Author : Shubham Mansingka
What do you do on a long train journey to pass the time?
While it may be a good idea to read a book or listen to pre-downloaded songs / movies on your headphones, you are in Sri Lanka and could do better than doing something that you would do in your home. After all, you did not travel halfway across the world to plug-in your headphones, right? When you are on a long train journey, chances are your co-passengers are also keen on talking to you but are a bit shy. It’s time to break the ice and say hello! Below are suggestions on things to do on a train journey in Sri Lanka.
Talk to the locals and know more about your next destinations
It is one thing to plan your travels in another country by reading travel blogs or watching YouTube videos and actually getting hands-on authentic information by talking to the locals. When we were on a short train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya; a chance conversation with a local led us to the lesser known Nanu Oya waterfall, which was just a five minute walk from the station. We would otherwise have missed the surreal sight of seeing the waterfall flowing and simultaneously watching the train pass by.
Gaze at the scenery
While it is tempting to browse social media channels on a long train journey, it makes sense to look outside the window and who knows you may come across a sight that stays with you forever! The stunning beauty of pink ‘Robarosiya’ cherry blossoms in spring on the train near Kandy is one I will remember vividly.
Note down the local words for foods/handicrafts to help in souvenir shopping
As human beings, we all have our personal points of interest. When you are travelling on a train in a foreign country, it is extremely likely that the locals really want to help you to experience their country in a nice way and carry back great memories with you. Try asking for suggestions about handicrafts/foods/spices from middle aged ladies, whom I have found to be most enthusiastic with helping travellers. Even with language issues they are able to give accurate information about local markets and take back authentic souvenirs at local prices.
People watching
If you are an introvert and are not yet comfortable with striking a random conversation, keep an amiable smile on your face and watch the co-passengers! It may be a bit disconcerting at first, but slowly you and your co-travellers will get used to it and who knows, maybe someone else will strike up a conversation.
Dining coach
Trains in some countries have a separate dining coach with interesting choices of local delicacies and even serve beer and wine. It is quite an experience to savour and enjoy a few hours while chatting with the other diners and making new acquaintances while watching the world go by from the window.
Famous food at stations / Train Vendors on the train
It is an interesting cultural experience to see how train travel has a life and rhythm of its own. There are vendors on trains in Sri Lanka who board at different stations and sell freshly made snacks although be warned that most of the offerings might be spicy for you!
On a long train ride, it is normal to feel hungry and while there may be options for you to buy some food on the train there is an untold charm in tasting local delicacies. On an early morning train journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura, we noticed a number of locals snacking on masala vadai. We bought them too from the vendor who had just got on the train and really enjoyed the crispy taste of the warm lentil fritters. The entire bunch of tourists in the train actually started looking forward to the vendors and later bought yummy coconut pol roti.
Cultural exchange
Chance conversations can sometimes mean getting invited to someone’s home. We had an unforgettable feast at a local’s home in Colombo after getting to know the family on a long distance train journey and we remain friends even now after so many years. Whenever we encounter kind souls on journeys, it is customary for us to present them with a gift of some ready-to-make masala tea as a token of happy remembrance.
Journal some moments to make everlasting travel memories
There are some feelings that are raw and fleeting in nature. To truly remember the essence of what you felt in that particular moment on a journey, noting it down in a journal is the best way. A pen and small diary is a simple yet effective way to preserve precious memories from myriad journeys. The journal entries in Sri Lankan railway have captured vivid scenes of quaint railway stations and sleepy fairytale villages surrounded by fog and mist.
Stepping out of the Ella Odyssey train on the Nine Arch bridge and noting in my journal that the bridge built in 1921 (more than 100 years ago) is prettier, serving as a reminder that old is gold.
Carry an instax camera to capture a rare moment
A fun small gadget that captures memories in the form of a printed photograph, an instax camera allows you to freeze a moment to cherish forever. Once you come back home, it’s a good idea to turn these photos into a photo wall to remind you of happy memories from past journeys.
Also, consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps and 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!
