train trip to badulla

The best train journeys in Sri Lanka – and how to book them

Feb 23, 2022 • 9 min read

Sri Lanka may be relatively small, but it packs in some epic rail journeys © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images

There are train rides, and then there are Sri Lankan train rides. The teardrop island in the Indian Ocean may be small, but it packs in some of the world’s most thrilling rail journeys.

You could find yourself rattling past suburbs with a fellow commuter dozing on your shoulder, or perhaps weaving in and out of emerald-green tea gardens and thickets of tropical rainforest while tucking into a packed-to-go meal of curry and rice – and sometimes both in the same trip.

The steam trains that once transported tea and spices along these weaving rail lines have mostly vanished, but the colorful diesel locos that replaced them offer the same evocative effect as they transect the Sri Lankan landscape. If you’re a lover of travel by locomotive, consider booking passage on one of these four epic train journeys around Sri Lanka .

Colombo to Kandy

The best train ride in sri lanka.

Start – Colombo Fort; End – Kandy; Distance – approx. 80 miles/125km

The one rail journey that features on almost every Sri Lankan itinerary, the three-hour trip from Colombo to Kandy will whisk you away from the big-city sprawl to the genteel greenery of Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital. Some of the services on this line continue onto Badulla (see below), although it’s worth breaking the journey and exploring Kandy, home to the legendary Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic , enshrining what’s claimed to be a genuine tooth of Buddha.

On the way there, you’ll rattle past rolling hills, paddy fields, lush stands of tropical forest, palm trees waving like giant hands and miniature village train stations with tin roofs and station attendants standing at attention in immaculate uniforms. You’ll also feel the air cool as you leave the baking coastal plain for the more pleasant climate of the hills.

The Colombo-to-Kandy line was the first major route established by the newly formed Ceylon Government Railway in the 1860s, slicing through the forested hills inland from the capital to bring tea and coffee down to the coast to further the economic ambitions of the British Empire. Today, travelers ride in the opposite direction, on a journey that offers by far the most atmospheric and enjoyable way to reach the Hill Country from Colombo.

Kandy to Badulla

Best for spectacular views.

Start – Kandy; End – Badulla; Distance – approx. 100 miles/165km

The trip from Colombo to Kandy is just a warm-up for Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train ride: the British-era Main Line, built as a conduit for Sri Lanka’s most famous export: tea.

The journey from Kandy to Badulla takes seven to eight hours and carves through Sri Lanka’s tea country, passing swirling, curling plantations that appear hollowed into the hilly green landscape like the enormous fingerprints of a giant. Tidy fringes of lemongrass and canna bushes provide an ornamental trim around the edges, while tea pickers in rainbow saris create vivid flashes of color amongst the emerald sea. To make the most of the views, take your turn sitting in one of the open train doorways, with your feet dangling above the track.

The final stage from Ella to Badulla is perhaps the most dramatic section of the journey, with some spectacular feats of 19th-century engineering carrying the train across valleys and ravines and around problem outcrops.

Just north of Ella, the tracks curve over the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge before tackling the Demodara Loop, where the line circles a hilltop and passes back under itself. Many travelers end the journey at Ella and hike to viewpoints around the bridge for one of Sri Lanka’s most popular photo opportunities.

Colombo to Galle

Best coastal rail trip .

Start – Colombo Fort; End – Galle; Distance – approx. 75 miles/120km

The Indian Ocean washes almost up to the rail tracks on the ride south from Colombo to the Portuguese-founded city of Galle , bringing fresh breezes and the smell of sea salt right into the carriages. So long as you sit on the right-hand side of the train, you’ll have views of the ocean as the train clatters out of Colombo.

The rail line meets the shore just south of Galle Face Green , a large urban park in the capital, and follows it for almost the entire length of the journey. If the lure of the big blue gets too much, passengers can hop off the train at beachside towns including Moragalla (via Hettimulla station), with snorkeling opportunities amid coral reefs, or Hikkaduwa , where surfers ride the swells and sip smoothies in shorefront cafes.

Whether you choose to temporarily alight or not, make sure you sample the wares of vendors who join the carriages at tiny rural stations. Grab some buttered sweetcorn or packaged curry and rice and take in the bucolic scenes of coastal life, from children and dogs splashing in the surf to stilt fishermen sitting atop their wooden perch, all the way to Galle.

Anuradhapura to Jaffna

Best northern rail trip .

Start – Anuradhapura; End – Jaffna; Distance – approx. 120 miles/195km

The rail line to the far north of Sri Lanka was severed by fighting between southern Buddhists and Hindu Tamils during Sri Lanka’s long civil war. When the last Yal Devi Express rolled into Jaffna on June 13, 1990, it was marooned by bombing. Empty carriages were repurposed into military bunkers, tracks were ripped up for scrap metal and stations fell into ruin. For 25 years, rail travel to Sri Lanka’s Hindu north was a distant memory.

And then, in 2014, the shrill whistle of locomotives returned as the Yal Devi Express rumbled back into Jaffna, on gleaming new tracks, for the first time in a generation. Today, the three-and-a-half-hour ride from the ancient Buddhist city at Anuradhapura to Jaffna offers a window onto a different Sri Lanka.

You’ll leave the gleaming white dagobas (stupas) behind at Anuradhapura, and in their place multi-hued kovils (temples) start to color the countryside as you steam into Sri Lanka’s Hindu north. You'll also leave behind Sri Lanka's major tourist crowds, as international visitors short on time tend to skip the splendors of the island's northern coast.

On the final approach to Jaffna, the landscape flattens out, and patches of water and salt pans appear as the train crosses Elephant Pass – the heavily militarized bottleneck guarding the entrance to the Jaffna peninsula. Tall palmyra palms rise over a landscape that still bears the scars of war but also green shoots of rejuvenation, as villages and townships pick themselves up after decades of conflict. Waiting near the line 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.

Tips for train travel in Sri Lanka

Trains chug out from Colombo to most key destinations, charging slightly more than buses but offering more atmosphere and better views. Sri Lanka Railways has route details as well as a journey planner .

What ticket should I buy?

As a general rule, third class is a free-for-all, where you buy a ticket at the station on the day and fight for space in a carriage as jammed as a sardine tin. 

Second class often has both unreserved and reserved options. The unreserved compartments resemble their third-class counterparts, bar some extra seat-padding. Reserved second-class seats, on the other hand, are rightly popular, as they give you windows that open for epic views and photographs, plus reasonably comfy seats and fans overhead to keep cool.

First class brings more comfort and air-conditioning, but sitting behind sealed, often grubby glass can make you feel a little isolated from the country you are passing through. Top of the line are the first class ‘observation saloon’ carriages with a giant window for sightseeing. Increasingly, these carriages are also air-conditioned, and again, the sealed windows can dampen the vibrancy of the shifting scenery.

How do I book trains in Sri Lanka?

It’s possible to make bookings 30 days in advance for reserved first- and second-class seats and berths, as well as for the observation saloon carriages. Demand often outstrips seat supply during high season (December to April) , so plan ahead if you can.

In March 2022, the Ministry of Transportation in Sri Lanka launched its own online ticketing system , allowing travelers to reserve train tickets online. Advance reservations are available 30 days from the date of travel and up to two hours before departure. Travelers can choose which class they want to travel in, but seats are allocated automatically.

Note that you will still need to pick up your physical tickets from a station that offers mTicketing services. A full list of the stations which provide the service can be found on the  Seatreservation.railway.gov.lk website , and all of the stations featured in this article are included.

Alternatively, you can reserve tickets at the station counters, or go through an agency to book online – 12Go and Visit Lanka Tours have good reputations. If you are using an agent to reserve tickets on the popular Hill Country routes, ideally book at least 32 days ahead to allow the agent to buy the tickets as soon as they go on sale.

For unreserved carriages, just rock up, buy a ticket and take your chances in the scrum. Nearly all tickets on the Colombo to Galle route fall into this category, and it can be worth arriving an hour or so before the train departure for your best chance of a seat.

On most trains, the best spot is on the floor in one of the open doorways between carriages, with the warm breeze blowing through your hair. 

What should I bring onboard?

Although sellers are known to sway down the aisles with snacks from time to time, don’t rely on these tasty but unpredictable provisions. Make space in your bag for plenty of food and water. It’s also wise to bring hand sanitizer and toilet roll in case you need to use the onboard restrooms. 

You might also like: Sri Lanka on a budget: 17 ways to make your money go further The top 18 things to do in Sri Lanka: Experience the best of this island nation 12 places that should feature on every Sri Lanka itinerary

This article was first published November 2019 and updated February 2022

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• Start Station Ambalangoda Avissawella Badulla Batticaloa Beliatta Colombo Fort Ella Galle Hatton Kandy Mahawa Maradana Matara Negombo Puttalama Trincomalee
• End Station Anuradhapura Avissawella Badulla Batticaloa Beliatta Chilaw Colombo Fort Ella Galle Hatton Kandy Maradana Matara Nanu Oya Negombo Puttalam Trincomalee

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule

Ella Odyssey Special trains runs between Colombo Fort railway station and Badulla railway station.

The Ella Odyssey train goes to Badulla from Colombo on every Thursday and Saturday and comes back to Colombo from Badulla on every Friday and Sunday. It stops at the most popular tourist attractions places between Kandy and Badulla.

Available Seats

Ella odyssey train ticket prices.

• First Class Air Condition – 5,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
• Second Class – 4,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
• Third Class 3,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)

1st Class Tickets

2nd class tickets, 3rd class tickets, ella odyssey train stops at below photo locations.

