great rail journeys sri lanka

the best train journeys in Sri Lanka

There are train rides, then there are Sri Lankan train rides.

Get on board.

Discover the best of this teardrop island while riding some of the world’s most thrilling rail journeys.

Are they steam trains?

The steam trains that once transported tea and spices have been replaced by charming and colourful diesel locos.

Make sure you book tickets (in advance!) for any of the following four epic train journeys around Sri Lanka.

Head up country to Kandy

A rail journey that features on almost every Sri Lankan itinerary, the three-hour trip from Colombo to Kandy. It's iconic and the best way to reach the Hill Country from Colombo.

Must visit in kandy region

Climbing the Ambuluwawa tower in Kandy, Sri Lanka will take your breath away in more ways than one. Are you brave enough?

next Ride the Main Line from kandy to Badulla

It takes 7 to 8 hours, and carves through Sri Lanka’s tea country, passing swirling, curling plantations that appear hollowed into the hilly green landscape.

make the most of the scenery

To make the most of the views, stake out a vantage point in one of the open train doorways, with your feet dangling above the track.

Breathe in the sea air on the coast line to Galle

The Indian Ocean washes almost up to the rail tracks on the ride south from Colombo to the Portuguese-founded city of Galle

then Leave the tourist crowds behind on the Northern Line

It's about to get colorful.

Multi-hued kovils (temples) start to color the countryside as you steam into Sri Lanka’s Hindu north.

discover jaffna and beyond

Waiting at the end is Jaffna itself, a vibrant Hindu city with a colonial heart – an easy leaping-off point for some of Sri Lanka’s most idyllic, unspoiled islands and beaches.

Emma Thomson | 30 November 2023

Five awe-inspiring rail journeys in sri lanka.

Sri Lanka’s historic railways chug golden shores, wild highlands and lush jungle, offering a ride every bit as compelling as the destination...

T he bright skin-browning mid-afternoon sun drove me and a gaggle of locals toward the cool shaded entrance of Galle Railway Station. In the open hall there was no chattering split-flap destination displays, just a large chestnut board with the stations hand-painted neatly in yellow. A quaint hand-wound analogue clock hung beside each one to denote the departure time. White-sneakered schoolgirls with book-heavy backpacks shuffled forward in the ticket line like turtles. I booked a third-class ticket to Balapitiya. The vendor handed me a purple chit – like an old movie stub – printed with calligraphic Sinhalese. It cost 70 rupees, roughly 25 pence. “Hurry, hurry,” ushered our guide, Richard. “We only have four minutes until the train arrives!”

If rail travel conjures images of airless cabins crammed with glum commuters buried in their phones or trapped in their own sphere of stress, let Sri Lanka redefine the experience. Home to some of the most scenic rail routes in the world, the “Teardrop of India” offers views of towering tiers of neon-green tea fields wrapped around curvaceous hillsides, cascading waterfalls, cloud-shrouded pine forests and cerulean seas curling onto white-sand beaches. Forget stuffy rules. Here you can swap seats to natter with your neighbour, hang freely out of windows and open doors to catch the cooling breeze (though be careful).  

Read next Explore Vietnam by rail

A train pulls into Galle Railway Station (Alamy)

The idea of building railways here was first explored by the British in 1842, with the aim of transporting coffee , coconut, rubber and tea from the plantations around Kandy to Colombo on the coast for export. For more than a century its locomotives rarely carried a single passenger. When Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, however, train use rose dramatically for a short period until the economy flipped from agriculture to industry, and rails were suddenly eclipsed by roads. For sixty years, the railways fell into decline. Diesel didn’t replace the old steam trains until the 1970s. But in 2010, a major reinvigoration project was launched and the Sri Lankan rail network enjoyed a rebirth. Lovers of locomotives will be agog at the shabby-chic crowded carriages.

Back on the platform, our the train was 25 minutes late. We waited on benches, beside a salt-and-pepper-haired lady, bags corralled around her sandalled feet. Sari-robed mothers paraded up and down the platform hand-in-hand with their young daughters to keep them entertained. I noticed grass growing between the tracks, a reminder that life often moves more slowly here and that there’s an enduring beauty in that truth.

The voice of the announcer crackled over the speaker – first in Sinhalese, then in English – and soon after, a burnt-orange locomotive chugged into view. The driver nodded at me as I joined the queue, grabbed the handle and levered myself up into the carriage. Inside, the corners of the brown-leather benches were dog-eared and the floor had worn thin in places. Small fans positioned above the aisles spun relentlessly in their cages, and the toilet was spotless. I noticed the seats at the end of each cabin were reserved not for women and children, or indeed for the elderly, but “For Clergy”.

School children board the train (Emma Thomson)

Galle’s wooden timetables (Emma Thomson)

As we started to pull out of the station, I took a contemplative walk through the train. Teenagers, sprightly now that school had ended for the day, hooked their elbows out of the glassless window frames. Schoolgirls with long oiled braids and red headbands sat with their legs crossed demurely, watching the antics of the blue-shorted boys, mismatched socks sprouting from their scuffed black-leather shoes, as they giddily tickled each other across the aisle.  

A young girl sat on her mother’s lap, her head resting gently on the window ledge as she watched the world spool by. I took a seat and noticed it had been too long a day for some: a young boy lay horizontal on the bench, his school bag serving as a pillow. He didn’t move an inch when a pair of lads chased each other down the aisle, their white uniforms spattered with purple ink. “What’s going on?” I asked with a grin. “It’s a dare!” they laughed. “We have to see if we can escape getting hit.” I pictured the look on their mothers’ faces when they sheepishly returned home with tie-dye shirts and trousers.  

Read next The best new rail routes

Colombo Fort Railway Station was opened to the public in 1917 and is itself an attraction (Alamy)

The bodies only served to amplify the humid air, so I moved towards the door at the end of the carriage. Kids parted to let me lean out of the train, the wind whipping my hair and drying the sweat on my skin. We rattled past palm tree-shaded homes that occasionally parted to offer tantalising glimpses of the azure Laccadive Sea and its surfer-studded waves. And then, as we passed through Hikkaduwa, a 30m-high cream-coloured Buddha loomed into view, a replica of one of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan 21 years ago. The statue was erected in memory of the 1,700 lives lost when the 2004 tsunami struck the Queen of the Sea train at this point as it travelled south from Colombo. It was a moment of peaceful remembrance before we rumbled on.

Soon after, an older boy in a white Adidas T-shirt and red Nike baseball cap tapped me boldly on the shoulder. “iPhone 13 Pro,” he announced, pointing to my hand that was filming out the door. I nodded. “Selfie?” he asked, slinging his arm around my shoulder and effecting a model’s pout.

We snapped a picture, and at the next stop he and his friends jumped eagerly from the train and waved at me animatedly until the slow-moving carriages inched away from the platform. It was the perfect reminder that train journeys offer an immersion in local life that can’t be bettered, and that riding Sri Lanka’s railways, in particular, have a hazy, bygone-era romance that is rare to track down nowadays.

Sri Lanka’s five best rail routes

The famous Nine Arch Bridge (Branimir/Shutterstock)

Kandy to Badulla  

Distance: 165km

All aboard for one of the most scenic rail rides in the world. Once used for the transportation of tea, this British-built line curls for seven-to-eight hours around hillsides tiered with neon-green tea bushes, their rows punctuated by the bright saris of the tea pickers, who wear baskets slung from their foreheads. Be sure to hold your nose to the air to catch occasional wafts of lemongrass, and hold your breath as the train traverses steep ravines and valleys. Look out too for the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial viaduct on the outskirts of Demodara nicknamed the “Bridge in the Sky” because it hovers above the jungle below. At Ella, be sure to hike back to the bridge later for unforgettable photos – it’s at its best (and quietest) at sunrise.

Tiers of tea terraces on the Nuwara Eliya to Ella route (maheshg/Shutterstock)

Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Distance: 55km

If the above seems like too long to spend on a train, you can abbreviate it by just doing part of the route. The three-to-four-hour section that snakes its way out of Nanu Oya Station, on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya (Central Province), to the backpacker town of Ella (Uva Province) is magical. By road it would only take 90 minutes, but this route crosses steep mountain ranges, hence the extended travel time. It is home to the epic Ella Gap panorama, so snag a seat on the left-hand side for the best views and watch tiers of tea terraces – Nuwara Eliya sits at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea production region – and ethereal cloud forests spool past.  

Colombo train station (Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock)

Colombo to Kandy  

Distance: 125km

Ride the rails of history. This classic journey traces a section of the country’s first major route, from Colombo to Ambepussa, which opened in December 1864. Trundle away from the tuk-tuk-crowded streets and high rises of the Sri Lankan capital and travel inland, past the serene greens of paddy fields and palm trees, to the leafy sacred city of Kandy that centres around a bird-rich lake and is home to the Temple of the Tooth, said to protect the Buddha’s left canine. You’ll be swapping dusty dry coastal air for the cool breezes of the highlands; the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, with daily departures every three hours.  

