1
Arrival — Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka
Met on arrival by a RIZ representative and private chauffeur guide, then transferred toward the hills via a spice garden.
RIZ-088 Days / 7 NightsPrivate Journey
Hill Country & Tea Trails
Tea estates, mountain scenery and the scenic hill-country rail line through Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
Into the Tea Country.
Hill Country & Tea Trails is built entirely around the Central Highlands, Sri Lanka's cool, mountainous tea-growing region. From Kandy's cultural capital through Nuwara Eliya's colonial-era hill station and on to Ella's dramatic viewpoints, the itinerary follows the same route as the famous hill-country railway, at a relaxed, scenery-led pace.
Working tea factory visits, cool mountain air and some of the most photographed rail views in Asia make this itinerary a natural standalone break or a highlands extension to a longer journey.
ROUTEColombo / Negombo→Kandy→Nuwara Eliya→Ella→Departure
Why This Journey
- A dedicated hill-country itinerary at an unhurried, scenery-led pace.
- Working tea estate visits with tastings across multiple growing regions.
- Includes the celebrated hill-country train journey toward Ella.
- Private chauffeur-guide throughout — no fixed group departures.
- Every accommodation and vehicle tier can be adjusted to suit budget and style.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
Moments That Define the Journey
Evening at the Temple of the Tooth
A working tea estate in the hills
The Nine Arch Bridge at Ella
The hill-country rail journey
Hiking Little Adam's Peak
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Eight Days in the Highlands
1
2
Kandy
The Cultural Capital of the Hills
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and an evening Kandyan dance performance.
3–4
Nuwara Eliya
Tea Country & Cool Highlands
A working tea factory visit and tasting, time beside Gregory Lake, and the cool climate of "Little England."
5
Hill Country Train to Ella
Sri Lanka's Most Scenic Rail Journey
An open-window train ride through tea estates and mountain passes toward Ella.
6–7
Ella
Mountain Views & Nine Arch Bridge
Two days exploring Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and Ella's relaxed café culture.
8
Departure
Journey's End
Private transfer to Colombo International Airport for departure.
This itinerary is indicative. Sequence, drive times and inclusions may be adjusted for seasonal conditions, park closures or supplier availability, and your final programme is confirmed in your RIZ quotation.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
Choose Your Level of Comfort
Accommodation Tier
- EssentialQuality 3-star / boutique
- Comfort4-Star / 5-Star / Boutique Hotels & Villas
- PremiumSuperior 4-star / selected 5-star
- Luxury5-star / curated boutique
- SignatureHandpicked tea bungalows
Vehicle Category
- StandardPrivate sedan
- ComfortPrivate SUV / premium MPV
- Family / Small GroupPrivate SUV / large MPV / premium van
- Premium GroupLuxury van / premium coach
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS & ADD-ONS
Extend the Journey
Whitewater Rafting — KitulgalaHorton Plains & World's EndPrivate Tea Tasting ExperienceHot Air Balloon — HighlandsAdditional Night — Ella
CORE INCLUSIONS
What's Included
- 7 nights' accommodation at the selected tier
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Private chauffeur-guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 2nd class reserved hill-country train tickets (Nuwara Eliya to Ella)
- All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Airport meet & greet and departure transfer
- 24/7 RIZ emergency contact during travel
NOT INCLUDED
Important Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Sri Lanka ETA / visa fees
- Lunches and dinners (unless specified for a particular day)
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and add-ons
IMPORTANT OPERATING NOTES
Before You Travel
- Evenings in the highlands can be cool; warm clothing is recommended.
- Hill-country train seats are subject to availability and booked in advance.
- Dietary and accessibility requirements should be shared before confirmation.
- Hotel check-in/check-out times follow individual property policies.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & SAFETY
Travelling Responsibly
- Pre-arrival confirmation and an arrival safety briefing are provided.
- Drivers and guides are briefed to RIZ's professional service standards.
- Hiking routes follow marked trails with appropriate guiding.
- Local tea estates and community experiences are prioritised where possible.
REQUEST A QUOTE
Ready to Begin Planning
Hill Country & Tea Trails?
Share your travel dates and preferences and a RIZ Lanka DMC specialist will prepare a tailored quotation for RIZ-08.