• Horsetail Waterfall view point – (2 minutes)
• Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) view point – (2 minutes)
• St Clair Waterfall view point – (2 minutes)
• Elgin Falls view point – (2 minutes)
• Summit Level – (2 minutes)
• No 18 Tunnel – (3 minutes)
• Kithal Ella Waterfall view point – (3 minutes)
• Nine Arches Bridge – (10 minutes)

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule, Colombo – Badulla

• Colombo Fort – 5.30 am
• Gampaha – 6.01 am
• Veyangoda – 6.12 am
• Polgahawela – 6.46 am 
• Rambukkana – 6.58 am 
• Peradeniya – 8.04 am
• Kandy – 8.25 am
• Peradeniya – 8.33 am
• Nawalapitiya – 9.23 am
• Hatton – 10.38 am
• Great Western – 11.44 am
• Nanu Oya – 12.07 pm
• Ohiya – 1.07 pm
• Idalgashinna – 1.35 pm
• Haputale – 1.53 pm
• Diyathalawa – 2.05 pm
• Bandarawela – 2.19 pm
• Ella – 2.50 pm
• Demodara – 3.25 pm
• Hali Ela – 3.48 pm
• Badulla – 4.01 pm

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule, Badulla – Colombo

• Badulla – 9.15 am
• Hali Ela – 9.29 am
• Demodara – 9.59 am
• Ella – 10.25 am
• Bandarawela – 10.51 am
• Diyathalawa – 11.05 am
• Haputhale – 11.16 am
• Idalgashinna – 11.34 am
• Ohiya – 11.52 am
• Nanu Oya – 12.50 pm
• Great Western – 1.11 pm
• Hatton – 2.16pm
• Nawalapitiya – 3.25 pm
• Kandy – 4.35 pm
• Peradeniya – 4.44 pm
• Rambukkana – 5.45 pm
• Polgahawela – 5.57 pm
• Veyangoda – 6.33 pm
• Gampaha – 6.44 pm
• Maradana – 7.16 pm
• Colombo Fort 7.20 PM

How to Book Tickets

• Railway Online Ticket Website – Visit now
• Dialog Railway Ticket – Dial 444
• mTicketing – Dial 365

Related Timetables

Colombo Fort to Matara Train Timetable

Colombo fort to negombo train timetable, 1 thought on “ella odyssey train schedule”.

We were on the Ella odyssey train on 5th April from Badulla to Colombo. Train was bit less crowd but still people were on board including forigners. After Nawalapitiya I noticed some of the cleaners and catering staff having big bash near catering area. They were playing songs very loud and also yelling loud. I don’t know whether this is common occurrence or one time but the atmosphere is so disappointing specially this train is known as key tourist attraction. So as a concern person please make sure to control as key sri lankan icon maintain its sri lankan value

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How to Ride Ella Odyssey Train Sri Lanka

What is ella odyssey train.

Ella Odyssey Special Train operated for Tourist to enjoy Most Beautiful Train ride in Sri Lanka from Colombo to Badulla VIA Kandy – Nanu Oya – Ella ended up in Badulla. This Ella Odyssey Train stops at scenic / important photo locations between Kandy and Badulla. Main purpose of this Ella Odyssey Train is to help Sri Lanka Tourism by providing a joyful / thrilled train journey for local and overseas travelers.

Kandy to Ella Train journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in the World travelling through lush green tea estates / waterfalls / many tunnels which gives you a beautiful / fantastic memory.

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule

Ella Odyssey new express train service has newly re-scheduled from Colombo fort – Badulla only on weekends from 13th August 2022 onwards. As from 14 August, this train operated only on weekends. How many days prior we need the Ella Odyssey Train?

• As from 19 November 2022, you need to reserve your seat 30 days prior to travel
• Special Note – This 30 day period might change without prior notice due to fuel issue or any other internal matters.
• Ella Odyssey Train Schedule as of 19 November 2022, only Thursday and Saturday operates Ella Odyssey Train from Colombo to Badulla

From Colombo to Badulla

• Every Thursday Colombo Fort to Badulla train (Train Number 1041) leaves at 5.30 AM from Colombo Fort railway station and reach Badulla 3.53 PM on same day.
• Every Saturday Colombo Fort to Badulla train (Train Number 1041) leaves at 5.30 AM from Colombo Fort railway station and reach Badulla 3.53 PM on same day.

From Badulla to Colombo

• Every Friday Badulla to Colombo Fort train (Train Number 1042) leaves at 9.50 AM from Badulla reach Colombo 7.20 PM on same day
• Every Sunday Badulla to Colombo Fort train (Train Number 1042) leaves at 9.50 AM from Badulla reach Colombo 7.20 PM on same day

Ella Odyssey Train Ticket Prices

• First Class Air Condition – 5,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
• Second Class – 4,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
• Third Class 3,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)

How to book Ella Odyssey Train?

There are 3 ways to book your ella odyssey train as below.

• Directly from following railway stations 14 days prior to travel date from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM Colombo Fort.
• Nwalapitiya
• Diyathalawa
• Mobitel M Ticketing Service 14 days prior to travel date (This is 24 Hrs service). You can book Ella Odyssey train from your mobile phone (Only Mobitel Lines in Sri Lanka) by dialing 365 hotline. Make sure you have sufficient credits in your Mobile phone account to pay the ticket price.
• Ella Odyssey Train Ticket online booking – This facility also available and you can book your odyssey train by accessing Sri Lanka Railway Department website through. https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
• For tourists – Book Ella Odyssey train through your travel agent in Sri Lanka. But if you are already start your holiday in Sri Lanka, you may use one of above 3 options.

Ella Odyssey Train will stop at below Photo locations

• Horsetail Waterfall view point – (2 minutes)
• Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) view point – (2 minutes)
• St Clair Waterfall view point – (2 minutes)
• Elgin Falls view point – (2 minutes)
• Summit Level – (2 minutes)
• No 18 Tunnel – (3 minutes)
• Kithal Ella Waterfall view point – (3 minutes)
• Nine Arches Bridge – (10 minutes)

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule Colombo – Badulla Every Saturday

Colombo Fort – 5.30 AM Gampaha 6.00 AM Veyangoda 6.11 AM Polgahawela 6.45 AM Rambukkana 6.56 AM Peradeniya 8.04 AM Kandy 8.13 AM Leaving from Kandy 8.25 AM Peradeniya 8.33 AM Nawalapitiya 9.18 AM Hatton 10.35 AM Great Western 11.40 AM Nanu Oya 12.02 PM Ohiya 1.02 PM Idalgashinna 1.25 PM Haputhale 1.52 PM Diyathalawa 2.04 PM Bandarawela 2.17 PM Ella 2.47 PM Demodara 3.15 PM Hali Ela 3.39 PM Badulla 3.53 PM

Ella Odyssey Train Schedule Badulla – Colombo Every Sunday

Badulla 9.50 AM Ella 10.33 AM Bandarawela 10.58 AM Diyathalawa 11.12 AM Haputhale 11.23 AM Nanu Oya 12.45 PM Thalawakela 1.30 PM Hatton 2.14 PM Nawalapitiya 3.21 PM Peradeniya 4.07 PM Kandy 4.22 PM Laveing from Kandy 4.35 PM Peradeniya 4.43 PM Rambukkana 5.44 PM Polgahawela 5.56 PM Veyangoda 6.32 PM Gampaha 6.43 PM Maradana 7.14 PM Colombo Fort 7.20 PM

Ella Odyssey Train FAQ for all Tourists

• Can I book Ella Odyssey train online? Yes this facility is available via https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
• How many days prior I need buy Ella Odyssey train ticket? You can reserve your ticket 14 days prior to travel date (Special Note – This 14 day might change soon once fuel crisis is over in Sri Lanka) Generally it is 30 days prior to travel)
• Can I book Ella Odyssey through a travel agent in Sri Lanka? Yes, that is the most recommended way to reserve your Ella Odyssey ticket by contacting your travel agency in Sri Lanka.
• Is there restaurant available on this Ella Odyssey train? Yes, restaurant car is available, and you may have some snacks / tea / coffee etc.
• Can I book a window seat in Ella Odyssey train? Yes, it’s possible book window seat subject to availability. Better you book your tickets 14 days exactly prior to travel will help you to get a window seat.

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in sri lanka.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, see sri lanka by train.

Sri Lanka is a fabulous place, safe, friendly and remarkably hassle-free.  Sri Lanka's railways are a great way to get around and a real cultural experience.  The most scenic routes will be highlights of your visit, in particular the wonderful journey from Colombo to Kandy and up into Tea Country and the coastal train from Colombo to Dutch colonial Galle.  British visitors will find the stations, signal boxes and old red semaphore signals very familiar!  This page is a beginner's guide to train travel in Sri Lanka.

Train times & fares for key routes

Sri Lanka railway information

Other useful information, useful country information, how to check train times & fares.

On this page you'll find timetables & fares for the most popular trains, stations & routes:

Colombo - Kandy - Hatton - Nuwara Eliya - Elle - Badulla

Colombo - Galle - Matara

Colombo - Galoya - Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Trincomalee

Colombo - Anuradhapura - Talaimannar/Vavuniya - Jaffna

You can check train times between any two stations at www.railway.gov.lk , the official Sri Lanka Railways website.  Click English , then click the pink Train schedule button and use the journey planner. 

You can also try www.lktrains.com & slr.malindaprasad.com , but don't be surprised if data differs slightly!  Or download an app, try Sri Lanka Trains for iPhone .

Most of these sites only handle direct trains, so don't expect them to tell you how to get from (say) Kandy to Galle except on the once a day direct train.  And they may only show trains as having 2nd & 3rd class even if they also have 1st - although relatively few trains offer 1st class.  And the two sites sometimes disagree, so always double-check times locally.

For a detailed zoomable map of the Sri Lanka train network on openstreetmap.com, click here .

Tickets for unreserved cars

Sri Lanka Railways 2nd & 3rd class unreserved cars cannot be booked in advance.  

Tickets are only sold on the day at the ticket office, sometimes from only an hour before departure.  Turn up, buy a ticket and hop on, it's easy.  Tickets cannot sell out.

Virtually all trains have unreserved cars.  The unreserved cars are often crowded, whether you get a seat depends on whether you're joining at the starting station or en route, and how busy that day or time is.  If all seats are taken you stand, ideally wedged in an open doorway with a breeze wafting in and great views.

At Colombo Fort station, specific ticket windows are designated for specific routes:

- Counter 1 for Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Talaimannar & Jaffna.

- Counters 2 or 8 for Kandy, Hatton, Nanuoya, Haputale, Elle, Badulla.

- Counter 3 for Batticaloa or Trincomalee.

- Counter 4 for any station, 1st & 2nd class tickets only.

- Counters 13 or 14 for Galle & Matara.

On the Colombo-Galle-Matara route, virtually all seats are unreserved so pre-booking is neither necessary nor possible.  The same goes for all Colombo Commuter trains including the Puttalam & Avissawella lines.

Tip:   Many trains to Galle & Matara start at Colombo Maradana station before calling at the main Colombo Fort station.  Rather than board at Colombo Fort when most of the seats will already be taken, if you board at Colombo Maradana you stand a good chance of getting a good seat on the coastal (right hand) side of the train.

Tickets for reserved cars

What is a reserved car?

