To Chennai - Trichy - Madurai - Rameswaram - Talaimannar - Anuradhapura - Matale - Nuwara Eliya - Badulla - Kandy - Colombo and extension to Galle beach by coastal train line....
Please download itinerary with photos.
Monday 17 November
Depart choice of UK airport with an overnight flight to….
Tuesday 18 November
…..Chennai, arriving early morning. We will take you straight to the hotel for some sleep. The morning is free to recover from the journey, and we will give you a gentle city tour in the afternoon, including the iconic Central & Egmore Station building, Marine Beach and the markets. (B, D)
Chennai – a city where ancient legacy meets modern dynamism. Founded on August 22, 1639, by the British East India Company, Chennai began as a modest trading post around Fort St. George. But its roots run far deeper—this land, once part of the ancient Tondaimandalam region, was ruled by the Cholas, Pallavas, and Satavahanas, with settlements like Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur thriving for over 2,000 year.
Wednesday 19 November
Relaxed breakfast at hotel.
We will have the day until noon for transfer to Chennai Central railway station for India’s latest high speed Vande Bharat Express train at 14.50 hrs to arrive Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) 18.40 hrs.
Snacks, tea & coffee will be served on board as in included in your ticket price.
Perched on the banks of the Kaveri River, this city has been a cradle of civilization since 300 BCE, when Woraiyur, now a part of Trichy, served as the capital of the early Cholas. Over millennia, it has witnessed the rise and fall of mighty dynasties--Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar rulers, and Nayaks—each leaving behind a legacy carved in stone and spirit.
Trichy was also a key battleground during the Carnatic Wars, shaping the colonial destiny of South India.
We will check-in our hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Thursday 20 November
Today morning we visit the Rock Fort Temple.
At Trichy’s heart stands the iconic Rock Fort, a 3.8-billion-year-old geological marvel crowned with temples that echo with centuries of devotion. The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with intricate carvings, rock-cut caves, and a sanctified atmosphere that draws pilgrims and travellers alike.
The temple is home to Lord Ganesha at the summit, and Lord Shiva halfway up the hill. The climb of 437 steps carved into solid rock offers not just a spiritual journey, but panoramic views of Trichy, the Kaveri River, and the sacred island of Srirangam.
Further a visit to The Golden Rock Temple which stands 275 feet above the city on a rocky outcrop with fabulous views of the city. (B, D)
Afternoon, we have a proposed visit to enjoy and experience the Indian Railways diesel engine driving simulator and the Indian Railways’ Golden Rock Works where steam locos have recently been built for both the Ooty and Darjeeling lines. Both these visits are subject to permission by the Indian Railways.
Close to Trichy station is a recently established small railway museum which we’ll aim to visit prior to catching the 18.45 train to Madurai, due to arrive 20.30 hrs. Dinner will be served on board. Transfer to your hotel for two nights (B, D).
Friday 21 November
After an early breakfast, we will venture out to the newly converted broad-gauge line from Madurai to Bodinayakanur for a two-hour ride which was a metre gauge line up till 2010 or so. Hauled by a powerful 4500 HP diesel WDP4B locos. These were designed by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and built under license by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, India.
The journey offers a scenic off the beaten ride where you will get plenty of cultural and local experience! A unique ride to an unexplored part of India!
We will return to Madurai by our coach which will receive at the other end and bring us back.
An afternoon stroll to the famous Meenakshi Temple which is one of the most visited Hindu temples of South India dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, which is a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. The entire temple complex offers a stunning picture especially with all of it’s four gopurams. (B, D).
Saturday 22 November
This morning, we venture out for a ride on one of the most talked about railway section of India, over ‘The Pamban Bridge’. A full length’s ride departing at 0910 hrs on the line for over two hours crossing the newly built Pamban Bridge across to Rameshwaram island on the far side of south-east coast in Palk Strait separating India and Sri Lanka.
A quick transfer to our hotel for lunch and wash & change to run back to Pamban Bridge to photograph the service returning to Madurai.
We’ll visit the complex of the famous Hindu temple in Rameshwaram that is one of the most sacred holy pilgrimage trails.
Overnight and dinner in the hotel. (B, D).
Sunday 23 November
A short ride from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi Rail Port line (TBA) to embark on a 40-minute ferry across the heritage British era sea route connecting India and Sri Lanka (erst Ceylon).
The ferry service was established in 1914 as a joint effort between the South Indian Railway and the Ceylon Government Railway. It facilitated trade, labour migration, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. A devastating cyclone hit Dhanushkodi, destroying the railway bridge and disrupting the ferry service, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
Dhanushkodi-Talaimannar port and ferry service are deemed to be functional as announced by the respective governments. Anticipating the reopening of this heritage Anglo-India trade sea route, we aim at including this in our itinerary and will keep a close watch on it’s official launch.