Coastal views on the way to Galle (Miles Astray/Shutterstock)

Colombo to Galle  

Distance: 120km

This two-to-2.5-hour coastal locomotive snakes down the western edge of the island from the capital to the southern Portuguese-founded city of Galle, which is also rich in Dutch colonial architecture. As you ride the line, tall buildings shrink to corrugated iron-roof shacks festooned with laundry, parting to reveal glimpses of the sandy beaches and clear-blue sea. In places, the tracks almost run parallel with the shore, so sit on the right-hand side for the best views of these unending seascapes, beachside towns and gaggles of wave-chasing surfers. As each minute passes, you’ll feel the stress of city life melting away.  

One of Anuradhapura's ancient stupas (Cezary Wojtkowski/Shutterstock)

Anuradhapura to Jaffna  

Distance: 195km

UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, characterised by giant stupas and temples, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The route from there to Jaffna, in the lesser-visited Hindu north of the island, was severed during Sri Lanka’s 26-year-long civil war. Rail travel came to a standstill, with this route only reopening in 2014. Travellers embarking on the 3.5-hour-long journey today will see flatter landscapes, salt pans and rattle through the Elephant Pass that controls entry to the Jaffna peninsula. The north boasts far fewer visitors and some of Sri Lanka’s best unspoilt beaches, making it a worthy escape.

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The Most Scenic Train Journeys You Can Experience in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Hub Writer

The train routes in Sri Lanka are some of the most beautiful in the world. Travelers dream of taking the train to the hill country, through old pine forests and foggy tea estates . Don’t miss these unforgettable rail journeys that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Find out which are the best routes and where to catch the trains.

The most scenic journey is to the east.

It’s hard to forget the experience of taking the train through Sri Lankan tea country . Nothing compares to the cold air that comes in through the windows and the endless rolling hills of tea plantations and lush forests. The Eastern train route takes you from Kandy to Nanu Oya, on to Ella and Badulla. You must first take the train from Colombo to Kandy and then change lines at Kandy to ride the Main Line.

1. Nine arch bridge

The train ride from Colombo to Anuradhapura is a long one and traverses all types of terrain. From the coast to the hillside and to the middle of the country at Anuradhapura. This train is commonly full of pilgrims on their way to the Anuradhapura Temple and Tamil people then going on to Jaffna in the north.

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South to Galle

The train from Colombo to Galle travels first through the city, right along the coast and then into the countryside close to the sea. The scenery is different to the hill country but no less impressive. A great part of the enchantment of the Sri Lanka trains, apart from the scenery is the peacefulness of the people relaxing, looking out the windows and occasionally eating wade , a snack made of dahl lentils and spices.

There are some private trains with more comfortable seating and a tea service but some travelers believe that taking the private train takes away from the charm of experiencing the Sri Lankan railways.

If you would like to find out more about the trains in Sri Lanka, where to take them or how to buy tickets, visit the Sri Lanka Railways site and also Seat 61 , a website specialized in worldwide train travel.

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Guide: Train journeys in Sri Lanka. Here are the 5 most beautiful routes

Traveling by train through sri lanka was among our favourite experiences on our three months tour of the spectacular island. here you will find our tips for which train routes have the most beautiful views, how to get the best seats, and what you should prepare for beforehand., by mette & martin translated from danish.

Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is a very special experience. It’s cheap and for most parts surprisingly easy. However, it does sometimes develop into quite the challenge. But above all, it is a wonderful way to experience Sri Lanka.

We loved sitting in the train as it zipped through lush countryside, small villages, along the coast and up into the pitching mountains with magnificent views of deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful tea plantations.

“From the train you get some of the best views of Sri Lanka’s unique nature”

The one-off experience already begins on the platform. The old, charming station houses were built in the British colonial era and exude a historical spirit. You can find the train timetable on hand-painted wooden signs, and the tickets are small cardboard pieces that are stamped by the conductor.

Here, the digitization of the world feels far away, and the time warp sensation is completed as the station manager enters the platform in his white uniform to blow the whistle at the arrival and departure of the train. Normally, travel days can be a bit boring. In Sri Lanka they are an experience in themselves.

Here you will find the 5 most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka

We travelled a lot by train on our tour of Sri Lanka. Sometimes we used the train to get from A to B. Other times we drove back and forth on day trips. Below we have described the sections that we think were the most beautiful , plus 13 practical tips on best views, bookings, seats, and more.

NOTE: The first four sections are all part of Sri Lanka’s most famous and very long train route (Badulla-Colombo). We have divided the route into sections of different durations. This allows you to choose the route that best matches your itinerary, depending on where you are and how much time you have.

#1 – By train over the Nine Arch Bridge (Ella–Badulla, 1 hour) #2 – The train journey through the tea plantations of Sri Lanka (Ella–Nanu Oya, 2½-3 hours) #3 – The classic train ride in Sri Lanka’s highlands (Demodara–Kandy, 7 hours) #4 – Sri Lanka’s most famous train journey (Badulla–Colombo Fort, 10-11 hours) #5 – The train journey along the Indian Ocean (Colombo Fort–Galle, 2-5 hours)

#1 – By train over the Nine Arch Bridge Ella – Badulla

The train journey between the popular mountain town of Ella and the terminus of Badulla is one of the most famous sections as the train runs over the famous Nine Arch Bridge. An impressive stone bridge from the British colonial era, which with its nine high arches rises 24 meters out of a green valley.

The bridge is a few minutes’ train ride from Ella train station and continues through a lush landscape making the trip a very scenic experience. The train stops in several small station towns along the way before reaching the terminus Badulla, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest towns.

Today, Badulla is an ordinary provincial town that is only interesting if you are curious to experience a bit of everyday Sri Lankan life off the beaten track. We did the train round trip, which gave us an hour to walk around Badulla – and that was fine. If you happen to have more time in Badulla, you can take a tuk-tuk to the nearby waterfall Dunhinda Falls .

Alternatively, if you have less time there are many who choose to get off the train approx. halfway at the station town of Hali Ela and take a tuk-tuk back to Ella.

Avoid overcrowded trains

The train journeys to and from Ella is very popular with tourists. The compartments can therefore be crammed full, making it impossible to see out of the window. And in the open doors people take turns to get the iconic Instagram photo in the box.

A good tip is therefore to either aim for the earliest morning train from Ella to Badulla. Or take a tuk-tuk to Badulla and from there take the train to Ella. In Badulla there are far fewer and mainly local passengers, so it is easier to get a good seat.

How to get the best train photo on the Nine Arch Bridge

As something new, the Sri Lanka Railway has introduced Ella Odyssey – a special train for tourists, which, among other things, stopping at the Nine Arch Bridge. The train stops for 10 minutes, so you can walk on the bridge and take some photos.

Another option is to stay at Ella from where you can hike approx. 15 minutes through the forest or drive 10 minutes by tuk-tuk. The hiking trail is marked on both Google Maps and Maps.me and begins near Ella Flower Garden Resort (from where you can also hike to Little Adam’s Peak). Come early if you want to experience the bridge without a throng of people.

Stay with a view of the Nine Arch Bridge

If you want to have plenty of time to experience the Nine Arch Bridge, you can stay in one of the cabins located on the slope with a view beyond the bridge. We stayed in the wooden cabin Green Nature Paradise Ella , which can be highly recommended. It’s basic, but comfortable and only a 10-minutes ride in tuk-tuk from Ella town.

Right next to the cabin is New Cabin Ella . The two cabins are each owned by two nice brothers who also run the newer Cafe Soul Ella. If you don’t have the time for an overnight stay, the café is a good and scenic place to hang out, while you wait for the train. Staff are happy to help with updates on train times.

Train journey between Ella – Badulla

• Driving time : Approx. 1 hour
• Best view: Sit on the left side of the train if you come from Ella
• Timetable from Ella : 06.35 / 13.24 / 15.09 / 16.56 / 18.26
• Timetable from Badulla: 05.45 / 08.30 / 10.15 / 11.00 / 17.50

#2 – The train journey through the tea plantations of Sri Lanka Ella – Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)

The train journey between the mountain town of Ella and Nanu Oya meanders through Sri Lanka’s green highlands and endless tea plantations. Nanu Oya is the nearest railway station to Nuwara Eliya. A former British colonial town, which today is a popular holiday town for the locals and a good starting point for experiencing some of Sri Lanka’s many tea plantations and scenic attractions, including Horton Plains and Ramboda Waterfall.

A detour to Lipton’s seat

We cut the train journey in two and got off in Haputale . A small trading town with breath taking views beyond the south coast. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean. We chose to spend one night in the city to visit Sri Lanka’s most famous tea plantation, established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890. And yes, he was the Lipton whose name you see on tea packets all over the world.

Good to know about the train from Ella

If you take the train from Ella, and you have not bought a seat reservation, it may be a good idea to embark the train on a prior station, e.g., Demodara. There are a lot of people who travel by train to and from Ella, so the carriages fill up quickly.

Train journey between Ella – Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)

• Driving time : Approx. 2½-3 hours
• Best view : Sit on the right side of the train if you come from Ella
• Timetable from Ella : 06.39 / 09.23 / 11.11 / 12.04 / 18.59
• Timetable from Nanu Oya : 03.42 / 09.18 /12.45 / 14.36 / 16.08

#3 – The classic train ride in Sri Lanka’s highlands Demodara – Kandy

Sri Lanka’s most famous train journey is the 10-hour journey from Colombo to Badulla (see below). It’s a long and somewhat strenuous trip. Therefore, we can recommend cutting of the first and last part and prioritize the most beautiful section between Demodara and Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second largest city and cultural capital. It’s an approx. 7-hour long train journey, incl. the drive over the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

The train snakes through a varied landscape of dense jungle, green coniferous forests, small villages and sweeping views of high mountains, deep valleys and rolling tea plantations. The train connects cities that are located at several of the most popular sights in the highlands, making the route an obvious choice for a round trip in Sri Lanka.

Detours worth the trip

We got of the train several places, e.g. Nanu Oya and Haputale (see above), plus the provincial town of Hatton from where we continued by bus to Dalhouise. The small town is located at the foot of the famous mountain Adam’s Peak and is a good starting point to the pilgrimage up to the temple at the mountaintop. Every day, hundreds of locals snort their way up the 5.500 steps to see the place where Adam is said to have first set foot on Earth.

Train journey between Demodara – Kandy

• Driving time : Approx. 7 hours
• Best view : We sat on the right side of the train (from Demodara/Ella) and had the best views for most of the trip, including to St. Clair’s Falls, also known as ‘Little Niagara of Sri Lanka’. If you have the opportunity to change seats along the way, the best recipe is to sit on the right side from Ella to Nanu Oya and on the left side from Nanu Oya to Kandy.

#4 – Sri Lanka’s most famous train journey Badulla – Colombo Fort

If you want to cross Sri Lanka’s most famous train journey off your bucket list, you must drive the entire journey between Colombo and Badulla. It’s a 291km route that begins in Sri Lanka’s capital on the west coast and meanders eastward through tropical landscapes, around blue-green mountains, over bridges, through 46 tunnels and past a myriad of colorful cities.

“It truly is one of the most beautiful train journeys”

We chose to take the train from Badulla, as there are far fewer who start the journey here, so it was easier to get a seat without a reservation. The trip was insanely cheap – we only paid 3 USD (LKR 900) per person and then spent the next 11 hours (yep, the train was delayed of course) soaking up the views. We were pretty exhausted when we arrived in Colombo – but the experience was totally worth it!

Skybar with a view of the train

We highly recommend celebrating the completion of the train journey with cold drinks on top of one of the many hotels that line the coast in Colombo. We stayed at Hotel MaRadha , from where we could look straight down at the train as it rolled honking past – with Colombo’s skyline on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. The view only got better at sunset.

Train journey between Badulla – Colombo Fort

• Driving time : Approx. 10-11 hours
• Best view : We sat on the right side of the train (from Badulla) and had the best views for most of the journey.
• Timetable from Badulla : 05.45 / 08.30 (direct trains)
• Timetable from Colombo Fort : 05.55 / 08.30 (direct trains)

#5 – The train journey along the Indian Ocean Colombo Fort – Galle

Our first encounter with Sri Lanka’s iconic trains was on the route between the capital Colombo and the historic fortress town of Galle. It is a classic commuter train where you will meet many locals on their way to and from work.

The train journey runs through green countryside, a lot of small towns, and often it feels like driving through people’s backyards. But the special thing about the train journey is that it runs along the south-west coast. Driving along the Indian Ocean and through the tropical landscapes is a special experience.

Train journey between Colombo Fort – Galle

• Driving time : Approx. 2-5 hours (depending on the type of train)
• Best view : If you are traveling from Colombo, you must sit on the right side, where you get the views of the sea
• Timetable from Colombo Fort : 06.50 / 08.35 / 10.30 / 14.40 / 15.50 / 16.46 / 17.30 / 17.51 / 18.17 / 19.30
• Timetable from Galle : 03.15 / 04.35 / 05.00 / 05.53 / 07.03 / 07.27 / 10.25 / 14.45 / 15.35 / 16.55

13 practical tips for train journeys in Sri Lanka

There are both advantages and disadvantages to traveling by train in Sri Lanka. In the first instance, it is therefore important that you decide what you would like to get out of the train journey before you start planning the journey. Here we have listed practical info and a few things worth considering.

#1 – Expect delays

The trains in Sri Lanka are known for being notoriously late … But you can’t count on that either. We have both experienced that the train arrived on time and was anything between 10 minutes and 1½ hours late.

#2 – The train journey takes longer than you think

The train runs at a scenically slow pace and is therefore not the fastest way to get from A to B. For example, It takes 3½ hours to drive from Ella to Kandy with a car and over twice as long by train.

#3 – The train schedules

There is a lot of and very different information about the train schedule on the internet. The only train times you can reliably trust are the ones you get at the train station.

You can also check the official website of Sri Lanka Railway or download the app . Be prepared that the site only show a selection of train times and that they do not always show the exact same number of minutes.

#4 – Map of train routes

You can get an overview of where the train runs in Sri Lanka on this train route map.

#5 – Different types of trains

Several types of trains run during the day. It is therefore also different which price range and seat you can expect to get. See pictures of the different trains and compartments on the world’s best train blog Seat 61 .

#6 – A train journey for photo-loving travellers

In 2022 Sri Lanka Railway launched Ella Odessey . The special thing about the train is that it stops along the way between Colombo and Badulla, so you can take photos of the most beautiful views, e.g. Nine Arch Bridge.

#7 – The power of Instagram

Sri Lanka’s iconic trains have long since become a hit on Instagram, with people taking pictures while hanging out the open doors. Although the train runs slowly, it is not completely harmless, as the carriage creeps along rocks, trees and over deep canyons. The trend has created quite a debate, which you can read about here .

#8 – You can always buy train tickets on the day

It is always possible to get tickets for 2nd and 3rd class without a seat reservation. The tickets cannot be purchased in advance. They are only sold at the station approx. 15 minutes before the train’s departure. It’s wonderfully easy and absurdly cheap (we paid, for example, ½  USD to drive an hour by train between Ella and Badulla). But it is not without problems, see below.

#9 – Overcrowded trains are a thing

Tickets for 2nd and 3rd class without seat reservation are never sold out. In other words, there is no restriction on the number of passengers. You can therefore run the risk of a jam-packed train rolling onto the platform. Once we had to wave goodbye to the train as it was so full that we couldn’t get on (see next point).

If you plan to travel by train in the middle of the day, or if you have to travel a long distance with luggage, we recommend that you buy a seat reservation.

#10 – Avoid weekends and public holidays

Many locals work in the big cities during the weekdays but travel home to their families when they have time off. Therefore, the trains are often extra full at weekends and especially during public holidays.

#11 – Buy a seat reservation well in advance

Train tickets with seat reservations are released for sale 30 days before departure. We succeeded in buying a seat reservation on the day, but for the most part, we found that the tickets had long been sold out. Read everything about how to buy train tickets on the train blog Seat 61.

#12 – What class is best: 1, 2, or 3?

The best seat is a reserved seat. Especially if you are going on a longer train journey or driving on a popular route.

We primarily traveled in 2nd class – both with and without a seat reservation. Compared to other trains in Asia, the compartments were nice, the seats good and the cleanliness ok. We also tried to buy 1st class tickets, but there were only a few departures, and they were long sold out.

Subsequently, we have heard that 1st class is not necessarily the best choice. The compartment’s air conditioning is freezing cold, and both windows and doors are locked. For us, it’s a line in the bill, as we loved hanging with our heads out of the window or standing in the doorway where you get the very best view.

#13 – Plan the train journey as an experience

If you don’t feel like fussing around with large luggage in overcrowded trains, it’s a good idea to choose a train route and plan it as a day trip. You can, for example, take the train for a few stops and take a tuk-tuk back.

We hope our guide can help you plan your train journey in Sri Lanka. If you have questions or been to Sri Lanka, please share your thoughts, experiences and travel tips in the comment box.

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Home / Transport / Sri Lanka by Train

Sri Lanka by Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka can be an adventurous experience. One fabulous way of exploring the tea country is to jump aboard the train. The morning railway journey from Kandy to the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, Ella or Dickoya, climbing uphill up to 6,000 ft above sea level, is one of the greatest railway journeys in the world: the dramatic landscape of the highlands stirs the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. The Sri Lanka Railways – the government railway network, which was first started in 1864 during the colonial period – covers a wide network of routes that spreads across the island. Sri Lanka trains have first class, first class observation, second class and third. First class is sometimes fitted with an observation deck, a/c, sealed windows and small television monitors and also has a flushable w/c. The first class observation carriage is air-conditioned and has seats looking out to the scenery and rail track as the train journeys. Second class has fairly spacious seating and toilet facilities. Third class is the cheapest option and is similar to second class, but tickets cannot be reserved in advance so having a seat cannot be guaranteed.

For the ultimate in luxury old world train travel you can even travel on Sri Lanka’s only passenger steam train, the 75 year old Viceroy Special. The private train has two air-conditioned observational saloons furnished in period style with 64 plush reclining seats and individual adjustable tables, and each saloon has an adjoining smoking lounge and modern toilet. There is a restaurant carriage complete with Edwardian ribbed fans and teak trimmed wood panelling. Speak to one of our travel consultants for more details.