Many important longer-distance trains have a designated 2nd class reserved car and sometimes a 3rd class reserved car, in addition to the many unreserved cars.  Some trains have a 1st class car and 1st class seats are always reserved . 

Seats in these reserved cars can be booked up to 30 days in advance - increased from 10 to 45 days in 2013, then reduced to 30 in 2016.

If you buy a ticket for a reserved car you are guaranteed a seat, and a specific seat number will be printed on your ticket.  The reserved cars are jealously guarded by an attendant, indeed he may lock off some exterior & gangway doors to control access, and there are no standees allowed - so reserved cars aren't crowded.

Demand for reserved seats exceeds supply

Tickets for the reserved cars often sell out, so it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance before you get to Sri Lanka as explained in the next section .

Seats in 1st class observation cars & the air-con 1st class car on the blue trains from Colombo to Kandy & Badulla usually sell out almost as soon as booking opens as do 1st class sleeping berths on all the Night Mail trains.  2nd class reserved cars also sell out well in advance on the Hill Country trains from Colombo to Kandy & Badulla , so book ahead.

If you are told that a train is full...

...this only means that the reserved cars have sold out.  You can still buy an unreserved ticket at the station on the day for the 2nd & 3rd class unreserved cars, these cannot sell out.  So you can still travel on that train, just without a reserved seat.

Tip:   If 2nd class reserved is sold out, ask for a 3rd class reserved ticket (if available).  A reserved seat in 3rd is much better than standing in 2nd unreserved.

At Colombo Fort...

...you can buy tickets for 1st, 2nd or 3rd class reserved seat cars at the Berth/Intercity Reservations Office at Colombo Fort, marked counter 17, accessed from the front of the station towards the left hand end of the station facade.  Inside the office there are separate counters for specific routes.  According to the Sri Lanka Railways website it's open 05:00-14:00, closed for lunch 12:30-13:30, but I have found it open as late as 17:00.  Go figure, as the Americans say.

The Railway Tourist Information Office at the front of Colombo Fort sells expensive tours, but not train tickets, so don't bother with this.

In Kandy , you can make reservations at ticket office counters 1 & 2, marked as the Intercity counter .

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy online at 12go.asia .

You can order Sri Lanka train tickets from 12go.asia , a reliable agency specialising in bus & train ticket booking throughout Asia, already popular for train bookings Thailand & Vietnam. 

For some trains they offer e-tickets with instant confirmation, for others you'll get confirmation within 24h and hard copy tickets have to be delivered to your hotel or collected from their partner's office.  It will say which applies when you click on a train.

12go.asia have programmed their site with all the most popular station to station journeys including Colombo to or from the main tourist destinations of Kandy, Nanuoya & Ella, but not every possible station to station pair.  Also remember that only reserved seat tickets can be ordered, unreserved tickets must be bought at the station on the day.

Option 2, seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr .  This is a new ticket booking service from Sri Lankan Railways.  A test booking shows it accepts overseas credit cards, but further feedback would be welcome.  It allows online booking, vouchers must be exchanged for an actual ticket at the station.

Option 3, VisitSriLankaTours.   Another recommended agency is visitsrilankatours.co.uk/train-tickets-1.html .  I have had numerous positive reports from people who have used them, and I have used them myself.  Tickets can be collected at most major railway stations.

Option 4, Tourmastertravelservices.   Another agency with an easy-to-use website with a page for ordering train tickets is tourmastertravelservices.com .  I have had at least two very positive reports about Tourmaster so far, more feedback would be appreciated.

Remember these websites and agencies only make bookings for 'reserved' cars.   Even if you're told the train is 'fully booked', you can always buy a ticket on the day and travel 'unreserved', see the explanation above .

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Colombo Fort station

Opened in 1917, Colombo Fort is Colombo's main station, right in the heart of the historic Fort area, walking distance from all the sights.  All mainline & commuter trains go from here.  Colombo has a second main station one stop (2 km) to the east called Maradana , most but not all trains stop here, but Colombo Fort is the best-located station to use.  See a map of Colombo showing stations .

How to find your train

Sri Lankan Railways don't excel at customer information, they don't have platform departure indicators nor do the trains themselves carry any destination boards.  So always check which platform your train leaves from as you enter the station.

At Colombo Fort there's one main electronic departures & arrivals board, pictured below left, it's very easy to miss as it's directly above and behind your head when you walk onto platform 3 through the main ticket barrier next to ticket counters 7, 8 & 9.  This will tell you which platform to go to, but remember if you're going to Galle your train may be shown as going to its final destination, Matara, and if you're going to Hatton, Nanuoya, Haputale or Elle your train will probably be shown as going to Badulla.

At most other stations there's a more low-tech solution to tell you the platform to go to, like the board at Nanuoya station below right.

Luggage , food & other tips

What are sri lankan trains like, classic trains with 2nd & 3rd class seats.

The typical Sri Lankan mainline train has 2nd & 3rd class unreserved seats in elderly brown coaches like this.  Doors and windows usually remain wide open, the trains seldom exceed 50mph.

1st class observation car

A 1st class observation car is attached to the rear of train 1007/1008 on the amazingly scenic route from Colombo to Hatton, Nanuoya, Elle, Haputale & Badulla, and to several other trains on that route, see the timetable here .  It has comfortable (if old) reserved seats facing large rear windows looking back along the track.  It's very popular & usually gets fully-booked, so book ahead.  Some of these observation cars are not air-conditioned so the side windows open, ideal for viewing & photography.  However, some cars now have air-conditioning, yours may or may not have.  Don't expect any catering, so bring your own food & drink.  Luggage goes on overhead racks above your seat, or on the floor.

The Man in Seat 61 says "If you can get tickets for it, the 1st class observation car is the best way to experience and photograph the journey from Colombo up into Tea Country.  The excellent view back along the track gives an unrivalled picture of how this wonderful railway is constructed, often hugging the hillside with overhanging rocks..."

The Chinese-built blue trains

Introduced in 2012, these modern Chinese-built class S12 trains operate the daily Podi Menike and Udatara Menike trains between Colombo, Kandy, Tea Country and Badulla, see the timetable here .  There's a power car and driving cab at each end of the train, between which there's one 1st class air-conditioned reserved seats car, one 2nd class reserved car, two 2nd class unreserved cars, three 3rd class unreserved cars (one with a small buffet counter) and one 3rd class reserved car.  2nd & 3rd class cars are not air-conditioned and come with large opening windows.  Luggage up to back-pack sized fits on the overhead racks, or in the 2nd class cars there's also a floor to ceiling luggage rack for larger items.

The Man in Seat 61 says:  "These blue trains are way ahead of other Sri Lankan trains in comfort - although if you can get a seat in it, a 1st class observation car on a classic train would still be my first choice for a journey into the hills. But a seat in the 2nd class reserved car on a blue train would be my next choice."

Tip 1:   The air-conditioned first class car (AFC) is almost up to western standards, with fabric reclining seats, seat-back tables & ceiling-hung video screens, fortunately with no sound.  So if you absolutely insist on air-conditioned western-style comfort, this is the way to go.  But before you make a knee-jerk decision to go first class, think it through.  In the AFC car you are sealed in behind small and slightly grubby windows and you won't experience the journey fully.  You can't take decent scenery photos unless you nip to one of the inward-opening entrance doors.  You will experience the scenery far better in 2nd class reserved seats with their large open windows.

Tip 2:   The second class reserved car (SCR) is great option, with comfy seats, armrests & drop-down seatback tables, and a breeze wafting in through open windows.  If you find the SCR car fully-booked, a seat in the 3rd class reserved car (TCR) is a good alternative, so don't knock it - you are better off with a guaranteed seat in the uncrowded 3rd class reserved car with no standees allowed than without a seat in a full-and-standing 2nd class unreserved car.

Tip 3:   Avoid waiting at the wrong end of the platform, especially at an intermediate station such as Nanuoya or Elle!  The AFC & SCR cars on these trains are usually at the Colombo (West) end of the train between Colombo and Kandy, and at the Badulla (East) end of the train between Kandy & Badulla - these trains have a driving cab at both ends and change direction at Kandy, which is a terminus.  So at Colombo Fort when you walk off the forecourt onto the platform, look to your right and the AFC & SCR cars will be towards that end of the platform.  When you board at Kandy, the AFC & SCR cars will usually be furthest from the buffer stops.

Tip 4:  You usually board the AFC or SCR cars through the AFC doorway next to the SCR - the attendant may have locked other exterior doors to control access to the reserved cars.  Similarly, the internal gangway door between the AFC/SCR cars and the rest of the train will probably be locked, so don't expect to visit the buffet.  Bring your own food & drink, although the tea wallah has been known to make it into the 2nd reserved car - that hot sweet tea is lovely, do try it!

S11 diesel trains

Introduced in 2011, these trains operate key departures on the Colombo-Galle-Matara route - other departures are classic trains .  They have 2nd & 3rd class unreserved seats, with a power car at one end and a driving cab at both ends.  Like most Sri Lankan trains, the doors normally remain wide open while the train is moving.  The 2nd class seats are comfortable and have drop down tables and armrests.

Newer 2nd & 3rd class trains

Sri Lankan Railways has some newer Chinese-built cars like this, which you'll usually find on the northern routes, for example certain trains from Colombo to Jaffna, Talaimannar & Batticaloa.  A big improvement on the classic trains .

Night Mail 1st class berths

A 1st class sleeping-car is attached to a handful of Night Mail trains.  The cars have lockable 2-berth compartments with separate toilet & washbasin.  The cars are old, fairly basic and a tad grubby, so manage expectations accordingly, but they are comfortable enough with clean bedding provided.  There's only one sleeping-car per train, they are very popular and usually get fully-booked soon after bookings open.  So book ahead, and have a plan B if you can't get a sleeper.  Pictured below is the distinctly-Indian design of sleeper on the Night Mail from Colombo to Badulla.

Night Mail 2nd & 3rd class sleeperetts

Sleeperetts are reserved seats which recline to about 30-40 degrees.  Night Mail trains typically have one 2nd class reserved sleeperett car, one 3rd class reserved sleeperett car, and several unreserved 2nd & 3rd class regular seats cars.

Colombo - Kandy - Badulla

The train ride from Colombo to Kandy and up into the tea plantations of Sri Lanka's hill country is truly wonderful, not just transportation but a classic journey that's easily the best train ride in Sri Lanka.  I recommend a reserved seat in the 1st class observation car if you can get one, failing that a seat in the 2nd or 3rd class reserved cars on one of the excellent new Chinese-built blue trains.  See the journey from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya in pictures & watch the video!

