Discover Sri Lanka by train

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival at the airport and heading to Kandy.

  

  Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver-guide, who will take you to the station after completing the necessary formalities. At the main Fort station, you will take the train towards Kandy. While waiting for the train, you can take the opportunity to tour the capital. After a 3-4 hour train ride, your driver will be waiting for you at Peradeniya station and will take you to the remains of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the 16th century as a place of veneration and protection for the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha. Stroll through the beautifully decorated corridors painted in red, cream, and black. You will also discover a lounge containing delicately carved pillars as well as beautiful golden statues. A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable moment of history and art. Optional activities: If you wish, you can attend a glorious show of Sri Lankan cultural dance. The Kandy cultural show is an opportunity for you to discover some of Sri Lanka's customs and traditions. Enjoy this show during which the island's most popular art forms will take the stage and let yourself be captivated by the fire dancers and colorful sword dancers, moving to the thrilling rhythm of the drums.

• day 2

  Route to Nanu Oya

  After a good breakfast in the morning, you will leave the hotel to head towards Peradeniya station to take the train to Nanu Oya. The train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Sri Lankan highlands. You will be able to observe the bright green carpets of tea plantations spread out before you, as well as the many picturesque villages accompanied by misty mountains in the background. Take the opportunity to look through the drizzle and fog and admire the magical landscapes of the hill country. Amazing views of towering mountains, deep and dark forests, and magnificent waterfalls passing close to your windows await you. At Nanu Oya station, you will meet your driver who will take you to visit the city of Nuwara Eliya and its famous tea plantations. Visit the highland city, which was the upscale resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and enjoy a stroll through the streets with their pretty little country houses, picturesque villas, and beautiful mansions. You can stop by the old red brick post office to buy an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Before returning to your hotel, you can relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

• day 3

  Discovery of Ella

  After breakfast, you will take the train to Ella. Although this part of the journey is relatively short, it can be quite crowded, as it is very popular with tourists. Enjoy a panoramic view by taking the train from Nano Oya to Haputale. You will be able to admire the sublime mountains, the beautiful waterfalls, and the fields of bright green tea. Don't miss the misty little villages and the towns filled with lively and brilliant local people passing by, surrounded by dark forests. The thrill of the sparkling water drops is a magical moment. Once you arrive in Ella, you will head to the small tourist town, with its little restaurants and tea rooms nestled in traditional huts, as well as pretty little cottages. Your guide will show you the most interesting places in Ella. You will cross fields of green tea and hard stretches of rock, and you can observe the magical views of Little Adam's Peak. Stroll through the history of the Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. You will end the day with a hike to Demodara station, with its unique loop track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best tourist sites in Sri Lanka.

• day 4

  Hiking at Ella Rock

  

  This morning, you will set out for a beautiful morning hike to Ella Rock, one of the highest viewpoints in the region. You will be able to observe the distant Namunukula range and Little Adam's Peak along the way, while admiring the magnificent morning views of the landscape from the top of the rock. Some of the identifiable landmarks you will see are the Bandarawala mountain range, the Poonagala hills, Narangala, the Ella gorge, and the Badulla railway tracks. Next, you will visit the sumptuous Ravana Falls, a very popular tourist attraction among travelers in Ella, as they are considered one of the largest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. Measuring 25 m high, the waterfall cascades from a concave, oval-shaped rocky outcrop. During the rainy season, the waterfall transforms into an areca flower with wilted petals and, during the dry season, the water flow decreases considerably.

• day 5

  Safari in Yala

  

  On this new day, you will experience something extraordinary in Yala: a beautiful evening safari in Yala National Park. This three-hour safari gives you the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the country, not far from the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. There you will see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and large herds of elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

• day 6

  Direction Mirissa

  After a good early breakfast, you will set off for the small coastal town of Mirissa, located at the eastern end of Weligama Bay. In Mirissa, you can enjoy the crescent-shaped beach and relax on the smooth, fine sands covered with coconut trees. Mirissa gives the impression of being on a distant, deserted island, so a change of scenery is guaranteed! These beaches are now famous all over the world and are among the well-preserved natural treasures of the island.

• day 7

  Whale watching in Mirissa

  

  Today, you will embark on a pleasant whale watching excursion in Mirissa. This five-hour excursion is an opportunity to see the largest mammals on the planet, whales, in their natural environment. You may also spot blue whales, sperm whales, and fin whales swimming in the waters south of Sri Lanka. You will learn more about whales as a species from a qualified naturalist, who will help you identify them. This excursion is therefore an opportunity for you to have a responsible whale watching experience with minimal impact on nature. Once the tour is over, you will head to Mirissa station to take the train towards Bentota. Along the way, you will be able to admire landscapes completely different from those you saw in the hills. In the afternoon, you can quietly enjoy the golden beaches, shaded palm trees, and marine activities of Bentota at your own pace. The more adventurous can try surfing, jet skiing, or scuba diving. This city is very lively with many parties, so you can let go and fully enjoy yourself.

• day 8

  Visit of Colombo and return flight.

  Early this morning, you will leave for the economic capital of the country, Colombo. You will end your stay in style with a guided tour of the city and can take the opportunity to do your last shopping at Independence Square or at the racecourse. Accompanied by your guide, you will discover a very bright city and many historical monuments, including the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, the Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, the Gangarama Temple, the National Museum, and many others. If you have time, we invite you to visit the following places: Lunch @ Gallery Café in Colombo Barefoot Gallery (Books and Handlooms) Spa Ceylon At the indicated time, your driver will take you to the airport after this memorable trip that allowed you to discover Sri Lanka by train and create unforgettable memories.