Railbookers has expanded its worldwide collection of independent rail holidays with the launch of two new itineraries in Sri Lanka, an increasingly popular destination for Australian travellers.
The new Highlights of Sri Lanka and The Best of Sri Lanka holidays showcase the remarkable diversity of the island, taking travellers from vibrant cities and historic temples to lush jungles, tea plantations, wildlife-rich national parks and the beaches of its southern coast.
Showcased in both itineraries is the celebrated railway journey from Kandy to Ella. Widely regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the route travels through Sri Lanka’s spectacular hill country, passing mist-covered mountains, forested valleys, waterfalls and rolling tea plantations.
“Sri Lanka is exactly the kind of destination that demonstrates why rail belongs at the heart of an unforgettable holiday,” said Gareth Jones, Director of Product Development at Railbookers. “The journey from Kandy to Ella is extraordinary, but it is only one part of what makes the country so special. In a single holiday, travellers can experience ancient cultural sites, lush jungle landscapes, tea country, wildlife safaris, historic cities and beautiful beaches. These new itineraries bring those experiences together while giving our customers the flexibility and independence they expect from Railbookers.”
The nine-day Highlights of Sri Lanka itinerary travels from Colombo to Galle, with two-night stays in Colombo, Kandy, Ella and Galle. Experiences include private sightseeing tours of Colombo and Kandy, admission to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a visit to a tea plantation and factory near Ella, and a private walking tour of historic Galle Fort.
For travellers seeking a more extensive exploration, the 13-day The Best of Sri Lanka itinerary visits Negombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala, Galle and Colombo. In addition to the Kandy-to-Ella railway journey, highlights include Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient Dambulla Cave Temples, a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, two game drives in Yala National Park and time along the Indian Ocean coast.
With its combination of culture, wildlife, natural beauty and year-round warmth, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations. Its compact size also allows travellers to experience an exceptional variety of landscapes and activities within a single holiday.
Both itineraries combine rail travel with handpicked hotel accommodation, private transfers and included sightseeing. As with all Railbookers holidays, each trip can be customised with additional nights, upgraded hotels and other experiences to suit the individual traveller.
