Two new independent rail itineraries have been launched in Sri Lanka, combining the country’s scenic train journeys with cultural sites, wildlife, tea country and the southern coastline.
Railbookers’ new nine-day ‘Highlights of Sri Lanka’ and 13-day ‘The Best of Sri Lanka’ itineraries both include the rail journey between Kandy and Ella, travelling through Sri Lanka’s hill country, tea plantations, valleys and waterfalls.
The nine-day itinerary travels from Colombo to Galle, with two-night stays in Colombo, Kandy, Ella and Galle.
Experiences include private sightseeing in Colombo and Kandy, entry to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a tea plantation and factory visit near Ella and a private walking tour of Galle Fort.
The longer 13-day journey visits Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala, Galle and Colombo. It adds visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temples, along with wildlife experiences in the Cultural Triangle and two game drives in Yala National Park.
Gareth Jones, Railbookers Director of Product Development, said the country’s mix of rail travel, culture and wildlife made it well suited to independent touring.
“The journey from Kandy to Ella is extraordinary, but it is only one part of what makes the country so special,” Mr Jones said.
Both itineraries include rail travel, accommodation, private transfers and selected sightseeing, with options to add extra nights, upgrade hotels or include additional experiences.
