• Private Tour
• Family Friendly
• Carbon Neutral

Ella is known as a MUST visit mountain village in Sri Lanka. Embark on a two day journey that includes breathtaking views and fantastic walks through tea plantations to temples and waterfalls. And as a grand finale, enjoy a one of a kind view from the top of the Ella Rock!

Destination

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Category

Multi Day Trips

Duration

2 days

Transport mode

Car

Available languages

English, Sinhala, العربية, Hindi

Included

• Private guide
• Driver
• A/C Car
• Snacks
• Pick-up Included

Excluded

• Train tickets
• Lunch
• Hotel accommodation

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Deshan.

1. Meeting point

   You will be picked up anywhere in Kandy. Your local host will contact you regarding the exact pickup point.

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting Point

   Your hotel in Kandy

4. Day 1 Stop 1

   Visit a local Tea Plantation / factory

5. Day 1 Stop 2

   Refreshing stop at beautiful waterfalls

6. Day 1 Stop 3

   Lunch break

7. Day 1 Stop 4

   Drop off at Nanu Oya train station

8. Day 1 Stop 5

   Pick up from Ella train station

9. Day 1 Stop 6

   Check in at the hotel

10. Day 2 Stop 1

    Hike to Ella rock

11. Day 2 Stop 2

    Visit Demodara 9 arch bridge

12. Day 2 Stop 3

    Lunch break

13. Day 2 Stop 4

    Visit Dova temple

14. Drop off

    Return to Kandy

15. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Ahmad🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

3 October 2024

I had a wonderful time with Deshan. I had little time to research Sri Lanka and Deshan was a great help with local knowlegde, he designed a well thought itinerary whichI am very satisfied with. Deshan was flexible and accomodated all my requests. I would definitely recommend him.Sri Lanka Heights and Tea Plantations

Else🇳🇱 Netherlands

15 March 2023

When I booked my private tour with Deshan I was a little bit anxious to be in a car for two days with one person. Within a few seconds my anxiety disappeared when we met for the first time. Deshan is open, friendly en easy going. I really enjoyed my trip into the mountains from Kandy to Ella. Deshan knows his stuff. Really nice spots to visite and to eat. What struck me that he's very involved with you as a person, wants you to feel safe en just enjoy your trip en relax. And not to forget the knowledge of good Sri Lankan food places!2 Days trip from Kandy to Ella

Rebecca🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 February 2022

Deshan has been the best guide I have ever met. He was so helpful and considerate. I was travelling alone and he made me feel at home and answered all my questions about Sri Lanka. He was very flexible and reliable and a great guy all round. Thank you Deshan!Wonderful Tour with a fantastic guide

Alexandra🇺🇸 United States

30 January 2022

Our two days with Deshan were by far the highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. He picked us up in Kandy and took us through beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and stops as we headed to our ultimate destination in Ella. This included a perfectly timed and fun train ride. He took care of absolutely everything. Including arranging a stay at a really well-located hotel in Ella with the absolute most incredible view. We only wished we would have stayed longer! (I recommend you do this in 2 nights...much more to do) The hike on day 2 was one of the nicest hikes we have done. A bit tough on the incline, but totally doable. Nothing crazy hard. But most important to note, Deshan was hands down the best tour guide we had in Sri Lanka, and one of the best throughout our numerous travels. He was very nice, fun, answered our million and one questions on Sri Lanka and religion/history. I couldn't recommend him enough! We will definitely reach out to Deshan when we come back to Sri Lanka. Especially because we realized how much more we have to see...and we were here a full month!Most memorable day in Sri Lanka...

Gina🇬🇧 United Kingdom

22 January 2020

We had a brilliant time with Deshan. He went above and beyond. From meeting us early so we could have the best time in each location, to taking us to the most delicious restaurants. Deshan knows and loves his country. Always smiling and laughing. Happy to let us take a million pictures and wait for us to swim in the waterfall area. Top guide and now friend. You will not be disappointed with experience. Excellent tour

Julia🇦🇹 Austria

6 January 2020

We spent only one day with Deshan but it was definitely worth it. He drove us from Kandy to Ella, showed us the tea factory and tea plantations. We also hiked up to the beautiful waterfall and ate at a local street food market. Loved every minute of it. We were staying in Ella for another 3 nights so we agreed to drop the second day with Deshan. He gave us a lot of valuable tips what to do in the area which came helpful the next days. He knows a lot about the country, its history and culture and it is a pleasure to talk to him on any topic. With him no question remain unanswered. Additionally we have to express our gratitude for the extra mile he went when we found out we accidentally left a wallet in the hotel in Kandy. He managed the pick up and delivery via train for us to Ella before we left to the next place of our trip. He made sure the wallet came to us and was ready on the phone to assist to make it happen. This is no ordinary guide. He will make your trip very special.Best guide we could ask for...

Tatiana🇺🇸 United States

28 December 2019

We enjoyed a really good, full tour with Deshan during our visit to the Hill Country. Communication prior to the tour was very good and then on the day of the tour, Deshan arrived at our hotel early, giving himself ample time to find our hard-to-reach hotel in Kandy. From here, we drove out of the city, with Deshan providing information about local sights, and also sharing stories about the country, its people and his own life. The tour included stops at various places along the way, including a tea factory, a short hike up to a local waterfall (too chilly to bathe), and a leisurely drive through the many scenic tea plantations. We stopped for lunch at a tasty local restaurant in Nuwara Eliya before boarding the train to Ella. Having him meet us in Ella with our luggage was also really handy, as it allowed us to fully enjoy the train ride unencumbered (he also gave us good tips on which side of the train to sit on, depending on the stops.) Throughout the tour, Deshan was eager to answer questions or provide information and insight about our observations of the country. He is friendly, polite and easy to talk to, with excellent English. (His car is also spacious and comfortable!) Because our hotel in Ella was close to the entrances for the major hiking venues, we did not need to complete the second day with him, but he made sure we had his contact information and made himself available, should we have questions about anything during the remainder of our 2-week stay. Recommended! Full day of sightseeing!

Madre

3 December 2019

Wow, Deshan once again thank you! He is an amazing tour guide. Starting with all the negotiations and arranging tickets for us and even surprising us with a gift on our last day. He is just the best tour guide with a great sense of humor and a passion for his profession and country. Me and my 2 friends were walking through the airport at Colombo and wondering how we will get in touch with Deshan, just to see a friendly face and waving arms ready to meet us. He took us from Colombo to Kandy on one of his secret roads that is just breathtaking. Through all the twists and turns in the road he was sharing all his knowledge about the surrounding areas. He booked us tickets for the train trip from Kandy to Ella and drove all the way to come pick us up, at the train station with a big smile. He is such a gentleman and great person. He has excellent communication skills and driving skills 😉 which is needed in Sri-Lanka. Thank you Deshan this was truly a wonderful experience and when we come back to Sri-Lanka you will be the first person we call. Blessed with the best tour guide😁

Dominic🇳🇱 Netherlands

8 September 2019

Deshan is a great guide ! Dont hesitate to book with him!Great

Bill🇺🇸 United States

3 July 2019

Deshan did a superlative tour. His knowledge of everything from history you flora and fauna was amazing. This was only surpassed however by his kind and gentle heart that not only took the time to tell me about his culture but ensure I UNDERSTOOD it and felt welcome in it. I can without reservation recommend this tour. Don't be afraid to ask for modifications, he's more than happy to comply.An outstanding tour from an outstanding man

Lucie🇫🇷 France

18 January 2019

Deshan nous a accompagné pendant 2 jours entre Kandy et Ella. Cascades, plantations de thé, randonnées. Il est très attentionnée et a su répondre à nos attentes.merci deshan ! 2 jours entre kandy et Ella

Jacqueline🇩🇪 Germany

30 August 2018

We had only 2 days to get a taste of the hill country and Deshan made the very best out of our limited time, even though we booked super last minute. Wonderful views, great hiking trips, good local food and of course the tea, the trip included everything what we hoped for. Deshan is a really likable, friendly and caring and had answers for all our questions. He took care of everything e. g. train tickets and hotel in Ella. We would definitely recommend him as a guide for your trip to Sri Lanka. Anna & Jackie2 stunning days in the hill country

