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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Small Group Tour

Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

15-day Sri Lanka escorted tour from Colombo to coastal towns via rail and coach

Illustration of Grand Tour of Sri Lanka

Great Rail Journeys operates this 15-day small-group escorted tour of Sri Lanka, beginning with an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Colombo and ending with a return flight from the same airport. The itinerary balances ancient cultural sites, wildlife safaris, hill-country rail journeys, and coastal relaxation. From Colombo you travel inland through the UNESCO-listed temples of Dambulla and Sigiriya (a 5th-century fortress on a granite rock), then take the Tea Train through central highlands to Nuwara Eliya, where you visit a working tea plantation to pick leaves and taste Ceylon tea. The scenic Hill Country Train carries you to Demodara, crossing the Nine Arches Bridge with views of waterfalls and misty mountains. Next comes Yala National Park for two Jeep safaris hunting leopards, elephants and over 200 bird species. The tour finishes with coastal time: a walking tour of colonial Galle Fort and three days free in Beruwala beside the Indian Ocean, including an evening at the Colombo Lotus Tower for dinner with 360-degree city views. Accommodation is four and five-star throughout, and a UK Tour Manager accompanies the group every day.

What to know before you look closer

  • Some lunches are independent (free for your choice of restaurant); on eight days lunch is not specified as included.
  • Single-room supplement is GBP 1,100 (priceSingleFrom GBP 4,199 versus price from GBP 3,099), a significant premium on a double share.
  • Three consecutive days in Beruwala (days 12-13) are free time; optional excursions such as whale-watching and turtle hatchery visits are payable locally.
  • The group size reaches 22 people, a mid-sized escorted group.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: In flight

    Overnight flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager ready for a direct overnight flight to Colombo. Sri Lanka is separated from India by just 22 miles of the Palk Strait and boasts a rich culture and heritage of its own, with endless sandy beaches, delicious food and lush jungles adorned with ancient temples.

  2. Day 2overnight: Colombo

    Welcome to historic Colombo

    Touching down at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are transferred to your five-star hotel in Colombo overlooking the banks of Beira Lake. This afternoon and early evening are free to unwind and acclimatise. This evening, travel to a local restaurant recreating a traditional Sri Lankan village around an ancient banyan tree for a buffet of authentic local cuisine.

    Meals: Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Habarana

    Uncovering Sri Lanka's capital

    After breakfast, join an expert local guide for a sightseeing tour of Colombo: the Colombo National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple and Independence Square. Free time over lunch. In the afternoon, travel into the 'Cultural Triangle' to Habarana, a charming hotel set beside a tranquil lake surrounded by forest.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Habarana

    Sigiriya's ancient Lion Rock Fortress

    Visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya fortress rising 600 feet from the jungle, built by King Kashyapa I in the 5th century. Option to climb the stairs or explore the royal palace and gardens at ground level. After lunch at the hotel, transfer to Polonnaruwa to explore the archaeological remains of this medieval city including carved rock temples, towering statues and vast stupas.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Kandy

    The sacred cave temples of Dambulla

    Coach journey to Kandy with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples, home to over 150 Buddha statues and murals depicting the various stages of his life, along with statues of Hindu deities. Continue to Kandy, stopping en route for an independent lunch. Check in to the hotel overlooking the Mahaweli River.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Kandy

    Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth

    After breakfast, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens with more than 4,000 types of flora. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a guided tour of Kandy including the city's market square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to hold one of Buddha's actual teeth.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Nuwara Eliya

    The charming 'tea train' to Nanu Oya

    Transfer to Peradeniya railway station for a journey on the scenic 'tea train', climbing into the central highlands through mountainous slopes, bridges and tunnels. Packed lunch provided. Views of lush forests, vast tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Arrive in Nanu Oya and transfer to the five-star hotel near Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England'.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Nuwara Eliya

    Tea-picking and tasting at a working plantation

    Travel to Ramboda for a tour of a tea plantation and factory. Discover different types of world-renowned tea, try picking tea leaves, and enjoy a tasting on the terrace. Free time for independent lunch at the tea plantation restaurant. Return to the hotel for a luxurious high tea in the afternoon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9railovernight: Tissamaharama

