sri lanka by local rail

Cosmopolitan Colombo, the vibrant gateway to Sri Lanka, offers a fascinating blend of colonial history, diverse cultures, and modern life. With a population of six million, the city is an eclectic mix of sleek contemporary buildings, redtiled colonial structures, and bustling street markets brimming with fragrant spices, colorful silks and fresh produce. As most international flights arrive around midnight, we’ve included accommodation for the night of February 21, allowing you to check in, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing morning before meeting your fellow travellers in the afternoon.

Overnight: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

🍽 breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day, perhaps venture out for a leisurely stroll along the Galle Face Green, a sprawling urban park along the seafront. Then, meet your fellow travellers in the hotel foyer before a welcome lunch and briefing. After, we’ll head into the heart of Colombo by coach to explore historic Chatham Street. Here, you’ll see a variety of Dutch colonial-era buildings, including the Chatham Street Clock Tower and the Old Colombo Lighthouse, before visiting the iconic Pagoda Tea Rooms at number 103 on Chatham Street. Opened in 1884, the Tea Rooms’ old-world charm was immortalised in Duran Duran’s 1982 music video for ‘Hungry Like the Wolf’, where a snakecharmer and a local boy with a monkey added to the exotic allure of the scene. Then, you’ll enjoy a private tour of the National Railway Museum in Colombo, exclusive to our tour group. Here, you’ll learn about the remarkable restoration work on two narrow-gauge carriages, which were rebuilt from scratch after the last examples of these railcars vanished. The museum also houses a variety of locomotives, including a Garratt, showcasing the importance of Sri Lanka’s railways in shaping the country’s social and economic landscape. Next, we’ll make our way to t-Lounge by Dilmah, where you’ll savour the finest Ceylon Tea paired with a selection of local sweets in a stunning old colonial building. Next, we’ll visit Pillawoos Hotel, known for being the location where Anthony Bourdain had his first taste of Chicken Kottu Roti in the Sri Lankan episode of his TV series No Reservations. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon before heading out for dinner together at the world-renowned Ministry of Crab, located within the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital. A culinary creation of celebrity chef Dharshan Munidasa and Sri Lankan cricketing icons Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, this restaurant is the only Sri Lankan establishment featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing end to the evening, perhaps enjoying more fun and merriment at the hotel’s Travellers Bar.

Overnight: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

🍽 breakfast, dinner

Exploring Chatham Street In Colombo - next photo

The national railway museum
in colombo - next photo

After breakfast, we will visit a residence designed by Geoffrey Bawa, a masterpiece of tropical modernism. A pioneering architect, Bawa transformed Sri Lanka’s architectural landscape by harmonising indoor and outdoor spaces, climate, and cultural heritage. His home blends courtyards, antiques, and lush greenery into a serene retreat, reflecting his enduring influence on the nation’s design aesthetic. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll transfer to the Colombo Fort Train Station to board the Galu Kumari Express to Galle Fort Station, with its Victorian-era architecture, resembles Manchester Victoria Station and is a fascinating spot to explore before we board our air-conditioned train compartments. Sit back and enjoy one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journeys, travelling along the palm-fringed coast. We’ll arrive in Galle late in the afternoon and transfer to our hotel. After checking in, we’ll head out to the atmospheric old town for a delightful dinner at Church Street Social. Set in a beautifully decorated former merchant’s home, this restaurant offers a fusion of excellent local and international dishes, ensuring there’s something for every taste.

Overnight: The Heritage Galle Fort

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

relax onboard the “galu kumari express” running
along the sri lanka coast between colombo and
galle - next 3 photos

