A train ride through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is one of the most scintillating ways to discover the country. You'll trundle through the verdant hills to discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, as well as a few other green delights on this full day tour.

A scenic train ride through the Central Highlands sets the tone for a great day of exploration. Watch the rolling hills, tea plantations and lush wilderness pass as you make tracks towards Kandy. Once you're there, it's off to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's Sri Lanka's most sacred temple, and the complex also includes a royal palace.

And you can also look forward to visits to a botanical garden, a tea plantation and factory in Giragama, and a spice garden in Mawanella. What's more, lunch is included.

It was nice on train. Shame we couldn't do whole journey on train. Guide was good. Did feel a bit pressured at some of the stops to buy things. But we didn't as we didn't need anything. Temple of the tooth was good too.

The train ride was interesting although it was a shame we didn't have reserved window seats (some seats were between windows so obscured the view). Be aware track doesn't go all thw way to KandyThe botanical gardens are beautiful and we could have spent a lot more time here than was available. The temple was fascinating and our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Lunch was lovely (be aware drinksa not include) and the tea factory was very interesting. Very long but good day.

Enjoyed everything we did that day and it was made even more enjoyable due to our guide for the day. A knowledgeable guide is essential if you want to get the most out of the day

Uns hat es gefallen das der Guide so viele Informationen und Geschichten erzählte. Die Zugfahrt war einfach wunderschön und ist absolut empfehlenswert man kann Fenster und Türen des Zuges öffnen und raus filmen /fotografieren Der Zahntempel war mega interessant und der Botanische Garten wunderschön. Der Fahrer war nett und fuhr sehr gelassen, mir wurde nicht schlecht. Man muss bedenken das die Rückfahrt von Kandy nach Hikkaduwa 4h dauert. Aber es ging gut, es wurde eine Pause gemacht.

The train journey was great. The views from the train were spectacular and we got to see the country from a different perspective. The temple was a really good experience and the guide was so knowledgable giving us all the information about it. The lunch we had was delicious and had great river views. The botanical gardens were beautiful. We enjoyed seeing how tea was made too at the tea factory. Just a great day in Kandy.

Wir haben als Paar einen Tagesausflug mit dem Zug nach Kandy gebucht. Wir wurden am 13.03.24 um 04.15 Uhr von unserem Hotel pünklich abgeholt. Wir wurden besten betreut. Wir hatten einen PKW mit Fahrer und Reiseführer. Die ganze Reise war ein tolles Erlebnis. Wir würden die Reise noch einmal buchen.

Why you’ll love this…

Train journey through the Central Highlands to Kandy
Discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Explore a botanical garden laden with exotic flora
Visit the fragrant spice garden at Mawanella
Learn about tea production at the Giragama plantation and factory

Important to know

Due to recent storm damage and ongoing track repairs, some train routes sections may be interrupted. For affected sections, we will arrange comfortable bus transfers to keep your journey on schedule, and your adventure stays smooth and enjoyable. Thank you for your understanding
Not suitable for wheelchairs
Dress appropriately – no shoulders or knees showing – when visiting religious buildings
Bring your passport or official EU identification

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 14 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Train ride
Guide
Lunch and drinks
Entrance fees

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

AITKEN SPENCE TRAVELS LTD.

What people say about this experience

4.1/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 12 reviews

Review categories

Safety

5/5

Service

4.6/5

Staff

5/5

Value for money

4.6/5

All ratings (12)

5 stars (5)

42%

4 stars (5)

42%

3 stars (1)

2 stars (1)

1 star (0)

P
Peggy
Travelled as a couple
20 September 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
It was nice on train. Shame we couldn't do whole journey on train. Guide was good. Did feel a bit pressured at some of the stops to buy things. But we didn't as we didn't need anything. Temple of the tooth was good too.
R
Rosie
Travelled with family
9 August 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
The train ride was interesting although it was a shame we didn't have reserved window seats (some seats were between windows so obscured the view). Be aware track doesn't go all thw way to KandyThe botanical gardens are beautiful and we could have spent a lot more time here than was available. The temple was fascinating and our guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Lunch was lovely (be aware drinksa not include) and the tea factory was very interesting. Very long but good day.
J
James S
Travelled with a group of friends
14 July 2025
5
United Kingdom
Enjoyed everything we did that day and it was made even more enjoyable due to our guide for the day. A knowledgeable guide is essential if you want to get the most out of the day
N
Nightwish281
Travelled with family
21 August 2025
5
Germany
Uns hat es gefallen das der Guide so viele Informationen und Geschichten erzählte. Die Zugfahrt war einfach wunderschön und ist absolut empfehlenswert man kann Fenster und Türen des Zuges öffnen und raus filmen /fotografieren Der Zahntempel war mega interessant und der Botanische Garten wunderschön. Der Fahrer war nett und fuhr sehr gelassen, mir wurde nicht schlecht. Man muss bedenken das die Rückfahrt von Kandy nach Hikkaduwa 4h dauert. Aber es ging gut, es wurde eine Pause gemacht.
L
Lisa W
Travelled as a couple
28 June 2025
5
United Kingdom
The train journey was great. The views from the train were spectacular and we got to see the country from a different perspective. The temple was a really good experience and the guide was so knowledgable giving us all the information about it. The lunch we had was delicious and had great river views. The botanical gardens were beautiful. We enjoyed seeing how tea was made too at the tea factory. Just a great day in Kandy.
T
TUI Musement Traveler
29 March 2024
5
Germany
Wir haben als Paar einen Tagesausflug mit dem Zug nach Kandy gebucht. Wir wurden am 13.03.24 um 04.15 Uhr von unserem Hotel pünklich abgeholt. Wir wurden besten betreut. Wir hatten einen PKW mit Fahrer und Reiseführer. Die ganze Reise war ein tolles Erlebnis. Wir würden die Reise noch einmal buchen.