D🇸🇬 Singapore

12 August 2018

Right from the get-go, customising our 2D Kandy-Ella tour with Deshan was a breeze. Deshan was very patient with the many queries and easy-going with the itinerary, giving recommendations and suggestions on what we could fit into the 2D leg of our first trip to Sri Lanka. He was punctual, extremely hospitable and a very gracious host/guide who was evidently proud of his country and keen to share it with us. As we were interested to experience more of the local culture and way of life, Deshan brought us to local eateries, lesser known waterfalls and drove safely along less touristy roads, including through university grounds in Kandy, which we appreciated. Found out that he uses his spare time to try out different roads/routes so that future guests travelling with him can experience more and sightsee along the drives. Special mention of the train ride to Ella (it was a really lovely ride!) that Deshan helped to arrange at our request. Thanks so much for the memorable time we had, your sharings and stories about the legends and history of the places we visited, and for being a fantastic host! And without a doubt, I highly recommend booking with Deshan for a sincere and local experience. Cheers!A truly local and amazing experience!

Jeanine

14 June 2018

We have really enjoyed our 2 day excursion with Deshan, he is a very active and happy host :) He could show us all the nice places. It was a great experience, we definitely recommend it!Hiking Experience - Two Magical Days in Ella

Graca

19 June 2024

Deshan is an excellent guide. He was on time, professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. We had a great day and he exceeded my expectations.GreatbDay

Ambra

8 March 2024

Deshan has been more than a guide; he has become a friend and an excellent adventure companion. Always available, attentive, and smiling. With him, we experienced an authentic and incredible journey! Trust him and have a good trip.Travelling with a friend!

David

7 March 2024

We had a wonderful day thanks to Deshan. We asked to go walking, maybe a little bird watching, some nice quiet places out from Kandy town. He came up with an excellent day of interesting walks. We also got to see some out of the way temples that had stunning views, and saw birds and animals we weren't expecting. A lovely man and an excellent guide. Highly recommended. Personalised day tour

Steff🇳🇱 Netherlands

3 March 2024

From the moment Deshan picked us up in Sri Lanka, we knew we were in excellent hands. He helped us design a fantastic few days in Sri Lanka and adjusted along the way based on our requests. He was so helpful and answered all our questions. Highly recommend for any trip to Sri LankaOutstanding Experience

Margreet🇳🇱 Netherlands

29 January 2024

We went on a daytrip together in Kandy. Since he is super friendly, super knowledgeable and his English is perfect.. we were able to discover the real Sri Lanka. He learned us so much about Sri Lankan culture, food and religion. He took us to places (hidden gems like unknown temples) we would never visited ourselves. Most important for us is that he was able to give us the context we needed and was able to answer all our questions. Really recommend going on a trip with Deshan! Deshan is the perfect guide!

lynette🇦🇺 Australia

5 November 2019

An excellent host who was considerate and understanding of situations as they arose. Allowed me to choose places that interested me but then offering his own expertise to guide me to see his country through his eyes. His choice of accommodation suited me very well and the hosts were excellent in their attentiveness and kindness. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience through vision, taste and culture in the short time that I had. Shelley- Lyn Harty Wagga Wagga NSW AustraliaThe splendor of Sri Lanka

John 🇭🇰 Hong Kong

27 February 2019

What a great couple of days my daughter and I had with Deshan. Have done my fair share of tours over the years and this guy knows what it is all about. Polite, knowledgeable, and extremely accommodating. Would not hesitate to recommend or use again when next back in town. It’s a great tour with Adams Peak (Sri Pada) a worthwhile experience. The early start is well worth the effort however be prepared for a work out climbing all those steps to the top. Deshan was a great support and excellent company. You will get to see wonderful landscapes and tea plantations a plenty including a couple of off the beaten track specials. Thanks for looking after us. Issy and JohnTwo great days of expereinces

