Private Kandy 2-Day Train Tour with Ella, and Nuwara Eliya

Private Kandy 2-Day Train Tour with Ella, and Nuwara Eliya — a journey through Sri Lanka’s most scenic spots, combining cultural sights with breathtaking landscapes. For $399 per person, this tour offers a chance to see the hill country from multiple angles—by car, on foot, and most memorably, aboard the iconic train. You’ll visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, explore Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, wander lush botanical gardens in Peradeniya, and sip tea fresh from the plantation where it’s produced.

What we love about this experience is how it balances scenic travel with authentic cultural visits. The train journey itself is a highlight — a chance to sit back and soak in the lush mountains, waterfalls, and patchworks of tea plantations. We also appreciate the variety, from exploring Ella’s mini peaks to wandering through Kandy’s historic streets, offering diverse perspectives on Sri Lanka’s hill country.

A small consideration is that seats on the train can’t be guaranteed, especially during peak season or bad weather, which could impact your viewing experience. Also, the early mornings and long drives require a bit of stamina and patience. Still, if you’re someone who loves scenic travel, cultural sites, and memorable train rides, this tour is likely to hit the right notes.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, history, and local culture—all in a compact, well-organized package. It’s especially good for those who want to see a lot in a short time without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. If you prefer to travel with a guide and enjoy authentic experiences with a bit of comfort, this is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Scenic Train Ride: Experience one of the world’s most popular train journeys through Sri Lanka’s lush hill country.
• Cultural Sights: Visit Kandy’s renowned Temple of the Tooth and explore the historic city.
• Natural Beauty: Walk over the Nine Arches Bridge and visit waterfalls and botanical gardens.
• Tea Experience: Learn about tea production at a plantation and factory, and enjoy tastings.
• Authentic Small Group Feel: Guided tours and personalized transport make the experience intimate and manageable.
• Flexible Booking: Pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Day 1: From Colombo to Ella

The journey begins early in Colombo, where a driver picks you up and whisks you away toward the hill country. The drive itself is part of the adventure—expect to traverse winding roads through vibrant green landscapes, dotted with tea plantations and mountain vistas. Once in Ella, the small mountain town that serves as your base, you’ll have the afternoon to explore.

We loved the relaxed vibe of Ella and the way the town’s narrow streets lead you to scenic viewpoints. A highlight here is visiting the Nine Arches Bridge, often called the “Bridge in the Sky,” which is a marvel of colonial-era engineering. You can walk across or climb to a vantage point above for a terrific photo opportunity.

The Mini Adams Peak climb is another favorite; it’s a manageable walk that rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding hills. If you’re lucky, you might catch a sunset from this spot, which adds a little magic to the day.

Overnight in Ella is included, usually in a comfortable, standard hotel. The night’s stay allows you to rest up before the next day’s journey.

Day 2: Scenic Rail & Kandy

The day starts early again—breakfast, then a memorable train ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country. The blue train offers a panoramic window seat, perfect for capturing the lush scenery rolling past: waterfalls cascading down craggy cliffs, endless fields of tea, and tiny villages. Keep your camera ready because this stretch is widely considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.

Once you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll visit a tea plantation and factory. Here, guides explain the entire process, from plucking to processing, and you’ll taste fresh brews straight from the leaf. It’s a great way to understand the importance of tea to Sri Lanka’s economy and culture.

Next, it’s on to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and a city full of life and history. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a major pilgrimage site, and the guided tour helps you appreciate its significance and architecture. The city’s permanent mountain backdrop and lively markets make it a memorable stop.

Before heading back to Colombo, you can stroll the Gregory Lake esplanade for some relaxation and photo ops. The gardens at Peradeniya are also a highlight, sprawling over 60 hectares with thousands of plant species, offering a peaceful retreat after busy sightseeing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The combination of train travel and cultural exploration is where this tour excels. The train ride alone is worth the price, giving you an authentic taste of local life and stunning scenery. The guided visits ensure you don’t miss key sights and learn about their history and significance.

Many travelers appreciated the personalized attention from guides, and the flexibility in travel planning. With included transportation, you don’t need to worry about navigating Sri Lanka’s winding roads or booking train tickets.

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Practical Details & Tips

• The tour includes one night in Ella, which provides a comfortable base without rushing through the landscape.
• Transportation is by car and train, with guided tours of Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy.
• You can select 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class train seats, but seat availability isn’t guaranteed, especially during peak times.
• The tour covers major highlights like Nine Arches Bridge, tea plantations, and the Temple of the Tooth.
• Entrance fees to the Royal Botanical Garden are not included, so budget for that if you wish to visit.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers over 6 years old, but not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, wheelchair users, or young children.

Value for Money

At $399, this package is quite competitive considering the includes: train tickets, guided tours, two overnight stays, and visits to key sites. Booking in advance and paying later offers flexibility, which is helpful if you’re planning a broader trip. The experience provides a lot of value for travelers wanting a complete hill country experience without the hassle of planning each detail independently.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive sightseeing trip with a focus on spectacular train journeys and cultural highlights. It suits those who enjoy scenic landscapes, historic temples, and authentic local experiences, all with guided support. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and long drives, and eager to see Sri Lanka’s hill country from different perspectives, this tour will serve you well.

However, if you’re looking for a more flexible, independent adventure or have mobility issues, you might prefer to customize your trip or skip some parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the train journey? The train ride between Ella and Nuwara Eliya is part of the day 2 itinerary and provides scenic views of the hill country, lasting a few hours with stops.
• Are meals included? Dinner and breakfast are included in the package, but lunch is not, so plan accordingly.
• Can I choose seat class on the train? Yes, you can select from 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class, but seat availability isn’t guaranteed, especially during busy periods.
• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, warm clothing for cooler hill country evenings, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.
• Is this tour suitable for children? It’s generally suitable for children over 6, but not recommended for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.
• How flexible is the booking? You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• What if the train is delayed or canceled? Bad weather or demand could impact train schedules; the tour provider recommends checking closely before travel.
• Are entrance fees included? No, the Royal Botanical Garden entrance fee is not included, so plan to pay on-site if you wish to visit.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour offers a solid balance of scenic train travel, cultural discovery, and natural beauty. The inclusion of a famous train route through Sri Lanka’s lush hill country is a highlight that will appeal to travelers craving authentic and memorable travel moments. The guided visits to temples, botanical gardens, and tea plantations enrich the experience, providing context and stories that bring the scenery to life.

The tour’s value lies in its efficiency—covering significant sights without the stress of logistics—and its focus on authentic experiences. It’s suitable for travelers who want a well-organized, immersive taste of Sri Lanka’s hill country, especially if you’re comfortable with early mornings and some long drives. Just be flexible about train seat assignments and weather considerations, and you’ll find it to be a rewarding adventure.

If you’re after a curated, scenic, and culturally enriching journey that balances comfort with adventure, this tour is a good choice. It offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s vibrant landscapes and rich traditions in just a couple of days, making it perfect for a short but meaningful trip.

Note: For those interested, similar experiences can be found through various providers, but this particular tour by Serendipity Tours offers a comprehensive package that’s worth considering for your Sri Lanka itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: