Ella Train Trip & Udawalawa Private Day Tour Bentota/Kosgoda

Ella Train Trip & Udawalawa Private Day Tour Bentota/Kosgoda

This full-day tour offers a satisfying blend of scenic train travel, wildlife encounters, and iconic colonial-era architecture—all packed into approximately 14 hours. Organized by DIMTOURS SRILANKA, it’s tailored for travelers staying in Bentota and nearby areas who want a taste of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning every detail. The trip features reserved train seats, a private luxury vehicle, and a visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage, making it both comfortable and immersive.

What we particularly love about this experience is the combination of transport and sights—the train journey from Badulla to Ella is often highlighted as one of the most scenic rail trips in the country, with panoramic views of tea plantations and lush hills. However, a potential consideration is the early start, with pickups beginning at 4:00 am, which might be a challenge for late risers or those who prefer more relaxed mornings. Still, this early start ensures you make the most out of the day, especially if you’re after a mix of nature, wildlife, and history. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and enjoy a blend of adventure and comfort, especially those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Sri Lanka’s highlights.

Key Points

Scenic Rail Journey: The Badulla to Ella train ride is often praised for its stunning views and is a must-do for photography enthusiasts.
Wildlife Encounter: Visiting Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage gives insight into Sri Lanka’s efforts to protect its endangered elephants, with the chance to see calves and learn about conservation.
Iconic Architecture: The Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era marvel, offers both a photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate Sri Lanka’s engineering history.
Comfort & Convenience: Private transportation, reserved train seats, and hotel pickup facilitate a smooth, hassle-free day.
Authentic Insights: The guides, especially Dimuthu, are noted for their knowledge, friendliness, and local network, making the experience more meaningful.
Value for Price: At $258.81 per person, the tour offers a lot—scenic views, wildlife, cultural sights, and comfortable transport—making it a good deal for a full day of exploration.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Early Morning Pickup & Journey to Badulla

The day begins around 4:00 am with pickup from your accommodation in Bentota, Kosgoda, or nearby. This early start might seem daunting, but it ensures you beat the crowds and fully enjoy the day. Your private vehicle is air-conditioned, comfortable, and equipped with WiFi and bottled water, which is a nice touch for staying refreshed and connected. The driver, often praised for his friendliness and knowledge—Dimuthu being a standout—sets the tone for a smooth journey.

From there, the trip to Badulla isn’t just a transfer. It’s your first peek at Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes. Though it’s a 1-hour drive, many travelers find that the anticipation of the train ride and the scenic views along the way make this part of the experience enjoyable.

The Spectacular Train Ride from Badulla to Ella

Once in Badulla, your reserved train tickets await. The ride itself is the highlight for many travelers. We loved the way the train snaked through tea plantations, with vibrant green hills sweeping past your window. The open-door option is recommended for photo ops and to better absorb the cool mountain air. The train’s gentle sway, coupled with the incredible scenery, makes this a sensory delight.

One of the reviews captures it well: “Really good trip, beautiful scenic train journey, and Ella is a lovely little village.” Expect this segment to last around 2-3 hours, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or simply soak in the view.

Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage Visit

After the train, you’ll head to Udawalawe, where the Elephant Transit Home is located. This facility cares for orphaned elephants, releasing them back into the wild once they’re strong enough. The review mentions that at the time of visiting, around 39 calves were being looked after, and over 65 had been released into their natural habitat by 2008.

The visit offers a chance to learn about local conservation efforts and see elephants up close—an experience that many find both educational and moving. Expect around 30 minutes here, with guides providing insights into the plight of Sri Lanka’s elephants and the orphanage’s role in their survival.

The Nine Arch Bridge – A Colonial Marvel

The trip then takes you to Demodara, home to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. This viaduct, built during the colonial period, is one of Sri Lanka’s engineering feats and offers picture-perfect views. The bridge’s nine arches span across a lush valley, providing a dramatic backdrop for photos.

Travelers often comment on the beauty of this structure, with one review highlighting that the train crossing over the bridge offers a postcard-worthy moment. Expect around 45 minutes here to walk, take photos, and appreciate the craftsmanship that’s over 90 years old.

Returning & Drop-off

After a full day of sightseeing, you’ll be transported back to your accommodation in Bentota or nearby. The tour wraps up with a comfortable drive, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $258.81, the experience provides reserved train seats, private transport, and guided insights, all of which add to the convenience and richness of the trip. The inclusion of the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage visit and the Nine Arches Bridge access makes it a well-rounded day—combining nature, history, and scenic beauty. The tour’s reviews reflect high satisfaction, especially praising guides like Dimuthu for their friendliness, detailed knowledge, and ability to adapt to unexpected situations (like landslides blocking the route).

Practical Considerations

The main consideration is the early start, which might not suit everyone’s pace or preference. Also, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included, so planning ahead for meals is advised. The tour is private, meaning your group won’t be mixed with strangers, creating a more personalized experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This outing is perfect for travelers who want a full-day snapshot of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic train ride and elephant encounters, while history and architecture buffs will appreciate the colonial bridge. It’s especially suited for those with moderate physical fitness, given the walking and outdoor elements, and for travelers who value knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated balance of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, wildlife, and colonial history, all wrapped into one memorable day. The scenic train ride from Badulla to Ella is often rated as one of the most beautiful in the country, and the visit to the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage adds a meaningful wildlife conservation dimension. The Nine Arch Bridge, with its striking design, rounds off the experience by showcasing Sri Lanka’s engineering heritage.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or part of a group, the combination of ease, comfort, and authenticity makes this tour a fantastic way to see some of Sri Lanka’s most photogenic and culturally significant sites. With knowledgeable guides, reserved seats, and a flexible itinerary, it’s a smart pick for those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots with a local’s insight.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 4:00 am for most locations in Bentota and nearby areas, ensuring an early start for a full day of sightseeing.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the trip includes transport by private air-conditioned luxury car, providing a comfortable and convenient way to move between sites.

Are train seats reserved?
Absolutely. Your train tickets are reserved in advance, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute seat availability or queuing.

What is included in the price?
The price covers train tickets, all taxes and handling charges, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, fuel surcharge, WiFi onboard, and the Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage visit.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or buy food at local spots along the way.

Can guides speak multiple languages?
Guides can be arranged in Russian, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Tamil, and Hindi at extra cost, but English-speaking guides are standard.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It requires moderate physical fitness. Expect walking and outdoor exposure, especially at the bridge and the elephant orphanage.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a suitable alternative.

By choosing this tour, you’re signing up for a day packed with some of Sri Lanka’s most photogenic, wildlife-rich, and historically significant sights—all with the comfort of private transport and the guidance of knowledgeable locals. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive but manageable glimpse into the country’s diverse offerings.