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Sri Lanka

East Coast Scenic Rail Tour

Scenic Train Journeys • Scenic Train Journey • Cultural • Relaxation

East Coast Scenic Rail Tour

Best Time

November – April

From

On request

Duration

17D / 16N

Enquire Now

Handpicked Itineraries • Tailor Your Experience

Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka

Experience one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful rail and coastal journeys, combining misty mountains, tea plantations, charming hill towns, and the pristine beaches of the East Coast. Travel through breathtaking landscapes aboard Sri Lanka’s iconic hill-country trains before exploring the cultural heritage and tropical coastline of Batticaloa, Pasikuda, and Trincomalee. This carefully curated itinerary blends scenic rail travel, relaxation, culture, and authentic local experiences.

Journey Route

Itinerary

Day-by-day journey

1

Day 1

Day 01 – Arrival in Colombo

Colombo / Airport

⌄

Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to Negombo. Relax after your flight and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the beach or explore the fishing village surroundings before settling into your hotel.

Accommodation

Shangri-La Colombo • Cinnamon Grand Colombo • MaRadha Colombo

Meals

Dinner

Travel Time

45.00 minutes

Distance

35.00 KM

2

Day 2

Day 02 – Colombo Sightseeing

Colombo

⌄

Explore Colombo's blend of modern architecture and colonial heritage. Visit historic districts, shopping precincts, temples, and the waterfront. The evening is free for leisure, dining, or enjoying the city's nightlife.

Accommodation

Shangri-La Colombo • Cinnamon Grand Colombo • MaRadha Colombo

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

3

Day 3

Day 03 – Colombo to Kandy

Kandy

⌄

Travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. Discover scenic landscapes en route and enjoy an evening stroll around the picturesque lake. Experience the city's unique blend of history, religion, and traditional arts.

Accommodation

Amaya Hills Kandy • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy • Earl's Regency

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

120.00 KM

4

Day 4

Day 04 – Kandy Exploration

Kandy

⌄

Spend the day exploring Kandy’s cultural treasures, botanical gardens, local markets, and traditional performances. The city offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s royal heritage and Buddhist traditions.

Accommodation

Cinnamon Citadel Kandy • Amaya Hills Kandy • Earl's Regency

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

5

Day 5

Day 05 – Scenic Train Journey to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya

⌄

Board one of the world's most scenic train journeys through lush tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and charming villages. Arrive in the cool-climate town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy its colonial charm.

Accommodation

The Blackpool Hotel • Heritance Tea Factory • Grand Hotel

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

4.00 hours

Distance

80.00 KM

6

Day 6

Day 06 – Nuwara Eliya Leisure

Nuwara Eliya

⌄

Explore tea estates, picturesque gardens, and serene lakes. The town’s pleasant climate and colonial architecture create a relaxing atmosphere perfect for leisurely sightseeing.

Accommodation

The Blackpool Hotel • Heritance Tea Factory • Grand Hotel

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

7

Day 7

Day 07 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella by Train

Ella

⌄

Enjoy another spectacular rail journey through breathtaking mountain scenery. Arrive in Ella, a laid-back hill town known for panoramic views, waterfalls, and tea country landscapes.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • Nine Skies • EKHO Ella

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

60.00 KM

8

Day 8

Day 08 – Ella Exploration

Ella

⌄

Discover Ella’s natural beauty, scenic viewpoints, tea plantations, and tranquil surroundings. Enjoy leisurely walks and soak in the refreshing mountain atmosphere.

Accommodation

98 Acres Resort & Spa • EKHO Ella • Nine Skies

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

9

Day 9

Day 09 – Ella to Batticaloa

Batticaloa

⌄

Journey from the central highlands to Sri Lanka’s eastern plains. Arrive in Batticaloa, a city rich in cultural diversity, lagoon landscapes, and colonial history.

Accommodation

Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa • Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah • Sun Siyam Pasikudah

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

5.00 hours

Distance

175.00 KM

10

Day 10

Day 10 – Batticaloa Discovery

Batticaloa

⌄

Explore Batticaloa’s lagoon, historic fort area, local fishing communities, and cultural landmarks. Enjoy the relaxed pace and authentic atmosphere of the East Coast.

Accommodation

Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah • Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa • Sun Siyam Pasikudah

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

11

Day 11

Day 11 – Batticaloa to Pasikuda

Pasikuda

⌄

Travel to Pasikuda, famous for its calm turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the ocean or enjoying optional water activities.

Accommodation

Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa • Sun Siyam Pasikudah • Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah • Uga Bay - Pasikuda

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

45.00 minutes

Distance

35.00 KM

12

Day 12

Day 12 – Pasikuda Beach Leisure

Pasikuda

⌄

Relax on one of Sri Lanka’s finest beaches. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding while taking in the stunning coastal scenery.

Accommodation

Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah • Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa • Sun Siyam Pasikudah • Uga Bay - Pasikuda

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

13

Day 13

Day 13 – Pasikuda Beach Leisure

Pasikuda

⌄

Another day to enjoy the East Coast’s crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. Optional excursions and water sports can be arranged.

Accommodation

Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah • Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa • Sun Siyam Pasikudah • Uga Bay - Pasikuda

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

14

Day 14

Day 14 – Pasikuda to Trincomalee

Trincomalee

⌄

Travel north along the coastline to Trincomalee, home to natural harbors, cultural landmarks, and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the sea.

