A NEW tour from Scott McGregor's Railway Adventures features travel by private luxury train through the mountains, coast and cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.
The amazing 15-day tour will be led by Robert Kingsford-Smith, whose passion for railways has seen him film many of the world's disappearing steam locomotives in more than 40 countries.
The rail component of the tour will be onboard your private first-class train, the Viceroy Special, which boasts restaurant and bar cars.The train has been meticulously restored with a High Colonial theme and period fittings, complemented by modern conveniences behind the scenes.
The cars have comfortable reclining chairs, individual adjustable tables, a smoking compartment with opening windows and modern Western amenities. Observation windows allow views forward and down the line.
The tour includes seven scenic train trips and mostly 5-star accommodation in hotels including the Geoffrey Bawa-designed Kandalama and Lighthouse Hotels.
Eight World Heritage sites will be visited.
One of the tour highlights is a visit to the legendary Sigiriya (Lion Rock) - a massive stone monolith that rises 183 metres from the surrounding jungle - to explore the remains of a vast fortress and royal palace complex built on top of the rock by an obsessed monarch 1500 years ago.
Sri Lanka's combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, misty mountains and captivating cultural heritage is made all the more accessible by its compact size.
Travellers will delight in journeying on the Mountain Railway and the Coast Line, and spending time in Colombo, home to the National Railway Museum.
The tour departs November 7 this year and is priced from $9985 per person twin share.
- Scott McGregor's Railway Adventures, 1300-733-323.
Download the brochure HERE