Top 5 Train Journeys in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s train journeys are more than just a mode of transport—they’re windows into the island’s soul. With tracks cutting through cloud-kissed mountains, tea gardens, coastal lines, and tropical jungles, every ride is a scenic masterpiece. Whether you’re a backpacker, photographer, or luxury traveler, hopping on a train in Sri Lanka promises a visual odyssey. Here are the top five train journeys you simply can’t miss.
1. Kandy to Ella – The Crown Jewel
Route: Kandy ➝ Nuwara Eliya ➝ Ella
Duration: ~6 hours
Highlights: Tea plantations, misty hills, colonial-era stations
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, the journey from Kandy to Ella is a symphony of rolling hills, waterfalls, and vibrant green tea estates. The open doors and windows invite the cool mountain breeze and the warm smiles of locals, making it an immersive experience. The sight of tea pickers at work and tiny villages tucked into the hills adds charm to this iconic route.
2. Colombo to Galle – Coastal Breeze and Ocean Views
Route: Colombo Fort ➝ Mount Lavinia ➝ Hikkaduwa ➝ Galle
Duration: ~2.5 hours
Highlights: Endless ocean, fishing villages, golden beaches
This coastal train ride offers a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. Sometimes just meters away from the waves, the track snakes past palm-lined beaches and quaint towns. Whether it’s the surfers at Hikkaduwa or the colonial beauty of Galle Fort, this ride captures the laid-back rhythm of coastal life.
3. Ella to Badulla – Through the Nine Arches
Route: Ella ➝ Demodara ➝ Badulla
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Highlights: Nine Arches Bridge, spiral loops, lush jungle
Short but stunning, the Ella to Badulla stretch is famous for the iconic Nine Arches Bridge—an architectural marvel surrounded by thick forest and mist. As the train glides across the viaduct, passengers often lean out to snap photos or simply soak in the magic. This journey offers a deeper dive into the highlands’ raw beauty.
4. Nanu Oya to Haputale – Above the Clouds
Route: Nanu Oya ➝ Ambewela ➝ Haputale
Duration: ~2.5 hours
Highlights: Cloud forests, dairy farms, panoramic valleys
This less-traveled leg is a dream for nature lovers. Passing through sleepy villages and dense cloud forests, the train often climbs above the mist. From Haputale, you can gaze across tea fields that seem to roll into infinity. Don’t miss Lipton’s Seat nearby—once the favored viewpoint of tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton.
5. Polonnaruwa to Trincomalee – Culture to Coast
Route: Polonnaruwa ➝ Gal Oya ➝ China Bay ➝ Trincomalee
Duration: ~4 hours
Highlights: Ancient ruins, rural heartland, eastern coastline
This underrated journey starts near the historic city of Polonnaruwa and ends at the vibrant port city of Trincomalee. It offers a shift in scenery—from inland rice paddies and jungles to turquoise waters and untouched eastern beaches. Along the way, wildlife sightings are not uncommon, including peacocks and elephants near the tracks.
Tips for the Ride:
- Seats: Book second or third class with open windows and doors for the full sensory experience. Reserve a seat in advance during peak season.
- Snacks: Try local treats sold by onboard vendors—samosas, spicy peanuts, or crispy wade.
- Gear: Pack a light jacket, camera, and headphones with your favorite playlist for dreamy vibes.
Final Whistle
A train journey in Sri Lanka is a slow, soulful way to see the island. It’s where time stretches, landscapes unfold like paintings, and moments feel timeless. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, these rides are stories waiting to be lived.
So hop aboard, lean out the door, and let the island take you on a visual odyssey you’ll never forget.
