Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey
Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey - Everything you need to know
The train journey between Kandy and Ella in Sri Lanka is hailed as one of the most scenic & spectacular in the world, and it is easy to see why! Along the way, breathtaking landscapes will pass you and are truly remarkable. In particular, the route takes you through Sri Lanka’s hilly interior, passing vast tea plantations, dense forests, misty mountains, and quaint villages. Brace yourself for a long yet mesmerizing journey of around 7 hours and get to know all the details in my Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train journey guide.
History of Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey
The Sri Lankan railway system, including the line that runs between Kandy and Ella, was established by the British in the mid-19th century. The primary reason for building the railway was to facilitate the transportation of tea and coffee from the hill country to the capital, Colombo, for export. During this time, coffee plantations were booming, but after a devastating blight in the 1860s, tea became the dominant crop. The construction of the railway through Sri Lanka’s central highlands was no small feat, given the mountainous terrain. British engineers and local workers faced numerous challenges, such as carving tunnels through rocky hills and building bridges over deep valleys.
Make some stops along the way
While you are taking this spectacular route you can decide to stop along the way, for example in Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale or Ella. Discover Adam’s Peak from Hatton while you are hiking up around 5500 steps up, or sample the colonial atmosphere in Nuwara Eliya where you will come across beautiful English houses. In Haputale you cannot get enough of serenity, tea plantations and some adventurous waterfalls. Finally, Ella is the place to be to spot the wonderful Nine Arch Bridge & have a lively night out.
Our experience - Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey
On the way, we enjoyed the spectacular scenery immensely, overlooking endless tea plantations where we saw tea pickers at work. The train weaves its way through mountains, alongside deep ravines, and through tunnels, with frequent glimpses of misty peaks and lush valleys. Besides, you have the opportunity to spot several charming waterfalls and rivers.
Meeting with locals
This train journey is not just a favourite among tourists, it is also hugely popular with locals. Which gives you a fantastic opportunity to interact with the friendly Sri Lankan people and learn more about their culture and way of life. We met a wonderful family on our trip who we still keep in touch with to this day! They were more than happy to share their food and stories with us throughout the ride.
Book in time for Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey
Considering this fantastic train journey fills up fast, it is advisable to book your trip online in advance. Trust me, you do not want to stand for 7 hours. Through this website you can book your seat tickets for the train journey in advance, make sure you do this a week in advance (in high season 2-3 weeks in advance), we booked 2 days before departure (off-season) and had the very last seats. In addition, you can also buy your tickets at the station, again make sure you are on time, otherwise chances are that you will not have a seat during this journey.
Train classes
Obviously you can choose from first, second & third class. If you opt for first class (Observation Car), you will sit in an air-conditioned carriage, which means that windows and doors are closed. We travelled 3rd class with reserved seats and this was a great option, as it gives you seats with cushions a little table and fans. When choosing 2nd class, the seats are a little more comfortable and same as 3rd class, you will have fans.
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Last update: 16-01-2025 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
