7 Days • 6 Nights
Hill Country & Scenic Train Journey
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll visit Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, ride the famously scenic train through the tea estates to 'Little England' Nuwara Eliya and on to laid-back Ella, hike to the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, and tour a working tea plantation. Waterfalls, cool mountain air and endless green fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, a private driver-guide and the reserved train seats arranged, it is Sri Lanka's tea country at its most beautiful.
Trip Highlights
- Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth
- The world-famous scenic hill-country train
- The 'Little England' tea town of Nuwara Eliya
- A tea plantation and factory visit
- Laid-back Ella and its Nine Arch Bridge
- A hike up Little Adam's Peak
- Waterfalls and cool mountain air
- Endless emerald tea estates
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Arrive and transfer up to Kandy, the hill capital, settling in with a welcome dinner and an evening by Kandy Lake.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and a Kandyan cultural dance show.
Board the beautiful hill-country train, winding through emerald tea estates to Nuwara Eliya, 'Little England', with its cool air and colonial charm.
A tea plantation and factory visit with a tasting, the colonial town, Gregory Lake and the surrounding hills.
Continue on the famously scenic train through the highest, most beautiful stretch of the line to the mountain village of Ella.
Explore Ella — the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a hike up Little Adam's Peak and the Ravana Falls.
Descend to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final breakfast in the hills.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Kandy, 2N Nuwara Eliya, 2N Ella
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and a cultural show
- Reserved-seat hill-country train journeys through the tea estates
- A tea plantation and factory visit in Nuwara Eliya
- Ella's Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Which is the most scenic stretch of the train?
The Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella stretch is widely considered the most beautiful, winding through the highest tea estates and misty peaks. We reserve your seats on the best sections in advance.
Is it cold in the hill country?
The highlands around Nuwara Eliya and Ella are noticeably cooler than the coast, especially at night, so bring a warm layer even though you are in the tropics.
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