Sri Lanka Rail Adventure
15 days/14 nights
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
FOOD IS CULTURE
That’s why you’ll eat your way around Sri Lanka! You’ll never forget the tasty moments shared on this trip, learning about local dishes, ingredients and seeing where they grow, but above all… you’ll remember that lunch, in the rice paddies, with a local family.
ELEPHANT ENCOUNTERS
Get ready for the wildlife display of a lifetime! Whether it’s Minneriya or another national park, watching wild elephants roam, graze and splash around will leave you spellbound. You’ll hear the rustling before you see them, but when they emerge, it’s so, so special.
THE MAGIC OF POLONNARUWA
It’s hard to believe you’re strolling around this ancient royal city, buried in forest wilderness and full of architectural masterpieces which, considering its age, is reasonably intact. Keep your eyes peeled here for monkey sightings!
A MAGRAILER HIGHLIGHT!
Those who’ve gone before you have a message to pass on: boy oh boy, the views if you decide to climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress! High-fives all around with your fellow adventurers on the summit. After all, nothing bonds like conquering this feat of nature together!
AND THE BEST RAIL EXPERIENCE…?
All of them! The stations too. Sure, the Ella Odyssey is a roller coaster thrill-of-a-ride! But you’ll also be hopping on the same rattlers the locals do. You’ll be welcomed aboard with smiles, snacks and possibly an invite to join a local family reunion!
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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Pricing Details
- $1,650 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 2 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Ending point
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Group size
Maximum 12 people.
Inclusions
- Meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 1 High Tea and 9 dinners
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- 6 Train rides
- Private group road transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle (luggage transfers during train trips included).
- 14 nights boutique accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Exclusions
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Tourist Visa
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other other personal expenses
- Tip kitty
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
What our Sri Lanka MagRailers say
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Overview
Train Journeys Included
Day 2: Colombo to Kandy train
Day 3: Local train to Gampola
Day 4: Local train to Matale
Day 6: Local train from Habarana to Polonnaruwa
Day 10: Ella Odyssey Special Train
Day 14: Train to Colombo
Accommodation Preview
All Accommodation on this trip is 4 stars. Here are some examples:
Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
The Deer Park Hotel, Giritale
Mapakada Village Hotel, Mediyaya
Trip Summary
| Day | Trip Summary | B | L | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to Colombo! Welcome Dinner at Colombo restaurant | |||
| 2 | Train to Kandy, lunch in local restaurant | |||
| 3 | Morning train ride to Gampola, visit Ambuluwawa temple and visit Peradeniya Garden, return to Kandy. | |||
| 4 | Morning train to Matale, visit Spice and herbal garden, and Dambulla Cave temple. | |||
| 5 | Morning visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Evening visit to Minneriya National Park. | |||
| 6 | Local train from Habarana to Polonnaruwa. Explore ancient city of Polonnaruwa. | |||
| 7 | Morning drive to Mahiyangana. Visit Dabana. | |||
| 8 | Evening Walk through the village followed by refreshment and local cooking demo. Evening sunset high tea on the boat. | |||
| 9 | Explore Nuwara Eliya, visit tea factory and plantation. | |||
| 10 | Ella Odyssey Special | |||
| 11 | Breakfast at Walas Bedda. Witness the spectacular Train Loop. | |||
| 12 | Drive to Galle Fort. | |||
| 13 | Madu Ganga Wetlands. | |||
| 14 | Train to Colombo. Explore Colombo city. Farewell dinner. | |||
| 15 | Farewell friends! |
Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Welcome to Sri Lanka! One of our friendly team-members will meet you at the airport and we’ve arranged your transfer directly to the Galle Face Hotel. What an elegant way to kick off your Sri Lanka adventure! Did you know that your hotel’s roots stem way-back to 1864?
Tonight at dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants, you’ll get to know your guide and fellow MagRailers. Welcome to the beginning of your love affair with Sri Lankan food!
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Included: Dinner
Day 2 – Slow Train to Kandy
Your train to Kandy will leave the city in its wake this morning. Before too long, you’ll leave the flat-land rice paddies behind too, and feel the train start to lumber up the slow climb into the thickly forested mountains. What a train ride to start your journey. All of it is a feast for your eyes and the three hour trip will be over too quickly!
There’s time to explore Kandy’s Palace Temple with your guide this afternoon, before some free time at dinner. You might like to dine in-house, or jump aboard a tuk-tuk for a thrilling ride into the town centre. The promenade around the lake is particularly beautiful at night with the city lights in the background.
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz or similar
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3 – Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
The train to Gampola today has no guaranteed seating, but the trip’s only 30 minutes long and the train’s as local as it gets – so, if you miss out, some banter with locals will make the time fly by. The locals are so friendly here!
You’re on your way to visit Ambuluwawa Temple. More like a tower than a temple, it stands as a symbol of religious unity, with worship places for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians.