Sri Lanka Railways regularly tweaks its timetable, so check current times as shown here

* Train 1005/1006 is the PODI MENIKE, modern Chinese-built blue train , recommended.

** Train 1015/1016 is the UDARATA MENIKE, modern Chinese-built blue train , recommended.

** Train 1041/1042 is the ELLA ODYSSEY, modern Chinese-built blue train of latest type, recommended.

O = 1st class observation car with reserved seats , may or may not be air-conditioned, recommended.

1 = 1st class air-conditioned car with reserved seats .

2 = 2nd class seats.

3 = 3rd class seats.

Sleeper = NIGHT MAIL with 1st class sleepers (2-berth compartments), 2nd & 3rd class reserved sleeperetts (reclining seats), 2nd & 3rd unreserved seats .

Always check train times for your date of travel as shown here , and check all times locally.

How to buy tickets, reserved & unreserved explained       Luggage & other tips      Suggested hotels in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Peradeniya Junction is 6 km (3½ miles) from Kandy.  Take a tuk-tuk or bus here to board trains for Hatton, Nanuoya, Elle & Badulla if they don't call at Kandy.

Several trains a day link Kandy & Matale , check times as shown here .  Kandy is essentially a terminus, but platform 1 is a through platform used by Matale trains.

£1 = approx 400 rupees, $1 = 320 rupees.  The prices shown are for the best Chinese blue trains, slower trains may be cheaper.

Children under 12 pay half fare with Sri Lanka Railways, children under 3 travel free.  Sleeperetts on the Night Mail train costs the same as a reserved seat.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya (the City of lights) is a colonial hill station 2,000 metres above sea level, surrounded by tea plantations  It's easy to reach, just take a train to Nanuoya station, 6 km from central Nuwara Eliya.  You'll find plenty of taxis and tuk tuks available at the station.

What's the journey like?  See it in pictures & watch the video!

Kandy station, visiting kandy, traveller's reports.

Traveller Antony Smith reports   "All the windows in the 1st observation car opened fully so, though it was a baking hot day, the carriage was wonderfully breezy and naturally cooled. And yes there are only two pairs of seats with uninterrupted views through the rear observation window, but to be honest the best views are to the sides anyway rather than back down the track.  And there's a great child-like pleasure to be had from sticking your head out of an open side window, which you can't do in the seats directly in front of the rear observation window. I do agree about not wanting to be locked into a 'tour bus' environment with only other tourists for company, but passengers in the 1st observation car on the day we travelled were a real mix of Westerners and Sri Lankans."

Traveller Graeme Thorley reports "I thought the observation car to Kandy was okay although it requires you to travel backwards (in my case at least) which is not to everyone's taste. It also got incredibly hot (36°C at one point) due to the large window and there were only a limited number of seats that had a really good view. Rather irritatingly on my outbound trip two of these were occupied by people who slept for most of the trip..! The other point is that the carriage was occupied almost entirely by Westerners - this might be considered a good thing but personally I felt it left me more remote from the travelling experience.  On the train to Anuradhapura several locals stopped to chat, practise their English, exchange complaints about the delays etc. I also bumped into one of the families I had met on the train whilst sightseeing (they recognised me) and we had another chat. I find that sort of thing an important part of travelling."

Traveller Paul White reports "Don’t panic if you can’t get a ticket for the 1st class air conditioned trains to Kandy.  2nd class is more than adequate, but do try & get a window seat. The best side to sit on for scenery is the right hand side as you face forward from Colombo to Kandy, as this will give you the best views once you get past Rambukkana.  Do be brave and try the food on the trains! Many vendors will wander up and down selling cold drinks, fruit, spicy snacks and so on at reasonable prices."

Galle - pronounced Gawl in English or Gaar-ler by the locals, is a real gem and the fort area with its Dutch colonial buildings should not be missed.  Plan to stay there if you can - see some suggested hotels here - but if you can't then at least do a day trip to Galle from Colombo.  The best way to get to Galle is by train, using the coastal railway which runs all along the coast from Colombo, past the Indian Ocean surf, palms and beaches.  A treat!

Sri Lanka Railways regularly tweaks its timetables, so check current times as shown here .

Unless shown otherwise, trains run every day.  Suggested hotels in Colombo & Galle

* = Train 8056/8057 is a Chinese-built Blue Train of the latest sort delivered 2019.

2 = unreserved 2nd class seats.

3 = unreserved 3rd class seats.

Most trains on this route are classic trains , but several afternoon departures from Colombo & several morning departures from Matara & Galle are S11 diesel units .

Many additional Colombo Commuter trains link Colombo with Mount Lavinia & Kalutara South, these aren't shown here.

Always check train times for your date of travel as shown here , and double-check train times locally.

£1 = approx 400 rupees, $1 = 320 rupees.

Children under 12 pay half fare with Sri Lanka Railways, children under 3 travel free.

One train per day on the Colombo-Galle-Matara route has an all-reserved 1st class car which needs to be booked in advance , but all other trains just have 2nd & 3rd class unreserved seats with tickets sold on the day of travel, no reserved seats, no 1st class.  Turn up, buy a ticket at the station and hop on.  Tickets cannot sell out!

Tip:   Rather than board at Colombo Fort when most of the seats may already be taken, if you board at Colombo Maradana you stand a good chance of getting a seat, even a good seat on the coastal (right hand) side of the train.

A train ride from Colombo to Galle

Galle station, visiting the old fort area in galle, colombo - trincomalee / batticaloa.

The train to the east coast

( 06:05 ) = Depart Colombo 06:05, arrive Galoya 11:36, change trains, depart Galoya 12:00 for Trincomalee.

( 15:15 ) = Arrive Colombo at 15:15, having changed at Galoya Junction from local train into the express.

Train 6011 uses the newer type of 2nd & 3rd class seats.

Sleeper = NIGHT MAIL with 1st class sleepers (2-berth compartments), 2nd & 3rd class reserved sleeperetts (reclining seats), 2nd & 3rd unreserved seats, buffet car.

Always check train times for your date of travel as shown here & double-check all train times locally.

£1 = approx 400 rupees, $1 = 320 rupees.  2nd & 3rd class sleeperetts costs the same as reserved seats.

Colombo - Talaimannar / Jaffna

Trains link Colombo with Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Talaimannar & Jaffna.  In 1990 trains stopped operating to Jaffna or Talaimannar Pier (once the ferry terminal for India) because of longstanding security problems, but in 2013 trains were reinstated as far as Kilinochchi, from 2014 as far as Pallai and finally the line to Jaffna reopened in mid-October 2014.  The trains to Jaffna were then extended as far as Kankesanthurai.  Trains were restored to Talaimannar town & Talaimannar Pier in April 2015, although there's no ferry to or from India.  In 2023 the line was without trains again, but services were reinstated in mid-2023, as below.

Train 4017/4018 = InterCity.

Train 4077/4078 = Long distance, Yal Devi.

Train 4089/4090 = NIGHT MAIL, 1st class air-con seats car, 2nd & 3rd class reserved sleeperetts , 2nd & 3rd unreserved seats , buffet.  No 1st class berths!

O = 1st class observation car with reserved seats of the newer type .

1 = 1st class car with reserved seats, usually the newer type .

2 = 2nd class seats, reserved & unreserved, usually the newer type .

3 = 3rd class seats, unreserved, usually the newer type .

Always check train times for your date of travel as shown here .    How to buy tickets      Hotels in Sri Lanka

Colombo Commuter

Commuter lines:

Colombo Fort - Negombo - Chillaw - Puttalam ( Puttalam Line )

Colombo Fort - Mount Laviniya - Kalutara North - Kalutara South ( Coast Line )

Colombo Fort - Gampaha - Rambukkana ( Main line )

Colombo Commuter trains link Colombo with various stations in the Colombo area, including Mount Laviniya (for the famous Mount Laviniya Hotel ), Negombo, Puttalam, Kalutara North & Kalutara South where there are many popular resort hotels.  Although basic, these commuter trains are ideal for reaching your hotel cheaply, or making day trips into Colombo during your stay.  As you'd expect, they get crowded at peak travel-to-work times but they are perfectly bearable outside the peaks.

To look up train times, use either slr.malindaprasad.com or www.railway.gov.lk (click English then Train schedule )

Colombo Commuter trains are 3rd class only.  Fares are incredibly cheap:  Colombo to Kalutara South or Negombo costs 40 rupees, about 20p.  Buy a ticket at the ticket office & hop on.

Note that Colombo-Galle mainline trains also call at Mount Laviniya & Kalutara South (but not Kalutara North).  Colombo-Kandy mainline trains also call at Rambukkana.

Recommended hotels

In colombo, top-end :  galle face hotel.

The famous & luxurious 4-star Galle Face Hotel in Colombo is fantastic, a firm favourite of mine, but price-wise it's a real steal by western standards.  Fully modernised, but still brimming with old colonial charm, it's just south of Colombo city centre, a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Fort station or you can walk into town in 20 minutes along the Galle Face Green promenade.  Many famous guests have stayed here, from Alec Guinness and Duke Ellington to Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher.  You'll photos of celebrity guests in the hotel museum on the 2nd floor, along with HRH Price Philip's first car, bought in Ceylon in 1940 for £12.  The hotel features an excellent outdoor swimming pool with lido alongside the Indian Ocean, a spa, and very affordable breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets served on the veranda under whirring ceiling fans.  Rooms have free WiFi, tea & coffee facilities, valuables safe, air-con.  The best place to stay in Colombo, close enough to visit the city centre yet you feel like you're staying in a resort.  Check prices & book .  Also worth mentioning as it's another famous classic luxury hotel, this time a short commuter train ride south of Colombo, is the Mount Laviniya Hotel .

In Colombo:  Grand Oriental Hotel

If you're on a budget but still want a classic historic place to stay, Colombo's other famous old colonial hotel is the Grand Oriental Hotel , known locally as the G.O.H.  In former times, when you stepped off the steamer from Blighty and walked out of the Port Authority Building, the P&O Building would be across the road on one side of York Street, the venerable G.O.H. on the other.  The G.O.H. hasn't had the upmarket western-style makeover like the Galle Face, so it's less than half the price - faded grandeur on a budget.  But it's very comfortable and perfectly located amongst the old colonial buildings of the Fort area, 15 minutes walk from Colombo Fort Station.  Cheap breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served in the restaurant on the 4th floor with great views over Colombo harbour.  There's a valuables safe in your room, air-con, room service, tea & coffee facilities and free WiFi.  The deluxe rooms even feature a four-poster bed.  Check prices & book .

