Sri Lanka by Local Rail Tour Package

Next
Departure

Nov 2026

16 Days

from $9,845

Next
Departure

Nov

2026

16 Days

from $9,845

Enquire Now

This fully-escorted 16-day journey through Sri Lanka, exploring lush mountains, sun-drenched beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage sites by local rail is travelling like you used to but with greater comfort and security! Jump on and off local trains with confidence, travel through emerald tea plantations, spice gardens, and colonial towns, and visit iconic landmarks like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Dambulla Cave complex, and Galle Fort. Enjoy a wildlife safari, ride in first-class scenic trains, indulge in outstanding local cuisine, and stay in handpicked hotels, including restored 19th-century colonial accommodations. This tour is a great way to discover the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, savor its cuisine, and the islandâ€™s warm hospitality in the company of a Tor Leader and local guides.

Departure dates

Available

Price:
Per person twin share: $9,845
Single Supplement: $2,345

Deposit (per person): $1,000

Final payment due by: 9 September 2026

Tour Start: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Tour End: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Fitness Level: 2 locos

Some highlights of your tour

Learn about Geoffrey Bawaâ€™s incredible architectural legacy and stay in his most-awarded hotelÂ
Spot elephants and maybe even an elusive leopard on a 4WD safari in the Yala National Park
Ride The Ella Odyssey scenic train through the lush hill country to Kandy
Explore a traditional tea plantation in the central highlands
Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, home to the earthly Lord Buddha
Ride the Demodara Circular Loop train over the historic Nine Arch Bridge
Be mesmerized by the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress and climb it if you like!
Tour and stay in the 16th-century Portuguese Galle Fort
Visit the the World Heritage Site of the Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla
Enjoy the privilege of a privately chartered T1 railcar from Habarana to Colombo
Explore Polonnaruwa, Sri Lankaâ€™s second ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a cultural dance performance
See the famous Stilt Fisherman to learn about this ancient fishing method

What's included

15 nightsâ€™ accommodation in comfortable, 4- or 5-star hotels
Breakfast daily, 12 lunches and 7 dinners
Complimentary drinks with welcome and farewell dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides
Excursion/entrance fees, except those listed as optional in the itinerary
An Australian Railway Adventures tour leader throughout
A local Sri Lankan tour guide throughout
All train journeys throughout Sri Lanka
Private train charter from Habarana to Colombo
Private luggage transport throughout
Arrival airport transfers and departure airport transfers
Tour support from the Sri Lankan and Australian offices
Tipping and gratuities

What's not included

Travel to and from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka visa fees
Excursions/entrances listed as optional in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.

Some ways you’ll travel

The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy

Ella Odyssey train to Kandy

Sri Lanka

The Demodara Circular Loop train over the Nine Arch Bridge

Sri Lanka

Private air conditioned vehicle throughout

Sri Lanka

Some places you’ll stay

Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.

Colombo

Galle Face Hotel

Nuwara Eliya

The Grand Hotel

Galle

The Heritage Galle Fort

Things you need to know

To enter Sri Lanka, you’ll need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should do this before you travel, as there are limited facilities to obtain an ETA on arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.Â
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you will be departing Sri Lanka
If you’re travelling from, or transiting through a country with yellow fever or cholera in the 9 days before entering Sri Lanka, you will need to present evidence that you’ve received the relevant immunisations.
You will be required to cover knees and shoulders when visiting templesÂ

Our track record

Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.

FAQs

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