And make sure you’ve got some comfy shoes on, because you’ll be walking off your delicious local lunch at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. When you’ve got sights like the Ebony Collection, the Giant Bamboo Forest, Orchid House and the National Herbarium of Natural Medicine to discover, you’re definitely going to clock up some steps!
Accommodation: Hotel Topaz or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Dambulla Cave
Today you’re headed to Sigiriya – your home for the next two nights – and we could send you directly by road, but why on earth would we do that when you can ride the train to Matale first! Sure, there’s no air-conditioning, but the breeze flowing through the open windows is always a thrill, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
From rails to road, your group will stop at the largest and most preserved Buddhist cave complex in the country. Dambulla Temple’s artwork stretches across the expanse of 5 caves, which are filled with Buddha statues. It’s truly inspiring if not a tad overwhelming, but we’re sure you’ll be craning your neck to take in all that detail.
Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight, but you may like to lap up the views of Sigiriya Rock beforehand while you do a lap or two of your hotel’s pool.
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 – Minneriya Safari
Day 5. This morning, we’ve arranged a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress for the early birds. It’s a steep stair climb to the top, but if you have the energy, once you’re up there you’ll understand why it’s worth it. If you fancy a lie-in instead, no worries! Meet up with everyone at breakfast once they’re back, or choose to laze-away your entire morning.
After lunch, make sure that your battery is fully charged because it’s Safari time! Elephants are prolific in this area and because they are wild, prone to roaming. That’s why we’re going to leave it up to your guide to decide which National Park you’ll see them in – they have their finger on the pulse!
As the light takes on the glow of late afternoon, you’ll hear them before you see them. Your anticipation builds as they crash through the forest and finally lumber into view to feed, drink and socialise. This Nature Show is so mesmerising you’ll hardly notice you’re sharing it with anyone else!
Accommodation: Hotel Sigiriya or similar
Included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Pack your bags because you’re moving-on today for a short drive and 45 minute train ride to Polonnaruwa. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants because they cross these tracks regularly. The old rattler travels slowly and the train drivers are always on the lookout for them. Have your camera ready, just in case!
Polonnaruwa was the second Sinhalese capital and its beginnings date back more than 1,000 years. This afternoon, when you’re standing amongst the city’s ruined buildings, some of them still substantial structures, you’ll be asking yourself how it was possible this enormous swathe of physical, cultural and religious history was completely lost for centuries.
Your hotel rests in a tranquil lakeside spot tonight, so take the evening to enjoy the facilities. Otherwise it’s just a short tuk-tuk ride into town for dinner at a local restaurant. Your guide will let you know which ones to try.
Accommodation: Deer Park Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Dabana
Get ready for a cultural experience, as we spend the next two nights at Mapakada Village. There’ll be a few hours drive to get there, but once you’re gazing across the lake to the quiet wooded hills and beyond, you’ll instantly shake off the drive.
Have you ever heard of the Vedda Tribe? Indigenous to Sri Lanka, it’s believed they are direct descendants to the island’s original habitants back to Neolithic times. Late this afternoon, you’ll travel to their small community with a local guide. Spend precious moments meeting the elders who will welcome you with open arms. They love sharing their story and your presence here supports them and allows them to continue with their traditional way of life.
Accommodation: Mapakada Village Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 – Village Life and High Tea
It’s Day 8 – already!
We’ve snuck in one more village highlight for you, and that’s later today when you visit a farming community just nearby the hotel. This is the most genuine farm-to-plate experience you’ll ever have. Not only will you meet friendly locals and learn about their lives, your guide will collect the freshest of goodies from them along the way, to be used in meals served back at the hotel.
To finish off the day, we’ve arranged High-Tea served on a boat – cue the sunset, please!
Accommodation: Mapakada Village Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast, High Tea & Dinner
Day 9 – Nuwara Eliya
Did someone say ‘Little England’? It’s true that Nuwara Eliya was known by this in its Colonial past. Back in the day, the cooler mountain air was a welcome retreat from the wilting heat of the plains below. That the area was well-suited to tea plantations, was an added bonus for the British.
Today you’ll travel by road and there’ll be time to explore Nuwara Eliya late in the day with your guide. Sleep well tonight – there’s another train ride on the cards tomorrow and we’re pretty sure this is the one you’ve been waiting for the most!
Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 – Ella Odyssey Specialty Train
All aboard the Ella Odyssey Specialty Train!! It’s day 10 of your Sri Lanka rail adventure and your pinch-me moment is finally here. Even people who don’t travel by train make the effort to ride this one – that’s how famous it is!
The train pauses and you’re glued to the window in front of mountain-side waterfalls and the celebrated Nine-Arches Bridge. The 3-hour trip goes by quickly and it builds to a crescendo when your ride disappears into the darkness of the tunnel directly below Demodara Station. Congratulations – you’re now ‘looping the loop!’ A journey only topped by meeting the Station Master afterwards.
There’s some time to relax in your hotel this afternoon. Or you may like to wander down the road for a beverage or two at one of the local restaurants.
At dinner with your fellow MagRailers, we’re sure tonight’s chatter will be filled with awe from today’s experience!
Accommodation: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11 – Ella
At Magnificent Rail, we think there is only one way to top breakfast-with-a-view and that’s breakfast PLUS a view of a famous train line!
Walas Bedda Viewpoint is up a rough mountain road and a high vantage point to see a train, just like yours yesterday, looping the loop. Today’s an early start, but we guarantee that this is worth getting out of bed for. After a hilltop Sri Lankan breakfast (be sure to try the freshly-cooked coconut roti) it’s back down the mountain – your guide has plans for you and Beautiful Ella is awaiting your attention.
Accommodation: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12 – Galle Fort
Fear not, the train rides aren’t over yet, but you will have to wait a couple of days because today your transfer to Galle is by road. Heading south, you’ll descend from the mountains quickly and before long, you’ll be surrounded by rice paddy and roaming herds of water buffalo again. Before the British, came the Dutch, and Galle still oozes that colonialist and spice trading port history, and you’re about to call this historical fort town your home for the next two nights.
Dinner is at your leisure tonight and you won’t care one bit, because the laneways of the Fort are so user-friendly. We bet there will be more than one other MagRailer up for an aperitif on the balcony of one of the lush colonial-style restaurants!
Accommodation: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 13 – Madu Ganga Wetlands
This is yet another morning to be sure you’ve got your camera ready! The Madu Ganga Wetlands is a haven for wildlife and a designated RAMSAR Site. So, as you explore by boat with your guide, keep an eye on the sky for birds in flight, and others resting on branches in quiet mangrove pockets. The river is dotted with small islands and you’ll share the waterway with locals commuting by canoe, and going about their fishing.
In the afternoon, laze away in the afternoon under the shady verandah of your hotel, or grab some shopping time inside the fort. Just keep in mind the shopkeepers are up for a bit of kind-hearted bargaining banter. Tonight, you’ll be catching up for dinner with your fellow MagRailers – it’s your second-last night together, so make the most of it!
Accommodation: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14 – Colombo
By now, you’ll be right-at-home with Sri Lanka’s laid back, train pace, so relax and enjoy your final journey. Look West – the coastline has appeared.. Can you believe this incredible adventure is coming to an end?
Back in Colombo, it’s time to get to know Sri Lanka’s capital just a bit more, before some time back at The Galle Face Hotel to pack and prepare.
Tonight is your farewell dinner MagRailers, so let’s make it special! Fill up on your favourite Sri Lankan dishes and laugh with your newfound friends about the incredible journey you’ve shared – and how Sri Lanka has captured your hearts… and taste buds!
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 – Farewell
After breakfast, as you hug and farewell your fellow MagRailers, this is no time to say goodbye – instead, say see you on another train, in another place!
We’ve arranged a timely transfer to the airport for your homeward, or onward travel. Have a safe trip home!
Included: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of
- 28 July 2025 – 1 AUD:0.66 USD
- 22 September 2025 – 1 AUD:0.66 USD
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Australians and New Zealanders need a 30-day tourist visa for arrival in Sri Lanka at a cost of $50 USD. It’s known as an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA. Apply for it online at http://www.eta.gov.lk/
It can be applied for up to 30 days before arrival. You’ll need a passport with more than 6 months validity, a return flight ticket and the address of your start hotel, which is:
Galle Face Hotel
3, 2 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 3-4 hours. Daily activities might include walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
It will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Sri Lanka adventure, we ask your contribution be: 29,000 SL Rupee (equivalent to $132 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, driver & driver assistant and services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 30,000 to 34,000 per person (equivalent to $136 – $155)
(Exchange Rate used – $1AUD : 219.6 SL Rupee)
20kg
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Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights if you’re in need of assistance.
There are direct flights to Sri Lanka from some Australian cities and several 1-stop flights from Australian and New Zealand cities. When arranging flights, arrive and depart from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. The arrival transfer to Negombo (the trip starting point) is included in the trip. So is the airport transfer at the end of the trip.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The official Sri Lankan currency is the Sri Lankan rupee, referred to as Rs or LKR.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
Whether you are a couple, or a couple of friends, or travelling solo, our Magnificent Rail journeys will appeal to anyone who is inspired by the charm of scenic rail travel and wants to see the best of a country.
Our adventures are designed to appeal to those in their 50s, and 60s and early 70s (but of course, everyone is welcome!) Our clients are curious and active, and want to find the magic of travel again, but with some modern comforts in unique and interesting places along the way. They’ve often avoided tours in the past because they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
They prefer insider perspectives and lingering longer in the right places for a deeper experience.
Send us an email at contact@magnificentrail.com.au or give us a call at +61 482 095 648; A deposit is required to reserve your spot.
