Hill Country Rail and Tea Trail

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

About 2 hours at this stop 1 activity to choose from

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
About 1.5 hours
The 6.30pm ceremony in the inner chamber, with drumming from the courtyard beforehand. A guide covers the history of the relic while you queue. Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes are left at the gate.
2

Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

About 3 hours at this stop 1 activity to choose from

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
About 2 hours
A guided walk from Ella town down the track to the viaduct, timed for the 6.20am crossing. The path is uneven and usually wet before sunrise, so proper shoes matter. Tea and short eats are served at the viewpoint afterwards.