There is no hurrying a Sri Lanka hill country train, nor would you want to. The joy is in the going, the landscape that glides by, and the fact that you’re sharing the world of the people who live in this special place. You can travel from Kandy to Ella in one go (and vice versa), but we suggest breaking the seven-hour journey and slowing down even more.
In March, Tom and I rode the train from Kandy to Ella, with a stop for a few nights in Nanu Oya at the Langdale by Amaya. This turned out to be a great option, as the road from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya was in the throes of major construction at the time of our visit, and at times, completely blocked.
Sri Lanka a journey to remember
Considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful train trip, the route passes lush tea estates, farms and villages. The railway, introduced by the British in the 19th century to transport tea to market, is now a major tourist attraction. Sri Lankans also use the railway extensively, and kids thrill to a ride as much as anyone. Here’s are some of the highlights of our “slow train to Ella”, a trip we will always remember.
If you go to Sri Lanka
The Kandy-to-Ella train journey is one of the world’s most-loved, and very popular with visitors to Sri Lanka. It is also a personal journey, varying according to the weather and time of year, how long you take to make the trip, and how open to meeting other people you are.
Before you travel:
- Search Sri Lanka Railways’ Official website for train information and timetables.
- Read Nerd Nomads’ description of their trip, which includes some helpful advice about ticketing and costs, as well as hotel ideas in both Kandy and Ella.
- Visit The Man in Seat 61 for his A beginner’s guide to Train travel in Sri Lanka, with plenty of detailed information to aid in planning train travel all over Sri Lanka.
- See what travel blogger and licensed train engineer(!), Sherry Ott has to say about her experience traveling by train in Sri Lanka.
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Thanks to our hosts in Sri Lanka tea country: Langdale by Amaya and Sri Lanka Tourism!
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To see all our travel stories from Sri Lanka, click here.
Fabulous photos and useful information… I feel I’m there, and I want to go!
Great photos!
Your photographs take me back Anita/Tom. Such a happy place 🙂
So happy to share this time with you!
Hi Anita!
Wonderful post, with some really beautiful photos! It is such a beautiful train ride, we loved it to.
Also thank you so much for mentioning our Ella-Kandy post! We really appreciate it 🙂
Sounds like you are having a wonderful time Anita. It’s exactly how I felt when I took the Indian Pacific across Oz. I hardly spent anytime reading I too busy looking out the window. Even if it was just the Nullabor.
Amazing Post Anita..! Really loved it.. Seems like you a had fantastic train ride there.. I too love to travel from kandy to Ella in a Slow train to witness the scenic views in between. Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures.
One of the best train rides in the world…Glad you enjoyed the post!
Great post..! thanks for sharing this amazing memory… Kandy to Ella train route is one of the best in having scenic views throughout…! The 9 arch bridge is a great example for it.. Local people love to travel on steps of the train…They really get excited in this. The sudden change in the climate also amazing to experience.
Thank you Praveen! We loved the contrast of travel by train, the cool air after the heat of the central plain. I think this ride is one of the world’s best.
Hi Anita, Lovely article about World’s most beautiful train ride, And you got a good eye, I noticed some gorgeous pictures. Looks like you had a wonderful time through Kandy to Ella. And try our beach coast for a change. Cheers.
We visited several on the east and south coasts and loved them. Do you have a favorite Sri Lankan beach to recommend?
This post is so different from my mistaken impressions of Sri Lanka. It takes posts like this to show that a place is oozing with charm and history. That train ride and remnants of British presence is truly amazing!