Scenic Train Journeys in Sri Lanka: Experience the World's Most Beautiful Railway Routes

The Famous Kandy to Ella Route

 The Kandy-Ella railway line stands as the undisputed champion of scenic train travel in Sri Lanka and consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful train journeys. This 7-hour, 186-kilometer route climbs from Kandy’s 500-meter elevation through mountain passes exceeding 1,800 meters before descending toward Ella. The track navigates 46 tunnels and countless bridges while skirting precipitous cliff edges that offer heart-stopping views.

The journey showcases Sri Lanka’s famous tea country in all its glory. Endless manicured tea estates carpet mountainsides in emerald terraces, punctuated by cascading waterfalls and small Tamil tea-picker villages. As the train climbs higher, you’ll pass through Nanuoya (for Nuwara Eliya), where the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic with frequent mist banks adding atmospheric mystery.

Most travelers complete portions of the route rather than the full journey. The most scenic section runs from Nanu Oya/Pattipola to Ella (approximately 3-4 hours), concentrating the most spectacular views. Another popular option is Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanuoya station), taking about 4-5 hours.

Train Classes and Booking

Sri Lankan trains offer three classes: First Class (air-conditioned with reserved seating), Second Class (non-AC with reserved or unreserved seating), and Third Class (unreserved, often crowded). For scenic routes, Second Class Reserved or First Class Observation Car (when available) provide the best experiences comfortable seating with large windows while maintaining the authentic train experience with open doors and windows.

The open doors allow passengers to sit in doorways with legs dangling outside an exhilarating (if controversial) experience offering unobstructed photography and cooling breezes. While not officially encouraged, it remains commonplace and iconic to the Sri Lankan train experience.

Booking ahead is crucial, especially during peak tourist season (December-March). Reserve seats 30 days in advance through the Sri Lankan Railways website or authorized agents. Popular trains like the morning Kandy-Ella service sell out quickly. If reserved seats are unavailable, unreserved second or third class allows boarding but involves standing or floor-sitting during crowded periods.

Other Notable Train Routes

Colombo to Badulla: This extended version of the Kandy-Ella route continues beyond Ella to Badulla, adding extra hours through additional tea country and more remote landscapes.

Colombo to Kandy: While less dramatic than hill country routes, this 3-hour journey along the “Main Line” passes through rubber plantations, jungle sections, and the Kadugannawa incline with excellent mountain views.

Coastal Line (Colombo to Galle/Matara): Running along the southwestern coastline, this route offers stunning ocean views, palm-fringed beaches, and coastal towns. Less famous than the hill country route but beautiful in its own right, the journey takes 2.5-3 hours to Galle.

The Train Experience

Train travel in Sri Lanka moves at a relaxed pace, typically 30-40 km/hour through mountains, allowing ample time to absorb scenery, photograph landscapes, and interact with locals. Vendors board at stations selling snacks, tea, and fresh fruit. The social atmosphere encourages conversations with fellow travelers and locals, sharing food and stories.

Bathrooms exist on trains but vary in cleanlinessbasic squat toilets are standard. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Food services are limited; pack snacks and water, though vendors provide options.

Timing and Strategy

Train schedules shift, so verify current timetings. Morning trains often offer better visibility before afternoon mountain mists roll in. The right side (when traveling Kandy to Ella) generally provides slightly better views, though both sides offer spectacular scenery.

Consider breaking the journey with overnight stops in Nuwara Eliya or Haputale, allowing multiple scenic train segments, time for tea estate visits, and hiking opportunities rather than a single marathon journey.

Photography Considerations

The open doors and windows make photography exceptional, though exercise caution when leaning out. Avoid standing in doorways while the train is moving. Telephoto lenses capture distant tea plantations, while wide-angle lenses suit the dramatic vistas and interesting interior scenes of colorful train life.

Practical Tips

Trains can be cold in hill country, especially in early morning or evening bring a light jacket or shawl. Window seats fill quickly, so board early if traveling unreserved. Consider combining train journeys with road travel to avoid backtracking many travelers take the train one direction and hire a driver for return, stopping at attractions.

A Sri Lankan train journey offers far more than transportation it’s a moving meditation on the island’s beauty, a cultural immersion, and a photographer’s dream rolled into one unforgettable experience.