Countryside Railway Journey
This journey is designed for travelers who wish to experience Sri Lanka’s hills, forests, and coast at a gentle pace. Through iconic train rides, boutique accommodations, and curated excursions, each day brings the landscapes, culture, and people of Sri Lanka to life. From misty tea plantations and cascading waterfalls to wildlife safaris and sun-kissed beaches, this itinerary turns travel into a story told by the rhythm of the train.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your Lush Country Expeditions representative and transfer to Kandy (approximately 3–4 hours by car). Stop en route at a spice garden for a sensory introduction to Sri Lanka’s herbs and flavors. In Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to the relic of Lord Buddha, and stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, marveling at exotic orchids, towering palms, and serene lily ponds. Enjoy dinner overlooking Kandy Lake and spend the night at a boutique heritage hotel.
Board the hill country train for one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail journeys. Travel through emerald tea plantations, rolling hills, and misty mountains. Disembark at Nanu Oya and explore a nearby tea estate and factory, witnessing the delicate process of tea plucking, drying, and packaging. Take a peaceful boat ride on Gregory Lake, enjoy a lakeside picnic, and overnight at a colonial-style bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by the cool highland air.
Continue your journey on the train to Ella, a lively mountain town perched amidst misty valleys. Observe cascading waterfalls, jungle canopies, and the rhythm of rural village life along the tracks. Check into a boutique lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and enjoy a sunset walk through tea fields or a nearby nature trail.
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping vistas of the valley below. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, an engineering marvel nestled in the heart of the jungle, and explore hidden corners of the town including quaint cafés, artisan shops, and local markets. Optional experiences include guided nature walks or a village cooking class to immerse in local flavors. Overnight at your Ella lodge.
Depart Ella and stop at the cascading Ravana Falls for photos and a short hike. Continue to Yala National Park for an afternoon safari, spotting elephants, leopards, and exotic birds across open grasslands and dense jungle. Stay overnight in a luxury eco-lodge near Yala, combining comfort with close-to-nature experiences.
Drive to the southern coast, arriving in Mirissa. Relax on its pristine beaches, enjoy a swim, or unwind at your boutique beachfront resort. Optional activities include a guided sunset walk along the shore, seafood dining on the sand, or a private yoga session overlooking the ocean. Overnight in Mirissa.
Start the day with a sunrise whale-watching excursion off Mirissa’s coast, observing majestic whales and playful dolphins. In the afternoon, transfer to Bentota by train along the southern coastline. Explore the Madu River by boat, observing mangrove forests, birdlife, and floating villages. Overnight at a riverside boutique resort, enjoying tranquil evenings beside the water.
Return to Colombo by train, passing coastal scenery and vibrant towns. In the capital, discover the blend of colonial history and modern urban life. Visit Galle Face Green, local markets, and historic landmarks, or enjoy a curated culinary tour of Colombo’s cafés and restaurants. Overnight at a city boutique hotel.
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure. Take with you memories of Sri Lanka’s landscapes, cultural richness, and the gentle rhythm of its countryside railways.