    Demodara by scenic rail and on to Tissamaharama

    Board a train to Demodara through dramatic scenery of misty mountains and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the iconic Nine Arches Bridge near Ella, a curved viaduct standing at nearly 100 feet tall. Continue by coach to Tissamaharama, stopping en route for an independent lunch. Check in to the hotel, perfectly placed for exploring Yala National Park.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Tissamaharama

    Looking for leopards at Yala National Park

    Rise early for a sunrise Jeep safari in Yala National Park, searching for elephants, wild boar, crocodiles and the elusive leopard, plus over 200 species of birds. Late breakfast back at the hotel. Return to the park in the afternoon for a second safari, with Yala boasting the largest concentration of leopards in Asia.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Beruwala

    Along the coast to the colonial town of Galle

    Travel along the south coast to the historic port city of Galle for a guided walking tour of the well-preserved Portuguese and Dutch fortress, charming narrow lanes and colonial-era architecture. Free time to explore independently and enjoy lunch. Continue up the west coast to Beruwala and check in to a luxurious five-star hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Beruwala

    Unwinding by the Indian Ocean

    A free day at leisure in Beruwala. Options include swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, relaxing on the beach, visiting the Balinese-inspired wellness centre, strolling along the golden sands, sampling fresh seafood, or exploring nearby Aluthgama with its markets and souvenir shops.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  13. Day 13overnight: Beruwala

    Free time in tropical Beruwala

    A free day with optional excursions available (payable locally). Options include a whale-watching trip from Mirissa Harbour (known for blue whales, sperm whales and other marine life), a visit to a turtle hatchery with baby turtle release programme, or a boat ride along the Madu River through mangroves and cinnamon trees.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  14. Day 14overnight: Colombo

    Return to Colombo for dinner with a view

    Leisurely morning before returning to Colombo. Free time to explore the Pettah Floating Market or shop near the old Dutch Market. This evening, dinner at the revolving restaurant atop the Colombo Lotus Tower – the tallest building in Sri Lanka – with spectacular 360° views of the city.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  15. Day 15

    Homeward bound

    Depart the hotel with a packed breakfast for the short journey to the airport, then a direct flight back to the UK, arriving at London Heathrow this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Climb or explore the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya fortress, a 5th-century royal palace rising 600 feet from the jungle.
  • Day 7Board the Tea Train from Peradeniya, climbing through central highlands with views of lush tea plantations, forests and cascading waterfalls.
  • Day 9Journey by scenic rail to Demodara, passing the Nine Arches Bridge, a curved viaduct standing nearly 100 feet tall near Ella.
  • Day 10Rise before dawn for two Jeep safaris in Yala National Park, home to the largest concentration of leopards in Asia, plus elephants, crocodiles and over 200 bird species.
  • Day 11Walk through Galle Fort's narrow lanes lined with Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, with ocean views and centuries-old streets.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 13 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Direct return flights from London Heathrow to Colombo
  • Regional departures available
  • Breakfast and dinner each day, 4 lunches
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
  • All guided tours and excursions
  • Tips recommended at £16 per person (arrangeable with Tour Manager)

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Optional excursions (payable locally)
  • Lunches not specified in itinerary (some days free for independent lunch)
  • Personal expenses

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. First Class rail is included: the Tea Train from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya and the Scenic Hill Country Train from Nanu Oya to Demodara, plus all coach and air travel.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group from London Heathrow to the end of the tour, managing all logistics and leading guided tours.
What is included in the price?
Direct return flights London Heathrow to Colombo, 13 nights in four and five-star hotels, breakfast and dinner daily, four lunches, all rail and coach travel, guided tours and excursions, and group luggage transfers.
Which hotels are used?
The Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo (five-star), Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy, The Golden Ridge Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, Chaarya Hotel in Tissamaharama, and Cinnamon Bey Hotel in Beruwala (five-star).
When does this tour run?
Great Rail Journeys schedules departures in October, November, January, February and March. Seven departures are currently available between October 2026 and November 2027.
How much walking is there each day?
Days typically include guided city walks (Colombo, Kandy, Galle), site visits with stairs or ground-level options (Sigiriya), and tea plantation tours. Two full days in Yala National Park involve early-morning Jeep safaris.

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