Sri Lanka route guide · Hill country
Negombo is where many travellers spend their first night, and Ella is often their favourite stop. A private driver can take you straight there, or break the journey with tea country stops.
The road skirts Colombo on the expressway, heads east via Avissawella and Ratnapura, then climbs to Haputale and Ella. Some drivers go via Kandy and Nuwara Eliya instead, which is slower but more scenic.
1Colombo
Step into Sri Lanka's largest museum and discover treasures from ancient kingdoms!
2Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most vibrant and culturally rich Buddhist temples.
3Pinnawala
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a heart-warming place where you can see elephants up close in a natural…
4Kegalle
Get up close with gentle giants at this heartwarming elephant sanctuary!
5Kandy
Marvel at the towering 88-foot white Buddha statue watching over Kandy!
6Kandy
The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is a vibrant, must-see performance in historic Kandy that celebrates…
Go organic in beautiful Ella! This sustainable tea garden shows how tea can be grown without chemicals while…
Ella Rock is a popular hiking spot offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, tea…
Little Adam’s Peak is an easy and scenic hike in Ella that rewards you with breathtaking views of lush green…
Best for: Travellers heading straight to the hills after their first night near the airport. Compare verified drivers, send a free request and pay the driver directly.
About 230 km, around 6 to 7 hours by car.
Yes, with an early start. Splitting it with a night in Kandy is more relaxed.