Colombo to Kandy by train

The Colombo to Kandy line becomes more attractive as the journey extends. Journey times average about three-and-a-half hours which is almost comparable to rush-hour journeys by car on the busy Kandy road. Kandy station is off a 4km branch line from Peradeniya and after reaching the hill country capital then returns to Peradeniya top head off into the hills to its eventual stop in Badulla. As on all lines, delays are always likely.

Colombo to Galle by train

Colombo to Galle is an underrated tourist route, probably because it has no Observation Car and the trains can be crowded. At around three-and-a-half hours, it’s much slower than taking a chauffeur-guide drive down the highway and roughly comparable to the old coast road in the same fashion, but if you don’t mind the limited comfort and want to see the West Coast slowly unfold before you, it stays tight to the coastline for virtually the entire route as you enjoy the sound of the surf and the rattle of the train. Stations en route often include the tourist towns of Bentota and Hikkaduwa. It’s hard not to be reminded as you pass low-level sections protected by boulders of the damage wreaked by the 2004 tsunami.

Colombo to Jaffna by train

The train from Colombo to Jaffna also stops in Anuradhapura, on the north-west edge of the Cultural Triangle and one of the highlights of this region. The journey to Anaradhapura is a long one however you do it. Expect around six hours to Anaradhapura and another two to Jaffna, or split the journey by road and car and meet your chauffeur-guide wherever you choose.

Colombo to Trincomalee by train

The train line from Colombo to Trincomalee is an arduous way to reach the East Coast. It’s around six-and-a-half hours to get to Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle, so to go the whole way requires large reserves of stamina. And that’s if it runs to schedule. If you are a holidaymaker seeking an uplifting experience, travelling with a chauffeur-guide and spending at least one night in the Cultural Triangle is so much more relaxing.

Pre-booking train tickets

Our company is an online travel shop for holidays in Sri Lanka, which means we sell any aspect that makes up a holiday. This includes train tickets.

Booking train tickets in a country such as Sri Lanka can be a tricky and time-consuming business, as the procedures and technology are outdated. It is important that we give priority to our own holiday customers who expect and deserve high levels of service. We regret that we must therefore request a minimum spend of US$300 on travel and accommodation to seek to book train tickets on a customer’s behalf. We are sure you will find our prices competitive and our standards high.

When pre-booking tickets with us please note of the following:

• We regret that we must therefore request a minimum spend of US$300 on travel and accommodation to seek to book train tickets on a customer’s behalf.
• We can book first class (observation -class) and second class train tickets in advance. Third-class can be purchased on the day of travel.
• Full payment is required in advance (as part of the total cost of your tour).
• We require client passport details for purchasing train tickets.
• Tickets can only be confirmed 14 days before the start date of your holiday. We will refund in full, and as a priority, if we fail to obtain tickets.
• Tickets are issued on a first come-first serve basis and cannot be booked online.
• Government officials have priority, which means that tickets are sold strictly subject to availability, even after they have been confirmed.
• Train tickets are non-refundable once successfully purchased.
• Delivery arrangements will be stated on your Travel Voucher. Most often your tickets will be given to your assigned chauffeur-guide, but we can also arrange for delivery to your hotel (Colombo only) or for the tickets to be held at the station for collection.

Please note that first-class train bookings are notoriously difficult to secure during the following holiday periods due to high local traffic, but we will always endeavor to secure your booking:

• Christmas Holidays: 20 December – 5 January
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year: 1 April – 20 April
• Perahera season: July and August

First-class tickets can also be difficult to obtain in February, as it is peak season for tourists.

Passenger Safety

Traveling on the train is at your own risk. We cannot take responsibility in case of an emergency, but you could get in touch with our Operations team who will assist in any way possible. Trains in Sri Lanka do not have slide-open doors – there are no doors at all – therefore please consider your safety and do not lean out of the train during the course of the journey.

Ticket Prices

To arrange pre-booking, we have to pay a supplement to a third party. Our train ticket prices are therefore set above the basic ticket price and are as follows:

• Ticket price per journey (including admin fee): US$25 per person
• Hotel delivery Charge (within Colombo only): US$ 10 per group

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The 4 Best Train Journeys in Sri Lanka

Resting at the toe of India is the island nation of Sri Lanka. With rows of coconut palms, dense forests, and clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the country is an incredible offshore garden. One of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka is by train. In addition to the spectacular views of the diverse landscapes, you can also meet other savvy travelers or share curry and rice with the locals.

All aboard! Here are four of Sodha Travel's favorite train journeys in Sri Lanka:

Colombo to Galle

If you want a slice of both the city and the countryside, book your train tickets from Colombo to Galle. Departing from Sri Lanka’s capital, continue along the coastal countryside as the Indian ocean washes up to the tracks. While sampling local snack boxes, enjoy the coastal breezes and watch families splash in the surf. On the approach to Galle, you will also catch a glimpse of the traditional stilt fishermen atop their wooden perch. 

After arriving in Galle, be sure to visit the Galle Fort. Also known as the Ramparts of Galle , it was built by the Portuguese in 1558, fortified by the Dutch in 1649, and came under British control in 1796. The fort layout resembles a small town and residents still live inside the walls, including Sinhalese, Dutch, Germans, Portuguese, English, and Muslim Moors.

Anuradhapura - Jaffna

The rail journey from Anuradhapura to Jaffna has a turbulent past. Due to Sri Lanka’s civil war between the LTTE and the Sinhalese-dominated Sri Lankan government, the rail line was nonoperational from 1990 - 2014. After decades of conflict, the route from Sri Lanka’s ancient capital to the prominent Hindu colonial city was restored. Because Jaffna is known as the City of Temples , the trains are often filled with pilgrims or religious devotees - although savvy travelers are quickly discovering Jaffna’s idyllic (and less crowded) beaches. Be sure to visit the UNESCO archaeological site of Anuradhapura before the journey. Historical records show the city was founded in the 10th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Colombo to Kandy

he Colombo - Kandy route was first established in the 1860’s to transport coffee and tea from Sri Lanka’s capital to the coast. The 3-hour journey takes you from the official capital to the spiritual capital, passing rolling hills, paddy fields, tropical forests, and villages. You’ll also relish the cooler air as you leave the baking coastal plain for a more temperate climate in the hills. As a short and scenic rail experience to hill country, this is a popular train for tourists and offers a comfortable introduction to Sri Lanka’s train culture.

Kandy to Badulla via Ella

The journey from Kandy to Badulla takes around 7.5 hours and is often considered THE most scenic train journey in the world. Reserve a seat in the panoramic carriage to view emerald green hills, tea plantations, and tea-pickers dressed in brightly colored saris. Many travelers end the journey at Ella, but it’s worth continuing to Badulla. The final, dramatic stretch includes the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of 19th century engineering. The tracks curve over the bridge before circling the Demodara Loop, availing spectacular photo opportunities. If you can’t make it until the end, hop off at Ella and hike to viewpoints around the bridge.

Topics: Transportation , Sri Lanka , Train Travel

Written by Allison Sodha

As the President of Sodha Travel and author of Go! Girl Guides India, Allison has spent almost two decades exploring South Asia. She has a passion for creating experiences fueled by a deeper understanding of local communities.

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Sri lanka’s most spectacular rail journeys: a scenic odyssey.

• By gotourslanka.com
• 25 July 2023

Sri Lanka’s Most Spectacular Rail Journeys: Travel Insights & Tips

Sri Lanka’s railway system, a relic from the British colonial era, weaves a tapestry of diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and historical charm. This island nation’s spectacular rail journeys are a mesmerizing passage through its heart and soul.

From pristine beaches along the southern coast to the misty allure of hill stations like Ella, Sri Lanka’s railways offer travelers a unique perspective on its varied terrain. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels carries you past lush tea plantations, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking vistas, making every moment an unforgettable part of your journey.

As you explore this stunning country via its railways, you’ll have a choice of compartments, each offering its own distinct travel experience. In 1st class, you’ll enjoy the epitome of elegance and comfort. The 2nd class offers a perfect blend of comfort and affordability, while 3rd class provides an authentic and budget-friendly way to experience the heart of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Most Spectacular Rail Journeys are more than just a mode of transportation; they are an adventure in themselves, offering an unrivaled opportunity to witness the country’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical marvels. Whether you’re gazing at the endless blue of the Indian Ocean from the train window or savoring the scent of fresh tea leaves in the hill country, these journeys are an exploration of the heart and soul of Sri Lanka, a land where every rail trip is a remarkable memory in the making.

If you’re following a tightly scheduled Sri Lanka round tour with a chauffeur-driven car, consider selecting one or two shorter train segments from the provided list that align with your travel route. Go Tours Lanka can assist you in securing train tickets in advance, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey.

Breaking Down the Journeys:

Rather than embarking on a long, exhaustive journey from Colombo to Badulla, consider breaking it down into several shorter trips. This approach allows you to hop on and off the train, exploring different towns and attractions along the way without the stress of an extended ride. Here are some recommended segments:

Podi Menike (Little Maiden) Train:

Colombo to Badulla Direction:

• Colombo to Kandy Train Journey.
• Kandy to Hatton Train Journey.
• Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanuoya Station) Train Journey.
• Nuwara Eliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Train Journey.
• Ella to Badulla Train Journey.
• Haputale to Demodara Train Trip.

Badulla to Colombo Direction:

• Ella to Haputale Train Journey.
• Ella to Ohiya Train Journey.
• Ella to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya).
• Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Hatton Train Journey.
• Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Kandy.
• Kandy to Colombo Train Journey.

By splitting the journey into these segments, you can capture the best moments, explore charming towns, and adapt your itinerary to your preferences. Whether you’re gazing at misty hill stations, traversing tea plantations, or immersing yourself in local culture, Sri Lanka’s rail journeys promise an unforgettable adventure through one of Asia’s most enchanting landscapes.

Book this Sri Lanka’s Most Spectacular Rail Journeys  on our Go Tours Lanka website   and read our tour reviews on  TripAdvisor

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Rail Tours Sri Lanka

Colombo to kandy (by car).

On the way to Kandy, you can visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in the morning hours and watch how the elephants bathe and eat their food. It is an interesting sight indeed, particularly for those who are fond of animals.

Next, you can visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which is just a few kms from Kandy. Here you will find a wide range of flora including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, palms and much more. This is an enjoyable picnic spot for many locals and foreigners alike.

A Kandy city tour is a must, including a visit to the Kandy Lake and other important sites in Kandy. In the evening, you can enjoy a cultural show with traditional Kandyan dancers to entertain you.

Kandy to Nanu Oya (By Train)

Nanu Oya to Ella (By Train)

Exploring Ella

Ella to Yala (By Car)

Yala to Mirissa (By Car)

Mirissa to Bentota (By Train)

Early next morning, enjoy an adventurous whale watching experience in Mirissa and then head towards the train station at Matara for your next train ride to Bentota. On this ride, you will see completely different scenery to what you saw in the hill country.

Bentota to Colombo (By Train)

At the Bentota train station, you can get into any train going towards Colombo and get off at the Colombo Fort. Walk around the fort area and the Pettah trading market and shop for anything that you like. Then explore the Gangarama Temple to learn about Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. You can also visit the Manning Market in Colombo for some tropical fresh fruits and vegetables.

On Day 3 you will go to Hatton by train whilst enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the high altitude tea country. During your next two nights at the Ceylon Tea Trails in Hatton, you have the freedom to see the beautiful sights of the hill country. You could discover tea estates, climb the Adam’s Peak, visit Horton Plains National Park or simply relax and enjoy the view and weather in the cozy atmosphere of your hotel room.

In addition to the above two rail tour Sri Lanka itineraries, we can also arrange a rail focused journey to the northern city of Jaffna. Express and luxury classes are available to travel to Jaffna by train. In Jaffna you can look around and observe the ruins of the 30 year civil war and also visit the many Tamil, Catholic and Buddhist places of worship. Jaffna is also a popular beach destination with calm and swim safe waters. Authentic north Sri Lankan food is a must-try when you are in Jaffna. This tour can be customized based on your dates and duration of travel. Advance confirmations are necessary if you want good seats on the trains to Jaffna as this sector is often fully occupied on most days throughout the year.

The Sri Lankan Railway System

Initially built in 1864 by the British, rail tours Sri Lanka were mostly used for transporting tea and coffee from the hill country to Colombo for export purposes. Today, this network has expanded, connecting several major cities in Sri Lanka. Detailed information on trains, timetables and ticket prices are available on the website of the Sri Lanka Government Railways.

Train Carriages

(a) 1st Class Sleeper: with sleeping berths, available on some overnight train journeys.

(b) 1st Class Observation: popular among tourists; available on day time trains on the Main Line.

(c) Ideal for viewing scenery as it is located at the rear of the train or sometimes behind the locomotive.

(d) 1st Class Air-condition: these seats are occasionally available on inter-city express trains.

(e) 2nd Class: available on all inter-city trains as either reserved or unreserved.

(f) 3rd Class: most common type of seats available on most trains and this carriage can get very crowded during peak hours.

Journey Highlights

• Trip length: 08 Days/ 05 Days
• Sitting on the footboard of a Sri Lankan train – being the best way to get a 360 degree view of your surroundings.
• Getting to know other locals during your train journeys in Sri Lanka.
• After an eventful rail journey, unwind in the comfort and luxury of your hotel room.
• Pay Homage To The Sacred Tooth Relic Of Lord Buddha At Kandy Temple.
• Train rideEnjoy Magical Train Journeys On Earth Passing Phenomenal Sceneries
• MountainChallenging Hike To Ella Rock Through Lush Tea Fields
• Coconut treeTake The Prominent “Palm Tree Photo” On Coconut Tree Hill
• Feast On Your Eyes With Extensive Collections Of Orchids And Roses
• Discover The Rolling Countryside Of Hatton With A Scenic Train Ride
• Get Your Doorway Photo During Rail Journey
• Set Off On An Overnight Climb To Holy Mountain – Adam’s Peak
• Admire The Incredible Ancient Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil
• Discover Civil War Monuments Including The Most Significant Elephant Pass
• Speak With Local And Get Insights About The Tamil Way Of Life And Experiences Of Life In North
• Tickle Your Taste Buds With Ice Cream At Rio’s

Places you will stay

Sri Sharavi Beach Villas

Paradise Road Tintagel

Heritance Tea Factory

Jetwing Yala

Ceylon Tea Trails

98 Acres Resort

See available hotels, insightful tips.

• Make a reservation in advance – Train journeys must be booked at least one month prior to arrival in order to secure your seats and guaranteed.
• You can choose from the options either if you want to travel in first-class observation car with big glass windows; first class enjoying epitome of comfort as it is air-conditioned or second class which provides fans with options to open the windows.
• If you want to Travel like a Local with the air in your face, looking out a window while enjoying the stunning sceneries of mother nature, you can catch a local commuter train (Third class compartment) by being quick with the assistance of our guide especially during peak season and at weekends as the line can get extremely busy with locals.
• Travel light – Remember to keep your luggage in the vehicle you travel, before getting onboard unless you need it to carry with you.
• Try authentic snack like ‘Wade’, little deep dried balls of dahl which are savory but delicious and ‘chai’, a cup of sweet milky tea from the local train vendors which would be one of the catchy bits of your train journey in Sri Lanka. Come armed with water as well.
• Pack you own sanitary provisions including wet wipes, loo roll and antibacterial lotion, in any you have to use washrooms in the train.
• Stick to the right of the train for sumptuous scenery of the rolling hills (Kandy to Nuwara Eliya) while left side will be the best when traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. But, if you miss to sit on the right-hand side, don’t stress too much though, since left side also have best views of the valleys and opportunity to get an up-close view of the hillside.
• Make sure you have enough battery on your phone or camera to take plenty of awesome shots while you are riding through the beautiful landscapes
• Trains never arrive on time, hence, do not expect to leave at the planned departure time.
• Take epic pictures while hanging out of the door when nice bends comes. But hang tight and be mindful of branches which might come on your way.

How long does it take to go from Nanu Oya to Ella by train?

It does take only 02 ½ – 03 hours

How do I book train tickets?

We will book train tickets on your behalf of you and handover them over to you during the tour.

How do I carry my luggage on the train?

You don’t need to carry the luggage on the train. You can keep them in the car with your chauffeur guide and he will take care of them.

Can we get first-class reserved seats?

The Kandy to Ella Train Experience in Sri Lanka: Journey Guide & Tips

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from if you purchase something through them. This comes at no extra cost to you!

Famed as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys , the iconic blue train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka definitely lives up to the hype.

A worthy addition to any travel itinerary in Sri Lanka, this magical 9 hour train journey takes you on a ride through an ever-changing landscape, passing lush forests, small villages, sprawling vistas and hundreds of picturesque tea plantations dotted all over high mountain peaks. Attracting travellers from around the world every single day, it’s easy to see why the Kandy to Ella train ride is so renowned worldwide.

Now one of the country’s most popular things to do, this guide explains everything you need to know before you book your tickets, including where’s best to sit, when to go,how to book and plenty more essential tips.

Table of Contents...

Useful information for Sri Lanka

• Capital : Colombo
• Population : 23 million
• Language : Sinhala, Tamil, English
• Currency : Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR): £1/$1 = 390/313 LKR
• SIM cards : I highly recommend getting a SIM card for your travels in Sri Lanka. This means you can use apps like Uber or Grab for cheaper taxi fares but it also means you never need to rely on WiFi for internet. Get an affordable E-SIM here:  Sri Lanka: eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan
• Visa info: Tourists are required to have a visa before arriving in Sri Lanka, called an ETA, for which the costs is $30 USD. Apply for an ETA online here .

Journey duration & stops

The train actually originates in Colombo and is heading to Badulla, but the most scenic section of the line occurs between Kandy and Ella.