In Kandy :  Queen's Hotel

Sticking with the faded colonial grandeur theme, the inexpensive Queen's Hotel in Kandy also has a long and venerable history.  Built as a residence for the Governor of Ceylon and a barracks for the Ceylon Rifle Regiment, famous guests include Lord Mountbatten of Burma who stayed regularly when Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia.  The hotel is perfectly located across the road from both Kandy Lake and Kandy's top attraction, the Temple of the Tooth, and just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from Kandy station.  Like the G.O.H. it hasn't had the upmarket western-style makeover, so it's relatively inexpensive, just don't expect the red carpet up the stairs to be spotless.  It's a favourite with independent travellers and best of all has an open-air swimming pool and lido adjacent to the wood-panelled bar in the centre of the buildings, an oasis in the heart of the city.  Rooms have high ceilings, tile or teak floors, ceiling fans, air-con, tea & coffee facilities, safes, and free WiFi.  Check prices & book .

In Nuwara Eliya:  The Grand Hotel

Still amongst the best hotels in the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, the venerable Grand Hotel is both classy and historic, you can read about its history at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Hotel_(Nuwara_Eliya) .  Even if you don't stay here, at least have a drink in the bar.  Check prices & book .

There are a whole host of boutique hotels and guesthouses in the old historic Galle Fort area, which is where you'll want to stay. Top of the heap is the absolutely wonderful but silly-money (even by western standards, at £500+) Amangalla Hotel , perfectly located a few yards from the Dutch Reformed Church.  Formerly the New Oriental Hotel, it has a long 140+ year history.  At least have a cup of tea on the veranda!  Also excellent, upmarket and not cheap, but half the price of the Amangalla is the nearby Galle Fort Hotel .  For something much more affordable, potentially under £100, but still deluxe, boutique and perfectly located in the historic fort area, try Fortaleza or the Fort Printers .  On a tight budget, try the Antic Guesthouse , at under £50.

Allow for taxes when booking Sri Lankan hotels..

When booking Sri Lankan hotels, note that Sri Lankan national & city taxes often aren't included in the price you see, unlike prices shown for hotels in Europe.  This can add 25%-30% to the price you see.

India to Sri Lanka by ferry

Ferry service re-launched october 2023.

After many years of being cut off from each other (with at least one short-lived attempt to start a ferry service in 2011), a new ferry service started in late 2023, linking Nagapattinam (mainland India) with Kankesanthurai (on Sri Lanka, near Jaffna).

The fast ferry Cheriyapani sails from Nagapattinam (India)  at 07:00 arriving Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 11:00.

She sails from Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 13:30 arriving Kankesanthurai (India) at 17:00.

Crossing time 3 hours for the 60 nautical miles.  Service will be suspended during the monsoon season in November-December.

Fare around 8,000 Indian rupees, luggage allowance 40 Kg.

Online booking will be available starting in January 2024, website not yet known.  Until then, call +91 978 987 9971 at least 24 hours in advance. You will be required to send a copy of your passport and visa details via WhatsApp to confirm the booking.

Be careful with e-visas when using this ferry, they will not initially be accepted at these entry points, but may be in future.

Flights to Sri Lanka

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com.

Sri Lankan airlines fly direct from the UK to Colombo, and are very good.

2)  Use Skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines...

I recommend a Lonely Planet or Rough Guide

Buy Lonely Planet guide to Sri Lanka online at Amazon.co.uk

Buy Rough Guide to Sri Lanka online at Amazon.co.uk

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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A Visual Travel Guide to the World`s Most Scenic Train Trip

Train journey from gampaha to nanu oya in black and white..

Comments (1)

July 12, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Seen this train in so many pixtures, guess ill have to get my own some day.

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34 Train Tours You Can Take by Kandy Badulla Train – Sri Lanka

Did you know that you can explore most of Sri Lanka’s scenic locations through the Upcountry train ride? This is considered to be one of the most wonderful train journeys in the world. Here, we will cover the destinations you might visit along the train tours and the nearby railway stations.

• INTRODUCTION
• 34 TRAIN TOURS
• TRAIN SCHEDULE

Kandy Badulla Train Tours in Sri Lanka

If you’re thinking about going on a trip to Kandy or Badulla in Sri Lanka, we’ve got some cool places for you to check out. Today, let’s talk about the train ride from Colombo to Badulla, starting from a place called Polgahawela.

So, Polgahawela is where the train ride begins, and it’s like the starting point for a special train journey in Sri Lanka. As we go along, there are different train stations, each with its own charm. These stations are like stops on our adventure, and near them are some really nice places to visit.

Imagine hopping on the train and stopping at these places, like a little travel story. We’ll look at not just the train stations but also the cool places nearby. Get ready for a simple yet exciting tour as we explore the train station and the awesome places waiting for you to visit!

Exploring 34 Train Tours on the Kandy and Badulla Railway Journey in Sri Lanka

Here we have consolidated the best places to travel around Badulla and Kandy that have been captured so far in Sri Lanka.

Best places to visit by train in sri lanka

• Wewala Waterfall
• Pinnawala Elephant Conservation Centre
• Pinnawala Zoo
• Weniwella Amuna
• Meeyan Ella
• Saradiel Village
• Dekinda Ella Falls
• Hakoluwawa Tharaka Ella Waterfall
• Balana Fort
• Kadugannawa Ambalama
• Captain Dawson Tower
• Railway Museum Kadugannawa
• Lion’s Mouth Rock Kadugannawa
• Kadugannawa Tea Factory
• Kadugannawa Tunnel
• Kadugannawa Rock View
• Gadaladeniya Raja maha viharaya
• Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya
• Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya
• Embekka Dewalaya
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Hanthana Mountain
• Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
• Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
• Ceylon Tea Museum
• Hanthana International Bird Park
• Arthur’s Seat View Point (Kandy view point)
• Ambuluwawa Tower
• Cow Down Waterfall
• Fool’s Bridge – Modayage Paalama
• Nawalapitiya Galpotta
• Paththunupitiya Hanging Bridge
• Blackhole Pool Falls
• Rambukpitiya Waterfall
• Hangaran-oya Falls 
• Galboda waterfall
• Penrose waterfall
• Diyagalla Ella Falls
• Castlereigh Lake
• Gartmore Falls
• Moray Falls
• Mohini Falls
• Maussakelle Reservoir
• Sri Pada / Adam’s Peak
• Singamalai reservoir
• Singamallei peak
• Kotagala Mountain
• Fairlawn Fall
• Singamalai Tunnel No.14 Kotagala End
• Upper Kothmale Reservoir View Point
• St Clair Falls
• Devon Falls
• Mount Vernon Waterfall
• Great Western Mountain range
• Nanu Oya Water Falls
• Glassaugh Falls
• Single Tree Hill
• Gregory Park
• Queen Victoria Park
• Galway’s Land National Park
• Lover’s Leap Waterfall
• Galwala Ella Falls
• Moon Plains
• Pidurutalagala
• Hakgala Botanical Garden
• Bomburu Ella Waterfall

You can have complete idea about the Nuwaraeliya travel locations by using our Nuwaraeliya Travel Guide  

• Parakumpura waterfall
• Elgin Estate Fall
• Perakumpura Railway Bridge
• Ambewela Reservoir / black pool
• New Dairy Farm Facility-New zealand farm
• Ambewela Farm
• Ambewela Wind Power – Photo location with wind power station
• Sri Padaya View Point Ambewela
• Pattipola Natural Canal
• Summit Level, Pattipola
• Tunnel NO 18/ Pattipola Tunnel
• Thotupola Mountain
• Horton Plains National Park
• Mini World’s End
• Great World’s End Drop
• Baker’s Falls
• Kirigalpoththa Mountain
• Devil’s Staircase View Point
• Kalu Palama
• Tunnel No 20 [Up Country Line]
• Idalgashinna Mountain
• Railway View Point Idalgashinna ( Sulan Kapolla )
• Devil’s Seat Idalgashinna
• Haputale Viewpoint
• Main Viewpoint Haputhale
• Prabhawa Mountain Day Viewpoint
• Rock View Camping Ground Haputhale
• Sherwood rock
• Sherwood Deck
• Kelburne Estate Rock
• Damsath Rainfall active waterfall
• Melheim Falls
• Adisham Bungalow (St.Benedict’s Monastery)
• Lipton’s Seat
• Diyaluma Falls
• Beragala Road
• Bambarakanda Falls
• Devil’s Staircase
• Yahalathenna Waterfall
• Wangedigala
• Surathali Ella
• Kirawana Waterfall
• Diyathalava finus forest
• Little Pahanthudawa
• Tunnel No 38 [Up Country Line]
• Scenic road around Diyathalawa
• Ellatota Ella Waterfall
• Iron Bridge Obodaella
• Bandarawela Tunnal
• Bandarawela City Tour
• Porawagala Viewpoint
• Kinigama Falls
• Mahaulpotha Waterfall
• Dowa Rock Temple
• Black Bridge
• Kuda Ravana Ella
• Kital Ella Waterfall
• Little Adams Peak
• Flying Ravana Zip Line
• Ravana Pool Club
• Ravana Pool Swinging
• Flying Ravana ATV ride
• Nine Arches Bridge
• Ravana Falls
• Ravana’s Cave
• Nildiya Pokuna
• Ella Organic Tea Garden
• Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory
• Ella Spice Garden
• Ellewala Falls
• Ella City Tour
• Gotuwala Ella
• Ran Puhulan Wala (Natural Pool)
• Kombukara Nature Pool
• Pallewela Waterfall
• Secret Waterfall

If you want more details about the Ella Tourist Locations, you can follow our Ella Tour Guide

• Demodara Railway Loop Viewpoint
• Demodara Iron Bridge
• Demodara View Point
• Ooduwera view point
• Galamuduna View Point
• Kukulagala View Point
• Geradi Ella Falls
• Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
• Dunhinda Waterfall
• Kuda Dunhinda Waterfall
• Babaragala Mountain
• Geradi ella Waterfall
• Diyanagala Viewpoint
• Aradunu Falls
• Bambaragala Pathana
• Memale Mountain Peak
• Ranugalla Dunhinda Ella
• Tonocombe Viewpoint
• Weewessa Viewpoint
• Narangala Mountain
• Harasbedda Mini World’s End
• Bogoda Old Wooden Bridge
• Besama Water Pool
• Peessagama Waterfall
• Pareiyan Ella Falls
• Madulsima – Mini Worlds End

It includes all the places I’m aware of. Please comment below if you notice any shortcomings or if there are areas that should be added.

