Hill Country Rail and Tea Trail
The Kandy to Ella observation train, a working tea factory above Nuwara Eliya, and the Nine Arch Bridge at first light.
Overview
Four days built around the Kandy to Ella rail line, still the best way to cross the hill country. You take the 8.47am observation carriage, which runs about six and a half hours through the estates above Hatton and Nanu Oya. The middle day covers a working tea factory near Nuwara Eliya, where the plucking and rolling floors are open to visitors before noon. The last morning is an early walk down to the Nine Arch Bridge for the 6.20am crossing.
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Up to 12 people
Itinerary
-
1
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Dalada Maligawa holds a tooth relic of the Buddha and sits inside the old royal palace compound in Kandy. Three puja ceremonies are held daily and the 6.30pm one is worth planning around. White or covered clothing is required and shoes are left at the entrance.
Two nights in Kandy before the train, with the temple visited on the first evening.
Evening Puja Ceremony -
2
Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
A stone and brick viaduct built during the First World War, spanning the gorge between Ella and Demodara with no steel in its construction. Trains cross roughly six times a day and the 6.20am is the one photographers wait for. The walk in from Ella town takes about twenty five minutes along the track.
The Kandy to Ella observation carriage runs about six and a half hours and arrives mid afternoon.
Nine Arch Sunrise Walk
Accommodation Options
Kandy Hillview Hotel
Hotel
LKR 14,500.00 / night
Ella Ridge Cabins
Guesthouse
LKR 11,000.00 / night
Transport Options
Kandy to Ella Observation Carriage
RecommendedTrain · 40 seats
LKR 4,500.00
Tourist Van with Driver
Van · 8 seats
LKR 32,000.00