Although mostly advertised as a 6 hour journey, in reality the Kandy to Ella train will take approximately 9-10 hours in total . A popular option among travellers is to break up the ride by spending some time, perhaps even a couple of days, in Nuwara Eliya to explore the stunning tea plantations and breathless landscape that the region has to offer.

The stops between Kandy and Ella are as follows:

• Hatton (Adam’s Peak)
• Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya)

Personally, with limited time in Sri Lanka, I just went all the way to Ella in one day. If I was to ever do the journey again I would definitely allow time for Nuwara Eliya and Haputale as I have heard great things abut both locations.

Expected costs for different classes

You can buy tickets at Kandy train station on the day of departure, however the train fills up fast so you risk having to wait for the next departure which might not be until the next day.

The trip is incredibly affordable for such a long journey.

• First class tickets at the station cost 3000 rupees ($10)
• Second class costs 700 rupees ($2- $3)
• Third class costs just 300 rupees ($1.50). 

It is important to note that the tickets you buy at the station are unreserved , meaning you are not guaranteed a seat.

In order to bag a reserved seat you’ll need to book in advance. Booking in advance is slightly more expensive but it guarantees you the luxury of a seat. Even though you’ll likely be moving around the carriage to take pictures and stand by the door, it’s wise to have a base for such a long journey.

You can purchase second class reserved Kandy to Ella train tickets in advance online through  this link with 12Go . Alternatively you could try booking through Get Your Guide  here .

Note that with online bookings for reserved seats you often need to book up to 1 month in advance.

6 top tips to know before the journey

1. which class is for you.

Although first class is normally the recommended choice for long, cheap journeys like this, it’s not going to be the option you want for this trip. 

If you sit in first class you won’t be able to open the windows or hang out of any doors, and that’s what this journey is all about!

Second class is ideal as the seats are comfy enough and you have the option to move freely around the carriage and take some awesome pictures. This is the preferred class for most travellers to get the best overall experience.

In third class you’ll be crammed in like sardines and have hard benches to sit on, so I don’t recommend that. Spend the extra few dollars and enjoy some form of comfort.

2. Which side to sit on

If you’re not aware of the seating arrangement beforehand, you could be stuck with a view of bushes and trees while the other side are taking in panoramas of tea plantations and mountains for the majority of the journey.

To keep it short and simple, here’s where you ideally want to be seated:

• Sit on the right from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
• Sit on the left from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

3. Train times

You’ll want to catch the express line from Kandy, for which there are only two realistic departure times (unless you want to leave at 3:35am), both of which are aboard the stunning blue train.

The train departs Kandy at both 8:55am and 11:10am, but for the most updated schedule you can check online here .

4. Take supplies with you

5. It will be busy

With hoards of commuting locals and sightseeing travellers taking the journey every single day, the ride is understandably rarely quiet.

Mostly thanks to Instagram, the popularity of the Kandy to Ella train has increased tremendously among tourists in the past 10 years and you can’t really avoid the hustle and bustle of it all. You’ll find that the majority of people on the train are Sri Lankan people though, so this is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and get a better insight into their lives.

Overall point: don’t expect it to be relaxing… or peaceful!

6. Be safe!

Don’t risk your life for a photo!

Obviously this journey is famous because you can dangle your feet out of the doors and take some truly awesome shots, but that poses obvious risks.

As the train travels fairly slow it’s a pretty safe journey in general, but there are no excuses for being reckless. Remember: there are no doors and the windows are always open. Sure, stand at the open doors in 2nd and 3rd class and experience that addictive sense of freedom as the wind rushes past, but be wary of what’s around you. 

I personally had a couple of close calls with overgrown bushes and telegraph poles, and I even lost my hat out of the window… mostly thanks to my own stupidity, I must admit!

What to expect on the train ride

Waiting in the typically beautiful Sri Lankan train station in Kandy for the historic, turquoise coloured train to approach from Colombo is a pretty exciting prospect.

As you board you’ll realise just how rickety, slow and noisy it is. I loved that about this journey though – so much character!

While the train slowly meanders along the tracks heading south you have a fabulous opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers and village people, try local snacks from the onboard vendors and soak up some breathtaking scenery. Prepare for stunning views of seemingly endless tea plantations and mountain peaks while passing through tunnels and tiny villages too.

Eventually, as you get closer to Ella, the view opens up and showcases some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive wide open vistas, with rugged mountains that bring with them a satisfying fresh air into the carriage before arriving in the small mountain town of Ella.

Does the train cross 9 Arch Bridge?

You’ve probably heard of the famous 9 Arch Bridge in Ella. Well, the picturesque landmark is not far from the centre of town but unfortunately only trains that are heading from Ella to Badulla will cross it, meaning the Kandy to Ella route does not. 

A super popular thing to do in Ella is to watch the blue train cross this bridge as it is easy to get to by tuktuk or on foot and only requires a short walk from the road. You can walk along the bridge before it comes to find the perfect spot to view it from. 

Personally, I think the hillside is the best location as you get an elevated position to see the train coming towards you.

Where to stay in Ella

Ella has loads of amazing budget homestay, hostels and guesthouse options for backpackers. People travelling on the other end of the scale may have to sacrifice one or two things in a place like this, but there are still a few ‘fancier’ place as well.

The best budget hostel for backpackers is  Hangover Hostel which includes breakfast on all bookings and has the option for dorm or private reservations.

Browse Booking.com or Hostelworld to find the best deals in Ella.

Best tours in Kandy & Ella

Happy travelling!

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Accommodation: Booking.com , Hostelworld

Tours : GetYourGuide , Viator , Klook , TripAdvisor

Transport : 12Go , Omio , Trip.com , Rome2Rio

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• Sri Lanka Train Journeys: For A Soothing Vacation In This Charming Land!

10 Jul 2023

Sri Lanka is one of the most captivating and appealing destinations for a traveler. It is the city with the legendary history, beautiful greenery of nature and the traditional culture of tribal forks. Sri Lanka is not just a place, it is a city of experiences, adventures and lively emotions shared by all the people who have come across to have a glimpse of the sun warming solitude and taste the moment of the cold breeze of the sea.

For those who do not travel much, it is one of the cheapest travel destinations that are not only budget friendly but will help you gain knowledge about the Asian culture, wildlife, monuments and lifestyle of the people of Sri Lanka. There are a number of heart throbbing tourist places where you can visit and enjoy the authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine and dishes as well. The coastline of the country is covered with several amazing beaches and the highlands have numerous beautiful places such as Polonnaruwa, Adams Peak, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and many more.

Sri Lanka train journeys are considered the most convenient way to travel and enjoy the scenic views of the land of Sri Lanka. These trains were manufactured at the time of Colonial British rule in order to transfer coffee from one place to another. They are not only comfortable but a time-saving means of transportation especially for tourists who want to travel to numerous places due to a limited period of their vacation timings. These trains provide a unique experience to travel and enjoy the beauty of nature. There are a number of trains that move around the whole country and each train varies in terms of cost, facilities, machinery, speed and functioning as well.

3 Best Sri Lanka Trains Journeys

Let’s have a look on some of the most famous scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka that will provide you a unique experience of untouched countryside and thrilling sea coasts.

1. Viceroy Special

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The Viceroy Special is one of the traditional steam trains that provide you with a luxurious Sri Lanka train tours. With a nominal fee of 897 LKR, it will deliver you all the basic facilities like comfortable seats, neat toilets, no air conditioning and a canteen for general eatables. This train will also provide you the sumptuous amenities such as bar drinking area, smoke zone, dining cabinet with full course meals, board music, Wi-Fi networking facility and a lot more but it will cost you a bit high for this It is basically an island train that moves along the sea coast. It provides the best hill country rail tours Sri Lanka.

2. Viceroy Second

This train shows the authentic charm of ancient history along with the elegance of a luxurious lifestyle. It furnishes you with lavish facilities like 24 convenient seats with tables alongside, air conditioning with dining cabinet and bar, Wi-Fi and high-class sound system. Sri Lanka train journeys are incomplete without its presence and functioning. This train will help you to add to your meeting with new people and you can enjoy the delicious cuisine of Sri Lanka along with your journey around the country. Its glory can be seen from its affordable service which is much better than Viceroy Special.

Must Read: 15 Things To Do In Ella That Will Take Your Sri Lanka Trip To The Next Level

3. T1 Railcar

T1 Railcar was made by English Electric Co. UK in order to give a magical experience of Sri Lanka scenic train rides. This rail has tried to recreate the entire rail car into a symbol of the traditional background besides the magnificent modern machinery. This train can carry up to 32 passengers and is most suitable for family trips and corporate vacations. It is a time saving and cost effective means of transport that offers you experienced and heartwarming staff delivering you comfortable travel experience along with tourist guiding throughout the train journey. This train will also provide you all the facilities with elegance and class.

Scroll down to look at some of the most amazing routes in Sri Lanka and the ways through which you can catch a train while youre out and about in this stunning land.

3 Best Train Routes In Sri Lanka

Scroll down to look at some of the most amazing routes in Sri Lanka and the ways through which you can catch a train while you’re out and about in this stunning land.