If you’re interested in guides for each of the places mentioned above, feel free to leave a comment. We’re eager to provide more information.

Currently, there are several trains operating from Colombo to Badulla. Their schedule is as follows,

Train Time Schedule From Colombo To Kandy/Badulla

05.30 AM – Ella Odyssey (Kandy/Badulla)

05.55 AM – Podi Menike (Kandy/Badulla)

06.30 AM – Kandy Odyssey (Kandy)

07.00 AM –  Intercity Express with Observation Saloon (Kandy)

08.30 AM – Udarata Menike (Kandy/Badulla)

09.45 AM – Express Train (Kandy/Badulla)

10.35 AM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

12.40 PM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

03.35 PM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

04.35 PM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

05.15 PM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

05.45 PM – Intercity Express (Kandy)

08.30 PM – Night Mail Train – Express Train (Kandy/Badulla)

Make sure to utilize the RDMNS app when traveling by train. This app enables you to plan a delightful trip simply by checking it out. If you require additional information, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. And if you have more details to share, please feel free to let us know!

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• 10 Places To Visit In Badulla For A Fulfilling Vacation In Sri Lanka In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Being a major city of the island nation Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Badulla has its administrative importance. Its location in country’s lower central hills equally makes it a popular tourist destination. Sri Lankan visitors keep a visit here in the itineraries for multiple reasons. The location of Badulla on the southeast side of Kandy and also due to being surrounded by the Badulu Oya River turns it into one of the worth exploring places. Furthermore, nature lovers feel the serenity of this place where tea plantation surroundings bring its mesmerizing appearance. There is no dearth of places to visit in Badulla like assessing the Namunukula Ranges to the ruins and monuments which remind of former King of Kandy and many other beautiful buildings which British built during colonial rule. The oldest operational railway line built by the British and tea gardens are worth visiting.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Badulla

Badulla has fast emerged into a major tourist destination to explore Sri Lanka for many decades. The scenic beauty of this region enchants all visitors and so are splendid its parks, tea gardens, and historic locations that make it best suitable eco-tourist spot. The listicle below has 09 notable places to visit in Badulla which you mustn’t forget adding in your itinerary.

• Muthiyangana Temple
• Kataragama Devalaya
• Old Welekade Market
• Dunhinda Falls
• Bogoda Ancient Wooden Bridge
• Halpewatte Tea Factory
• St. Mark’s Church
• Fox Hill Event
• Demodara Railway Station
• Dhowa Rock Temple

1. Worshipping in Muthiyangana Temple

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Ancient Buddhist temple, Muthiyangana Temple is one of those Badulla visiting places located in the midst of city. Being a popular Buddhist shrine due to its unique identity of one out of the 16 sacred Buddhist Solosmasthanas, this temple welcomes visitors willing to learn Buddhism religion in the Sri Lankan context. According to Buddhists belief, it was here that Gautama Buddha had visited. Travelers make it mandatory to visit this temple to re-impose their faith in the Buddhism religion. This temple has become a national landmark today. Existing since the 4th century, its 65 feet high Muthiyangana Stupa is visited by the believers of the Buddhism religion.

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

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2. Spend Good Times in Badulla’s Kataragama Devalaya

Dedicating the Sinhalese deity Kataragama Deviyo, popular Sri Lankan ancient temple of Kataragama Devalaya remains a must visit the site in Badulla nowadays. It is historically important location that also reminds the golden past of this area. The temple site is enlisted into the Archeologically Protected Monuments list. History lovers find much to explore here and know more about this region’s past. Although the exact construction date is still unknown, some historians claim that it exists since the 17th century while the regional King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1604) ruled the Kingdom of Kandy to build this Devalaya. The Pilimageya or worshippers’ spot as shrine room is a most visited place inside this monument. Rich architecture of this monument through the carved timber columns the presence of Kandyan era paintings make it worth exploring place during a Sri Lankan tour.

3. Shopping in the Old Welekade Market

Shoppers looking for some souvenirs during their Sri Lanka visit won’t ignore the famous Old Welekade Market in Badulla. More than buying local stuff like some of the finest handcraft items, this market appeals to the travelers as they feel as if they are back to the past era. The British had built a historic colonial building here in 1889 which looks amazing.

Old Welekade Market in this building’s pavements enchants the visitors. This protected building is a replica of the great British architecture. It is now listed as an Archaeologically Protected Monument where locals spend quality times. The location of Old Welekade Market on the escarpment close to the paddy fields denotes to the local name Welekade which is translated as “the shop of the paddy fields.”

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

4. Visit the Dunhinda Falls

Nature lovers and all those tourists wanting to indulge in some adventure, don’t miss the 64-meters high Dunhinda Falls waterfall, one of the popular places to go in Badulla, Sri Lanka. As this popular fall is located at a distance of fewer than 5 kilometers from the city area, tourists plan their visits at ease. Famous amongst all Sri Lankan waterfalls, this waterfall has gained immense popularity. In fact, it is also mentioned in some of the literary works. Local and international travelers ensure that Dunhinda Falls are added in their itineraries. It won’t be wrong to say that a Sri Lankan tour will remain incomplete without visiting this beautiful waterfall.

5. Spending Some Time Near the Bogoda Ancient Wooden Bridge

Tourists exploring Sri Lanka should rather customize their itineraries for fun-filled and adventure vacationing plans. Visiting country’s oldest surviving wooden bridge namely, Bogoda Ancient Wooden Bridge would give you a feeling that you travel back to the ancient era. This wooden bridge maintains the distinction of its existence since 4 centuries by now. It is accessible from the Badulla city at a distance of just 13 kilometers.

It was during the Dambadeniya era that Bogoda Wooden Bridge was built in the 16th century. It used to connect the ancient cities of Gallanda Oya and Badulla until Kandy then. Today, it boasts as one of the most sought after heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Ancient Bogoda Buddhist Temple has located nearby this bridge.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In January: Best Places To Visit & Stay

6. Exploring the Famous Halpewatte Tea Factory

As Sri Lanka is one of the select few tea producing countries in the world, its famous Halpewatte Tea Factory seeks the attention of each and every visitor. As the factory remains open from morning to evening every day except on Sundays, tourists can make an ideal 3 hours exploration plan here. It appeals to nature lovers who look at the fascinating tea processing stages and thus feeling the aroma of a variety of teas processed there. It is one of the best places to go in Badulla .

7. Visit St. Mark's Church

Old St Mark's Church of Badulla in Sri Lanka is visited by the tourists irrespective of their religious beliefs. Built in the memory of Major Thomas William Rogers, this church distinguishes itself as the first one getting sanctified by the 1st Bishop of Colombo Rev. James Chapman on April 25, 1857. This Anglican Church has been welcoming visitors every day. Ever since it was declared Archaeologically Protected Site alongside its bell tower in 2008, it gained popularity as country’s notable heritage monument. The number of visitors too increased in volumes thereafter. It is a famous tourist destination nowadays.

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

8. Looking at the Memorable Fox Hill Event

The Fox Hill in Sri Lankan central highland area of Badulla seeks the attention of all visitors with its incredible 1,499 m altitude. Visitors feel fascinated seeing this great destination of nature and adventure. An annual Fox Hill Motor Cross at the Fox Hill appeals to all. Organized annually under the patronage of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, the prestigious motor racing event in Sri Lanka welcomes the visitors from worldwide locations. Fox Hill is popularly called Nariya Kanda in the local Sinhalese language. Its major attractions include rock art on the hills which appeal to all visitors, who visit such travel places in Badulla throughout the year.

9. Explore the Beauty of Demodara Railway Station

Out of many wonderful locations in Sri Lanka which can’t be missed out by the tourists, Demodara Railway Station remains a popular tourist attraction. Its beauty lies in the fabulous design of this station in between the Udoowara and Ella railway stations which captivate everybody’s attention. While railways turn from platforms to enter into a tunnel towards the railway station, it gives an amazing view. Being country’s 3rd last Main Line station, Demodara Railway Station connects with the capital city Colombo at a distance of just 277.71 kilometers.

Suggested Read: 5 Enchanting Places To Visit In Badulla In Autumn For A Perfect Vacation In Sri Lanka

10. Dhowa Rock Temple

One of the beautiful places to visit in Badulla Sri Lanka , Dhowa Rock Temple is a protected heritage site. It is a small, ancient village located in the lofty mountains of Uwa province. Famous for its beautiful sculptures and paintings that adorn the walls of the temple, this place is a popular attraction in the area. The ornamental gateway and the huge stupa are some of the highlights of the temple. There are even a cave and a tunnel. However, no one is permitted to go inside the tunnel. There are a number of folklores associated with the cave and tunnel.

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

Above mentioned 10 destinations in Badulla, Sri Lanka will give you unique feel while you tour to the island nation. Each site has its own unique perceptive identity which collectively makes this small city a popular destination to tour and explore during a Sri Lankan visit. What are you waiting for? Plan your Sri Lanka tour and ensure that Badulla is added in the itinerary.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Badulla

What are the special places in Badulla?

Some of the Badulla famous places include Dunhinda Falls, Muthiyangana Temple, St. Mark’s Church, Halpewatte Tea Factory, and Dhowa Rock Temple.

How to travel Badulla by train?

You can plan a trip to Badulla by train from Colombo as the train passes through mountains and tunnels, offering enchanting views of nature.

What is the best time to visit Badulla?

February, March, May, and June, are the months with pleasant climatic conditions. These months are suitable for visiting places in Badulla that are famous tourist attractions and for indulging in outdoor activities.

Why is Badulla famous?

Badulla is popular among tourists because of its ancient architecture, sacred shrines, and natural beauty exhibited in the form of wooden bridge, temple & church, and waterfalls.

Is Badulla worth visiting?

Yes, Badulla is a worth visit destination in Sri Lanka and Badulla tourist places are a proof of that. One can explore the important places in Badulla in a day or two.

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Welcome to Sri Lanka Railways

Online advance train seats reservation, important notice.

