Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch worth booking?
Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch is a 10-hour experience in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, from $175 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $175 per person
Your Day Trip to Ella from your selected location combines nature, adventure, and local culture into one unforgettable experience. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, an early 20th century engineering marvel surrounded by lush greenery and tea estates. Enjoy a scenic hike to Little Adam’s Peak 1,141 m, taking about 80 minutes, Stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, perfect for photos and a refreshing break. Explore a tea plantation, where local guides explain the tea growing and manufacturing process behind Sri Lanka’s world famous tea. Visit the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home (ETH), established in 1995 to care for injured, sick, and orphaned baby elephants before releasing them back into the wild. This is a private and customizable tour, allowing you to adjust stops and timing to suit your preferences.
What you get
About this experience
Your Day Trip to Ella from your selected location combines nature, adventure, and local culture into one unforgettable experience. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, an early 20th century engineering marvel surrounded by lush greenery and tea estates. Enjoy a scenic hike to Little Adam’s Peak 1,141 m, taking about 80 minutes, Stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, perfect for photos and a refreshing break. Explore a tea plantation, where local guides explain the tea growing and manufacturing process behind Sri Lanka’s world famous tea. Visit the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home (ETH), established in 1995 to care for injured, sick, and orphaned baby elephants before releasing them back into the wild. This is a private and customizable tour, allowing you to adjust stops and timing to suit your preferences.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- English, Russian, Polish, French and German Speaking Licensed Guide
- Snacks
- Private Transportation
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Nine Arches Bridge
On this tour, you will visit the world famous Nine Arches Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic railway landmarks hidden among the lush green hills of Ella. Surrounded by tea plantations and dense jungle, this colonial era stone bridge offers one of the most scenic viewpoints in the country. You will walk along the railway track, explore the surrounding viewpoints, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. If timing allows, you may witness a colorful train crossing the bridge a truly magical moment and perfect photo opportunity. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the bridge, built during the British colonial period entirely from stone and cement without steel support. This stop offers plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the cool mountain breeze, and experience the peaceful beauty of Ella’s countryside. A highlight of your Ella journey, combining history, nature, and unforgettable scenic beauty in one iconic location
60 minutes here
Little Adam's Peak View Point
Your journey to Little Adam’s Peak begins with a scenic walk through lush tea plantations and rolling green hills. Along the way, you may see local tea pickers harvesting fresh leaves as the peaceful countryside surrounds you. The well maintained trail gently ascends, offering beautiful views at every step. As you approach the summit, the landscape opens to reveal the famous Ella Gap a dramatic valley stretching into the distance. Enjoy the refreshing mountain breeze and the calm atmosphere that makes Ella so special. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of valleys, distant peaks, and endless greenery. It’s the perfect place to relax, take stunning photos, and fully appreciate Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Your guide will share insights about the tea growing region and local life, turning this scenic hike into a meaningful and memorable experience.
120 minutes here
Ravana Ella Falls
At Ravana Ella Falls, you will stop to admire one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful and dramatic waterfalls. Cascading down from the highlands in multiple tiers, this impressive waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and rugged mountain scenery. You’ll have time to take photos, enjoy the cool mist from the falling water, and relax in the refreshing mountain air. During the rainy season, the waterfall becomes even more powerful and spectacular, creating a truly breathtaking sight. Your guide will also share the fascinating legend of King Ravana from ancient Sri Lankan mythology, adding cultural depth to this scenic stop. This is a perfect short break to experience nature, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of Ella.
30 minutes here
Elephant Transit Home (ETH)
Established to protect and reintroduce elephants back into the wild, this conservation center provides a rare opportunity to observe young elephants during their scheduled feeding time. From a designated viewing platform, you’ll watch the calves eagerly gather for milk feeding a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. Unlike traditional elephant attractions, there is no riding or direct interaction, ensuring the animals’ natural behavior and welfare are fully respected. Your visit offers meaningful insight into Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation efforts while allowing you to see these gentle giants up close in a safe and ethical environment.
