The train from Kandy to Ella climbs from the old royal capital up through tea estates, pine forest, tunnels and waterfalls, past Nuwara Eliya and over the highest point of the line before dropping down to Ella. It is slow, sometimes crowded, and one of the best things you will do in Sri Lanka.
The route
The train leaves Kandy (some services start in Colombo), stops at Peradeniya, climbs to Hatton, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Haputale and Bandarawela, then arrives in Ella. The scenery gets better the higher you go.
Tickets and classes
- First class / observation car: reserved, often with a big rear window. Sells out first.
TODO: verifywhich services have an observation car. - Reserved second and third class: reserved seats with open windows. Often the best views.
- Unreserved second and third class: buy on the day at the station, but expect to stand for hours in high season.
Booking: reserved seats open a set number of days before travel and sell out quickly from December to April. TODO: verify current booking window and the official online booking site. Some travellers use agents who charge a fee. Your local planner can arrange tickets.
Timings
There are a few trains a day in each direction. Morning departures from Kandy are the most popular so you get daylight views. TODO: verify current departure times.
Tips from locals
- Send your luggage by road if you have a driver. You will enjoy the train much more with a small bag.
- Sit or stand by the open door for photos, but hold on and keep your head inside around tunnels and posts.
- Do not plan anything tight in Ella on arrival day. Delays are common.
- Clouds come in after lunch, so the morning half of the ride usually has the clearest views.
Do it with a plan
The train is just one day of your trip. Tell us your dates and we will build the rest around it. Plan your trip.