In addition to the Indian tourist visa, you will require a Sri Lanka tourist visa to embark on the ferry to travel on the international water to enter Sri Lanka.
On arrival and completion of Sri Lankan immigrations, we will transfer to a beach resort near the Talaimannar port in Sri Lanka. (B, D).
Monday 24 November
A free day to enjoy relaxing on this unexploited Talaimannar beach. We will visit the village famous for it’s fishing activities, The old pier which has a double railway track which was built by the British in 1915, a stunning lighthouse and the Adam’s Bridge or the ‘Ram Setu’ holding a massive significance in the Hindu epic of Ramayana!
Overnight in Talaimannar beach resort (B, D)
Tuesday 25 November
We head further into mainland Sri Lanka with a transfer to Medawachchiya which was reopened in 2015 which we’ll try having a train ride. Further rail connection to the sacred city of Anuradhapura where we’ll break our journey for the day and stay overnight in a hotel. (B, D).
Wednesday 26 November
A quick tour of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura, founded in 5th Century, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again. The city was abandoned and overrun by jungle; in the 19th century it was rediscovered by the British and subsequently became a Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
We’ll board the afternoon service at 1350 hrs down south to Muttettugala for a two and a half hour ride on Sri Lanka’s main line connecting the north with the south. Overnight in Matale (B, D).
Thursday 27 November
After breakfast, we hit the scenic road drive to Peradeniya railway station to board service train departing 1118 hrs ride to Nanu Oya due at 1457 hrs where we transfer to Nuwara Eliya resort for two nights. (B, D).
Nuwara Eliya is where Sri Lanka decided it needed a little British countryside charm, but with more tea, mist, and the occasional confused cow crossing the road. Think of it as a place where your morning coffee is actually tea, your jumper is actually necessary, and your Instagram gets a mandatory upgrade with rolling green hills and colonial-era bungalows.
Basically, it's like England wandered into Sri Lanka, got a tropical makeover, and stayed for the tea plantations.
Friday 28 November
A free day to enjoy the lovely lush green hill views and a stroll at your own pace.
Your tour manager will help organise optional visits to nearby attractions or a trek.
Saturday 29 November
Breakfast at the resort followed by a morning service train at 0903 hrs due in Badulla at 1341 hrs. We then continue by road for a three-hour journey to Kandy for two nights. (B, D).
Kandy—where time lingers in the scent of temple incense, echoes of ancient chants drift through misty hills, and the rhythm of bygone eras still hums in quiet corners. A city where memories aren’t just kept—they’re felt.
Sunday 30 November
Morning visit to The Sacred Tooth Relic which is believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha, enshrined in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It holds immense religious significance in Buddhism, as it is said that whoever possesses the relic has the divine right to rule the country.
Afternoon we visit the bustling Kandy Markets – A great place to experience local flavours and crafts (B, D).
Monday 1 December
We’ll take the morning service train ride for two hours from Kandy to Rambukkana. It’s known for being the starting point of the incline on Sri Lanka’s Main Railway Line, and it has the second-longest railway platform in the country. There is also a maintenance shed & facilities which will be worth a try visiting (subject to permissions).
We’ll then make a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – A famous sanctuary for rescued elephants where we can indulge in various activities such as Elephant Bathing, watch the elephants enjoy their daily bath in the river, splashing around and socializing; Elephant Feeding, get up close and feed the elephants, including bottle-feeding baby elephants.
We’ll then take the service train to Colombo Fort station due by early evening. Overnight in Colombo (B, D).
Tuesday 2 December
Free day with optional city tour of Colombo city. Not to be missed a visit to the Petha market and ride on the local commuter trains. Or just relax by the pool.
We’ll have a late checkout from the hotel organised followed by a farewell dinner before transfer to Colombo airport for a late night check-in for your return overnight flight to UK….
We are also offering excellent extension of your holiday to the beaches of Galle.
Wednesday 3 December
….Arrive UK in the afternoon hours.
Prices
Ground only price (international flights excluded) £ 4,459
Single supplement: £ 1,359
What’s included?
Prices do not include
Please note that carriers, flights times and train times are subject to change.
Please download itinerary with photos.
Monday 17 November
Depart choice of UK airport with an overnight flight to….