40 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, pl, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sundown Tours Sri Lanka
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
8 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Train Ride & Elephant Experience
Really nice day tour. Train ride to Ella was amazing and elephant feeding in Udawalawe was very special. Guide was friendly and helpful. Good experience and good value for money!
via Tripadvisor
Super schone Sri Lanka Tour Elefanten & Nine Arches
Had a super schone day in Sri Lanka with elephants, the scenic train ride and Nine Arches Bridge. Unser guide was very friendly and everything was gut organisiert. Sri Lanka ist wirklich ein wunderschones Reiseziel highly recommended for Swiss travellers!
via Tripadvisor
Une magnifique journée entre Udawalawe et Ella
We had a wonderful day exploring Udawalawe and Ella in Sri Lanka. The highlight was the beautiful Ella train journey, passing through stunning green mountains, tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. Everything was perfectly organized, and our driver was friendly, professional and very helpful throughout the day. It was an easy and enjoyable way to discover some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka in a short time. We highly recommend this Ella day tour and scenic train experience to anyone visiting Sri Lanka, especially French travelers looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Response from the operator: Hello! 🌿 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing Sundown Tours Sri Lanka! We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private Sri Lanka tour, especially the experiences in Ella Nine arch, Udawalawa Elephant transit, Little Adam's Peak, Ella scenic train ride, Ravana Falls and the southern coast. Our goal is to provide well organized, flexible, and personalized Sri Lanka tours with friendly local guides, comfortable transport, and carefully selected star class hotels to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Your feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to continue delivering the best Sri Lanka travel experiences. We would love to welcome you back again for another unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka!✨ Best regards, Sundown Tours Sri Lanka Team www.sundowntours.com
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Train Ride & Wildlife Experience
The train ride was the highlight of our day, with breathtaking views of the mountains, tea plantations, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge. We also enjoyed visiting the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home and the beautiful Ravana Falls. Little Adam's Peak was an easy hike with stunning panoramic views. Everything was well organized, and the guide was friendly and helpful. A perfect day tour in Sri Lanka that I highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Hello Lasarz! 🌿 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing Sundown Tours Sri Lanka! We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private Sri Lanka tour, especially the experiences in Ella Nine arch, Udawalawa Elephant transit, Little Adam's Peak, Ella scenic train ride, Ravana Falls and the southern coast. Our goal is to provide well organized, flexible, and personalized Sri Lanka tours with friendly local guides, comfortable transport, and carefully selected star class hotels to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Your feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to continue delivering the best Sri Lanka travel experiences. We would love to welcome you back again for another unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka!✨ Best regards, Sundown Tours Sri Lanka Team www.sundowntours.com
via Tripadvisor
Best Ella Day Tour from Kalutara with Train Ride & Nine Arch Bridge
Our Ella day tour from Kalutara with sundown tours was one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka! We enjoyed the scenic train ride, visited , explored the famous , and hiked for amazing views. The whole team was very friendly and professional, and our guide Sri Laal gave us excellent support throughout the tour. The trip was comfortable, well organized, and a perfect way to enjoy Sri Lanka’s beautiful upcountry and relaxing beach atmosphere. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Hello wilhelm h! 🌿 Thank you so much for your kind review and for choosing Sundown Tours Sri Lanka! We’re truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed your private Sri Lanka tour, especially the experiences in Ella Nine arch, Udawalawa Elephant transit, Little Adam's Peak, Ella scenic train ride, Ravana Falls and the southern coast. Our goal is to provide well organized, flexible, and personalized Sri Lanka tours with friendly local guides, comfortable transport, and carefully selected star class hotels to ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Your feedback means a lot to us and motivates our team to continue delivering the best Sri Lanka travel experiences. We would love to welcome you back again for another unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka!✨ Best regards, Sundown Tours Sri Lanka Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hikkaduwa.
How much does Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch cost?
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Prices start at $175 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hikkaduwa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hikkaduwa is not rushed.
Is Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hikkaduwa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hikkaduwa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hikkaduwa and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hikkaduwa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hikkaduwa?
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On Outty we rank every Hikkaduwa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter), Kayaking Adventure on serene waters through mangroves, Akurala, Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hikkaduwa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch?
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Included: Bottled water; Air-conditioned vehicle; English, Russian, Polish, French and German Speaking Licensed Guide; Snacks; and Private Transportation. Not included: Breakfast; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1216 listed pickup locations in and around Hikkaduwa. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, English, Polish and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hikkaduwa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Tour at Sri Lanka Elephant Transit , Train Ride and Nine arch?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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