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood all the terms and conditions that are in the Establishment Code and all the circulars pertaining to the railway warrants before I make the reservation through the online portal. Also, at the time of the initiation of the allotment process, I confirmed that I have a correct and valid railway warrant reservation document without defects issued in relation to the journey and that I am the owner of the railway warrant and that I have complied with all the provisions of the Establishment Code regarding the use of railway warrants as well as all the regulations issued in relation to it. I agree to be bound by the circulars and the terms and conditions and other rules and regulations relating to issue of warrant tickets and the provisions of the Railway Ordinance

Government Circulars

Establishment Code Chapter XIII Establishment Code Chapter XVI Establishment Code Chapter XVI – Amendments to the paragraph 2 of the circular number 26/201 issued by the Public Administration. Terms and Conditions for Users – Will attach in PDF. Guidelines

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Journey Information

Rail was introduced in Sri Lanka in 1864 to transport coffee from plantations in the hill country district of Kandy to the port city of Colombo on its way to Europe and the world market. The coffee blight of 1871 destroyed many a fine plantation and tea replaced coffee. With the development of tea plantations in the 1880s, the joint-stock companies swallowed up the former individual proprietorship of the coffee era. Under corporate ownership and management control by companies, the process of production of tea became more sophisticated and needed more and more railways built to the Kandyan highlands. To send tea to Colombo and to transport labour, machinery, manure, rice, and foodstuff, etc to Kandy, another 100 miles of railways were constructed in the tea planting districts to serve the expanding tea domain. To serve the coconut plantations flourishing in the west, southwest and northwest coastal areas of the country, and the wet inland rubber plantations below the tea belt, railway lines were built in the wake of these agricultural developments. Thereafter, the need for cheap and safe travel in order to open up the hinterland of the country led to the expansion of the railway. An extension of the Main Line to Kandy was made north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, going further north to Kankesanturai and west to Talaimannar to connect the island with South India by ferry, to bring Indian labour for the tea and rubber plantations, and also import rice and other food stuffs not indigenously produced in sufficient quantities. Towards the east, there was little economic justification to lay a line to the dry zone in that direction, but it became strategically worthwhile to lay a line to the natural harbour of Trincomalee and also connect it to the provincial capital of Batticaloa. These lines were laid with light (21 kg) section rails, as was the narrow gauge section to serve the rubber plantations east of Colombo, known as the Kelani Valley Line. Up country, a similar branch line was laid from Nanu Oya on the Main Line through very difficult terrain to serve the tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya. Track alignment was defined in this section about 140 years ago, when economic considerations were vastly different. The railways achieved modal superiority with speeds of 25 to 40 kmph in the hill country and 65 to 80 in the low country. Civil engineering criteria was influenced by the economic need to minimize cuts and fills, permitting gradients to 2 to 3 % and minimizing bridge lengths. As a result, the alignment here is winding with very sharp curves. In the early days of the railways, the bulk of the freight was carried to the port of Colombo and as the port expanded, rail lines were laid to serve every pier.

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Terms & Conditions

General terms and conditions applicable for use of the online seat reservation service of sri lanka railways..

• Select the correct train for your journey.
• Fix a convenient date for both up & down journeys.
• Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the rates applicable.
• Maximum of 5 seats could be reserved at once.
• Standard customer verification and other terms and conditions would apply.
• NIC numbers of each and every passenger except "DEPENDENT" should be furnished.
• E-Ticket and other details will be sent via email to commuters who make the reservation via website and/or mobile app.
• A reservation only becomes guaranteed once full payment has been received by Sri Lanka Railways.
• The reserved tickets could be used only for specified trains.
• Travelling on any other trains by using these types of tickets are strictly prohibited. An ordinary travelling ticket should be purchased for travelling to a transits station to catch a reserved train.
• All tickets issued through the Service are the property of Sri Lanka Railways. Tickets are non-transferable and should be handed over to the destination station before leaving the station after the journey. Sri Lanka Railways officers have the authority to request and check the tickets at any given moment

PAYMENT METHODS

You should use a valid VISA or Master Credit/ Debit card when making online reservations through the internet.

Debit/Credit Card, Bank Account Details:

You agree that the debit/credit card details provided by you for use of the Sri Lanka Railways online seat reservation service is correct and accurate and you shall not use a Debit/ credit card, that is not lawfully owned by you or the use of which is not authorized by the lawful owner thereof. You further agree and undertake to provide correct and valid debit/credit card details.

You agree, understand and confirm that your personal data including without limitation details relating to debit card/ credit card transmitted over the Internet may be susceptible to misuse, hacking, theft and/ or fraud and the Sri Lanka Railways or your Payment Service Provider(s) have no control over such matters.

The Sri Lanka Railways (including its service providers and suppliers), the Payment Service Provider(s) and its affiliates and associates shall not be liable, at any time, for any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, alteration of, or use of information contained on the Website.

You warrant, agree and confirm the following when you initiate a payment transaction through the Service and/or issue an online payment instruction and/or provide your card / bank details:

• You are fully and lawfully entitled to use such credit / debit card, bank account for such transactions.
• You are responsible to ensure that the card/ bank account details provided by you are accurate.
• You authorize debit of the nominated card/ bank account for the payment of fees selected by you.
• You are responsible to ensure that sufficient credit is available on the nominated card/ bank account at the time of making the payment to permit the payment of the dues payable or fees selected by you.

You are responsible for all transactions performed utilizing your credit/debit card and/or bank account.

Server Slow Down/Session Timeout: In case the Website or Payment Service Provider’s webpage, that is linked to the Website, is experiencing any server related issues like 'slow down' or 'failure' or 'session timeout', you shall, before initiating the second payment, check whether your bank account has been debited or not and accordingly resort to one of the following options:

• In case the bank account appears to be debited, ensure that you do not make the payment twice and immediately thereafter contact the Sri Lanka Railways via e-mail or any other mode of contact as provided by the Sri Lanka Railways to confirm payment.
• In case the Bank Account is not debited, you may initiate a fresh transaction to make payment.
• However, you agree that under no circumstances the Payment Gateway Service Provider shall be held responsible for such fraudulent/duplicate transactions and hence no claims should be raised to Payment Gateway Service Provider. No communication received by the Payment Service Provider(s) in this regards shall be entertained by the Payment Service Provider(s).
• If you wish to cancel the journey, you have to visit the nearest Railway station where the mTicketing service is available together with the E-Tickets issued to you and it is a mandatory requirement to provide your NIC/passport to the counter for verification purpose.
• Fill the appropriate application supplied carefully.
• Refund percentage will be calculated according to the below table exclusive of service charge.
• Cancellation can be done according to the below mentioned time periods prior to relevant train departure.
• Refunds will be available only for the particular train (journey) which has been completely unavailable due to an interruption.
• Only the ticket fee will be refunded and service charge will not be refunded.
• Refunds can be claimed only on mTicketing service available stations ( please click here )

SLR shall not be held liable for any damages; loss or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can SLR be held liable for personal injury, accident, illness or death while guests are on an excursion made available by the train.

SLR shall also not be held responsible, when circumstances beyond its control lead to an interruption, early termination, delay or cancellation of any particular trip. Such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to instances of vis major/force majeure and/or casus fortuitus (natural causes such as floods and other natural disasters, fortuitous and unforeseen events, etc.).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Sri Lanka Railways and its mTicketing Service Provider] shall not be liable to you and/or to any third party for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental and/or punitive damages, lost profit, lost revenue, mental distress, inconvenience, hardship, loss/corruption or destruction of data and/or the like. Sri Lanka Railways and its mTicketing Service Provider are not liable for any claims, loss and/or damage suffered by any person due to fraudulent use of that person’s debit/credit card and/or for refunding any payments made through such debit/credit card. Sri Lanka Railways’ and its mTicketing Service Provider’s liability is excluded and limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

You shall indemnify and hold harmless Sri Lanka Railways, its mTicketing Service Provider and their respective employees and directors from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, suits, proceedings, costs and expenses, arising out of and/or in any way connected with your use of the Services and/or arising from your breach of any representation, warranty, terms and/or conditions specified herein.

Children from the age of 3 (three) years and younger sharing a seat with their parents travel free of charge (maximum of 1 (one)child per adult). Due to space constraints, SLR will not be able to accommodate any additional seat(s) to accommodate the infant / children. Children will have to share the seat with their parents / guardians. Should this pose a problem, SLR recommends that the guests book an additional seat for the children (in which case the children's rate does not apply and the standard adult rate for the seat shall apply). Children from the age of 3 (three) years and older pay full adult rates. SLR does not serve or provide special meals for children and/ or infants or adults. Children should be kept under strict adult supervision by their parents/ guardians and should not inconvenience other guests.

For safety reasons, no guest is allowed to bring dangerous goods such as firearms, flammable substances, and fireworks, poisonous or toxic substances on board.

No pets are allowed onboard.

Each adult passenger will be allowed, to bring on board their luggage, free of charge as per SLR’s general regulation. (Refer to general commercial rules set out below. For any enquiries meet a railway office.) The commuters will have to store luggage in the Luggage cabin by themselves. Luggage/baggage stored in the Luggage cabin is subject to availability. SLR would not provide additional space to accommodate their luggage. Heavy luggage is exclusively prohibited as little space available for commuters to store their luggage.

As per general commercial rules of SLR, followings are the limitations applicable on free luggage based on the type of ticket.

• First Class tickets holder : 40 Kg.
• Second Class tickets holder : 35 Kg.
• Third Class tickets holder : 25 Kg.

Passengers are strictly recommended to ensure that their luggage is(are) securely locked. SLR is not responsible for any stolen or lost luggage.

You agree that Sri Lanka Railways at its sole discretion may revise the Terms and Conditions herein at any time without assigning any reasons therefore and you agree to be bound by all such revisions made by Sri Lanka Railways from time to time. It is your responsibility to periodically review the latest version of the Terms and Conditions uploaded at http://www.railway.gov.lk/ to stay informed of updates.

The SLR retains the right to suspend or terminate this Service at any time without any notice to you.

Passengers must provide the booking reference number along with their NIC or passport to the counter and Tickets will not be issued to 3rd party for any reason.

These terms and conditions and the Service shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and all disputes pertaining thereto shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Sri Lanka.

Any enquiries or complaints should be forwarded in writing to the Deputy General Manager (commercial) - Sri Lanka Railways Headquarters, Colombo-10.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLICABLE FOR USE OF THE ONLINE E-WARRANT SEAT RESERVATION SERVICE OF SRI LANKA RAILWAYS.

