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From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop

Activity provider: Sign of Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop
From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop 2
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2-day trip from Ella visiting Morning – Depart Ella & Explore the Hill Country, Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little England” and Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation Experience. Operated by Sign of Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Highlights

  • Discover the charm of Nuwara Eliya, a hill country town with an English ambiance

From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop: Key Facts

PriceFrom $676 per person
Duration2 days
Group sizeUp to 7 people
Tour typeGuided Tour
BookingDirect with the local operator — no OTA markup

Choose from 1 available option

From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop

2-day trip from Ella visiting Morning – Depart Ella & Explore the Hill Country, Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little Engla...
2 days
English
$676
Free cancellation

Full description

A 2-day trip out of Ella taking in Morning – Depart Ella & Explore the Hill Country, Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation Experience and Evening – Relax in Nuwara Eliya. There are 12 stops in all.

The running order is Morning – Depart Ella & Explore the Hill Country, then Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, then Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation Experience, then Evening – Relax in Nuwara Eliya, then Morning – Scenic Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, and on from there.

The price covers transportation from hotel and back by private vehicle, Service of English speaking chuffer guide, The package includes fuel surcharge and driver charges, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey and Rest assured, parking fees are also covered, allowing you to focus on enjoying the tour without any additional expenses. It does not cover ambuluwawa Tower (US$ 6), Kandy Tooth Relic Temple (US$ 10 per person) and Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (US$ 10 per person), so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $795 together rather than $676 each, because this is priced per party and not per head.

Tour Itinerary

Itineraries are customisable as per your request

The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Morning – Depart Ella & Explore the Hill Country

Begin your Ella to Nuwara Eliya private tour with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Ella. Before departing, enjoy an optional activity in Ella, depending on your interests and available time. Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes, winding roads, misty valleys, and lush tea-covered hills as you make your way towards Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka’s “Little England”

Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a charming highland town renowned for its cool climate, colonial architecture, beautiful gardens, and English-inspired atmosphere.

Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation Experience

Explore the famous Nuwara Eliya tea plantations, where endless rows of vibrant green tea bushes cover the surrounding hills. Watch skilled tea pluckers carefully harvest fresh leaves and learn about the traditional production of world-famous Ceylon Tea. Enjoy the refreshing mountain air and picturesque scenery while discovering the unique charm of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

Evening – Relax in Nuwara Eliya

After your sightseeing adventure, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the cool highlands. Overnight Stay – Nuwara Eliya Hotel accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Morning – Scenic Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

After breakfast, begin your Nuwara Eliya to Kandy sightseeing tour, travelling through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful mountain landscapes.

Ramboda Falls – Spectacular Highland Waterfall

Stop at magnificent Ramboda Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s iconic waterfalls. Admire the impressive cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy a peaceful photo opportunity amid the stunning hill-country scenery.

Tea Plantation & Ceylon Tea Factory Experience

Continue through the picturesque Sri Lankan tea estates. Take a walk among the lush tea bushes and visit a local tea factory to learn about the fascinating process of transforming freshly picked tea leaves into world-famous Ceylon Tea.

Ambuluwawa Tower – Panoramic Mountain Views

Continue to Ambuluwawa Mountain, rising approximately 1,087 metres above sea level. Visit the spectacular Ambuluwawa Tower, an unusual architectural landmark featuring a distinctive white spiral structure and Buddhist stupa. Enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding mountains, forests, villages, and valleys.

Kandy – Sri Lanka’s Cultural Capital

Continue to Kandy, the historic cultural heart of Sri Lanka, beautifully surrounded by mountains. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Discover its fascinating history, traditional architecture, and spiritual significance.

Kandy City Highlights

Continue exploring Kandy with visits to Kandy Lake, Bahirawakanda Temple, and the vibrant local markets, where you can discover traditional handicrafts, arts, spices, music, and local culture.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the spectacular Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, renowned for its extensive collection of orchids, tropical plants, spices, medicinal plants, and magnificent palm trees. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the gardens near the Mahaweli River.

Sri Lankan Gem & Jewellery Experience

Conclude your sightseeing with a visit to a reputable gem gallery, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s famous gemstones and browse certified gemstones and beautifully crafted jewellery.

