Scenic Train Journeys Through Sri Lanka’s Breathtaking Landscapes

Tour Overview

Duration: days / nights

Price: $

In Sri Lanka, train travel stands out as the most comfortable, cost-effective, and convenient mode of transportation, especially given the congestion on the roads.

Introduced by the British in 1864 to facilitate the transportation of tea and coffee from the hill country to Colombo, the Sri Lanka Railway now operates approximately 396 trains daily, including 67 Long-Distance and 16 Intercity trains, serving around 3.72 million passengers.

Train journeys offer an affordable opportunity to explore the stunning countryside of Sri Lanka, with routes traversing scenic landscapes such as waterfalls, mountains, tea estates, pine forests, and bridges.

Among these routes, the Kandy to Ella train journey, or its reverse counterpart, the Ella to Kandy trip, spanning 7 hours, is renowned as one of the most breathtaking train rides in Sri Lanka, if not the world.

This scenic journey treats passengers to mesmerizing views of verdant tea plantations, majestic mountains, picturesque viaducts, lush valleys, charming old bridges, cascading waterfalls, and dense jungles.

Notable highlights along the route include the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, located between Demodera and Demodera railway stations, as well as the spectacular 441- feet-long Demodera Loop, where the railway track passes beneath itself through a tunnel—an impressive feat of Sri Lankan railway engineering.

In addition to train travel, visitors to Sri Lanka can also explore the country's scenic beauty and cultural heritage by opting for convenient options like renting a car with driver in Sri Lanka, car and driver hire services, driver hire options, personal driver hire services, or chauffeur service, all of which provide hassle-free transportation and allow travelers to customize their itinerary.

We as Budget tour operators, offer a variety of Sri Lanka tour packages and tour itineraries, with private drivers and the best chauffeur service ensure a comfortable and memorable journey.

Renting a van with driver or even a bus with driver is ideal for larger groups, providing flexibility and convenience while exploring the diverse landscapes and attractions of Sri Lanka.

Plan for some stops along the way The Kandy to Ella train makes stops at several picturesque stations along its route, including Kandy, Hatton (Adam's Peak), Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya), Haputale, Ella, and Badulla.

You can disembark at any of these stations – Kandy, Hatton, Nanuoya, or Haputale – to explore the surrounding area, each of which offers its own unique beauty in the Hill Country.

Choose the best side of the train To capture the most stunning views along the journey, it's crucial to choose the optimal side of the train.

For the stretch until Nuwara Eliya, the right-hand side offers the best vantage point.

Once you reach Nuwara Eliya, switch over to the left side to ensure panoramic views for the remainder of the trip, allowing you to enjoy unobstructed vistas throughout the entire journey.

Reserving Tickets In the mid-1800s, during British colonial rule in Sri Lanka, the train system was established primarily to facilitate the transportation of tea from plantations to Colombo for international export.

Today, the train remains an essential mode of transportation for locals commuting between home and work.

As a result, obtaining a ticket as a tourist can pose challenges, as seats are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly.

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable train journey, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance either through an agent, online, or directly at any railway station.

Reserving your seats, particularly in the first-class observation carriage, guarantees a comfortable ride and stunning views of the scenery.

However, keep in mind that photography may be limited in the first class due to air-conditioning and sealed windows.

For the best photo opportunities, opt for second class where windows can be opened, allowing for unrestricted photography.

Be sure to bring your own food for the journey as the train does not offer onboard dining options.

While the train doesn't offer onboard food purchases, one of the highlights of the Kandy to Ella journey is the local vendors who board at each station, selling a variety of delicious snacks like spicy fried treats,salty peanuts, and fresh fruit as they traverse the cabins, creating a lively atmosphere with their calls and songs.

Be sure to carry some cash to indulge in these tempting offerings.

Tour Itinerary

1. Kandy to Ella (Direct Trains):

Train 1: Departure: 8:00 AM

Arrival: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Features: Offers panoramic views of tea plantations and lush landscapes.

Train 2: Departure: 9:00 AM

Arrival: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM 

Features: Includes several photo stops and scenic highlights.

 

2. Kandy to Ella (Trains with Multiple Stops):

Train 3: Departure: 6:00 AM

Arrival: 12:30 PM

Features: Stops at key stations, including Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, providing a diverse view of the region.

Train 4: Departure: 10:00 AM

Arrival: 4:00 PM

Features: Includes extended stops for sightseeing and local experiences.

Inclusions

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Additional Information

Journey Highlights

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Tea Plantations Witness lush tea estates and terraced plantations. Look out for tea pickers and enjoy the scenic beauty. 

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Iconic Bridges Cross famous structures such as the Nine Arches Bridge. Experience stunning views and unique architectural highlights.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch Break Depending on your train, you may have the option to purchase snacks or meals onboard.

Alternatively, enjoy a packed lunch.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Charming Villages Pass through quaint towns and picturesque countryside.

Observe traditional Sri Lankan village life and local culture.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Arrive in Ella Arrive at Ella Train Station. Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and prepare for your stay in Ella.