1. Northern Route

This route usually consists of pilgrims and devotees who are traveling to Anuradhapura Temple or Jaffna. It is one of the common long route traveling train to the north of Sri Lanka enjoying the best services by the Sri Lankan Rail staff along with the spectacular views of northern Sri Lanka. It travels all the way from the coastal place to the mountain hillslope in order to carry the passengers and help them experience the taste of true Sri Lankan beauty.

Suggested Read: Viharamahadevi Park: A Handy Guide To Explore This Nature’s Paradise In Sri Lanka!

2. Southern Route

This train journey travels all the way from Colombo to Galle in order to take the passengers to the south of Sri Lanka . It is a great journey comprising of enchanting by the Tamil devotees and food vendors selling their special Sri Lankan street food which includes wade. There are many private trains offering convenient seats with delicious meals.

3. Nine Arch Bridge

This bridge is the glory of Sri Lanka Train journey as it is one of the oldest bridge which was built in 1900 with rocks and steel. The Demodara Nine Arch Bridge offers a perfect captivating view to the travelers apart from its marvelous construction. Travelers can enjoy this bridge while traveling along in the opposite direction or by going over the bridge in trains.

Sri Lanka Train Journeys: Ticket Classes

Sri Lanka Railways has furnishes its rail into different classes. A rise in the level of the class also increases the quality of service provided by the professional rail authority. The rain experience has been divided into the following subgroups.

1. First Class Ticket

The first class rail ourney from Nanu Oya to Ella is one of the impressive Sri Lanka Train Journeys experience. This class will furnish you with all the lavish facilities like world-class seats and windows with curtains, healthy well hygienic food in all flavors, dining cabinet with drinks and bars of all kinds and much more. Tourists from Europe, Australia and America usually consider first class ticket as an option for traveling and in order to enjoy the long route journey in Sri Lanka. This ticket costs for 1000 LKR and in order to avoid the risk of non reservation of your seats, make sure that you book your tickets one day in advance of your train travel.

Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide To Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Cave Temple

2. Second Class Ticket

The second class train cabinets are more overcrowded with middle class working parents, grandmothers with their lovely innocent grandchildren and common tourist forks from the neighboring cities of Sri Lanka. This class will offer you basic amenities like comfortable seats, doors and windows, working fans, clean toilets and a common canteen that provides you with general eatables and drinks. People traveling in this cabinet would prefer opening their doors and windows in order to enjoy the scenic beauty of highlands, waterfalls, beaches along with the mesmerizing glimpse of nature. Although the cost of this class is a bit cheaper still it varies from place to place. For example, you need to pay 340 LKR to travel from Weligama to Kandy.

Suggested Read: 7 Most Haunted Places In Sri Lanka To Make You Face Your Darkest Fears

3. Third Class Ticket

This class is famous for its cost rate. The only difference lies is with the level of facilities provided as there are common seats and windows with no fans facility. This class is more convenient in case you are traveling shorter distances like from Colombo Fort to Hikkaduwa will charge you a nominal fee of 160 LKR, from Hikkaduwa to Galle will charge you only 35 LKR and from Kandy to Hatton will cost you 160 LKR. This cabinet is more suitable for those who had missed their train or who didnt seat in the second class. This class will also provide you with the most amazing scenic views from your window where you can enjoy your train journey by watching the beauty of nature and the wildlife without getting bored. Each journey describes a different experience and each view explains a unique set of stories made of the Sri Lankan forks.

Further Read: The Definitive Guide To National Museum Of Colombo In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Train Journeys are much more comfortable and affordable means of traveling. If you are booking your tickets online, please make you are that you choose the most secure and best site for booking in order to avoid fraudulent websites or payment loss. Also, take care of your belongings while you are traveling. Ask about the station twice before the train goes off the platform. This will not only enlighten you about the new cities of Sri Lanka but will also save you from getting lost. So, plan your trip to Sri Lanka for a serene vacation experience in this gorgeous land!

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The Very Best of Sri Lanka

17 day escorted tour from only £3,595 £3,445 per person.

SPECIAL OFFER:

Book your place on this tour departing from September 2024 by 1st July 2024 and save £150 per person . Request a brochure

The Very Best of Sri Lanka Tour

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Sri Lanka is an irresistible destination. Lapped by the Indian Ocean, this tranquil island encompasses idyllic beaches, ancient ruins, verdant tea plantations and oodles of elephants.

Our Sri Lankan adventure begins in Colombo, the nation’s lively capital and ends in the historic former Dutch town of Galle. In between, we explore the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka’s interior, packed full of ancient ruins and sacred sites – the cave frescoes of Dambulla, the ancient site of Sigiriya, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth. We travel into the hills and tea plantations, see elephants in Minneriya National Park and search for leopards in Yala, Sri Lanka’s most famous National Park.

Our Very Best of Sri Lanka tours will have a maximum of 24 people per group. Small group touring gives our guests the opportunity to explore a little closer, enjoying a much more personalised experience and more of a chance to get to know your tour guide and fellow guests. With fewer travellers in our groups, you’ll spend more time seeing the sights. You will form friendships and bond through shared experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.

As an alternative to Small Group Touring on our Very Best of Sri Lanka tour, we offer the option of Private Touring . Whether you prefer to travel with family, as a group of friends, or you are a couple celebrating a special occasion, Distant Journeys’ private touring holidays provide flexibility and affordable exclusivity for groups of any size. Private Tours enjoy the same carefully planned itinerary and personally-chosen hotels, but with the added benefit of travelling in your own private vehicle with your own friendly and knowledgeable driver/guide and your own choice of departure date.

Save £150 per person on all Sri Lanka tours departing from September 2024 when you book by 1st July 2024.

Freedom Days

We depart from the UK for Colombo with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow. Manchester flights may also be available. Please call for details.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Colombo, 2 nights

On arrival we transfer to the iconic Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, for our first two nights in Sri Lanka. This afternoon will be ours to spend at our leisure. Later, enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Manager and fellow travellers, where we become better acquainted with our forthcoming adventures ahead.

In-flight meals and drinks and dinner included

Following breakfast, we take a sightseeing tour of Colombo, with its fascinating mix of cultures, religions and colonial influences. Visits this morning include the stately New and Old Parliament and Independence Square. We also visit the Pettah, a neighbourhood famed for open-air bazaars and markets, and the captivating architecture of Gangaramaya Temple. The remainder of our day is free to do as we please.

Breakfast and dinner

Habarana, 3 nights

We travel inland to Habarana where, on arrival, we visit an inspiring school project, which was established using charitable donations, and engage with the local school children. Afterwards, we travel to the Cinnamon Lodge Hotel , our home for the next three nights. Our fabulous hotel is surrounded by over 2000 trees that provide a home to serpent eagles, kingfishers and monkeys.

Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

This morning, we explore the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the grand Royal Palace complex, including the majestic Kings Palace and Audience Hall. Also witness the spectacular Gal Vihare complex featuring four gigantic images of Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a dramatic highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. This afternoon, experience a game drive in either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks, both set in captivating Sri Lankan countryside, where wild Asian elephants roam in abundance.

Tour Highlight

We take an early breakfast before visiting the famous site of Sigiriya to discover its fascinating history. Surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, the most celebrated site is Sigiriya Rock with its flat-topped summit, some 200 metres above sea level, that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation. The more adventurous and energetic amongst us will have the opportunity to climb to the summit, passing remarkable frescos and the famous ‘Lion’s Paws’ along the way. On our free afternoon, we have the option to visit the ancient, Buddhist Mihntale Temple and the Isurumuniya Temple , visit a local village and community, or simply relax in the surroundings of our hotel.

Kandy, 3 nights

This morning, we embark on our journey to the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy. En route we visit the Cave Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amazing complex of magnificent caves dates back to the 1st century BC. Later, we stop at the Sri Lankan Garden in the rural village of Matale, a working spice and fruit farm, to learn about the local trees and crops in the company of our host. Enjoy a traditionally-prepared rice and curry lunch, and continue to Kandy and the charming Cinnamon Citadel Hotel for our next three nights.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

We begin our day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth, commonly known as “Sri Dalada Maligawa”. A significant shrine for Buddhists worldwide, the temple holds the blessed tooth relic of the Lord Buddha himself. We arrive in time for the morning ceremony and have time to explore the temple grounds. Later, we journey to the elegant Royal Botanical Gardens. With origins dating back to 1371, and once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty, these stunning gardens boast some 150 acres of graceful trees, lawns and flowering shrubs. This evening, a cultural show awaits – a fascinating performance of traditional Sri Lankan dances.

Kandy Freedom Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, or perhaps hop on a tuk tuk and navigate the rural setting of Gampola to explore three lesser-known temples with a knowledgeable guide. Alternatively, trek through a nearby rainforest , rich in many species of birdlife, including Layard’s Parakeet, Gold-Fronted, Blue-Winged leafbirds, and Spotted and Emerald Doves. You may prefer to visit Bhikkhuni Monastery , where you may learn the history of Buddhist nuns and meet a bhikkuni who will describe the ordained life.

