Iconic Sri Lanka by Train Tour

Tuesday 7th July – Colombo

• Arrive at your convenience into Colombo – the capital city of Sri Lanka. It is well connected to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
• Transfer to our centrally located hotel.
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 6:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• We’ll right away start our discovery of Sri Lanka with a short city tour in the Fort district, which was once a Portuguese and then Dutch colony. Here, you will see the imposing walls of the Colombo Fort, the Old Lighthouse and Clock Tower, and the Wolvendaal Church. 
• We’ll also do a guided street food experience with our local insider. Expect plenty of egg hoppers (thin, bowl-shaped pancakes), kottu roti (flatbread chopped up with vegetables and egg), saravita (coconut shavings wrapped in a betel leaf), achcharu (fruits pickled in spices) and sweet pancakes.
• We’ll also have drinks and a walk on Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. It is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, but considering it is the evening, we may rather try wood apple juice – said to be good for health -, ginger beer, the soft drink of choice in Sri Lanka, or an Arrack cocktail. This local coconut whisky is the most popular spirit here!
• Overnight in Colombo

Wednesday 8th July – Colombo – Habarana – Sigiriya

Morning

• After an early wake-up, we’ll hop onboard our first train of the trip, departure Colombo at 6:05am to Habarana, a small city is right in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Habarana is 208 km from Colombo and the scenic train journey take around 6 hours. 
• After arriving in Habarana, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Sigiriya. It is located right next to the Sigiriya ancient rock fortress, that used to be the royal capital of Sri Lanka in the 5th century. 

Afternoon

• After lunch, we’ll experience everything Sigiriya has to offer: Bullock cart ride, Catamaran Boat Ride, traditional activity demonstrations… You’ll also be able to visit a village house, and enjoy a cooking demonstration.
  
• In the late afternoon, you’re in for something magical: experiencing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress like never before, under the shimmering stars and moonlit skies! You will be able to climb this UNESCO World Heritage Site at sunset, where its timeless beauty takes on a whole new magical charm.
• The Sigiriya rock fortress, one of the most uniquely striking works of architecture on the planet. Set atop a towering granite column, around 180 m above the surrounding forests, this fifth-century complex is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. 
• After passing a giant lion-statue gate halfway up the rock, you’ll see vibrant paintings, depicting celestial maidens, adorning the rock face. After reaching the top, you’ll explore the ruins of the former palace complex, with swimming pools, water gardens, and royal quarters. The views from the top are simply stunning, stretching for miles across the green landscape.  NB: The climb to the top takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hour depending on your fitness levels, with many stop opportunities. There are 1200 steps, all sturdy, clearly marked and with handrails. It can be a moderate to challenging climb due to steep stairs and heat.
• Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya

Thursday 9th July  – Polonnaruwa

• Before breakfast, we’ll start another fully packed day with an early departure to witness the sunrise from Pidurangala Rock Temple. The hike up takes about 30–40 minutes, beginning with a path of stone steps and eventually transitioning into a rocky climb near the summit. Though slightly challenging in parts, the effort is more than worth it. As dawn breaks, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock silhouetted against the glowing horizon
• Though often overshadowed by Sigiriya, Pidurangala has its own unique historical and cultural significance. According to local lore, when the king Kashyapa decided to build his palace atop Sigiriya, he relocated the Buddhist monks who were already residing there to nearby Pidurangala, and in compensation, he helped build or expand the temple complex.
• Next, we’ll head back to the hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.
• We’ll then visit the extraordinary ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back around a thousand years, when it became Sri Lanka’s second capital following the destruction of Anuradhapura. Surrounded by luscious greenery, the ruins are a remarkable insight into ancient history, with plenty of temples, shrines and palaces to explore.
• The site is spread out over several kilometres, so we’ll use bikes to explore it. A tuktuk option is also available at an extra fee (around 20 dollars for three hours).
• Among the main sights of Polonnaruwa, your guide will take you to Gal Viharaya, four colossal Buddha statues carved into a granite rock face; Vatadage, a unique circular relic house, adorned with intricate moonstones and elephant-headed motifs; Thuparamaya, the oldest dagoba (Buddhist stupa) in Polonnaruwa, believed to enshrine the right collarbone of the Buddha; and the remnants of the royal palace.
• You’ll also see the colossal Parakrama Samudra artificial lake, a marvel of ancient irrigation engineering that sustained the city for centuries.
• After the guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to continue exploring the site on your own. You can climb the seven-story Satmahal Prasada tower and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding ruins and landscapes, or explore Rankoth Vehera, the largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa.

Afternoon

• If you’re feeling tired, you can also decide to refresh with a dip in our resort’s outdoor pool, or even pamper yourself with a visit to one of the nearby Ayurvedic spas.
• In the afternoon, you’ll also have to option to enjoy a 4×4 safari at Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park, which is home to a broad diversity of animals, including the largest concentration of wild Asian elephants in the world (extra cost, around $50 per person to be paid at the park).
• Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya

Friday 10th July – Sigiriya – Kandy

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll head towards Kandy, which is around 3 hours away by car. We’ll stop en route at the sacred Dambulla cave temple. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this monastery is still functional and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, built at the base of a 150m high rock.
• On the way to Kandy, we’ll also visit a spice garden, where we’ll learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Our guides will introduce us to traditional Ayurvedic remedies, and you’ll be able to indulge in short but rejuvenating leg or neck and shoulder massages.

Afternoon

• Kandy is known as the “hill capital”. The last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka We’ll do an afternoon city tour, including the Upper Lake Drive, and the Market Square.
• Home to the Temple of the Tooth and the giant white Buddha, Kandy holds significant cultural and historical importance within the heritage of Sri Lanka. We’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – during the evening ceremony before heading out for dinner and drinks at one of our favorite spots overlooking the lake.
• As today is friday, those can join the locals in some of Kandy’s bars

Saturday 11th July – Kandy 

Morning

• After the last fully-packed days, we’ll take it a bit more easy today! 
• After a later breakfast, we’ll leave at 10 to visit the Udawatte Kelle Sanctuary, a historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city. It is famous for its extensive number of birds. Also, many of small and medium size mammals that inhabit Sri Lanka can be seen here, as well as several kinds of snakes and other reptiles.
• Returning to Kandy, you’ll visit the Kandy Central Market, a bustling hub of local commerce. Built during the British colonial era, the market has been a vital part of the city’s trade network for over a century.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you will be guided to a brassware cutting factory to witness the intricate artistry of local craftspeople, who are renowned for making beautiful ornamental pieces.
• In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city and go shopping. The city has many markets where you can bargain for handcrafted goods, local specialties, and just partake in the action of the city. But you will also be able to find fine and deluxe boutiques as well. Shopping for gems and jewelry is a big affair in Kandy. Sapphires rubies, zircon and more are available in abundance and found at half the cost than in Nort h America, Europe, or Australia.
• Overnight in Kandy

Sunday 12th July – Kandy – Ella

• As the saying goes, “enjoy the journey, not just the destination”. That’s certainly true when heading from Kandy to Ella, which is famous for being one of the most picturesque train routes on the planet. 
• We’ll depart at 10am from Ella. Prepare to have your breath taken as we gently undulate through the countryside of central Sri Lanka, passing through tea plantations, mountains and jungle. You’ll spot waterfalls in the distance, cross epic valley viaducts, and wave to children running along the tracks as you pop your head out of the open doors and windows. It’s a truly unique travel experience.
• Upon arrival in Ella, in mid-to-late afternoon (depending on the delays!), we’ll take it easy, so you can stretch your legs, explore the town or simply chill at our hotel.
• In the evening we’ll make the most out of Ella’s nightlife. It is a quaint town nestled in between misty mountains, so don’t expect loud music in the street; however, there are a few bars which a great vibe.
• For dinner, we’ll go to one of the most popular adresses in town: Cafe Chill. They offer Sri Lankan and western cuisine in a beautiful environnement, run by an engaged local team

