There’s something special to be said about train journeys. They offer a unique sense of getting somewhere as you slowly trundle through naturally shifting landscapes. As captivating frames unfold one after another, you can simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Why Travel by Train in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is draped in a glorious, lush blanket of green. It is also interspersed by idyllic shorelines. Consequently, a train journey presents a bewitching montage of hills, tea country, and everything in between. It is an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Unique Train Experiences in Sri Lanka
Beyond the daily commuter routes, Sri Lanka offers several special train journeys that are destinations in themselves. These rides provide a unique window into the island’s charm and history.
The Viceroy Experience
One experience, in particular, deserves a special mention. It is a sweet and soulful ride in a 75-year-old vintage steam train. This train features old-school, period fittings and a charming, classic feel. In fact, it feels like a blast from the past. For your comfort, it also includes a restaurant car, an observation car, and a bar.
The journey from Kandy to Ella is often called the most scenic train ride in the world. From your window, you’ll see rolling, mist-covered hills draped with emerald-green tea plantations. For instance, a useful tip when traveling from Kandy is to sit on the right side. This gives you the best ringside views. Furthermore, you may pass small villages where you can glimpse everyday life, greeted by local kids running along the tracks.
The Calypso Experience
The Calypso Train offers another picturesque panorama. It is particularly beautiful between Badulla, Demodara, and Bandarawela. This train provides a lively atmosphere, with musicians creating a live performance environment. In addition, it has open-air carriages, food and beverage service, and stops at scenic locations like the Nine Arches Bridge. This train plies daily, with morning and afternoon departures. As the train slowly rolls towards the bridge, be sure to find a spot near the door to take full advantage of the views.
The Yal Devi Experience
The Yal Devi Express has a historic legacy. Also known as the “Queen of Jaffna,” operators inaugurated this train in 1956. Originally, it connected Colombo, Jaffna, and Kankesanturai. However, service stopped past Vavuniya in 1990 during the civil war. Thankfully, operations were restored to Jaffna in 2014. This train is a landmark that connects Colombo with the Tamil heartland. Moreover, it significantly minimised travel time, which was a huge benefit for the common masses.
Popular & Scenic Train Routes Across the Island
Sri Lanka’s railway network weaves a crisscross tapestry across the Emerald Isle. Here are some of the most popular routes you can take.
Colombo to Galle: This is a 3-hour train ride that traverses through Colombo, Mt. Lavinia, and Moratuwa. Along the way, expect breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, especially when approaching Galle. This is one of the best ways to reach the famous Galle Fort or the southern beaches of Weligama and Mirissa.
Kandy to Ella: This world-famous scenic ride spans around 7 hours. It threads across Kandy, Peradeniya, and Nuwara Eliya. You can sit back and watch a beautiful movie unfold outside your window. For example, you will pass tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful villages. Crossing the Nine Arches Bridge is a rite of passage that promises lasting memories.
Colombo to Kandy: You can travel through Colombo, Nugegoda, and Peradeniya to reach Kandy in about 3 hours. On this route, you will see contrasting urban and rural landscapes. Small towns will pass you by, juxtaposed with the lushness of the hill country.
Colombo to Anuradhapura: This 5-hour ride takes you through Colombo and Kurunegala to Anuradhapura. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its ancient Buddhist temples. In addition, you will get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s agricultural depths.
Colombo to Jaffna: In about 7 hours, you can reach Jaffna from Colombo via Vavuniya. This northernmost part of the country is rural and scenic. It is also more traditionally Tamil, so you will certainly gain insight into the history and culture.
Badulla to Ella: This short, 1.5-hour ride takes you from Badulla to Ella. It is equally beautiful, with its vista of tea plantations, dense forests, and rolling hills.
All Aboard the Ella Odyssey: A Modern Tourist Train
Sri Lankan Railways launched the Ella Odyssey in 2022. It is a special tourist train connecting Colombo to Badulla. Importantly, it passes through the country’s most beautiful Hill Country scenery.
The train also halts at several beautiful stopovers, which are perfect for photos:
Horsetail Waterfall viewpoint (2 minutes)
Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) viewpoint (2 minutes)
St. Clair Waterfall viewpoint (2 minutes)
Elgin Falls viewpoint (2 minutes)
Summit Level (2 minutes)
No. 18 Tunnel (3 minutes)
Kithal Ella Waterfall viewpoint (3 minutes)
Nine Arches Bridge (10 minutes)
You can book the Ella Odyssey train online or through a travel agent in Sri Lanka. Remember to reserve your ticket 14 days prior to your travel date.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
