14 days - Railway experience Sri Lanka

Let yourself be enchanted by the enchanting mountain worlds, the lush tea plantations and the gentle hilly landscapes of Sri Lanka. To explore the soul of the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", you will discover the country's culture and centuries-old history steeped in tradition on selected, unforgettable train routes. We transport your luggage separately.
This tour can start from any location in Sri Lanka. Individual components can be changed, supplemented or booked in a different program.

Day 1: Arrival at Colombo airport and welcome by our friendly transfer service. Your private driver will take you by the shortest route to the Hotel Mirage in Colombo. Enjoy the rest of the day, relax from your exhausting flight or explore the surroundings. Overnight stay at Hotel Mirage.

Day 2: Your driver will be waiting for you at the appropriate time. He will drive you to the train station. You start with a very nice train ride from Colombo to Anuradhapura. Your luggage will be transported separately. Your driver will be waiting for you at Anuradhapura train station to take you to the Happy Leoni Hotel in Anuradhapura. Enjoy your dinner.

Day 3: After breakfast, your driver and guide will be waiting for you. Today's destination is Dambulla. But before that, we will take you on a tour into history. Today you will visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the sacred site of Mihintale. Anuradhapura is a historic city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is of great importance as it was the capital of the country for over a thousand years, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. The city is home to a wealth of ancient ruins, temples and stupas, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sacred site of Mihintale in Sri Lanka is of great historical and religious significance. It is believed that Buddhism was first brought to the country here in the 3rd century BC by Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka. The place is adorned with ancient stupas, monastery ruins and rock inscriptions, making it a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. You will then be driven to Dambulla. Do you still want to see Dambulla? Go ahead. The driver will be happy to stop there and wait until you have completed your little stroll through the town. Dinner and overnight stay at the Nice Place Hotel.

Day 4: Fortify yourself with breakfast. Today's highlight is the lion rock of Sigiriya. Would you like to climb the impressive lion rock? Go ahead! A local guide will be at your side and explain the fascinating history of this unique rock during the ascent. The breathtaking view will reward your efforts. On your return to the Nice Place Hotel, a delicious dinner awaits you. Enjoy a sundowner and reflect on the impressions of the day.

Day 5: Your excursion to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park promises to be an unforgettable experience. You will be picked up by your private car and a personal guide who will be at your disposal throughout the day. Once you arrive in Polonnaruwa, you will be immersed in the fascinating world of one of Sri Lanka's most important ancient capitals. Your guide will lead you through impressive ruins, ancient temples and elaborately crafted statues and tell you exciting details about the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning full of cultural discoveries, you can take a well-earned break before continuing your journey to Minneriya National Park. Known for its spectacular wildlife, the park offers the opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat. In the months from July to October, the "Gathering" takes place here, where large herds of elephants gather at the waterholes - a sight that is sure to amaze you. Your private guide will ensure that you reach the best vantage points in the park and will be on hand to share his knowledge of the flora and fauna. As you drive through the park's picturesque landscapes, you may also have the opportunity to spot exotic birds, sambar deer or even a shy leopard. After an eventful day full of discoveries and adventures, your private vehicle will take you back to the Nice Place Hotel, where you will have the opportunity to reflect on your wonderful experiences over a relaxing evening. This individual tour not only offers you flexibility, but also the opportunity to get to know Sri Lanka's rich history and impressive nature in depth.

Day 6: Enjoy your breakfast. Your day begins with a comfortable drive from the hotel to Kandy. Accompanied by a private driver and your personal guide, of course, who will be at your side throughout the day. On the way, you will make a stop at the fascinating Hindu temple in Matale. Here you can marvel at the impressive architecture and vibrant colors and learn more about the religious significance of this special place. Your guide will give you fascinating insights into the history and traditions of the temple. After this cultural stopover, you will continue your journey to Kandy, where the famous Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, awaits you. Located in the heart of the city, this temple is one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism and houses a tooth relic of Buddha. Your guide will lead you through the complex and share fascinating stories about the ritual practices and the significance of the temple for the believers. Afterwards, you have the option of taking part in a traditional Kandy dance show. This impressive performance offers you a unique insight into the cultural diversity and artistic heritage of Sri Lanka. Colorful costumes, traditional music and dramatic dance moves make the show a great experience. After a fulfilling day, you can wind down and relax over dinner at the Senani Hotel Kandy, your accommodation for the night. This pleasantly located hotel offers you the perfect retreat to process the impressions you have gathered in peace and quiet and to get in the mood for the upcoming experiences of your trip.