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a walking tour of Galle, a colonial gem and the largest fortified city built by Europeans in Asia. The city’s strategic seaport has been used by Persians, Arabs, Greeks, and others for nearly 3,000 years. Galle was once the seaport of Tarshish, linked to King Solomon’s legendary trade. The Portuguese arrived in 1502, followed by the Dutch in 1640, and finally the British in 1796, who preserved the fort as the district’s administrative center. During your tour, you’ll visit a centuries-old Buddhist temple, known for its exquisite woodcarving, and explore a lively farmers market, where you’ll learn about the vibrant ingredients central to Sri Lankan cuisine. Afterward, visit a Dutch-style home for a cooking demonstration, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation of classic Sri Lankan dishes, including Ambulthiyal fish curry, lentil dhal, eggplant curry, and a sweet dessert. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the old town at your leisure. Galle has a strong arts scene, with both local and international artists drawing inspiration from the town’s colonial charm. Wander through its streets to discover boutique shops, galleries, cafes, and vibrant artwork. In the evening, why not head out to try some local delicacies? Egg Hoppers, a crispy bowl-shaped pancake with an egg at the bottom, Chicken Kottu Roti, and Parippu (Sri Lankan red lentil curry) are all popular dishes. You can also enjoy a glass of Ceylon Arrak, distilled from coconut sap and aged in Halmilla wood.

Overnight: The Heritage Galle Fort

🍽 breakfast, lunch

Exploring Galle Including The Lighthouse

After breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel before heading to a cinnamon plantation just outside Galle to discover how Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon Cinnamon is farmed. Galle District, known as ‘Cinnamon Country,’ provides the ideal conditions for this spice, with steep slopes surrounded by lush jungle. Sri Lanka produces 85% of the world’s finest cinnamon from the Cinnamomum verum, or true cinnamon tree, native to the island. Continuing along the coast, you’ll travel through stunning shoreline scenery, with dazzling white sand beaches and emerald hills. Along the way, we’ll stop to watch the famous stilt fishermen, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s coastal culture. These skilled fishermen balance themselves on vertical poles set in the shallow waters, casting their lines to catch small fish like spotted herrings and mackerels without disturbing the marine life below. We’ll then journey by coach to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserve, approximately three hours from Mirissa. You’ll spend the next two nights at Cinnamon Wild Resort, a rustic retreat located just a few miles from the park. The resort borders a large lake where crocodiles, pelicans, and deer coexist. You may even spot a resident tribe of grey langur monkeys, known for their playful antics (perhaps even jumping on your roof in the morning!). The hotel’s proximity to the park means wildlife such as elephants, wild boar, and even the occasional leopard might wander close by. After checking in, take time to explore and unwind. Tonight, dinner will be at leisure.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild Resort, Yala National Park

🍽 breakfast, lunch

This morning, you’ll head out in a 4WD for an exciting safari through Yala National Park, exploring open grasslands, dense forests, and serene lagoons. Your knowledgeable guide will listen for the subtle sounds of wildlife that often go unnoticed. The park is considered one of the best places in the world to see these ever-elusive leopards as it has one of the highest densities of these beautiful cats in the world. You might encounter a variety of animals such as spotted deer, wild boar, and the elusive sloth bear. Yala is also home to diverse birdlife, including the rare Junglefowl and the vibrant Indian Peafowl. Return to your hotel for lunch and a chance to unwind or explore the lake area on foot. In the late afternoon, enjoy a shorter safari focused on birdwatching. Yala is home to over 215 bird species, including the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Painted Stork, and Crimson-fronted Barbet. If you’re lucky, you might also spot an Indian Star Tortoise as it basks in the sun. After a day filled with nature, head back to the hotel for a buffet dinner, where you can unwind and recount your wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Cinnamon Wild Resort

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

Full Day Safari In Yala National Park Sri Lanka's Premier
Wildlife Reserve - next 7 photos

This morning, after breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we head north to Ella, a charming town nestled in the highlands. The views through Ella Gap are breathtaking, and on clear evenings, you can catch a glimpse of the subtle glow from the Great Basses lighthouse along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. We’ll arrive in Ella in time for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll walk through this colorful town and walk along the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, one of the best examples of colonial-era railway engineering in the world. This iconic bridge, made of stone and cement is a viaduct connecting Ella and Demodara train stations. The rail line passes under itself, going around the loop and emerging from a tunnel, which runs directly beneath the Demodara railway station. The rail loop is approximately 2953 feet long and the tunnel is 1050 feet in length. It is considered the only loop in the world with a railway station situated directly over a tunnel at a spiral loop. We’ll check into our hotel in the mid afternoon where the rest of your day and evening is free.

