Kandy to Ella train journey Introduction
Kandy to Ella train special
The train begins from Colombo but the scenic highlights are from Kandy to Ella, stopping at hill country towns such as Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella, and Badulla, which are all worth visiting too! You hop on to the train ride from Kandy and an hour into the journey you will begin entering tea estates. Observe how the landscape changes from jungle to steep hills covered in tea bushes and gorgeous panoramas. Feel free to hop off at any of the stops to explore tea plantations, waterfalls, and more in these towns.
Plan your Kandy to Ella train trip
Especially if you are on a tight schedule, we cannot stress the importance of booking tickets in advance, even if it is not peak season, there is high demand. If in case you are unable to get tickets online for your preferred day, contact a third party such as travel agents or travel guides to see if they have a slot under their name.
A local Sri Lanka train departs from Kandy train station at 7.45 am and takes about 10 hours to reach Kandy as it stops at several stations in between. There are two express trains known as Podi Mendike that arrive at the Kandy train station at 8.55 am every day and the Udarata Menike that you can hop on at 11.10 am, which will take about 8 hours to reach Ella (although the timetable mentions 6-7 hours).
What are you get to experience during the Kandy to Ella train journey?
Along the scenic Kandy to Ella train ride, you will see a lush landscape of mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and beautiful tea plantations. Although it is an eight-hour journey, the breathtaking views make it seem much shorter. As you head out of Kandy, the abundance of tea plantations and mountainous views start rolling in for as far as your eyes can see. At some points of the ride, the train goes along cliff sides, treating passengers to stunning sweeping views of colossal tea estates. There are also distances where the rail tracks cut through valleys so you are riding between hills and looking up towards the tea plantations. Words don’t do justice to describing the scenic beauty experienced during this train ride!
If the Kandy to Ella ride is too long for you, you could opt for the Nuwara Eliya to Ella train which is about 3 hours long. It is the same train which you will get on from Nanu Oya and this stretch also has some fantastic views.
Second class is the best for Kandy to Ella train journey
The local train has an observation carriage which is ideal for tourists wanting to indulge in the view. The express trains have air-conditioned first-class tickets but many prefer the second-class reserved seating as this cabin allows for opening windows and walking to open doorways to get clearer and unobstructed Travellers who are also photographers must avoid the closed cabin as the best pictures surely don’t come through a window! For the first leg of the journey – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, sit on the right side of the train. If you are unable to do so, you can always try your luck at the Kandy train station.
Accommodation in Kandy and Ella
From guesthouses to 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star accommodations, everything is available in both Kandy and Ella. The Kandyan Villa is a good choice for budgeted accommodation with a breathtaking view of the Hantana Mountain Ranges. And then you also have five-star accommodations within Kandy city such as Earl’s Regency and Cinnamon Citadel.
Conclusion
The iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella is a must during your visit to Sri Lanka