A train journey is an ideal way to experience the culture, scenery and the people of Sri Lanka. Departing from Colombo this rail journey takes you through the countryside to Kandy visiting the Rail Museum in Kadugannawa en-route. From Kandy travel on to Nuwara Eliya for 2 nights. Spend timing relaxing in the hill country and tea plantations. From Nuwara Eliya to Tangalle and then Galle before arriving back into Colombo.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Colombo
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to Kotugoda (Approx. 20 mins drive).
Overnight The Wallawwa
Day 2 : Kotugoda - Kadugannawa - Kandy (approx. 3 hour train) (B)
Following breakfast, drive to Colombo railway station (Approx. 30 Mins) to take the train to Kandy (Approx. 3 Hrs train ride). You will travel in reserved seating in clean air-conditioned carriages. You will experienced fantastic scenery as the train makes it to Kandy. Complimentary snacks and tea/coffee facilities will be available on board the train.
Enroute visit Rail museum in Kadugannawa. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight Kandy House
Day 3 : Kandy (B)
Today you will be taken for the tour of Kandy City with its lakeside setting. Located in the centre of Sri Lanka the city lies in the midst of hills of rare vegetal species. The Kandy Valley crosses an area of tropical plantations with the monumental ensemble of Kandy is an example of construction that associates the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth which you would visit. Witness a cultural show afterwards.
Overnight Kandy House
Day 4 : Kandy - Nuwara Ellya (approx. 3 hour train ride) (B)
After breakfast today, transfer to Peradeniya (Approx. 20 Mins drive) to board the train to take one of the most scenic train journeys through hills and tea plantations (Approx. 3 hrs journey). You will be picked up at the Nanu Oya station by your chauffeur guide who will drive you to Nuwara Ellya where you can have a relaxing time in the hill country. Complimentary lunch with tea/coffee facilties will be served on board the train.
Overnight Heritance Tea Factory
Day 5 : Nuwara Ellya (B,)
Today is to be spent entirely at your leisure among the mountains and tea estates.
Enjoy a rail carriage dinner at the hotel.
Overnights Heritance Tea Factory
Day 6 : Nuwara Ellya - Tangalle (B)
Today, hop in to the train from Nanu Oya to Demodara (to see 9 arch bridge – Approx. 3 Hr journey) and see the train looping the track. Then after a refreshing lunch in Ella, transfer to Tangalle (Approx. 5 Hrs).
Overnight Anantara Peace Haven
Day 7 : Tangalle (B)
Day is at leisure to enjoy the golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
Overnight Anantara Peace Haven
Day 8 : Tangalle - Matara - Galle (approx. 45 miin. by train (B)
Today drive to Matara railway station (Approx. 1 Hrs drive) to take the train to Galle (Approx. 45 Mins ride)
Explore Galle Fort with its low lined streets and history behind its Rampart. The Fort remains a hive of activity and is one of the few World Heritage listed sites in which a bustling population continues to thrive. The city has a colorful history, with a Dutch atmosphere which is very much alive and its most popular site is the magnificent Dutch fort.
Overnight: Fort Bazaar
Day 9 : Galle to Colombo (approx. 4 hours train journey (B)
Today take the train to Colombo (Approx. 3.5 Hrs train journey)
Overnight: Residency by Uga
Day 10 : Colombo to Airport (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport to catch the flight to onward destination (Approx. 1 Hrs drive).
A Rail Journey – 10 Days
Inclusions:-
- 9 nights accommodation as per itinerary or similar
- Private air conditioned vehicle with English speaking chaffeur guide.
- Local government taxes & service charges
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the above mentioned sites
Exclusions:-
- Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, meals drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended
- Optional tours & activities
- Use of vehicle during leisure days
- Cameras & Video permits at cultural sights
- Tipping & Porterage
Terms & Conditions of Booking
Booking Process:
Deposit
To confirm your reservation a non refundable deposit of $440 per person is required at time of booking.
Balance Payment
The balance payment is due 60 days before departure, If booking within 60 days of departure full payment is required on confirmation.
Cancellation Policy
Should you need to cancel your booking, please advise us immediately in writing. Cancellation fees are applicable as follows:-
Cancel more than 60 days before departure Loss of deposit
Cancel 59 – 45 days before departure 50% of tour cost
Cancel 44 days or less before departure 100% of tour cost
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy
It is a condition of this booking that guests have taken out a comprehensive travel insurance which includes cover for cancellation fees, medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
Please let me know if you like further information on travel insurance.
India Tourist Visa
Guests travelling on Australian Passports require an India Tourist Visa. Please refer to www.vfs-in-au.net for information on India Visa Applications. We are more than happy to assist you with the visa application process.
Health & Vaccinations
Please refer to your doctor for advise on health and vaccinations precautions for the areas visited on this tour. Information is also available at www.traveldoctor.com.au .Note it is the guests responsibility to have the appropriate vaccinations.
This tour will require guests to have a reasonable level of fitness. Guests with any pre-existing illness or medical dietary requirements should consult their doctor to determine whether they are able to participate in the activities of this tour.