Galle , Sri Lanka

Ella Private Car Tour Experience

Active

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the natural beauty of Ella on a full-day tour from Galle. Begin with hotel pickup and travel to the serene Buduruwagala Rock Temple, home to ancient Mahayana Buddhist statues set in a peaceful forest setting. Continue to the iconic Ravana Waterfall, one of Sri Lanka’s widest and most photographed waterfalls.

Arrive in Ella, a charming hill town known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes. Visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era engineering marvel surrounded by lush greenery, then hike Little Adam’s Peak for stunning panoramic views.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice before experiencing the Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line, South Asia’s longest dual zip line, soaring over tea plantations. Later, visit the Halpewaththa Tea Factory to learn about tea production and enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon tea. End the day with a scenic train ride from Ella to Demodara before returning to your hotel with unforgettable memories.

Available options

Ella Private Car Tour Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

The Buduruwagala Temple is an ancient Buddhist site in Sri Lanka renowned for its stunning rock-carved statues dating back to the 10th century CE. The name itself means "the rock with the statue of the Buddha," and it features seven figures, dominated by a colossal standing Buddha image.

The Ravana Waterfall, also known as Ravana Ella Falls, is one of the most popular and iconic natural attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a stunning cascade located in the scenic hill country town of Ella.

The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky" (Ahas Namaye Palama in Sinhala), is an iconic colonial-era railway bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka, renowned for its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings amidst lush tea plantations and misty mountains.

The Little Adam's Peak View Point in Ella, Sri Lanka, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations, valleys, and the imposing Ella Rock, all via a relatively easy and accessible hike. The peak is 1,141 meters (3,743 ft) high, but the trail is well-maintained with clear paths and stairs, suitable for most fitness levels and families.

The Halpe Tea Tour (specifically at the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory) in Hela Halpe, near Ella, provides an immersive experience into the world of authentic Ceylon tea production, from the plantation to the final cup. It is one of the largest and most popular tea factories in the Uva region.

The train ride from Ella to Demodara is a short, highly scenic journey through Sri Lanka's hill country, famous for colonial-era engineering and lush landscapes.

Several excellent spice gardens are available in and around Ella, Sri Lanka, many of which are associated with popular cooking schools to provide a complete culinary experience. These gardens allow visitors to see, smell, and taste fresh spices like cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and clove, directly from the plant.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

Dinner

Snacks

Alcoholic Beverages

Lunch

Breakfast

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

No physical ticket is required. Simply show your Viator booking confirmation (mobile or printed) to the driver/guide at hotel pickup. All included activities and site entries will be arranged by the guide.

About Galle

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. With its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The city's rich heritage and tropical charm make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.

Top Attractions

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ramparts, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to enter the fort, some attractions may have entry fees

Unawatuna Beach

A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Jungle Beach

A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene beach experience.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Meeru Gallery

A renowned art gallery showcasing a wide range of contemporary Sri Lankan art. It's a great place to appreciate local talent and perhaps purchase a unique piece of art.

Art 1-2 hours Free to enter, artwork for sale

Galle International Cricket Stadium

A famous cricket stadium that hosts international and domestic matches. It's a great place to catch a game and experience the excitement of Sri Lankan cricket.

Sports Half day to full day Ticket prices vary depending on the match

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan)

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried on a hot plate.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a sour fruit), spices, and fish, typically served with rice.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Scuba diving Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Exploring Galle Fort Visiting temples and churches

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the best time to visit Galle as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the beaches. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Galle is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or apps like PickMe
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 110 km from Galle
Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km from Galle

By train

Galle Railway Station

By bus

Galle Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Galle. They are frequent and cover most parts of the city and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Area Unawatuna Hikkaduwa Ahungalla

Day trips

Hikkaduwa

20 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination known for its surfing spots, coral reefs, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, enjoy water sports, and explore the local culture.

Koggala Lake

25 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Koggala Lake is a scenic freshwater lake known for its beautiful surroundings and various water activities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take a boat tour.

Turtle Hatchery (Habaraduwa)

10 km from Galle • Half day

A turtle hatchery dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It's a great place to learn about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts.

Festivals

Galle Literary Festival • January (dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (dates vary based on the lunar calendar) Sinhala and Tamil New Year • April (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Explore the Fort Area on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
Visit the Galle Fort at sunrise or sunset for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
Try local street food, such as kottu roti and isles, for an authentic culinary experience.
Use apps like PickMe for reliable and affordable taxi services.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.