• Please note that the reservation you make through the online seat reservation service by using your warrant will only be reserved as a temporary reservation and you need to visit a mTicketing enabled station and produce your physical warrant and temporary reservation confirmation within the stipulated time frame in order to have the temporary reservation confirmed.
• You can make a temporary reservation for the warrant through the online seat reservation service provided you have met all the qualification to obtain a warrant document and the government organization of which you are employed shall also be responsible to issue the warrant according to rules and regulations of the Railway Department. Further, if there are any deficiencies in the written physical warrant document, the warrant holder shall be responsible to have the deficiencies corrected prior to making the online temporary reservation.
• Warrant holder shall be responsible to enter the correct information to the online reservation system and the Department of Railways shall not be responsible for any mistake that warrant holder makes during the data entry process.
• The temporary warrant reservation will be cancelled within 07 days from the date of the temporary reservation or 48 hours prior to the commencement of the respective train journey, whichever occurs first. (Reservation are available to be made through this method only if the reservation is done at least 04 days (96 hours) before the scheduled train departure.) Therefore, it is the passenger's responsibility to confirm the reservation and get the ticket reserved under the warrant by presenting the correct warrant document to a mTicketing enabled railway station before the said deadline. The tickets/reservations that failed to be confirmed will be released-back into the system and if the warrant holder fails to confirm temporary reservation after such cases and/ or two cases mentioned in the point number 5 below, the warrant holder’s national identity card number and the mobile number will be blacklisted accordingly, and the concerned warrant holder will be temporarily deprived of the ability to reserve seats through the online reservation system and disciplinary action will be taken.
• If the submitted warrant document is not correct or if there is any defect, it will be rejected by the station master. The temporally reserved seats which fail to produce the correct written warrant document within the stipulated period will be released back into the system and after such cases and/ or 02 cases mentioned in the point number 4, the warrant holder's National Identity Card number and telephone number will be blacklisted. Accordingly, the warrant holder will temporarily lose the ability to make reservations using the online reservation platform. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the warrant holder to make reservations using a properly completed and correct warrant document and present the same document to the station master. Rejected warrant documents will not be returned to its owner and will be kept in the possession of Station Master and an intimation to that effect will be given. The warrant document thus retained will be sent to the institution that issued the relevant warrant document through the official channel.
• Only the warrant holder can personally make a reservation through the online reservation platform and accordingly, warrant holder can reserve the warrant reservations for any family member who is eligible for the warrants via online reservation and only the warrant holder should do the reservation.
• Service charges are not applicable for warrant reservations.
• Currently, maximum of 5 persons including the warrant holder can reserve the warrant reservations under the one warrant document via online reservation platform. If any warrant holder needs to make a reservation for more than 5 persons, the warrant holder can make the reservation from any online reservation facility enabled railway station.
• In availing this facility, you should act in compliance with the provisions laid down in Chapter XIII and Chapter XVI of the Establishment Code and subsequent and future amendments thereto issued by the Ministry of Public Administration from time to time in relation to allotment of seats using warrant documents and the circulars issued. Those who do not follow these circulars and codes will be treated as having committed an undisciplined act.
• Even if the system gives the opportunity to reserve seats temporarily, you who intend to reserve train seats using this system should have carefully read and understood all the provisions of the Establishment Code as well as all the circulars and terms and conditions issued in this regard and act accordingly.
• You must also possess a correct and faultless warrant document issued by your organization in respect of your journey at the time of commencing the online seat reservation process.
• You should visit a railway station which has the facility for online seat reservation using duty warrant documents (i.e. mTicketing enabled station) in order to reserve or confirm your temporary reservation.
• In the case of temporary reservation of seats by a warrant holder using his warrant document via online platform, in addition to the conditions mentioned above, the rules, terms and conditions issued in connection with the issuance of tickets through the online platform shall apply as appropriate subject to the provisions of the Railway Ordinance.
• A reference number along with the details of the temporary reservation will be sent via an email/SMS to commuters.
• Passengers must provide the booking reference number along with their NIC and warrant in person at the Station Counter and ticket will not be issued to any third party.
• A reservation only becomes guaranteed once valid and correct warrant has been received and accepted by Sri Lanka Railways.
• No fresh tickets will be issued in lieu of misplaced or lost tickets.
• The reserved tickets could be used only for specified trains
• All tickets issued through the Service are the property of Sri Lanka Railways. Tickets are nontransferable and should be handed over to the destination station before leaving the station after the journey. Sri Lanka Railways officers have the authority to request and check the tickets at any given moment.

02. Cancellation policy

If you wish to cancel the journey, you have to visit the nearest Railway station where the mTicketing service is available together with reservation tickets issued to you and it is a mandatory requirement to provide your NIC/passport to the counter for verification purpose. Fill the appropriate application supplied carefully. Cancellation of a ticket will be made in accordance with the departmental policies in force at the time of request.

03. LIABILITY CLAUSE

SLR shall not be held liable for any damages; loss or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can SLR be held liable for personal injury, accident, illness or death while guests are on an excursion made available by the train. SLR shall also not be held responsible, when circumstances beyond its control lead to an interruption, early termination, delay or cancellation of any particular trip. Such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to instances of vis major/force majeure and/or casus fortuitus (natural causes such as floods and other natural disasters, fortuitous and unforeseen events, etc.). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Sri Lanka Railways and its mTicketing Service Provider] shall not be liable to you and/or to any third party for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental and/or punitive damages, lost profit, lost revenue, mental distress, inconvenience, hardship, loss/corruption or destruction of data and/or the like. Sri Lanka Railways and its mTicketing Service Provider are not liable for any claims, loss and/or damage suffered by any person due to fraudulent use of that person’s debit/credit card and/or for refunding any payments made through such debit/credit card. Sri Lanka Railways’ and its mTicketing Service Provider’s liability is excluded and limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. You shall indemnify and hold harmless Sri Lanka Railways, its mTicketing Service Provider and their respective employees and directors from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, demands, suits, proceedings, costs and expenses, arising out of and/or in any way connected with your use of the Services and/or arising from your breach of any representation, warranty, terms and/or conditions specified herein.

04. CHILD POLICY

Children from the age of 3 (three) years and younger sharing a seat with their parents travel free of charge (maximum of 1 (one)child per adult). Due to space constraints, SLR will not be able to accommodate any additional seat(s) to accommodate the infant / children. Children will have to share the seat with their parents / guardians. Should this pose a problem, SLR recommends that the guests book an additional seat for the children (in which case the children's rate does not apply and the standard adult rate for the seat shall apply). Children from the age of 3 (three) years and older pay full adult rates. SLR does notserve or provide special mealsfor children and/ or infants or adults. Children should be kept under strict adult supervision by their parents/ guardians and should not inconvenience other guests.

05. DANGEROUS GOODS

07. luggage.

Each adult passenger will be allowed, to bring on board their luggage, free of charge as per SLR’s general regulation. (Refer to general commercial rulesset out below. For any enquiries meet a railway office.) The commuters will have to store luggage in the Luggage cabin by themselves. Luggage/baggage stored in the Luggage cabin is subject to availability. SLR would not provide additional space to accommodate their luggage. Heavy luggage is exclusively prohibited as little space available for commuters to store their luggage. As per general commercial rules of SLR, followings are the limitations applicable on free luggage based on the type of ticket. First Class tickets holder : 40 Kg. Second Class tickets holder : 35 Kg. Third Class tickets holder : 25 Kg. Passengers are strictly recommended to ensure that their luggage is(are) securely locked. SLR is not responsible for any stolen or lost luggage.

08. GENERAL

You agree that Sri Lanka Railways at its sole discretion may revise the Terms and Conditions herein at any time without assigning any reasons therefore and you agree to be bound by all such revisions made by Sri Lanka Railways from time to time. It is your responsibility to periodically review the latest version of the Terms and Conditions uploaded at http://www.railway.gov.lk/ to stay informed of updates. The SLR retains the right to suspend or terminate this Service at any time without any notice to you. Passengers must provide the temporary booking reference number, warrant along with their NIC to the counter and Tickets will not be issued to 3rd party for any reason.

09. GOVERNING LAWS

These terms and conditions and the Service shall be subject to and construed in accordance with the laws of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and all disputes pertaining thereto shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Sri Lanka. Any enquiries or complaints should be forwarded in writing to the Deputy General Manager (commercial) - Sri Lanka Railways Headquarters, Colombo-10

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Badulla night express train.

• 1. General Information
• 2. Train Timetable from Colombo to Badulla
• 3. Train Timetable from Badulla to Colombo
• 4. Colombo to Badulla Train Stops
• 5. Badulla to Colombo Train Stops

Badulla Night Express Train (බදුල්ල රාත්‍රී ශීඝ්‍රගාමී දුම්රිය)  runs between Colombo and Badulla railway stations.

General Information

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• Peradeniya to Badulla

How to get from Peradeniya to Badulla

Peradeniya to badulla trip overview.

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Peradeniya to Badulla

About the ride from Peradeniya to Badulla

Peradeniya to badulla route information.

The distance between Peradeniya and Badulla is 38 miles, or approximately 60 kilometers.

The only way to get from Peradeniya to Badulla is by Train

The earliest departure leaves at 18:30 and has a duration of 17 hours 37 minutes.

The fastest way to travel is by train, which takes approximately 8 hours 19 minutes.

Peradeniya to Badulla by train

• Starting Price: $33
• 2 departures a day, or 14 departures a week

There are 6 travel classes for this journey, including: First Class Sleeper, Observation Class, Second Class Seat, First Class, Third Class Reserved Seats and Second Class.

Each train ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Companies Operating from Peradeniya to Badulla

Average time

8h 19m - 17h 37m

Average price

Popular stations and stops in Peradeniya and Badulla

Departure stations in peradeniya.

Arrival stations in Badulla

Ella Badulla

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sleeper train Badulla - possible to hop on it unreserved? - Sri Lanka Forum

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sleeper train Badulla - possible to hop on it unreserved?

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4 replies to this topic

The sleepers have both berths and chairs. I guess for the chair compartment you can use a normal unreserver ticket.

There are separate carriages for reserved and unreserved seats. Didn't travel on a sleeper but I suppose all sleeper carriages are reserved. You can't get into a reserved carriage without a reserved ticket. In unreserved carriages the rule is "first come - first seated".

All sleeper are reserve basis. But you can take tickets for second class unreserved compartment.

thank you guys

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