Hotel Drop-off in Kandy – End of Service

After an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country and cultural heritage, arrive at your hotel in Kandy and conclude your 2-day Ella–Nuwara Eliya–Kandy tour.

Includes

  • Transportation from hotel and back by private vehicle
  • Service of English speaking chuffer guide
  • The package includes fuel surcharge and driver charges, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey.
  • Rest assured, parking fees are also covered, allowing you to focus on enjoying the tour without any additional expenses.
  • Stay refreshed throughout the tour with complimentary refreshments and water provided for your convenience.
  • All government taxes are included in the package, giving you peace of mind and transparency in pricing.

Excludes

  • Ambuluwawa Tower (US$ 6)
  • Kandy Tooth Relic Temple (US$ 10 per person)
  • Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens (US$ 10 per person)
  • Bahirawakanda Temple (US$ 3)
  • Lunch at a Local Restaurant
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
  • Gratuities

Important information

Meeting point

The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.

Know before you go

  • Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more
Duration 2 days
Check availability to see starting times
Wheelchair accessible

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Main Tour Price
Starting from $676
$676
Need a custom booking or have a larger group?Contact Support via WhatsApp
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Secure payment
Complete your booking safely with Razorpay. Full refund if you cancel 24h prior. Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation from hotel and back by private vehicle, Service of English speaking chuffer guide, The package includes fuel surcharge and driver charges, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey., Rest assured, parking fees are also covered, allowing you to focus on enjoying the tour without any additional expenses., Stay refreshed throughout the tour with complimentary refreshments and water provided for your convenience., All government taxes are included in the package, giving you peace of mind and transparency in pricing.
The duration of the From Ella: 2-Day Tour to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy with Drop is typically 2 days. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled start time for a smooth check-in. Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting point and ensure the experience runs on schedule while remaining flexible to your pace.
For most experiences, we highly recommend an early morning start. This allows you to avoid the midday heat, bypass the largest crowds, and capture the best lighting for photography. Your guide can advise on the optimal timing based on the season and specific attractions included.
Yes, once your booking is completed via our secure payment gateway, you will receive an instant confirmation email with your tour details, meeting point address, guide's name, and direct contact information. You can also view and manage your booking through your AsiaByLocals account dashboard.
Yes! All our private tours are fully customizable. Whether you want to add extra stops, skip certain locations, change the pace, or adjust the start time — simply let your guide know in advance or on the day. We aim to create a personalized experience tailored to your interests and energy level.
We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may be subject to a partial charge depending on the tour type. Weather-related cancellations for outdoor and boat tours are handled on a case-by-case basis, with full refunds or free rebooking offered when safety is a concern.
Most of our experiences are family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. However, some tours involving extensive walking, water activities, or early morning starts may be better suited for children aged 5 and above. Please check the specific tour description for age recommendations, or contact us for personalized family itinerary advice.
After booking, you will receive detailed meeting point instructions via email. Most tours include complimentary hotel pickup within the central area. For tours without pickup, your confirmation email will include the exact address, Google Maps pin, and your guide's phone number for easy coordination. Guides typically arrive 10 minutes early and will message you on WhatsApp.
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, and Razorpay for Indian cards. All payments are processed through a PCI-compliant secure gateway with 256-bit encryption. You can also pay in multiple currencies — the price is automatically converted to your local currency at checkout.
Yes, all AsiaByLocals guides are licensed professionals who have been rigorously vetted through background checks, skill assessments, and customer reviews. Many hold government-issued tourism licenses, university degrees in history or cultural studies, and have years of experience leading tours for international travelers. Every guide maintains a minimum 4.5-star rating to remain active on our platform.
Be at the gate for the 6am opening, so leave Nuwara Eliya around 5am. World's End faces south and clouds over by nine or ten as warm air rises off the plain — arrive at eleven and you see a white wall. See our Horton Plains guide.
The town sits at about 1,900 m and drops to around 10°C at night, and few hotels have heating. Horton Plains at 2,300 m regularly sits near freezing before dawn, with ground frost from December to February. Bring a genuine warm layer — most visitors underestimate this.
No — they close on poya days, the monthly full moon and a public holiday in Sri Lanka. If your free day is a poya, take an estate walk with a plucker instead. Plucking happens in the morning; by afternoon the slopes are empty.
Mostly leaf size, not quality. OP is a long wiry whole leaf, BOP is smaller and broken, and fannings and dust go into teabags because the higher surface area brews fast. Bigger leaf is slower tea, not better tea. Explained in our Ceylon tea guide.
At a factory, not a tourist shop. Factory shops carry the higher grades that never reach a visitor shelf; the boxed tea on the main streets is usually fannings at visitor prices.
Nanu Oya, about 10 km and a 20-30 minute drive from the town. Nuwara Eliya has no station of its own, and tuk-tuk fares at Nanu Oya rise sharply the moment a train arrives.
A 20-25 minute walk downhill from Ella town through tea and jungle — uphill on the way back. A tuk-tuk to the Demodara side is quieter and saves the climb. It is free, with no ticket and no official viewing area. See our Nine Arch Bridge guide.
Roughly every two hours, but Sri Lanka Railways runs 30-90 minutes late routinely, so any blog quoting exact times is quoting a timetable rather than reality. Ask at Ella station on the morning — staff will tell you what is expected and how late it is running.
Little Adam's Peak for almost everyone — 45 minutes up a stepped path for arguably the better view, out through the Ella Gap. Ella Rock is three hours return, largely unsigned, and people get lost on it regularly; take a guide or an offline map. Compared in full here.
Reserved seats open 30 days ahead and sell out within hours from December to March. Unreserved 2nd/3rd class is sold on the day and always available — you will stand, which is where the open doorways are. Send your luggage ahead by road if you have a driver. See getting to Ella.
January to March for the clearest Ella Gap views. June to September is dry but hazy from the Uva wind; October to December is wet. The real risk is cloud, not rain — at 1,000 m the view can be inside a cloud on a dry day, and mornings are clearer than afternoons in every month. See best time to visit Ella.
Two nights, which gives you two dawns — Little Adam's Peak on one, Ella Rock or a tea morning on the other, with the bridge mid-morning on day one. Our Ella 2-day itinerary sets out the order.
Do everything before nine in the morning. The Gap view is clearer in the morning in every month, Little Adam's Peak has a queue by nine, and the Nine Arch Bridge has hundreds of people on it by ten.
Time it for a puja — 5.30am, 9.30am or 6.30pm. Those are the only windows when the upper relic chamber opens and the hevisi drummers play; outside them you are visiting a beautiful building rather than a ceremony. Take socks: shoes come off at the gate and the stone courtyard gets painfully hot. Full detail in our Temple of the Tooth guide.
February for the clearest weather, or July-August, which is drier here than most people expect and covers the Esala Perahera. Kandy sits between Sri Lanka's *two* monsoons and catches some of both, so it has no long dry season — but it also never has a season that is a write-off. See best time to visit Kandy.
Reserved seats open 30 days ahead and sell out within hours from December to March. Unreserved 2nd/3rd class is sold on the day and always available — you will stand, which is where the open doorways and the famous photographs are. Sit on the right-hand side going south. Note there is no Nuwara Eliya station; the stop is Nanu Oya, 10 km away. See our Kandy to Ella train guide.
July or August — but the dates move every year with the lunar calendar, so any guide naming a fixed week is guessing. It runs ten nights and ends on the Nikini poya. Book accommodation on the route six to twelve months ahead. Details in our Esala Perahera guide.
Sigiriya and Dambulla (2.5 hrs each way) is the best of them. Kitulgala rafting is 2 hrs, the Knuckles range and Pekoe Trail stages are day hikes from here. Ella, Galle and Yala are *too far* — 4-6 hours each way. See day trips from Kandy.
Two nights. One full day for the town — Bahirawakanda, Peradeniya gardens, the lake and the evening puja — and a second for a hike, a village day or the cultural triangle. Our Kandy 2-day itinerary lays it out hour by hour.
The centre and the lake circuit are walkable. For anything up a hill or out of town, take a tuk-tuk — roughly LKR 100-150/km on the meter, and ride-hailing apps price it automatically with no negotiation. See getting around Kandy.
Starting from$676