Sri Lanka by Private Train on the Viceroy Special

After a leisurely breakfast, join your tour leaders for lunch and a tour briefing at the hotel before setting out on an afternoon exploration of Colombo. This dynamic city blends colonial heritage with modern energy, from its bustling commercial districts and vibrant bazaars to serene temples and striking contemporary architecture. 

You’ll discover Colombo’s historic landmarks, including the Old Parliament House, Town Hall, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Visit the National Museum, home to an exceptional collection of art and artefacts that offer insight into Sri Lanka’s rich history.

We’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to the iconic Galle Face Hotel to enjoy a jolly welcome dinner (including drinks) in an atmospheric seaside setting.

Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll transfer to the railway station to board our private train, the Viceroy Special, for the first leg of our special rail journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. As the train rolls through rural landscapes, watch the scenery shift from lush greenery to the drier plains of the region while enjoying morning tea in the restaurant car.

En route, we’ll stop at Avukana to admire the towering 12-metre Buddha statue, a remarkable 5th-century carving, alongside the ancient Kala Wewa reservoir, built in 400 AD. Lunch is served on board before our evening arrival in Habarana, where we transfer to our wonderful hotel for the next two nights—a striking Geoffrey Bawa-designed retreat nestled in jungle on the edge of Kandalama Lake.

After settling into your room we will meet for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. 

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast, we’ll head out to the legendary Sigiriya (Lion Rock), a towering monolith rising 183 metres above the surrounding jungle.  At its base, remnants of moats, ramparts, and water gardens hint at its former grandeur, while the colossal stone lion’s paws still guard the staircase leading to the summit. For those up for the climb, you can explore the remains of an ancient fortress and royal palace complex built atop the rock by a visionary, yet controversial king, 1,500 years ago – an astonishing feat of engineering. Once hailed as one of the most beautiful royal cities of its time, Sigiriya remains a striking testament to Sri Lanka’s past. 

For those looking for a gentler alternative, there’s the option of an excursion by Tuk Tuk to a nearby village, where you’ll meet a local family and participate in a cooking demonstration of local delicacies. 

We’ll return to the hotel for lunch and some leisure time before an afternoon visit to the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temples, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla or Dambulla Rock Temple – the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves, carved into a massive granite rock outcrop of gneiss rock, have been a sacred pilgrimage site for over 22 centuries – the temples themselves mostly date from the 1st century BCE to the 18th–19th centuries CE. While there are over 80 documented caves, only five are major temples. The largest and most impressive cave contains 56 statues, including a 15-metre reclining Buddha, and the ceiling and walls are completely covered with murals (over 2,100 m² of painted surfaces) depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, Jataka stories, and historical events.

After returning to the hotel, you can enjoy your included dinner at your leisure if you’d like some rest from the group. 

Overnight: Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla (B, L, D) 

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll travel south by private coach to the bustling town of Matale, where we reunite with our train at the charming 1880s-era terminus station. A special treat today is an on-board 20-minute massage with our compliments and the option for more at an additional cost.

Lunch is served on board as we branch off and journey along a scenic branch line, rejoining the main railway near Kandy. From here, the train begins its ascent into Sri Lanka’s renowned hill country, following a breathtaking route along the escarpment with panoramic views of Adam’s Peak, the coastal plains, and rolling tea plantations—one of the most spectacular sections of our journey.

In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Nanu Oya, the gateway to Nuwara Eliya, where we’ll transfer to a private coach for the quick ride to our unique hotel in the heart of this historic British hill station – our home for the next three nights.

Our hotel, the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya, also known as Heritage Grand, is a prestigious boutique hotel, renowned for its rich history, colonial architecture, and exceptional hospitality. Originally constructed in 1828 as ‘Barnes Hall,’ the residence of Sir Edward Barnes, the fifth Governor of Ceylon, the property was transformed into a hotel in 1891, and has been an icon of the region ever since. 

Dinner this evening is at the hotel.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (B, L, D) 

Nestled in a cool, green mountain valley, Nuwara Eliya sits at the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country. A favoured retreat for colonial Europeans in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region is renowned for its rolling tea plantations, gushing streams, and cascading waterfalls. The railway lines we’ll be travelling have served this picturesque landscape since 1885.

After breakfast this morning, we’ll transfer to the railway station for a full-day excursion aboard our private train along the highlands railway to the terminus at Badulla. This spectacular route descends from the heights of Nuwara Eliya, nearly 2,000m above sea level, to Badulla at 680m, following the course of the Badulu Oya (river). The journey features dramatic spirals, loops, soaring viaducts, waterfalls, and charming colonial-era stations.

Badulla, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest towns, was briefly occupied by the Portuguese before the British extended the railway here at great expense in 1924. Following a leisurely lunch on board, we’ll take a short tour of Badulla before choosing to return to our hotel either by train or private coach.

Dinner tonight is in the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast, we’ll set out on a leisurely exploration of the district. Our first stop is Victoria Park offering a delightful glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich botanical heritage, then we’ll drop in to one of the renowned tea factories that dot the hills around Nuwara Eliya. Here, you’ll get to witness the fascinating process of transforming freshly picked tea leaves into the blends for which Sri Lanka is famous. From withering and rolling to fermentation and drying, each step contributes to the delicate flavours of Ceylon tea. A tasting session offers the perfect opportunity to savour the results. After pausing for lunch we’ll return to the hotel for some free time to relax.

