Sri Lanka Rail Adventure
15 days/14 nights
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
15-Day Colombo Round Trip
It was once known as The Teardrop of India, but Sri Lanka’s story is unique to her sub-continent neighbour, and on this adventure, you’ll plunge into the island’s heartland and explore the wonders it has on offer!
Travelling by train, you’ll weave through tunnels, cross mountain ranges, skirt national parks filled with wildlife and track coastlines. You’ll witness the famed views from the Ella Odyssey Specialty Train and you’ll embrace day-to-day life as surprised locals welcome you aboard local trains – which you’ll ride in short spurts. When the train tracks end and there’s more to see – we’ve perfected this Sri Lankan adventure by adding a road trip or two!
From Neolithic times, to ancient Kingdoms and chequered Colonial influences, Sri Lanka really does punch above its weight. So get aboard… this is just a taste of what to expect from this small travel group of 12 (max) trip!
Trip Breakdown
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Dates
Starts: Colombo, 14 September 2024
Finishes: Colombo, 28 September 2024
Booked Out
Starts: Colombo, 2 November 2024
Finishes: Colombo, 16 November 2024
2 Spots Left
Price
$4,112 AUD (per person twin share)
- $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: $1,401 AUD, max 2 spots
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
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.
Trip Highlights
Wander the tropical Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya.
Get off-the-map on short-trip, interesting train lines.
Witness the Elephant Gathering at Minneriya National Park.
Enjoy sunset and high-tea from a boat.
Loop the Loop under Demodara Station.
Stand in UNESCO sites and marvel at ancient civilisations.
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 Hikkaduwa. | |||
| 13 | Leisure day by the beach | |||
| 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 Tourmaline 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 Tourmaline 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! September is one of the best months to witness what’s simply dubbed The Gathering – an annual coming together of wild elephants in Minneriya National Park.
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 and Hikkaduwa 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.
Late in the day, check into your beachside hotel in Hikkaduwa for the next two nights.
Dinner is at your leisure tonight. There’s places along the beach perfect for a sunset timed beverage. And if you’re into seafood, the food at The Crab Shack in your hotel rocks!
Accommodation: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon 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, grab some snooze time on a sun lounge on the hotel’s lawn between the beach and pool, or take a stroll along the shore. Before 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 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 1 AUD:0.64 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.
Level 1 – Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include walking on uneven ground and sometimes uphill, as well as getting on and off different types of transport. You should be able to ascend a flight of stairs and access a shower over a bath. From time to time you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (hotel rooms usually have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on the road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but 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.
You love to travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills. You love train travel!
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d enjoy our trips!
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
Your trip has been designed by Mat & Lisa, the two cultural adventure experts behind Magnificent Rail.
Magnificent Rail is brought to you by the same team who built Patch Adventures, a boutique women-only adventure company.
Lisa is a travel guidebook author and photographer. Mat’s first rail journey was an epic adventure through Europe at the age of 13 (accompanied by parents of course.) He has since organised highly successful tours to far-flung destinations around the world. Between them, they have put together this well-balanced adventure for you.
The preparation of this trip has taken months and months of work.
Your trip will be led by local experts that have been selected by our team for their knowledge and 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.
