Sri Lanka · Culture

4-Day Sri Lanka Hill Country Tour with Scenic Train Ride to Ella

4 Days Round trip from Colombo Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness elephants being fed and bathed at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
02 Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and enjoy views around Kandy Lake
03 Experience the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella through misty tea plantations and waterfalls
04 Discover Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Upper Diyaluma Falls in Sri Lanka's hill-country

Explore Sri Lanka's hill-country and cultural treasures over 4 days, from Colombo to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella. Witness elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and enjoy a leisure walk around Kandy Lake. Discover Ramboda Waterfalls, tour a tea factory with tasting, and relax at Gregory Lake before taking the scenic train ride to Ella through misty tea plantations and waterfalls. Round out the journey with Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Upper Diyaluma Falls while travelling comfortably by private vehicle.

Witness elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and enjoy a leisure walk around Kandy Lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Pinnawala

Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Colombo to Kandy via Pinnawala

06:30 AM - Depart from Colombo by private vehicle.
09:00 AM - Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Observe elephant feeding time.
Watch elephants bathing in the river, time permitting.
11:00 AM - Depart for Kandy.
01:00 PM - Lunch en route.
02:30 PM - Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple.
Dress modestly for the temple visit.
04:00 PM - Enjoy a leisure walk around Kandy Lake.
Shopping in Kandy town.
Photo stop at Kandy View Point.
05:30 PM - Check in at the hotel in Kandy.
07:30 PM - Dinner.
Optional traditional cultural dance show.
09:00 PM - Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 02

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through Tea Country

07:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM - Depart from Kandy towards Nuwara Eliya.
09:30 AM - Photo stop at Ramboda Waterfalls.
10:30 AM - Visit a tea factory and enjoy a tea tasting.
Learn about Ceylon tea production.
12:30 PM - Lunch in Nuwara Eliya.
02:00 PM - Explore Gregory Lake.
Optional activities include a boat ride, cycling, or a lakeside walk.
03:30 PM - Visit Victoria Park or Seetha Amman Temple.
05:00 PM - Check in at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
07:30 PM - Dinner at the hotel.
09:00 PM - Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 03

Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya to Ella

07:00 AM - Breakfast and check-out.
08:00 AM - Transfer to Nanu Oya Railway Station.
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM - Scenic train ride to Ella.
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
Travel past tea plantations, tunnels, waterfalls, and misty mountains.
(2nd Class Reserved / Observation Car - subject to availability)
01:30 PM - Arrive in Ella and have lunch at a local café.
03:00 PM - Visit Nine Arches Bridge.
Enjoy a short walk through tea plantations.
04:30 PM - Visit Ravana Falls.
06:00 PM - Check in at the hotel in Ella.
07:30 PM - Dinner and leisure time.
09:00 PM - Overnight stay in Ella.

Day 04

Ella to Diyaluma Falls and Colombo

07:30 AM - Breakfast and check-out.
08:30 AM - Depart for Diyaluma Falls (approximately 1.5-hour drive).
10:00 AM - Visit Upper Diyaluma Falls.
Optional moderate hike.
Natural pools and panoramic views.
12:00 PM - Picnic lunch or lunch at a local restaurant nearby.
01:00 PM - Begin the return journey to Colombo.
06:00 PM - Arrival in Colombo / airport / hotel drop-off.

Where this trip takes you

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Colombo 5 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur
Pickup and drop-off from Colombo, Negombo, or the airport
Three nights' hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
All sightseeing as per the itinerary
Fuel, parking, and highway charges
Government taxes and service charges
Tour assistance throughout the journey
Travel insurance

What's Not Included

Personal expenses, including tips, shopping, and beverages
Camera or video permits, where applicable
Entrance tickets to attractions and national sites
Train ticket upgrades or special seating requests
Optional activities such as boat rides, cycling, or cultural dance shows
Scenic train journey, subject to seat availability

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Light jacket or sweater for cool-climate areas
Modest clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Swimwear and towel for waterfall visits
Camera or smartphone
Small backpack for daily excursions
Cash for entrance fees and optional activities

Know before you go

Early morning departures help avoid traffic and crowds.
Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites.
Train seats are subject to availability; alternative transport will be arranged if required.
Hill-country weather can be cool and misty, especially in the evenings.
Stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Drone usage is restricted at most tourist attractions.
Timings may change slightly due to traffic or weather conditions.
Moderate fitness is recommended for waterfall hikes.

Logistics