Sri Lanka Itineraries · By area
Hill country routes
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The hill country has tea estates, waterfalls and cool air. The roads are winding and slow, so the drive is part of the trip.
Pace
Allow at least an hour more than the map suggests for every leg, and start early to get the best views before the cloud.
Routes for this trip
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy (115 km, 3 to 3.5 hours)
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (80 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
- Nuwara Eliya to Ella (60 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
- Kandy to Ella (140 km, 4 to 5 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella (300 km, 7 to 8 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Haputale (220 km, 6 to 7 hours)
- Haputale to Ella (40 km, 1.5 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Nuwara Eliya (190 km, 5.5 to 6.5 hours)
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- Best places to travel in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Trip cost calculator
- Find a private driver
More itinerary ideas
Cultural Triangle · South coast · East coast and north · West coast
By length · By month · By interest
FAQs
How long to spend in the hill country?
Three to four days for Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
Is it cold?
Nuwara Eliya is cool at night, so carry a warm layer.