Day 7: After a good breakfast, your guide and driver will be waiting for you. They will take you to the train station in Kandy. Your second railroad adventure begins with one of the most impressive train journeys in the world, taking you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya/Nanu Oya. This route is considered one of the most picturesque in all of Asia and offers you an unforgettable railroad experience. You board the train, which takes you through a breathtaking backdrop of lush green landscapes and endless tea plantations stretching gently over the hills. As the time-honored carriages leisurely travel along the winding tracks, you'll quickly realize why this ride is a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. You can breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air through the open windows and enjoy the sweeping panoramic views of endless green hills and valleys. Your train winds through forested hills, past bubbling streams and through small villages, with occasional tea pickers in colorful saris doing their traditional work. The clacking of the rails and the soft whistle of the train become the perfect soundscape for this scenic delight. While you find your seat, you can talk to the locals and learn more about life in this enchanting region. From time to time, a vendor will come through the corridors offering fresh fruit, hot drinks and local snacks - the ideal moment to sample typical Sinhalese delicacies. At the Nanu Oya terminus, your driver will be waiting for you with your luggage. Here you will be picked up and taken to the Oak Ray Summer Hill Hotel. This charming hotel is located near Nuwara Eliya, known as the city of eternal spring. After the spectacular train journey, the hotel offers a pleasant place to rest and relax. Round off the day with dinner while you reflect on the impressions of the spectacular train journey. How about a sundowner at the bar? Go ahead!

Day 8: The day starts early, as today's adventure takes you to the breathtaking Horton Plains National Park, where you will experience a beautiful sunrise in the midst of untouched nature on the way to the entrance. The park opens its gates at dawn, when the silence of the vast landscape is broken only by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. You begin your hike through the enchanting highlands and breathe in the cool, clear mountain air. The path leads you through misty forests and wide expanses of grass, while the first ray of sunlight illuminates the horizon and bathes the landscape in a soft glow. Your destination is the famous "World's End", a breathtaking cliff that offers a dramatic view of the valley below and, on a clear day, all the way to the Southern Ocean. The view from up here is simply spectacular and all too worth the effort of the morning climb. You spend a few moments enjoying the incredible view before making your way back to the park entrance. Here you will meet your driver and guide, who will give you a warm welcome and prepare you for the next part of your adventure: the scenic train ride from Abewella to Ella. This train journey is a real highlight and is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world. The train takes you through breathtaking mountain landscapes, past emerald-green tea plantations and rushing waterfalls. You sit relaxed at the window while the train winds its way along the winding tracks and you enjoy the constantly changing views. The atmosphere on the train is lively, with a mix of traveling locals and enthusiastic tourists. From time to time, hawkers sell tea and traditional snacks. The train ride gives you the opportunity to enjoy the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka to the fullest. The train windows open so that you can breathe in the fresh mountain breeze and every bend in the road reveals a new enchanting sight. When you arrive in Ella, your guide and driver will be waiting for you. They drive you to the Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel, where you check in for the next two nights. After a day full of natural wonders and the impressive train journey, the hotel offers you the ideal retreat to relax and reflect on your experiences. Enjoy a delicious dinner.

Day 9: Enjoy your breakfast. Afterwards, your adventure in Ella begins with a comfortable exploration of the region in a private car, accompanied by your experienced driver and personal guide. Some of Sri Lanka's most impressive sights await you in this picturesque region. Your first stop is the famous Adam's Peak, also known locally as Sri Pada, which is considered a sacred mountain and an important pilgrimage destination. As you make the ascent, you will experience the spirituality and special atmosphere of this place. Your guide will tell you the various legends and stories associated with this special mountain. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view that is more than worth the long climb. The view stretches across the land on a clear day and offers some of the best views imaginable. Your path then leads you to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, tucked away in the middle of a lush green landscape. This architectural masterpiece from the colonial era, characterized by its nine arches, is a popular photo opportunity and a wonderful testament to the art of engineering. Your guide will give you a deeper insight into the construction and significance of the bridge with interesting facts and stories. You might even be lucky enough to see a train crossing the bridge - a sight not to be missed! After a day full of exploration and fascinating impressions, you return to the Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel in the evening. Here you can reflect on the day's experiences over a delicious dinner. Let the day come to an end while you enjoy the peaceful surroundings, which are the perfect end to your day in Ella.

Day 10: Your day begins with a relaxed and sumptuous breakfast before heading to Tissamaharama in a private car with a guide and driver. During the drive through picturesque landscapes, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the region and enjoy the changing panoramas. Once in Tissamaharama, we prepare for the highlight of the day: the afternoon safari in Yala National Park. Known for its exceptionally high density of leopards, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles and numerous bird species. You get into a private jeep, which is led by an experienced ranger driver. He will take you to the best observation points and share his expert knowledge of the park's flora and fauna. Your ranger driver is in constant radio contact with other rangers to ensure the best chance of unforgettable sightings. And with a bit of luck, you might spot one of the shy leopards moving gracefully through the bush or resting in the evening sun. After an exciting afternoon of experiencing Sri Lanka's untouched nature and impressive wildlife up close, you return to Tissamaharama full of new impressions. A relaxing night awaits you there at the Peacock Reach Hotel. Here you can relax with a good dinner in comfortable rooms, review the day's adventures and prepare for the next experiences. The cozy ambience of the hotel offers just the right amount of peace and relaxation that you deserve after an eventful day on safari.