Tuesday 18 November
…..Chennai, arriving early morning. We will take you straight to the hotel for some sleep. The morning is free to recover from the journey, and we will give you a gentle city tour in the afternoon, including the iconic Central & Egmore Station building, Marine Beach and the markets. (B, D)
Chennai – a city where ancient legacy meets modern dynamism. Founded on August 22, 1639, by the British East India Company, Chennai began as a modest trading post around Fort St. George. But its roots run far deeper—this land, once part of the ancient Tondaimandalam region, was ruled by the Cholas, Pallavas, and Satavahanas, with settlements like Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur thriving for over 2,000 year.
Wednesday 19 November
Relaxed breakfast at hotel.
We will have the day until noon for transfer to Chennai Central railway station for India’s latest high speed Vande Bharat Express train at 14.50 hrs to arrive Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) 18.40 hrs.
Snacks, tea & coffee will be served on board as in included in your ticket price.
Perched on the banks of the Kaveri River, this city has been a cradle of civilization since 300 BCE, when Woraiyur, now a part of Trichy, served as the capital of the early Cholas. Over millennia, it has witnessed the rise and fall of mighty dynasties--Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagar rulers, and Nayaks—each leaving behind a legacy carved in stone and spirit.
Trichy was also a key battleground during the Carnatic Wars, shaping the colonial destiny of South India.
We will check-in our hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
Thursday 20 November
Today morning we visit the Rock Fort Temple.
At Trichy’s heart stands the iconic Rock Fort, a 3.8-billion-year-old geological marvel crowned with temples that echo with centuries of devotion. The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with intricate carvings, rock-cut caves, and a sanctified atmosphere that draws pilgrims and travellers alike.
The temple is home to Lord Ganesha at the summit, and Lord Shiva halfway up the hill. The climb of 437 steps carved into solid rock offers not just a spiritual journey, but panoramic views of Trichy, the Kaveri River, and the sacred island of Srirangam.
Further a visit to The Golden Rock Temple which stands 275 feet above the city on a rocky outcrop with fabulous views of the city. (B, D)
Afternoon, we have a proposed visit to enjoy and experience the Indian Railways diesel engine driving simulator and the Indian Railways’ Golden Rock Works where steam locos have recently been built for both the Ooty and Darjeeling lines. Both these visits are subject to permission by the Indian Railways.
Close to Trichy station is a recently established small railway museum which we’ll aim to visit prior to catching the 18.45 train to Madurai, due to arrive 20.30 hrs. Dinner will be served on board. Transfer to your hotel for two nights (B, D).
Friday 21 November
After an early breakfast, we will venture out to the newly converted broad-gauge line from Madurai to Bodinayakanur for a two-hour ride which was a metre gauge line up till 2010 or so. Hauled by a powerful 4500 HP diesel WDP4B locos. These were designed by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and built under license by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) in Varanasi, India.
The journey offers a scenic off the beaten ride where you will get plenty of cultural and local experience! A unique ride to an unexplored part of India!
We will return to Madurai by our coach which will receive at the other end and bring us back.
An afternoon stroll to the famous Meenakshi Temple which is one of the most visited Hindu temples of South India dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, which is a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. The entire temple complex offers a stunning picture especially with all of it’s four gopurams. (B, D).
Saturday 22 November
This morning, we venture out for a ride on one of the most talked about railway section of India, over ‘The Pamban Bridge’. A full length’s ride departing at 0910 hrs on the line for over two hours crossing the newly built Pamban Bridge across to Rameshwaram island on the far side of south-east coast in Palk Strait separating India and Sri Lanka.
A quick transfer to our hotel for lunch and wash & change to run back to Pamban Bridge to photograph the service returning to Madurai.
We’ll visit the complex of the famous Hindu temple in Rameshwaram that is one of the most sacred holy pilgrimage trails.
Overnight and dinner in the hotel. (B, D).
Sunday 23 November
A short ride from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi Rail Port line (TBA) to embark on a 40-minute ferry across the heritage British era sea route connecting India and Sri Lanka (erst Ceylon).
The ferry service was established in 1914 as a joint effort between the South Indian Railway and the Ceylon Government Railway. It facilitated trade, labour migration, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. A devastating cyclone hit Dhanushkodi, destroying the railway bridge and disrupting the ferry service, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
Dhanushkodi-Talaimannar port and ferry service are deemed to be functional as announced by the respective governments. Anticipating the reopening of this heritage Anglo-India trade sea route, we aim at including this in our itinerary and will keep a close watch on it’s official launch.
In addition to the Indian tourist visa, you will require a Sri Lanka tourist visa to embark on the ferry to travel on the international water to enter Sri Lanka.
