Hill Country Train Adventure

A journey through Sri Lanka's tea country by road and by one of the world's most scenic train lines, taking in waterfalls, tea estates and mountain viewpoints between Kandy and Ella.

A sample route, not a fixed package. Local experts adapt it to your dates, budget and travel style, and each sends you their own price.

Highlights

The scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
A working tea estate tour and tasting
The Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak in Ella

Itinerary

Day 1

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Drive from Kandy into the hills, stopping at waterfalls and tea estates along the way. Evening in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 2

Nuwara Eliya to Ella by train

Morning in Nuwara Eliya, then board the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella in the afternoon.

Day 3

Ella and departure

Morning hike to Little Adam's Peak or a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge before departure.

Usually included in quotes

Private vehicle and driver for road sections
2nd class reserved train tickets
2 nights' accommodation
Daily breakfast
Tea estate tour and tasting

Usually not included

International flights and visa fee
Lunches and dinners
Personal expenses and tips

What to bring

A warm layer for cool hill country evenings
Comfortable walking shoes for the Little Adam's Peak hike
A camera for the train ride

Where it starts

Agencies usually start this route from a Kandy hotel or the Kandy train station.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need to book train tickets ourselves?

Usually not. Agencies normally reserve train seats as part of the trip; check that the quote lists them. Reserved seats on this line are popular, so ask in good time.

Is the hike to Little Adam's Peak difficult?

It's a moderate, well-marked walk suitable for most fitness levels, taking around 45 minutes each way.