Monday 13th July – Ella

Morning

• As the train journey showed us yesterday, Ella is paradise for nature lovers, with awe-inspiring surroundings including waterfalls, tea plantations and lush misty mountains.
• We’ll start the day with a viewpoint overlookinge the postcard-perfect scenery of Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era masterpiece spanning a deep valley. According to a popular rumour, when construction work commenced on the bridge, the Great War began and the steel assigned for this site was reallocated to Britain’s war effort, which is why locals built it with stones.
• Next, we’ll do a short hike to Little Adam’s Peak. After 30 minutes of climbing, you’ll face a dramatic panorama and get the chance to photograph the amazing landscape of central Sri Lanka.
• Then you’ll visit the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory for a factory tour and tea tasting. During the tour, you’ll gain insight into the intricate journey of tea
  production, beginning with the careful plucking of tender two leaves and a bud from the tea plant. The tasting session will allow you to sample a range of teas.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you’l head to the Sita Cave and Temple, a site tied to the ancient Ramayana legend. Nestled in the hills, the cave and surrounding temple grounds offered a peaceful, spiritual ending to the day’s adventures.
• Dinner and overnight in Ella

Tuesday 14th July – Ella – Galle

Morning

• We’ll start the day with a visit to the cascading waters of Ravana Falls, one of the widest in the country. The falls are steeped in legend, named after the mythical King Ravana from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, who is said to have hidden Princess Sita in the nearby caves.
• If that wasn’t enough, we’ll then enjoy Diyaluma Falls, a 220 m high waterfall – the second highest in Sri Lanka. You’ll be able to hike up to the natural rock pools at the top and enjoy a refreshing dip, rewarded with breathtaking views over the southern lowlands. You can also simply relax at the base, savoring fresh local fruits and soaking in the atmosphere.
• We’ll head south after breakfast to Udawalawe National Park, a nature reserve that homes leopards, water buffalo, deer and crocodiles. This place is most famous, however, for being the best place to see Sri Lankan Elephants. There are around 600 of these majestic beasts roaming around in herds of up to 30, and we’ll go in search of them on a jeep safari.
• We’ll also visit the Elephant Transit Home, a sanctuary that rehabilitates and releases orphaned or isolated baby elephants back into the wild. A reminder that up to three elephants per week are killed in Sri Lanka due to conflicts with humans, often leaving behind orphan calves.
• Overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Wednesday 15h July – Galle

Morning

• Our journey south continues all the way to the city of Galle on the south coast. After a three-hour comfortable drive, we’ll arrive there and check in at our hotel, which is located inside another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Galle Fort, an impressive peninsula complex built in the 16th century by the Portuguese.
• After checking it into our hotel, we’ll explore this city which boasts some of the best bistros and eateries in Sri Lanka.
• To understand more about the history of the city, we’ll do a walking tour that will take along the ramparts of the Fort, but also the Dutch Hospital, a restored colonial complex now housing trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, then to the Galle Lighthouse – offering panoramic views of the city and the Indian Ocean. We’ll also see the Meera Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture with intricate details and colourful interiors. 

Afternoon

• Bring your swimsuit as we head to Unawatuna, known for its beach and corals. The main beach of the city used to be considered one of the 12 most beautiful in the world. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated it left a huge mark, but it has since been recovering and climbing its way back to the top of the “most beautiful beaches in the world” rankings.
• The ocean off Unawatuna is teeming with life, so we also recommend snorkelling or scuba diving, for a chance to see – among other things – turtles swim with grace underwater.
• We’ll regroup in the evening for a final group dinner to toast an unforgettable shared experience in Sri Lanka. Galle is one of the most lively cities in Sri Lanka so we’ll make sure to mix with the locals for our last night in the country.
• Overnight Stay in Galle

Thursday 16th July – Galle – Colombo

• It’s almost time to say goodbye. There’s one experience left to be had, though. We’ll go back to Colombo in style by taking our final train journey, which departs at 7:15am and will take around 2.5 hours. Around two thirds of the journey will be spent staring at the Indian Ocean. While not as famous as the Kandy-Ella route, you will be blown away by the beauty of this island’s coastal countryside. 
• Tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – YPT is also able to arrange advice for flights.