On arrival and completion of Sri Lankan immigrations, we will transfer to a beach resort near the Talaimannar port in Sri Lanka. (B, D).
Monday 24 November
A free day to enjoy relaxing on this unexploited Talaimannar beach. We will visit the village famous for it’s fishing activities, The old pier which has a double railway track which was built by the British in 1915, a stunning lighthouse and the Adam’s Bridge or the ‘Ram Setu’ holding a massive significance in the Hindu epic of Ramayana!
Overnight in Talaimannar beach resort (B, D)
Tuesday 25 November
We head further into mainland Sri Lanka with a transfer to Medawachchiya which was reopened in 2015 which we’ll try having a train ride. Further rail connection to the sacred city of Anuradhapura where we’ll break our journey for the day and stay overnight in a hotel. (B, D).
Wednesday 26 November
A quick tour of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura, founded in 5th Century, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again. The city was abandoned and overrun by jungle; in the 19th century it was rediscovered by the British and subsequently became a Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
We’ll board the afternoon service at 1350 hrs down south to Muttettugala for a two and a half hour ride on Sri Lanka’s main line connecting the north with the south. Overnight in Matale (B, D).
Thursday 27 November
After breakfast, we hit the scenic road drive to Peradeniya railway station to board service train departing 1118 hrs ride to Nanu Oya due at 1457 hrs where we transfer to Nuwara Eliya resort for two nights. (B, D).
Nuwara Eliya is where Sri Lanka decided it needed a little British countryside charm, but with more tea, mist, and the occasional confused cow crossing the road. Think of it as a place where your morning coffee is actually tea, your jumper is actually necessary, and your Instagram gets a mandatory upgrade with rolling green hills and colonial-era bungalows.
Basically, it's like England wandered into Sri Lanka, got a tropical makeover, and stayed for the tea plantations.
Friday 28 November
A free day to enjoy the lovely lush green hill views and a stroll at your own pace.
Your tour manager will help organise optional visits to nearby attractions or a trek.
Saturday 29 November
Breakfast at the resort followed by a morning service train at 0903 hrs due in Badulla at 1341 hrs. We then continue by road for a three-hour journey to Kandy for two nights. (B, D).
Kandy—where time lingers in the scent of temple incense, echoes of ancient chants drift through misty hills, and the rhythm of bygone eras still hums in quiet corners. A city where memories aren’t just kept—they’re felt.
Sunday 30 November
Morning visit to The Sacred Tooth Relic which is believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha, enshrined in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It holds immense religious significance in Buddhism, as it is said that whoever possesses the relic has the divine right to rule the country.
Afternoon we visit the bustling Kandy Markets – A great place to experience local flavours and crafts (B, D).
Monday 1 December
We’ll take the morning service train ride for two hours from Kandy to Rambukkana. It’s known for being the starting point of the incline on Sri Lanka’s Main Railway Line, and it has the second-longest railway platform in the country. There is also a maintenance shed & facilities which will be worth a try visiting (subject to permissions).
We’ll then make a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – A famous sanctuary for rescued elephants where we can indulge in various activities such as Elephant Bathing, watch the elephants enjoy their daily bath in the river, splashing around and socializing; Elephant Feeding, get up close and feed the elephants, including bottle-feeding baby elephants.
We’ll then take the service train to Colombo Fort station due by early evening. Overnight in Colombo (B, D).
Tuesday 2 December
Free day with optional city tour of Colombo city. Not to be missed a visit to the Petha market and ride on the local commuter trains. Or just relax by the pool.
We’ll have a late checkout from the hotel organised followed by a farewell dinner before transfer to Colombo airport for a late night check-in for your return overnight flight to UK….
We are also offering excellent extension of your holiday to the beaches of Galle.
Wednesday 3 December
….Arrive UK in the afternoon hours.
Prices
Ground only price (international flights excluded) £ 4,459
Single supplement: £ 1,359
What’s included?
- Accommodation for 15 nights in 4-star hotels (or best available locally).
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- All transport by air-conditioned deluxe van from arrival till departure as per the programme. You don’t have to carry your luggage on the train as it will be transported by van.
- Trains travel in Executive Class or best available.
- Excursions as set out in the itinerary.
- Local guide services for sightseeing.
- Services of a Darjeeling Tours Limited Tour Manager.
- All tips throughout the tour (except for the Tour Manager) are included and will be dealt with on your behalf. Personal and incidental expenses are not included.
Prices do not include
- Visa fees (India and Sri Lanka in this case).
- Airfare
- Items of personal nature like drinks on table, laundry etc.
- Any optional tour.
Please note that carriers, flights times and train times are subject to change.
