Tour Overview
Experience one of the world’s most scenic train journeys combined with Ceylon tea culture on this unforgettable day tour! The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is consistently rated among the most beautiful rail journeys on the planet, winding through misty mountains, past cascading waterfalls, across high bridges, and through emerald tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see.
This tour perfectly combines adventure, scenery, culture, and relaxation. Start by visiting a working tea factory to learn how Ceylon tea is produced, then board the famous “blue train” for a leisurely journey through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. The train moves slowly enough to enjoy the views, hang out the open doors (a Sri Lankan tradition!), and capture spectacular photos. Arrive in Ella, a charming mountain town with a laid-back vibe, stunning viewpoints, and cozy cafes.
Perfect for couples, photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience authentic Sri Lankan mountain culture, this tour offers a completely different perspective from coastal tours. You’ll understand why Sri Lankan hill country is so beloved. The cool mountain air, friendly locals, and spectacular scenery create an unforgettable day.
What Makes This Tour Special
- World’s most scenic train journey (according to many travelers!)
- Ceylon tea factory tour with tasting
- Authentic local train experience (no tourist train)
- Ella’s stunning mountain scenery
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge
- Optional hikes to Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak
- Cool mountain climate (refreshing change from coast)
- Instagram-worthy views at every turn
Tour Plan with Starting Time
05:00 AM – Very Early Pickup from Your Hotel
This early start is essential for the full experience. The drive to Nuwara Eliya takes approximately 4-5 hours, and we want to catch the perfect train!
09:00 AM – Stop at Ramboda Falls
Quick photo stop at this stunning 109-meter high waterfall along the way.
09:30 AM – Ceylon Tea Factory Visit (Duration: 1 hour)
Visit a working tea factory and plantation in the Nuwara Eliya region. Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is world-famous for its tea, and this is your chance to learn the entire process:
The Tour Includes:
- Walk through verdant tea plantations where pickers work
- See the tea processing facility and machinery
- Learn about withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting
- Understand the differences between black, green, and white tea
- Discover why Ceylon tea is so special (elevation, climate, processing)
- Watch tea tasters grading different batches
- Tea Tasting Session – Sample various grades of Ceylon tea
- Shop for fresh tea to take home (not included in tour price)
Your guide explains the colonial history of Sri Lankan tea and the vital role tea plays in the national economy. The views from tea plantations are spectacular – rolling hills covered in perfectly manicured tea bushes.
10:30 AM – Travel to Nanu Oya Railway Station
Short drive to the starting point of your train journey.
11:00 AM – Board Train at Nanu Oya Station
Board the regular local train (2nd or 3rd class for authentic experience). Don’t expect luxury – these are working trains used by locals daily. But that’s what makes it special! Find seats near the open doors or windows.
11:30 AM – Ella Train Journey Begins (Duration: 3 hours)
The train departs for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys! The approximately 60-kilometer journey takes 3 hours (yes, it’s slow, but that’s perfect for sightseeing).
What You’ll Experience
The Journey:
- Wind through mountain passes with dramatic drops
- Pass countless tea plantations carpeting the hillsides
- See tea pickers working with baskets on their backs
- Cross high bridges over deep valleys
- Watch waterfalls cascading down mountain sides
- View tiny villages clinging to slopes
- Witness sunrise mist clearing from valleys
- Experience hairpin turns and tunnels
The Vibe:
- Hang out the open train doors (carefully!) for breeze and photos
- Chat with friendly locals and other travelers
- Buy snacks from vendors at station stops
- Watch Sri Lankan life unfold through the windows
- Feel the cool mountain air on your face
- The train rocks gently, creating a meditative experience
Iconic Viewpoints:
The stretch from Pattipola to Haputale to Ella is especially spectacular. Your guide points out the best viewpoints. The train slows at scenic spots (drivers know travelers want photos!).
02:30 PM – Arrive at Ella Railway Station
Disembark at charming Ella town, a backpacker favorite with stunning mountain views.
02:45 PM – Lunch in Ella
Enjoy lunch at one of Ella’s cozy cafes with mountain views. Try local rice and curry or Western options (Ella caters to international travelers). (Lunch cost not included)
03:45 PM – Nine Arches Bridge Visit (Duration: 1 hour)
Walk or drive to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel from the British colonial era. This stunning stone bridge sits in a natural amphitheater of tea plantations and jungle. If you’re lucky, a train passes over the bridge while you’re there – an incredible sight! Walk underneath the arches and up to track level for different perspectives.
Optional Activities in Ella (Based on Energy/Interest):
- Little Adam’s Peak Hike – Easy 30-minute climb for panoramic views (highly recommended if time/energy permits)
- Ella Rock Hike – More challenging 2-hour trek (requires early start, can be arranged as special tour)
- Ravana Falls – Beautiful waterfall near Ella
- Explore Ella Town – Boutiques, cafes, viewpoints
05:00 PM – Begin Return Journey
Start the scenic drive back to the south coast. Watch sunset over the mountains.
09:00 PM – Drop at Your Hotel
Arrive back tired but absolutely enchanted by hill country.
Pickup & Drop Location
Pickup:
Your hotel in Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Galle, or any south coast location. Very early pickup (5:00 AM) is essential.
Drop:
Return to your hotel. Late return (around 9:00 PM).
Note: This is a very long day (16 hours) with significant travel time. However, it’s consistently rated as travelers’ favorite Sri Lankan experience. The train journey and scenery make every minute worthwhile! Consider staying overnight in Ella if you prefer a more relaxed pace (we can arrange this).
Important Information
- Very long day – requires early start and late return
- Train journey is on regular local trains (not luxury tourist trains)
- Train seating is basic – 2nd or 3rd class
- Seats not guaranteed (first-come basis) – your guide knows strategies
- Standing possible during busy times (still enjoyable!)
- Cool mountain temperatures (15-22°C) – bring light jacket
- Train can be crowded, especially holidays and weekends
- Hanging out train doors is at your own risk – be extremely careful
- Bring snacks and water for train journey
- Train has basic toilets
- Tea factory visit included
- Train tickets included
- Lunch and snacks not included
- Nine Arches Bridge entrance free
- Comfortable shoes for walking in Ella
- Consider overnight stay in Ella instead of same-day return
- This tour can be modified to overnight (recommended!)
- Weekday trains are less crowded than weekends
- Book in advance during peak season (Dec-Mar)
Photo Tips: This is one of the most photogenic tours! Bring extra memory cards. Wide-angle lens captures tea plantation vistas. Telephoto lens for distant mountains. Open train doors provide amazing photo angles – be careful! Nine Arches Bridge is best photographed around 3-4 PM. Golden hour in the mountains is magical. Video of train journey is highly recommended.