Watch the journey unfold
The real map, with the flight and mini-van legs traced and animated across it. Press replay any time.
Explore each stop on Google Maps
The route above is the storyline — tap a stop below to drop into the real place on Google Maps, satellite view and all.
Six days, three bases
Chennai → Colombo → Nuwara Eliya
Fly SriLankan Airlines flight UL122 from Chennai (MAA) to Bandaranaike International, Colombo (CMB) — departs MAA 09:45, arrives CMB 11:05 (~1h20m). Clear arrivals and meet your driver for airport pickup, then head straight into the hills — roughly 5–6 hours by road up to Nuwara Eliya. Check in to Queensland Hotel as evening cool sets in.
Pedro Tea Estate, Seetha Amman Temple & Gregory's Lake
A full day around Nuwara Eliya: tour the Pedro Tea Estate and its factory for a proper Ceylon tea tasting, visit the Seetha Amman Temple in its dramatic valley setting, then wind down at Gregory's Lake back in town.
Day trip to Ella — Nine Arch Bridge
Out to Ella for the day (roughly 1.5–2 hours each way through the hill country). Walk out to the Nine Arch Bridge — the 1921 stone viaduct between Ella and Demodara — and time it for a train crossing if you can, then spend the rest of the day sightseeing around Ella town before heading back to Nuwara Eliya for the night.
Nuwara Eliya → Galle by mini van
Check out and descend from the hills down to the south coast — around 6–7 hours by mini van. Check in to 18 Faces, then take the property's free tuk tuk into Galle Fort for a sunset walk along the ramparts.
Galle Fort, snorkelling & sightseeing
A full day exploring the Dutch Fort's ramparts, boutiques and lighthouse, plus a snorkelling session along the coast — the free 18 Faces tuk tuk is on call for hops in and out all day.
Airport drop-off from 18 Faces → fly to Chennai
Check out of 18 Faces and transfer directly to Bandaranaike International, Colombo (roughly 2.5–3 hours), to catch SriLankan Airlines flight UL123 back to Chennai — departs CMB 18:35, arrives MAA 19:55 (~1h20m).
Two bases, hills to coast
Queensland Hotel
- Family rooms with mountain views & balconies
- 1.2 mi / ~2 km from Gregory Lake
- On-site restaurant, garden & terrace
18 Faces
- Free tuk tuk drop-off to Galle Fort
- Outdoor pool & garden, ~2.5 km from the Fort
- Complimentary breakfast daily
Transfers & timings
Chennai ⇄ Colombo
Outbound: UL122, MAA 09:45 → CMB 11:05, ~1h20m (22 Jan). Return: UL123, CMB 18:35 → MAA 19:55, ~1h20m (27 Jan). Confirm exact times closer to departure.
Colombo → Nuwara Eliya
Roughly 160 km / 5–6 hours by road, climbing steadily into the central highlands. Airport pickup is arranged.
Nuwara Eliya → Galle
Roughly 230 km / 6–7 hours by mini van via the southern lowlands. Airport drop-off from Galle to Colombo (BIA) takes another 2.5–3 hours.