Overnight: Ekho Hotel, Ella

🍽 breakfast, lunch

The beautiful mountain scenery at ella gap, sri lanka

we will have the opportunity to photograph the beautiful
demodara nine bridge at ella gap. this bridge is
considered one of the best examples of colonial-era
railway engineering in the world - next 3 photos

After an early breakfast and checkout, we’ll travel by road to Badulla again, arriving in time to board the 9:00am Ella Odyssey First Class train to Nanu Oya. This scenic train journey is often considered one of the most beautiful in South Asia, winding through lush green tea estates, past cascading waterfalls, and through numerous tunnels. It’s a journey that has become a must-do for many visitors, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Upon arrival at Nanu Oya, we will take a short drive to Nuwara Eliya. Nestled deep in tea plantation country at an elevation of 5,905 feet , Nuwara Eliya enjoys a cool climate, which makes it a refreshing contrast to the coastal regions. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, the town is dotted with charming red telephone boxes, Victorian-era architecture, and beautiful rose gardens—all remnants from its time as a hill retreat for the English and Scottish pioneers of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The cool mountain air offered a perfect escape, and many indulged in pastimes like golf, cricket, polo, and even fox hunting. After a leisurely lunch and indulgent High Tea, the rest of the day and evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Spend some time exploring the hotel’s magnificent gardens, take a refreshing swim in the stunning indoor pool, or enjoy a peaceful walk through the nearby Victoria Park.

Overnight: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

🍽 breakfast, lunch

Onboard The “Ella Odyssey” First Class Train Between Ella And Nanu
Oya Running Through Some Of The Most Beautiful Scenery
In Sri Lanka - next 2 photos

Today, we begin with a visit to a Sri Lankan specialty coffee house that processes, roasts and exports its own coffee, offering a smooth, chocolaty, and rich gourmet brew in a charming heritage building. Our next stop is the Pedro Tea Estate and Tea Factory, where you’ll be guided through the entire tea manufacturing process, from grading to packaging. You’ll have the chance to meet the tea pickers as you take a walk through the lush plantations, and finish by sampling some of the final product. Established in 1885, the factory sits on the very spot where James Taylor planted the first tea bushes that would lead to the commercialisation of Ceylon tea. While Assam Tea was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1840, it was Taylor’s efforts in the 1860s that helped the country become the world’s 4th largest producer of tea, after China, India, and surprisingly, Kenya. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a sit-down lunch at the prestigious Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. Founded in 1889 by Scottish soldiers, the golf course is one of the oldest continually operating clubs in Asia, originally serving British servicemen and officials stationed in the area. Following lunch, we’ll explore more colonial-era buildings, including The Hill Club, Jetwing St. Andrews, and the Nuwara Eliya Post Office. If you missed it yesterday, you’ll also have time to wander through the beautiful Victoria Gardens. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight: The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya

🍽 breakfast, lunch

After breakfast and checkout, you’ll transfer to the Nanuoya train station to board the first-class Udarata Menike Express train to Kandy. Enjoy lunch on board as you take in the breathtaking mountain scenery along the way. Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom before falling to the British in 1815, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Sri Lankans. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. The Kandyans fiercely resisted Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial forces, and after British occupation, the Kandyans were granted the preservation of their rights, customs, and religion. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, home to over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Following the garden tour, you’ll enjoy a scenic walk around Kandy Lake, which beautifully frames the town. We’ll conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Kandy Myst, Kandy

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

the udarata menike express between nanuoya
and kandy - next photo

the mountain town of kandy and lake kandy at night

This morning, after breakfast and checkout, we’ll visit the famous Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) in Kandy. Located in the heart of the city, this is Sri Lanka’s most revered shrine, housing a tooth relic of Buddha, believed to have been taken from his funeral pyre. You may even be fortunate enough to witness a pooja, a small worship ritual involving drummers and dancers, which adds a unique spiritual atmosphere to the visit. After lunch at a local restaurant, you are free to enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon, experience the Kandyan Cultural Dance at the Kandy Lake Club. Marvel at the impressive costumes, graceful movements, and thundering drum beats in this captivating performance that offers a unique insight into the local culture. Afterwards, you may choose to continue exploring the city at your own pace, your guide will be able to suggest somewhere for dinner, or you can take the provided transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight: Kandy Myst, Kandy

