KANDY NUWARA ELIYA TRAIN – How do I take it? Is it good?

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Train: A Complete Guide

Are you thinking about taking the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya? This journey is famous in Sri Lanka and a major tourist attraction. Many people talk about it, and the scenery is truly beautiful!

A Brief History

The British opened the tracks for business around Christmas of 1864. This was a remarkable achievement in engineering for the island’s pre-industrial era, as you will see on your trip.

The rail line grew steadily during the colonial days. By 1927, there was 1530 km of track in operation.

Initially, the railway served purely commercial interests. At first, it transported coffee from the Hill Country to the port of Colombo. When a disease wiped out the coffee crop, they began transporting the young tea crops instead. This is the tea Sri Lanka is now famous for.

Accessing the rolling hills, waterfalls, and plateaus of the Hill Country is not easy. The armies of the Portuguese and Dutch could testify to this. The rail lines gradually became a vital connector for people. It offered the intrepid tea planters, known as ‘the wild men of the hills’, a chance for some refinement in Colombo.

Train Timetable and Stations

You should check Seat61.com for the most up-to-date timetable for the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train.

Using Peradeniya Station Not all trains pass through Kandy’s main station. Peradeniya is the alternative, located about 7 km from Kandy. From there, you can take a train to Nanu Oya, which is about 8 km from Nuwara Eliya.

There are two daily trains departing from Peradeniya at 8:40 AM and 12:23 PM. You can find more information on the official railway website.

Train vs. Tuktuk: Which is Better?

We have had customers who took the train and others who drove a tuktuk through the hills. Each option has its pros and cons. Ultimately, the train can be great but it is also unpredictable. Traveling by tuktuk gives you the freedom to stop, enjoy the views, take photos, and even explore nearby waterfalls!

Potential Train Travel Issues

When planning to take the train, you might face a few uncertainties:

• Will you get a ticket?

• Will the train be crowded?

• Will you find a seat with a good view?

• Will your luggage be safe?

Getting a ticket can be very difficult during peak seasons. The season usually dies down by the end of February. However, as of early March, someone recently posted the following comment on Facebook.

What Travelers Say

We had friends who managed to get on the train at Kandy. Unfortunately, they had to stand in the corridor without a view. After about 30 minutes, they decided to hop off and return to Colombo to pick up a tuktuk from us.

Don’t get me wrong, the train is an amazing experience if you get a good seat. Looking out the window or sitting in the doorway provides incredible views. However, you can see similar scenery and explore the route at your own pace in your own tuktuk.

Lisa said of her tuktuk journey: “I have heard the train is amazing but we didn’t do it and absolutely don’t regret it. We stopped any time we wanted to wave to tea pickers, take pictures, and just appreciate the views. The train won’t stop every time there is a nice view.”

Another traveler, Andy, chose a minibus instead of the train and had this to say:

“We were going to get the train but couldn’t guarantee a seat, so we decided to go by minibus. That was the best decision we have ever made in 20 years of traveling. The road journey over the mountains is mesmerizing. You are able to stop for loads of photo ops on route. We also toured the Lochmuir tea plantation (brilliant, informative, and free) and stopped to view tea pickers, waterfalls, and beautiful vistas. Last time I looked, trains don’t stop, and I cannot imagine it being a better journey.”

Taking a Tuktuk or Motorcycle on the Train

We haven’t tried it ourselves yet, but we know you can put motorcycles on the train for LKR 600 one way. If you are still desperate to take the train with your tuktuk, you should go to the station. Ask if you can put it on the overnight train. Please let us know if you do!

And finally – guess where this shot was taken?