Accommodation

Uga Jungle Beach - Trincomalee • Trinco Blu by Cinnamon • Uppuveli Beach Resort by Aathi

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

Travel Time

3.00 hours

Distance

110.00 KM

15

Day 15

Day 15 – Trincomalee Exploration

Trincomalee

⌄

Explore Trincomalee’s coastal attractions, scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and vibrant seaside atmosphere. Enjoy the blend of history and natural beauty.

Accommodation

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon • Uppuveli Beach Resort by Aathi • Uga Jungle Beach - Trincomalee

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

16

Day 16

Day 16 – Trincomalee Leisure

Trincomalee

⌄

Spend the day relaxing on the beach, enjoying optional whale-watching excursions (seasonal), snorkeling, or simply taking in the tranquility of the East Coast.

Accommodation

Uga Jungle Beach - Trincomalee • Uppuveli Beach Resort by Aathi • Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Meals

Breakfast • Dinner

17

Day 17

Day 17 – Trincomalee to Colombo Departure

Colombo / Airport

⌄

After breakfast, depart for Colombo and continue to the airport for your onward journey. Reflect on an unforgettable rail and coastal adventure through Sri Lanka’s most scenic regions.

Meals

Breakfast

Travel Time

6.00 hours

Distance

265.00 KM

Route Summary

Colombo → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Batticaloa → Pasikuda → Trincomalee → Colombo

Experience Details

How We
Plan Your Journey

Perfect for travelers seeking a curated luxury escape shaped around destinations, stays, attractions, activities and personal travel style.

Attractions
⌄
Batticaloa Dutch FortColombo National MuseumColombo Port City PromenadeElla RockFort FrederickGalle Face GreenKandy View PointGangaramaya TempleGregory Lake ParkGalway’s Land National ParkLovers Leap TrincomaleeMarble BeachLittle Adam’s PeakLotus TowerHanthana Mountain RangeIndependence SquareSeema Malaka TempleVelgam VeheraUppuveli BeachWhale Watching TrincomaleeViharamahadevi ParkTemple of the Sacred Tooth RelicRavana CavePettah MarketKoneswaram TempleNine Arches BridgeLover’s Leap WaterfallMoon PlainsRoyal Palace of KandyDutch Bay Beach
Activities
⌄
Colombo Lotus TowerElla Rock hikeDolphin watchingGangaramaya TempleHakgala Botanical GardenHigh tea experienceKandy cultural dance showLover’s Leap WaterfallMount Lavinia beachLittle Adam’s Peak hikeMarble BeachNational Museum ColomboOne Galle Face MallNine Arch Bridge walkNilaveli beachNuwara Eliya city & Gregory LakePasikuda beachPettah market walkRavana FallsScenic train ride Kandy-EllaRavana CaveRamboda FallsRock climbingSeetha Amman TempleRoyal Botanical Gardens PeradeniyaSnorkellingUppuveli beachTrincomalee Koneswaram TempleWhale watchingTea plucking experienceTea factory visitTea factory visitTemple of the ToothViharamahadevi ParkVictoria Park
Hotels
⌄
Shangri-La ColomboCinnamon Grand ColomboMaRadha ColomboAmaya Hills KandyCinnamon Citadel KandyEarl's RegencyThe Blackpool HotelHeritance Tea FactoryGrand Hotel98 Acres Resort & SpaNine SkiesEKHO EllaMaalu Maalu Resort & SpaAnantaya Resort and Spa PassikudahSun Siyam PasikudahUga Bay - PasikudaUga Jungle Beach - TrincomaleeTrinco Blu by CinnamonUppuveli Beach Resort by Aathi
Highlights
⌄
Spectacular hill-country train journeys through tea plantations and mountain landscapes.Explore the cultural charm and heritage of Kandy.Experience the cool climate and colonial elegance of Nuwara Eliya.Relax on the pristine beaches of Pasikuda and Trincomalee.Discover the authentic East Coast culture, lagoons, and coastal scenery of Batticaloa.
Inclusions
⌄
Services of a professional English-speaking chauffeur guideAccommodation in hotels/resortsAll government taxes and service chargesHotel pick-up and drop-offAirport pickup and departure transfersAll sightseeing and excursions mentioned in the itineraryTrasnportComplimentary bottled water during transfers and excursionsMeet and greet assistance at the airport upon arrivalLuggage handling assistance at hotelsWater bottleHotel pickup and dropTransport by air conditioned Shared vehiclePrivate luxury air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour24/7 on-tour assistance and customer supportPrivate air-conditioned vehicleTea plantation and tea factory experience with tea tastingGovernment taxes and service chargesHighway toll charges and parking feesTrain ride experienceFuel and highway chargesAll travel times are approximate and traffic dependentHotel pick-up from Ella
Cancellation Policy
⌄
Cancellations made within 30 days of arrival may incur cancellation charges.Free cancellation for hotel reservations up to 30 days prior to arrival, subject to hotel policies.Day tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the tour starting time.50% advance payment is required at the time of booking confirmation for Sri Lanka arrangements.No-show bookings and unused services are non-refundable.

Trip Blueprint

Duration17D / 16N
Travel StylePrivate Tailor-Made
Starts InColombo / Airport
Ends InColombo / Airport
Route Path

Colombo / Airport⟶Colombo⟶Kandy⟶Nuwara Eliya⟶Ella⟶Batticaloa⟶Pasikuda⟶Trincomalee

&

Tailor-made

Make This
Itinerary
Yours

Enquire Now

Inspire Me

Your Dream Trip Starts Here

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