Sri Lanka: 3-Day Hill Country Experience With Train Trip

Imagine escaping the bustling cities and exploring Sri Lanka’s breathtaking Hill Country. This 3-day adventure promises to whisk you away on a scenic train journey, immerse you in the cultural wonders of Kandy, and lead you on a picturesque hike to Little Adam’s Peak. From the iconic Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the awe-inspiring Udawalawe National Park, this tour offers a diverse glimpse into the natural and cultural treasures that make Sri Lanka such a captivating destination. Prepare to be enchanted as you delve deeper into this island’s enchanting landscapes and rich heritage.

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Key Points

This 3-day tour covers the highlights of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, with a scenic train ride.
Explore cultural sites like the Tooth Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and tea plantations, with guided sightseeing and entrance fees included.
Accommodation includes 2 nights in standard hotels with breakfast, and transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, heart problems, or pregnancy, and requires comfortable clothing and early morning starts.
Respect local customs, pack rain gear and warm clothing, and bring a camera to capture the scenic landscapes and wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The 3-Day Hill Country Experience in Sri Lanka offers travelers a chance to explore the island’s scenic central highlands.

Explore Sri Lanka’s scenic central highlands on the 3-Day Hill Country Experience.

Priced at Kč 8,982 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, two nights’ accommodation, guided sightseeing, and entrance fees. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary covers Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, with highlights like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Tooth Temple, and a scenic train ride.

Travelers should prepare for early starts, weather changes, and respect local customs. Private group options are available, and bookings can be made with no upfront payment.

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Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, the tour starts with meeting the guide and driving to Kandy. Visitors will explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and a spice herbal garden.

Then, they’ll embark on a city tour of Kandy, visiting the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Garden, and a cultural show.

The next day features a drive to Nuwara Eliya, stopping at Ramboda Waterfall and a tea plantation.

After a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, guests will take a scenic train ride to the charming town of Ella.

On the final day, travelers will hike to the top of Little Adams Peak for sunrise before driving to Udawalawe National Park for a wildlife safari and returning to Colombo.

Included Services

As part of the 3-Day Hill Country Experience, the included services cover a range of activities and accommodations. Travelers will enjoy guided tours, hotel pickup and drop-off, 2 nights of standard hotel accommodation with breakfast, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Additional inclusions are visits to tea factories, a spice/herbal garden, and Udawalawe National Park, as well as a scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. The package also covers admission fees, a Kandyan cultural show, and a jeep safari. The table below outlines the key included services in more detail.

| Service | Details |

|———|———|

| Guided Tours | Local guide, sightseeing in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya |

| Accommodations | 2 nights in standard hotels with breakfast |

| Transportation | Air-conditioned vehicle, train ticket Nuwara Eliya to Ella |

| Activities | Elephant orphanage, tea plantation, waterfall, cultural show |

| Admissions | Botanical gardens, national park, temple |

Important Information

Although not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, or those with heart problems, the 3-Day Hill Country Experience offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking and climbing. Bringing a camera is recommended to capture the stunning views and wildlife.

Early morning starts, especially for the sunrise climb at Mini Adams Peak, require preparation. Travelers should expect weather changes and pack rain gear and warm clothing.

Visitors must respect local customs and wildlife during the tours and safaris, and refrain from smoking, littering, or feeding animals.

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Preparation and Recommendations

To get the most out of the 3-Day Hill Country Experience, travelers should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and climbing. A camera is essential to capture the scenic views and wildlife.

Early morning starts, especially for the sunrise climb at Mini Adams Peak, require preparation. Travelers should expect weather changes and pack rain gear and warm clothing for the cooler hill country.

Finally, it’s important to respect local customs and wildlife during visits and safaris. By following these recommendations, travelers can fully enjoy the highlights of Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
Bring a camera to capture scenic views and wildlife
Prepare for early morning starts, especially for sunrise hikes
Pack rain gear and warm clothing for changing weather
Respect local customs and wildlife during visits and safaris

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Exploring Colombo-Kandy

The first day of the 3-Day Hill Country Experience begins in Colombo, where travelers meet their guide and depart for the historic city of Kandy.

The 3-Day Hill Country Experience kicks off in Colombo, where travelers join their guide for the journey to historic Kandy.

Along the way, they visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which cares for abandoned and injured elephants.

Next, they explore a spice and herbal garden, learning about the region’s rich biodiversity.

In Kandy, the group tours the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site housing a relic of the Buddha.

They also visit the Royal Botanical Garden and attend a cultural show featuring traditional Kandyan dances and music.

Scenic Journey From Kandy to Ella

On day two, the journey continues as the group departs Kandy for the scenic hill country region.

The drive to Nuwara Eliya includes stops at the picturesque Ramboda Waterfall and a local tea plantation, where visitors learn about the tea-making process.

In Nuwara Eliya, the group tours the city, known for its colonial-era architecture and temperate climate.

The highlight of the day is the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, a 3-hour journey through verdant hills, misty mountains, and past the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

The group arrives in Ella with time to explore this laid-back hill country town.

Stops at Ramboda Waterfall and tea plantation
City tour of Nuwara Eliya
Scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Visit to the Nine Arch Bridge
Leisure time in the town of Ella

Discovering Ella and Udawalawe

Arriving in Ella, the group relishes the chance to explore this charming hill country town at their own pace. They climb the iconic Little Adam’s Peak for a stunning sunrise view, taking in the rolling green hills.

Later, the group heads to Udawalawe National Park for a thrilling safari. They spot elephants, water buffaloes, and other wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat.

The day culminates with the drive back to Colombo, where the three-day adventure comes to an end. Memories of the scenic train ride, tea plantations, and diverse wildlife will linger long after the tour.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re advised not to litter or feed any animals. The tour operator recommends bringing snacks and water for your convenience and enjoyment.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems. However, there are no other stated age restrictions, so the tour is open to participants of various ages.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. It is a fixed 3-day itinerary without any flexibility to add extra days. Customers must book the tour as is, or consider alternative tour packages with a longer duration.

Can I Request a Specific Hotel or Accommodation Preference?

Yes, you can request a specific hotel or accommodation preference. The tour operator allows for customization, and they’ll do their best to accommodate your preferences based on availability and your budget.

How Much Additional Spending Money Should I Budget for the Tour?

The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast, as well as entrance fees and transportation. An additional $30-$50 per day is recommended for meals, snacks, and personal expenses during the 3-day tour.

The Sum Up

The 3-Day Hill Country Adventure in Sri Lanka provides a captivating glimpse into the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the iconic Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the serene beauty of Little Adams Peak, this tour offers an unforgettable experience. With guided visits, comfortable accommodations, and the thrill of a safari, travelers can enjoy the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

You can check availability for your dates here: