Love on the Rails

Depart Colombo early morning around 7:30 am. Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to feed and observe the elephants in their natural habitat. Continue to Kandy and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, followed by a stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel in Kandy by 6:00 pm and enjoy dinner overlooking the serene Kandy Lake. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Catch the morning train around 8:00 am from Kandy to Nanu Oya, a journey famous for its breathtaking mountain vistas and tea plantations. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya late morning and enjoy a guided tour of a working tea estate, learning about the tea-making process. Take a leisurely boat ride on Gregory Lake in the afternoon, followed by a walk through the town’s charming colonial streets. Check in to your boutique hotel in Nuwara Eliya for an overnight stay.

Board the train from Nanu Oya to Ella in the morning, experiencing one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, with cascading waterfalls and misty hills. Arrive in Ella by midday, and have lunch at a local café with panoramic views of the valleys below. Spend the evening wandering around the town, visiting small shops, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in a hillside guesthouse in Ella.

Wake early for a hike to Little Adam’s Peak to catch the sunrise over the cloud-draped hills. Return for breakfast, then explore the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, taking time to photograph this architectural marvel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of nearby tea plantations or relax at your hotel with scenic hill views. Overnight stay in Ella.

Depart Ella by car at 8:00 am, stopping en route at Ravana Falls for photos and a brief swim if desired. Arrive at Yala National Park by early afternoon, check in to your safari lodge, and enjoy lunch. Embark on a late afternoon jeep safari to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of exotic birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast at the lodge, drive along the southern coastline towards Mirissa, enjoying scenic ocean views along the way. Arrive by noon, check in to your beachfront hotel, and relax before an afternoon walk along the golden sands. Spend the evening sampling fresh seafood at local seaside restaurants. Overnight stay in Mirissa.

Early morning whale-watching excursion departing at 6:00 am to catch dolphins and blue whales in their natural habitat. Return by late morning for breakfast, then visit a nearby turtle hatchery to learn about conservation efforts. Board the afternoon train to Bentota and enjoy a calm boat ride on the Madu River, observing mangroves, temples, and local wildlife. Check in to a riverside resort in Bentota for overnight stay.

Take the morning train from Bentota to Colombo, arriving around late morning. Enjoy a guided city tour exploring colonial architecture, the vibrant Pettah Market, and Gangaramaya Temple. Lunch at a rooftop café overlooking the city, followed by leisure time to shop for souvenirs. Evening check-in to a luxury hotel in Colombo for your final overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey.