Sri Lanka Scenic Train Odyssey

7 Days

A 7-Day Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Gems and Scenic Rails

This 7-day tour celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable
train journey through the lush highlands. From the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the
sacred temples of Kandy and the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya, this itinerary blends
cultural immersion with the scenic beauty of a world-famous train ride.

Itinerary

Day 01 :
Airport to Sigiriya – Welcome to Sri Lanka

Starting Point: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Destination: Sigiriya (approx. 150 km, 3-4 hours)
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Key Attractions: Arrival transfer, optional village walk
Suggested Image Theme: Rural Village
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, where your guide from Voyaz
Travel will warmly welcome you for a comfortable transfer to Sigiriya, a historic heartland of
Sri Lanka. In the afternoon, settle into your hotel to relax and acclimatize. For a deeper
connection to local culture, opt for a gentle village walk, where you can observe rural life,
interact with friendly locals, and witness traditional practices in serene surroundings.
Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 02 :
: Sigiriya – Ancient Fortress and Local Life

Starting Point & Destination: Sigiriya (approx. 20 km local driving)
Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Key Attractions: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, optional Pidurangala Rock visit, optional village
tour with bullock cart ride and cooking demonstration
Suggested Image Theme: Lion Rock
Begin your morning with a climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a 5th-century UNESCO
World Heritage Site known as Lion Rock, famed for its ancient palace ruins, vibrant frescoes
of celestial damsels, and breathtaking summit views over lush jungles. In the afternoon,
choose to hike Pidurangala Rock, a nearby outcrop offering panoramic views of Sigiriya and
a quieter, more spiritual ambiance. Alternatively, join a village tour featuring a traditional
bullock cart ride through rural landscapes and a cooking demonstration of authentic Sri
Lankan dishes, showcasing local flavors. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 03 :
Sigiriya to Kandy – Spices and Cultural Rhythms

Starting Point: Sigiriya
Destination: Kandy (approx. 90 km, 2.5-3 hours)
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Key Attractions: Matale Spice Garden, Kandyan cultural dance performance
Suggested Image Theme: Spices
After breakfast, drive to Kandy, the cultural capital nestled in Sri Lanka’s hills. En route, visit
the Matale Spice Garden, where you’ll explore fragrant plantations of cinnamon, cardamom,
and other spices, learning about their culinary and medicinal significance in Sri Lankan
culture. Arrive in Kandy, check into your hotel, and relax. In the evening, immerse yourself
in a Kandyan cultural dance performance, a vibrant display of traditional drumming,
acrobatic dances, and colorful costumes that celebrate the island’s heritage. Overnight in
Kandy.

Day 04 :
Kandy – Sacred Sites and Botanical Beauty

Starting Point & Destination: Kandy (approx. 30 km local driving)
Overnight Stay: Kandy
Key Attractions: Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy Lake
Suggested Image Theme: Temples
Start your day at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO site and
one of Buddhism’s holiest shrines, housing Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth, revered since the 4th
century A.D. In the afternoon, wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a
sprawling 147-acre haven showcasing over 4,000 plant species, including vibrant orchids and
towering palms. Conclude with a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, a serene man-made lake
built in 1807, offering peaceful views and a glimpse into the city’s historic charm. Overnight
in Kandy.

Day 05 :
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Iconic Train Journey

Starting Point: Kandy
Destination: Nuwara Eliya (approx. 80 km by road, 2.5-3 hours; or 3-4 hours by train)
Overnight Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Key Attractions: Scenic train ride to Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya town exploration
Suggested Image Theme: Train
Embark on a highlight of your journey: a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya
(departing around 10:00 AM), winding through misty hills, tea plantations, and cascading
waterfalls, considered one of the world’s most picturesque rail journeys. Your guide will
transport your luggage by vehicle. Upon arriving in Nanu Oya, transfer to your hotel in
Nuwara Eliya, dubbed “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial architecture. Spend
the afternoon exploring the charming town, with its English-style cottages, vibrant markets,
and colonial-era buildings. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06 :
Nuwara Eliya to Colombo – Tea Trails and City Lights

Starting Point: Nuwara Eliya
Destination: Colombo (approx. 40 km local driving + 170 km, 6-7 hours total)
Overnight Stay: Colombo
Key Attractions: Tea plantation and factory visit, optional Gregory Lake visit
Suggested Image Theme: Tea Leaves
In the morning, visit a lush tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll discover
the intricate process of crafting Ceylon tea, from hand-picked leaves to world-famous blends,
set amidst rolling green hills. Optionally, stop by Gregory Lake, a serene man-made lake
offering tranquil views and a relaxing ambiance, perfect for a brief stroll. Late morning,
embark on a scenic drive to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Arrive in the evening,
check into your hotel, and unwind after a day of exploration. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 07 :
Colombo to Hometown – Farewell to Sri Lanka

Starting Point: Colombo
Destination: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Overnight Stay: None
Key Attractions: Departure
Suggested Image Theme: Airplane
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some free time to reflect on your Sri Lankan adventure or
explore Colombo’s vibrant streets. Your private transfer will escort you to Bandaranaike
International Airport for your departure, carrying cherished memories of ancient fortresses,
sacred temples, and the unforgettable train journey through Sri Lanka’s highlands. Stay
connected via email or social media until your next adventure!

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Sri Lanka Scenic Train Odyssey