake in the heart of the city.
- Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya: Visit one of Asia’s largest botanical gardens, renowned for its orchid collection and vast diversity of plants.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at The Empire Café in Kandy. You can try Pol Sambol (a coconut relish) and Rice and Curry, although international dishes are also available.
Afternoon:
- Cultural Show in Kandy: Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing the vibrant culture of the region.
Evening:
Especially, try The Kandy House, an upscale restaurant that serves Sri Lankan dishes in a traditional colonial setting.
Day 4 Itinerary: Nuwara Eliya & Tea Plantations
Stay – W15 Lake Gregory
Travel Time – By train 4hrs or by car 2.5hrs (from Kandy)
Early Morning:
- Start your journey to Nuwara Eliya (about 2.5 hours from Kandy), also known as “Little England” due to its colonial past and cool climate. It honestly feels like going back in time, but is definitely a highlight of this tour.
Late Morning:
- Tea Plantation Tour: Visit a Tea Factory like Pedro Tea Estate or Labookellie Tea Factory. You’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea production and have a chance to sample fresh brews.
Lunch: Obviously, you need to enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan tea meal at a local tea plantation restaurant, featuring Rice and Curry or String Hoppers (steamed rice flour noodles) with curry. Yummy!
Afternoon:
- Gregory Lake: A beautiful spot to relax, take a boat ride, or instead why not enjoy a picnic.
- Hakgala Botanical Gardens: Another option if time permits is to explore this tranquil garden.
Evening:
- Afterwards, spend time in the hotel or try The Sackville restaurant for your evening meal.
Day 5 Itinerary:Ella
Stay – Chill Ville, View Point Hotel
Travel Time – 3.5hrs to 4hrs by train or 1.5hrs by car (from Newara Eliya)
A small town in the hills, with stunning views, the Nine Arches Bridge, and Ella Rock. It’s less crowded and especially ideal for hiking and nature walks.
Mid Morning
Head to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an iconic structure in the region. You can enjoy a walk along the tracks or sit and watch the trains pass by, while taking in the views of lush greenery and the surrounding hills.
Late Morning
Ravana Falls
A short drive or tuk-tuk ride will take you to Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. You can spend some time exploring the falls, taking photos and relaxing by the water.
Afternoon:
- Ella Spice Garden Tour – Once you arrive take a short tour of a spice garden where you can learn about the spices that are grown in Sri Lanka, including cinnamon, cardamom and pepper. While you are here you will also get the chance to see the plants up close and taste some freshly made herbal tea.
- Explore Ella Town – Spend some time walking around Ella town. It has a relaxed vibe with shops selling handicrafts, jewelry and obviously souvenirs.
Food Highlight – Street Food: Don’t miss trying Pani Pol (sweet coconut rolled in pancakes) or Kottu Roti from street vendors or local restaurants.
Evening
Dinner with a view – End your day with dinner at the hotel restaurant, where you can relax as the sun goes down or head into town for a couple of drinks.
Day 6 Itinerary – Ella Rock
Early Morning:
Start your day early (trust me it will be worth it) and head to Ella Rock for a sunrise hike. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
It takes around 2-3 hours, so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes and bring along a lightweight long sleeve jumper (it can feel surprisingly cool before the sun comes up).
Breakfast – Head back to the hotel and enjoy a well deserved breakfast before getting ready to leave the hotel.
After breakfast get ready to head back to Colombo or continue your adventure to the southern coastal region.
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