🍽 breakfast, lunch

The Kandyan Cultural Dance In Kandy

This morning, we’ll journey towards Sigiriya. En route, we’ll visit a spice garden in Matale, where you’ll see the wide variety of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Learn how they are grown and processed while enjoying the delightful fragrances of nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom as you stroll through the garden. Next, we’ll explore the Dambulla Cave Temples, a remarkable complex of five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and impressive frescoes. The climb is well worth it for the stunning views and historical significance. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Sigiriya, home to the iconic Lion Rock. After time to relax and enjoy the resort’s amenities we’ll meet for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Heritance Kandlama, Dambulla

🍽 breakfast, dinner

The Fantastic Dambulla Cave Temples - next photo

Early this morning, before the heat sets in, we’ll head to Sigiriya to visit the iconic Lion Rock, a site of both historical and archaeological importance. Rising 656 feet above the surrounding landscape, this massive granite formation was chosen by King Kashyapa (AD 477–495) as the location for his royal capital. The king built his palace on top of the rock, adorned its sides with vibrant frescoes, and created a grand entrance in the form of a colossal lion statue. After his death, the site was abandoned and used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. For those who are fit and agile, a challenging 1,200-step staircase leads to the Lion’s Paws at the top of the rock, offering panoramic views. After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon before gathering for dinner.

Overnight: Heritance Kandlama, Dambulla

🍽 breakfast, lunch

Lion rock was king kashyapa royal capital

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and journey to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally established as a military outpost, Polonnaruwa was renamed Jananathamangalam by the Chola dynasty after their invasion in the 10th century. During our tour, you’ll explore the ruins of palaces, temples, and stupas, with a highlight being the impressive 46 foot-high granite carvings of the reclining Buddha, showcasing the peak of Sinhalese rock carving. After lunch, we will drive to our hotel through the Minneriya National Park, renowned for its vast grasslands, ancient reservoir, and diverse wildlife. It is home to elephants, deer, and exotic birds, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich natural heritage. We’ll arrive in the afternoon and the rest of the day and night is at leisure.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

🍽 breakfast, lunch

The Buddha Carvings At Jananathamangalam

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll travel in style aboard a privately chartered T1 Railcar for a 5-hour journey back to Colombo. This Deluxe Diesel T1 Railcar, manufactured by English Electric in the 1930s, was in service in Sri Lanka from 1947 to 1983 and has since been beautifully restored to offer a unique, comfortable travel experience. Enjoy lunch and refreshments on board as you relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or chat with fellow travelers. Upon arrival in Colombo, we’ll transfer to a charming courtyard restaurant in a former office of architect Geoffrey Bawa for light refreshments. Afterwards, you’ll explore his former residence, Colombo Residence No. 11, a masterpiece he renovated over 40 years. Wander through the unique space, admiring Bawa’s artistic flair and sophisticated design. Next, we’ll visit the Barefoot Fair Trade Store, where you’ll find vibrant handicrafts such as textiles, clothes, and toys. Founded by artist Barbara Sansoni in the 1960s, Barefoot supports local artisans and offers a chance to purchase unique items while supporting Sri Lanka’s cottage industry. Finally, we will visit Independence Square and the tranquil Gangaramaya Temple, an oasis of calm in the bustling city. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

🍽 breakfast, lunch, dinner

On our last day riding the sri lanka railways we have a bit
of luxury on our own private charter from habarana to
colombo using a restored t1 railcar built by english
electric. We will also enjoy a first class lunch on this
last journey - next 2 photos

This morning after breakfast it’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and check out of your hotel for your departure.

🍽 breakfast

note: Airport departure transfers are included in your tour package.

For those railfans that are considering booking on this tour there is a interesting variety of motive power either operating or out-of-service or retired on the Sri Lankan Railways in a variety of paint schemes. Some of these diesels were built by: General Motors, Electro-Motive Division (EMD), Montreal Locomotive Works, Hitachi, Thyssen-henschel, Brush Traction, Banaras Locomotives Works, Alstom, Rheinstahi Henschel, Lew, Armstrong Whitworth, North British Locomotive Company, Hunslet, Kawasaaki, English Electric, Man, Hyundai, CSR, ICF, CRRC Qingdao Sifang, Rathmia