Nuwara Eliya, 2 nights

Today, we journey towards the cooler climates of Sri Lanka’s hill country on one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. We join a local train and travel through an idyllic panorama of forests, villages, tea estates and waterfalls. Please note, whilst we endeavour to arrange seats on the train as soon as tickets become available to book, this included rail journey is always subject to availability. We arrive into Nuwara Eliya, which retains a colonial ambiance with its gentlemen’s clubs and mock-Tudor buildings. Enjoy a brief city tour, before arriving at the Jetwing St Andrew’s Hotel, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is recognised as one of the finest tea producers in the world, and today we learn about the region’s tea plantations. During our tour, we explore a vibrant tea plantation and discover the leaf-picking process. We visit the plantation’s factory and learn about rolling and drying the tea, as well as the art of tea tasting. Later, we conclude our day dedicated to Sri Lanka’s tea production in the best possible way, with a fabulous high tea.

Breakfast, high tea and dinner

Yala, 2 nights

After breakfast, we leave the hill country behind. As we descend, we travel through local villages dotted on the mountainside. Marvel at the vistas of tea plantations, forests and waterfalls in an area blessed with some of the most beautiful views in Sri Lanka. This afternoon, we visit the Elephant Transit Home, a wonderful facility which rehabilitates orphaned baby elephants with a view to releasing them back into the wild. Later, we arrive at the stunning Jetwing Yala Hotel, our home for the next two nights.

Safari camp experience 2 nights from £515 per person supplement For those wanting to get closer to nature, there is the opportunity to spend two nights in one of Sri Lanka’s amazing safari camps . Set in remarkable locations, you’ll enjoy two safari drives into lesser known areas of Yala and all meals, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Please call for details.

We have an early start this morning as we venture into the scenic Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is home to an eclectic array of wildlife including elephants, bears, crocodiles and wild boars. Whilst elusive, the park also boasts the world’s highest concentration of leopards per square kilometre and provides the best opportunity to spot this majestic animal. Our afternoon has been left at leisure to enjoy our hotel, or should we wish, maybe further explore Yala National Park, during an optional afternoon safari .

Galle, 2 nights

Following breakfast, we say goodbye to Yala and travel towards Galle, a striking and historic city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The main maritime port for the country for more than 200 years, Galle is famous for its Dutch fort with its colonial buildings, stylish cafés and quirky boutique shops. We take a brief sightseeing tour before arriving at the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel , sat impressively atop a hillock, overlooking the sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean. This unique hotel was built by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and inspired by Dutch colonial design.

Galle Freedom Day

With so much on offer, today’s Freedom Day is the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating region in a way that suits you. For those happy with an early start, there is the option to take a whale watching cruise , in search of the magnificent blue whale. For the adventurous amongst us, we can take a tuk tuk safari – a fun-filled ‘off the beaten track’ adventure to explore lesser known areas of Galle. Alternatively, discover how to paint traditional Sri Lankan masks with help from a renowned artist or learn to cook like a local . For a more relaxing day, be sure to take advantage of the many facilities our hotel has to offer, including spa treatments and two outdoor swimming pools.

Depart Colombo

All good things must come to an end. Nevertheless, we have our final day at leisure including complimentary late check-out, allowing us to further explore the area of Galle, or enjoy one last relaxing day by the poolside to recharge our batteries and freshen up before our evening flight.

Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks

Stay a little longer?

Why not complete your holiday with a relaxing Sri Lankan beach extension?

All flights travel via Doha. This morning, we arrive into the United Kingdom, as our Sri Lankan adventure comes to an end.

Departure dates & prices

At Distant Journeys we believe our Small Group touring holidays to Sri Lanka deliver exceptional value for money. Or, take advantage of our Private Touring option and enjoy the exclusivity and flexibility of travelling as an even smaller group or even as a couple. Private Touring supplements can be found here

SAVE £150 per person on all Sri Lanka tours departing from September 2024 when you book by 1st July 2024.

Prices Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Single occupancy supplement £945

Deposit £500 per person if travelling Economy Class and £1,500 per person for Business Class.

Flight upgrades Qatar Airways upgrade to Business Class from £2,895 per person return.

Visa information An ETA Tourist Visa is required for travel to Sri Lanka. For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQ’s page.

Important information Our holiday prices are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases. For full terms and conditions see our terms and conditions page.

Private Touring Supplements

Should you prefer to take the Very Best of Sri Lanka tour as a private tour, please add the relevant supplement below to the main tour price. Guests choosing a private tour may select their own departure date.

Prices Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please note, alternative airlines may be considered or further supplements may apply in certain periods when international flight prices are higher.

So much included

Our tours to Sri Lanka have been carefully crafted to offer exceptional value for money. When you book the Very Best of Sri Lanka tour, you can be assured that so much of what you will do and see on holiday is already included in the price. That’s all your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, hand-picked hotels, an experienced local tour manager, and many wonderful excursions, all taken care of. We also include breakfast and dinner every day, plus a lunch and a high tea, so you can enjoy all the gorgeous food Sri Lanka has to offer.

Small group touring

• Maximum only 24 passengers

Flights with leading scheduled airlines

• Return economy class flights with Qatar Airways from London Heathrow. Flights from Manchester Airport may be possible
• All airport charges, security charges, any applicable fuel surcharges
• UK Air Passenger Duty

Carefully selected hotels

• Superior hotels in great locations
• All hotel porterage
• Applicable hotel taxes

Many meals worth £494 per person

• Daily breakfasts
• One high tea
• Dinner each evening

Unforgettable experiences

• Sightseeing tours in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Galle
• Visit a remarkable charity-funded school
• UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa
• Safari in Minneriya National Park
• Explore the ancient site of Sigiriya
• View the caves and frescos of Dambulla
• Witness the ‘Temple of the Tooth’ ceremony, Kandy
• Tour the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy
• Visit a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya
• Search for leopards on safari in Yala National Park
• Explore the old Dutch Fort of Galle

On the ground

• Services of an experienced Tour Manager and local guides
• All overseas transfers
• Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

100% confidence

• Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
• Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

Hand-picked hotels

Our Directors’ many years travel industry experience means they understand exactly what elements of a hotel work best on a touring holiday, with an emphasis on location, quality and character. Every hotel used on our Very Best of Sri Lanka tour has been personally inspected and chosen by our team, and you can read more about them below.

• The Kingsbury Colombo, Colombo

Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

• Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy
• Jetwing St Andrew’s Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Jetwing Yala Hotel, Yala

Safari camp experience, yala, jetwing lighthouse hotel, galle.

The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo

Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, Kandy

Jetwing St Andrew's Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Make the most of your free time in Sri Lanka by taking one of our selection of optional excursions, carefully chosen to appeal to our guests’ diverse tastes. And you don’t have to decide everything that you’d like to do before you leave the UK – most of these excursions can be booked once you are in Sri Lanka, through your helpful tour guide, giving you the freedom to decide as you go.

Habarana: Hiriwaduna Trek

For a taste of authentic Sri Lankan rural life, join this afternoon’s visit to the village of Hiriwaduna. Home to around 2,000 people, the village is unspoilt and scenic. Stroll...

Habarana: Mihintale & Isurumuniya Temple

Mihintale is a site of great importance for Sri Lanka, as the city is regarded as the place from which Buddhism developed in Sri Lanka. This optional excursion will introduce...

Kandy: Udawattakele Trek

Udawattakele was originally a pleasure garden used by the royals of Kandy, but today it is an abundant, lush rainforest and a birder’s paradise. Our trek, led by an experienced...

Kandy: Bhikkhuni Monastery

A bhikkuni is a female Buddhist monk, and this tour takes us to a monastery on the outskirts of Kandy where our host will teach us about the history of...

Kandy: Rail Journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail holidays. Instead of journeying from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by road, travel in the style of the British...

Kandy: Three Temples of Kandy

For something a little different today, hop on a tuk tuk to be taken to the rural setting of Gampola to explore three lesser-known temples with a knowledgeable guide. Start...

Yala: Additional Safari in Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s National Parks, but probably its best known. Stretching over 97,800 hectares in extent, the park is home to a multitude...

Galle: Cook Like a Local

Sri Lankan cuisine is famed for its delicate spicing and vivid flavour combinations, influenced by the nation’s different ethnicities and rich history. This optional activity gives us the opportunity to...

Galle: Mask Painting

Brightly painted, wooden masks are a familiar sight throughout Sri Lanka, and this excursion to an artist’s gallery in Galle Fort will teach us about the painting of these traditional...

Galle: Whale Watching

Following an early start, we will be taken to the harbour to meet our naturalist guide for the day and his crew before boarding our vessel and heading out to...

Galle: Tuk Tuk Safari

This is a fun-filled ‘off the beaten track’ adventure taking us to explore lesser-known areas of Galle. Distinctive and characterful, the tuk tuk is a brightly coloured, three-wheeled vehicle, and...

Stay a little longer

To make the most of your time in Sri Lanka, why not extend your stay after the Very Best of Sri Lanka tour, with our relaxing Sri Lankan Beach extension. The prefect end to an incredible tour.

Sri Lanka Beach Stay

3 nights from £495pp

Find out more >

Customer reviews  

These reviews are from Distant Journeys guests, and have been verified by the independent reviews company Feefo.

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Distant Journeys has won 18 awards over the last seven years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.

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