This evening, we’ll dine at the historic Hill Club. Founded in 1876 by a British coffee planter, this private club retains the charm of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the colonial past of Nuwara Eliya. To add to the charm of the evening, the dress code is semi-formal, men will be required to wear a tie and jacket and sports shoes, shorts and leisure wear are frowned upon.

Overnight: Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (B, L, D) 

This morning, we bid farewell to our hotel after breakfast and check out, and return to the station to reboard our train for the scenic descent to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. This journey offers another chance to admire sweeping views across deep valleys towards the sacred peak of Adam’s Peak. As we travel through the highlands, the railway’s impressive engineering and charming colonial-era stations add to the experience.

We’ll enjoy lunch on board before arriving in Kandy in the early afternoon. From the station, a private coach takes us on a short tour of the city’s historic landmarks on the way to the hotel, including Kandy Lake, the bustling town bazaar, and the revered Temple of the Tooth Buddhist site.

Kandy’s historic heart offers a fascinating glimpse into its royal past, centred around the vast palace complex and the revered Temple of the Tooth. Surrounding this sacred site, an array of smaller temples and shrines enhances the atmosphere of devotion, as pilgrims from around the world gather to pray and reflect in this deeply spiritual setting.

Our hotel, perched on a hillside overlooking the lush jungle, provides a picturesque setting for tonight’s dinner. Afterwards, you may wish to take a taxi downtown to explore the lively old town at your own pace.

Overnight: The Golden Crown Hotel, Kandy (B, L, D) 

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, located just 6 km from Kandy. Once the pleasure gardens of Sinhala kings, this expansive 60-hectare estate is now home to an extraordinary collection of flora, including towering fig and teak trees, as well as massive Queensland and New Zealand kauri pines. Following a relaxed lunch at the gardens, we return to the hotel, and the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Early this evening, before dinner, we’ll have the pleasure of experiencing the vibrant culture of Kandy with a visit to The Temple of the Tooth, followed by a lively cultural performance, showcasing traditional music, dance, and drumming. Afterwards, you may choose to continue exploring the city at your own pace, your guide will be able to suggest somewhere for dinner, or you can take the provided transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight: The Golden Crown Hotel, Kandy (B, L) 

After breakfast and check out, we reboard our private train for the scenic descent through lush plantations, dense jungle, and bustling villages on our return journey to Colombo. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kadugannawa station to visit the National Railway Museum, where a fascinating collection of railway memorabilia offers insight into Sri Lanka’s rich rail heritage.

Continuing to Rambukkana, we’ll visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where elephants of all ages are cared for until they are ready to return to the wild. We aim to arrive in time for bathing hour, when the elephants make their way through the village to the wide river, joyfully splashing and playing in the water.

Back on board the Viceroy Special, lunch will be served as we travel through Sri Lanka’s fertile agricultural plains and back into the urban heart of Colombo, arriving mid-afternoon. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer directly to our familiar hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to unwind and enjoy the hotel’s facilities, including a scenic rooftop pool.

Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel, Colombo (B, L) 

Today, we embark on a very special final leg of our journey aboard the Viceroy Special, now hauled by one of Sri Lanka’s two remaining steam locomotives—the vintage 4-6-0 BIA Class, built by Beyer Peacock in 1928. Departing from Colombo Fort Station in a flurry of steam and activity, we journey south, passing through the city’s outer suburbs before running parallel to the coastline. With the shimmering Indian Ocean just beyond the tracks, this route offers stunning seascape views. There will be opportunities for photo stops along the way, and lunch will be served on board before our early afternoon arrival in Galle.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the elegantly modern Lighthouse Hotel, a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Perched on its own headland, the hotel offers spectacular views over the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean.

After some time to unwind, perhaps with a cocktail on the terrace as the sun sets, we’ll gather for dinner at the hotel’s terrace restaurant, where the bay and ocean provide a breathtaking backdrop for our evening.

Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, Galle (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of Galle, concluding with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, also known as the ‘Ramparts of Galle.’ Originally annexed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch and British, this historic site retains an undeniable old-world charm after 500 years of occupation. During our time in the Fort, we’ll visit the historic museum and the old Dutch era church.

Following lunch back at the hotel, the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. You may choose to wander further within the Fort, discover the vibrant Galle City, or return to the hotel for a restful afternoon. For those interested in experiencing local life, you may even opt for a short trip on the local train from Galle to Matara and back, offering a unique glimpse into everyday Sri Lankan rail travel. You may also wish to join an optional side trip to see the Stilt Fishermen and a nearby Turtle Hatchery

In the evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner (including drinks), where we’ll raise a glass to the wonderful memories created along the tracks back in the old Fort area.

Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, Galle (B, L, D) 

Today, enjoy the luxury of a late check-out with the hotel’s facilities available to you for as long as needed before your transfer to the airport. As most flights back to Australia depart in the evening, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and take full advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including the renowned spa. For those wishing to explore further, optional tours of the region or visits to the local museums can be easily arranged.

For those on the late flight, lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel before our group transfer to Colombo airport. If your flight departs earlier, a transfer will be arranged to suit your departure time.

End of tour (B, L, D)