Amanda🇬🇧 United Kingdom

17 January 2019

Deshan guided me for four days, during my time from Kandy to Galle, designing the trip to what suited me. I had a biggish itinery but with a short time. Deshan drives too, so this was brilliant logistically. We went up and down Adam's Peak and he was very understanding the next day when I was waddling like a penguin. He sorted the tickets for the spectacular scenic train ride from Hatton to Ella, as well as all the activities in Ella. The journey from Ella to Galle was long, but he broke up the journey with nice activities - waterfalls and visiting the Cinnamon Island, so you can see how cinnamon is produced and get your feet cleaned by fishes! Most of all, what's great about Deshan is that you can talk to him about anything; politics, history, culture, music, as well as find out what it's really like to be a Sri Lankan. He clearly loves his job and his country very much. It was a real pleasure to spend those few days with him. Highly recommended!Great guide and experience

Dominik🇨🇭 Switzerland

5 November 2018

We made a trip from Kandy to the Adams Peak. He showed us not just the Adams Peak. We discovered a few other areas like a Tea Factory, went river rafting and he also told us much about sri lankan culture and animals! We liked it very much! We hardly recommend this guy to all people how want to explore sri lanka with a private guide!Very Nice trip with a very nice person!

Maud🇳🇱 Netherlands

5 October 2018

Deshan is a good Guide. Timely, knowledgeable and very important climbing Adams Peak;encouraging. He knows a lot of the nature and good spots. A pleasant person and also important, as he is a former pharmacist, He can really help when you got injured by giving good advice and medication. We really can recommand him as a guide for Sri Lanka. We enjoyed and felt save.Trip with Deshan to Adams Peak

Maud

1 October 2018

Deshan is a terrific guide. Friendly, always in time, very knowledgeable about his country and the nature and above all very motivating. Which you need climbing Adams Peak. Next to that, as a former pharmacist he knows how to handle and advise when people get injured, because they did a miss step during the climb. We had a wonderful trip with him and will certainly recommend him to all of our friends that wants to climb Adams Peak in Sri Lanka.Hike the Adam's Peak and Catch the Sunrise

Edmund🇦🇺 Australia

15 July 2018

We had two 1 Day trips with Deshan and then a 3rd day was a one way transfer from Kandy to Colombo. Deshan was reliable , punctual and very adaptable to our requests. We told Deshan exactly what we wanted to see and do , and most importantly what we wanted to avoid ( crowds , commercial experiences , groups etc) Deshan gave us exactly the kind of experience we were looking for . Roads , traffic and those horrible buses can make driving in Sri Lanka ( or being a passenger ) hard to deal with sometimes but Deshan was a great driver and we were in good hands. If you want to see unique parts of Sri Lanka with someone who gets a kick out of being a great host then Deshan is your guy , thanks for the awesome time and the safe delivery to Colombo at the end of our visit !Terrific Host and Awesome Time

Abel🇳🇱 Netherlands

14 July 2018

For a good price we had an amazing tour with our guide Deshan. He really made an effort to show us the real Sri Lanka. Also he listens very good to his customers demands. Overal we had a perfect organised two day tour. He is friendly and also important; he speaks very good English. So for everyone who is going to Sri Lanka and need a good tour guide: Book with Deshan. Thanks again from The Netherlands!Amazing and professional tour/guide

Abel🇳🇱 Netherlands

4 July 2018

Deshan is a great guide. He showed us amazing spots trough Sri Lanka. I really enjoyed our 2-day trip with Deshan. Amazing guide who knows everything about his country. Thank you Deshan!Hike the Adam's Peak and Catch the Sunrise

cosmo

14 June 2018

Deshan is a nice guy and gentle. Before taking the tour I had lots of requests. He answered everthing quiclky and fulfill all. He is a very positive person that I learnt a lor from him during the tour. All these days I was searching secret waterfall, but no one was super nice until I took this tour. The one she showed me just like paradise. He took care of us for everything. We appreciated all his effort. Thank you very much. I definitely recommend him to anyone!Hike the Adam's Peak and Catch the Sunrise

Jeanine🇳🇱 Netherlands

4 June 2018

We have really enjoyed our 2 day excursion with Deshan, he is a very active and happy host :) He could show us all the nice places, it was a great experience, we definitely recommend it!Hike the Adam's Peak and Catch the Sunrise

Vanessa🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

23 April 2018

+ Spontan & Flexible in Activities + Good infos & local tips + Friendly and funny guide + Helped with problems, book hotel and search for my sunglasses + We would book him again THANK YOU FOR ALL