Day 11: After breakfast and at the appropriate time, your driver and guide will be waiting for you. The tour continues with a drive from Tissamaharama to Habaraduwa along the breathtaking coastal road. As you travel in a comfortable vehicle, you will experience a fascinating mix of natural beauty and bustling street life. The traffic on this route is a colorful mix of local vehicles, from tuk-tuks to motorcycles to buses, finding their way in a lively and sometimes chaotic rhythm. As you drive through the small villages, you can observe the local markets and stores coming to life, as well as school buses and happy children on their way to school. On the roadsides, you will also see the typical sight of vendors selling their fresh fruit, coconuts and local snacks such as "Isso Vadei" (delicious fried lentil cakes with prawns). You also have the opportunity to stop for photos or take short breaks along the coastal road to fully enjoy the impressive landscape.
Once you arrive in Habaraduwa, a relaxing day awaits you at the Sayu Garden Hotel. Here you can unwind and relax in the hotel's inviting pool area. The lush garden surrounding the pool creates an idyllic atmosphere that will immediately put you at ease. Take the time to enjoy the warm rays of the sun, read a good book or simply relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. After a day of relaxation, the Sayu Garden Hotel offers you the perfect retreat for the night. The cozy and well-equipped rooms ensure that you can start the next day refreshed. The warm hospitality and attentive service of the hotel staff will make you feel completely at ease. Use this stay to refresh yourself and reflect on the experiences of the last few days - the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries for the adventures ahead. Enjoy a delicious curry for dinner.

Day 12: Today's stage starts in Habaraduwa and takes you to Galle, a city known for its colonial architecture and distinctive flair. As you stroll through the charming streets of Galle, you can experience the influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial periods that shaped the city. The well-preserved fortress of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to explore its massive walls and enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. In the narrow alleyways, you will find charming cafés, art galleries and boutiques that invite you to browse. After your visit to Galle, the adventure continues with a delightful train ride to Negombo. This train journey offers you the opportunity to take in Sri Lanka's coastal scenery at a leisurely pace while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on board. The train winds its way along picturesque routes, past beaches and lush palm groves. Once you arrive in Negombo, your private car will be waiting to take you comfortably to your next destination, the Adiques Resorts. Shortly afterwards, you will find yourself on the beautiful beach and enjoying the amenities of the Adiques Beach Hotel to the full. The fine sand, the gentle sound of the waves and the tropical atmosphere invite you to relax and unwind. In the evening, you can end the day with a leisurely stroll along the beach or a delicious dinner with a view of the sea. Staying at Adiques Beach Hotel offers you comfort and relaxation in an enchanting setting.

Day 13: Enjoy doing nothing at Adiques Resorts today. Feel like a snack? No problem. Excellent cuisine awaits you.

Day 14: Your private driver will be waiting for you at the appropriate time. He will chauffeur you to Colombo Airport (CMB) by the shortest route.

Services:

• Start possible from any address in Sri Lanka
• all tours as described with private driver and guide
• all train tickets in third or second class
• Separate luggage transport during the cable car rides
• Half board in the hotels - excl. drinks
• 1 overnight stay at the Mirage Hotel Colombo incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 1 overnight stay at Hotel Happy Leoni in Anuradhapura incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 3 nights at Nice Place Hotel Dambulla incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 1 overnight stay at the Senani Hotel Kandy in Kandy incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 1 overnight stay at the Oak Ray Summer Hill Hotel in Nuwara Eliya incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 2 nights at the Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel in Ella incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 1 overnight stay at the Peacock Reach Hotel in Tissamaharama incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 1 overnight stay at the Sayi Garden Hotel in Habaraduwa incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• 2 nights at Adiques Resorts in Marawila incl. half board (excl. drinks)
• all entrance fees for the attractions mentioned
• partly separate guides for certain sights e.g. Sigiriya
• Safari (approx. 4 hours) in Minneriya National Park in a private jeep with ranger driver
• Afternoon safari in Yala National Park in a private jeep with ranger driver
• local Sri Lanka Tours & Transports contact person in German in Sri Lanka

Prices:
2 persons a double room, private car from 4080,00 EUR (from 2040,00 per person)
4 persons two double rooms, private car from 5940,00 EUR (from 1485,00 per person)

Interested in the tour? Please write to us.