The train journey from Kandy to Ella
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The train journey starts from Colombo, but the most scenic part of the trip is from Kandy to Ella. Along the way, the train stops at several hill country towns like Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella, and Badulla, each of which is worth visiting. To experience the best of the journey, board the train at Kandy. About an hour into the journey, you will start passing through tea estates. You can observe how the landscape changes from jungle to steep hills covered in tea bushes, offering breathtaking panoramas. If you wish, you can hop off at any of the stops to explore tea plantations, waterfalls, and other attractions in these towns.
Planning a train trip from Kandy to Ella
Booking tickets in advance is crucial, especially if you have a tight schedule. Even during off-peak seasons, tickets can be in high demand. If you’re unable to find tickets online for your preferred day, consider reaching out to third-party travel agents or guides to see if they have any available slots.
A local train departs from Kandy train station at 7:45 am. and typically takes 10 hours to reach Kandy due to multiple stops along the way. Two express trains, known as Podi Mendike, arrive at Kandy train station at 8:55 am daily. Another train, Udarata Menike, departs at 11:10 am and takes about 8 hours to reach Ella, although the timetable mentions a travel time of 6-7 hours.
Could you share your experience of the Kandy to Ella train journey?
The Kandy to Ella train ride is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. During this eight-hour journey, you’ll witness stunning landscapes of mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and tea plantations. The scenic views make the journey feel much shorter. As you leave Kandy, the train passes through numerous tea plantations and mountainous areas, giving you sweeping views of the vast tea estates. At some points of the ride, the train goes along cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. There are also valleys where the rail tracks pass through, giving you a chance to look up at the tea plantations. Words cannot describe the scenic beauty of this train ride.
If the Kandy to Ella train ride is too long, you could opt for the Nuwara Eliya to Ella train, which takes about three hours. This train is the same train that you will board from Nanu Oya, and it also offers fantastic views.
The second-class carriage is the optimal choice for the scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella.
The local train has an observation carriage which is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy the view. Express trains offer air-conditioned first-class tickets, but many people prefer the second-class reserved seating because it allows them to open windows and walk to open doorways for a clearer and unobstructed view. Travellers who are also photographers should avoid the closed cabin as the best pictures are not taken through a window. For the first leg of the journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, sit on the right side of the train for the best views. If you are unable to do so, you can always try your luck at the Kandy train station. The train journey from Kandy to Ella is an iconic experience you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Sri Lanka.