Tea Country & the Ella Train

Trip idea · 7 days / 6 nights

Colombo → Kitulgala → Hatton → Nuwara Eliya → Horton Plains → Ella → Udawalawe → Galle

Rainforest rafting, tea bungalows, the world's prettiest train ride and an elephant safari on the way to the coast.

from €700 – €1,050 per person (estimate)

Length
7 days / 6 nights
Best time
Dec–Apr best
Suits
Solo, Couple, Friends / group
Style
Hills & tea, Wildlife

Overview

Rainforest rafting, tea bungalows, the world's prettiest train ride and an elephant safari on the way to the coast.

  • White-water rafting at Kitulgala
  • Tea factory visit and estate walk
  • Scenic train to Ella over the Nine Arch Bridge country
  • Jeep safari at Udawalawe

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Colombo to Kitulgala

    Leave the airport for the green Kelani valley. Riverside lodge in the rainforest.

    Overnight: Kitulgala

  2. Day 2

    Rafting and tea

    Morning rafting on the Kelani river (optional), then climb into tea country around Hatton.

    Overnight: Hatton

  3. Day 3

    Nuwara Eliya

    Tea factory tour and tasting, then the cool hill town of Nuwara Eliya with its lake and colonial post office.

    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

  4. Day 4

    Horton Plains

    Very early start for the 9 km loop to World's End and Baker's Falls. Afternoon at leisure.

    Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

  5. Day 5

    Train to Ella

    Board the blue train at Nanu Oya for the famous ride through tea estates to Ella. Sunset at the Nine Arch Bridge.

    Overnight: Ella

  6. Day 6

    Ella to Udawalawe

    Sunrise walk up Little Adam's Peak, then downhill to Udawalawe for an afternoon jeep safari with elephant herds.

    Overnight: Udawalawe

  7. Day 7

    Galle Fort and home

    Wander the ramparts of Galle Fort, then the expressway back to the airport (about 2.5 hours).

Usually included

  • Private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver-guide
  • Hotels as described, 2 sharing, with breakfast
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Local taxes and the driver's costs

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka ETA (visa)
  • Entrance and park fees unless listed
  • Lunches, most dinners and drinks
  • Tips and personal spending
  • Travel insurance

Best months

  • Jan(good time)
  • Feb(good time)
  • Mar(good time)
  • Apr(good time)
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec(good time)

About the price

Estimate per person, 2 sharing, mid-range hotels with breakfast, private car with driver-guide; no flights or entrance fees.

Estimate last checked: 13/11/2026

Arranged by: A licensed tour partner based in Sri Lanka

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