bigtravelbuzzThe train journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka, if not the world! Experience the scenery. Plus, it’s a great way to experience life in Sri Lanka. Meet smiling locals on the train, wave to children running on the tracks, and eat spicy snacks sold by vendors boarding at each stop, these are the must see things in Sri Lanka. Here you will ind everything that you must know.
Train from Kandy to Ella
The train from Kandy to Ella is a beautiful 7 hour journey through tea plantations, jungles and mountains. As the journey continues, you rise higher and higher into rolling green highlands with wonderful tea plantations and many beautiful hilltop villages and waterfalls.
Old-fashioned trains are famous for their open windows and doors, making them a hot topic for those who want to feel the breeze in their hair while riding. In fact, it has become one of Sri Lanka’s most famous activities, attracting travelers from all over the world.
The train originated in her mid-19th century, when Sri Lanka was under British colonial rule. During this time, it was used as a train to transport tea from plantations to Colombo, from where it was exported internationally. Currently, it is mainly used by local people for commuting to work and school. This makes it a bit difficult to get tickets as a tourist as seats sell out quickly.
Tips for Traveling from Kandy to His Ella by Train
This trip is spectacular and not to be missed on your trip to Sri Lanka. Here are some amazing tips to make your trip memorable.
- The train ride is very long
It takes about 6 hours from Kandy to Ella by train. However, everything moves a little slower in Sri Lanka, so stopovers and delays can be longer. It can actually take up to 10 hours, but that means more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery! It might be a long drive, but it’s 100% worth it. - You can go by train from Colombo
Traveling from Colombo can be exhausting, especially if you catch an early morning train. We don’t recommend falling asleep (because you don’t want to miss anything), but if you do, make sure you stay up for the most enjoyable part of the trip. The section between Kandy and Ella offers the best views and that is why it is so popular. - Take the morning train
Taking the morning train from Kandy to Ella is the best idea as you can soak up the sun for the entire trip and enjoy the spectacular views while hanging out your door. After all, you don’t want to go out at night and miss it completely.
If possible, avoid weekends as well. Weekends are the busiest and it can be difficult to get a seat. Standing for 9 hours is boring!
- Stop a few times along the way
, Take a few stops on the way, if you have time. The train stops at beautiful hill towns such as Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, where you can hop off to explore the famous tea plantations. For example, Lipton Tea Plantation has some beautiful scenery. The highlands are ideal for growing tea because of their cool and moist climate. Remember to bring layers and rain gear.
Five. Choose the best aspect of movement
Being on the best side of the train is important if you want to get the best shots of the scenery. The best spot to Nuwara Eliya is on the right side of the train. From here, if possible, hop on the left side for the rest of the journey.This will give you a wider view of both parts of the journey.
- bring food
There is no place to buy groceries on the train itself. However, the best part of the Kandy to Ella train journey is the local vendors who stop at each station to sell their goods. You can hear them shout and sing their prizes as you stroll among huts with steaming baskets filled with spicy fried snacks, salty peanuts, or fresh fruit. Make sure you have some cash with you so you can splurge. - Explore Kandy Station
You could take the train, but Kandy station is also good! Look up and you’ll see the traditional white iron shelter and the golden station sign. When an old-fashioned train arrives at the station and people wave to it, you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
train class
First class tickets are usually the best on any train. But the train from Kandy to Ella is the opposite! First class cabins are air-conditioned, so you can’t open windows or doors to take pictures. It also means that the cold wind from the tea plantation does not blow even if you run through the valley. This is a big part of the experience, so we recommend choosing a second or third class instead.
Second class has fans to keep the heat down and you can even hang your feet outside the door. Third-class carriages are a bit uncomfortable, but you can experience traveling with the locals and eating farm products such as chicken and vegetables.
Please be careful:
If you hang from the train door or window, there may be dangers such as tree branches on the way, so please be careful. Make sure you are in your seat when the train arrives at the station. It is dangerous to stretch your legs when the train arrives at the platform.
Kandy to Ella Train Ticket (Price + Time)
The famous Kandy to Ella train runs three times a day, but it is recommended to take the morning train. Ticket prices vary depending on the class you choose, but the fare from Kandy to Ella is around USD 2.50 / LKR 400, increasing with each class.
Where to buy train tickets from Kandy to his Ella
Tickets from Kandy to Ella can be purchased in two ways:
Online in advance, at a travel agency or at a train station.
from the station
If you buy your ticket at the station, it is recommended to arrive an hour in advance as lines can be very long. Alternatively, if you are in the area, you can pick up your train ticket the day before your trip. Tips:
If you purchase a same-day ticket, you will only be able to purchase 2nd or 3rd class seats without a reservation, and you will not be able to secure a seat. Advance purchase is required for reserved seats.
in advance
If you would like to purchase your tickets in advance, please purchase them online here, visit ExpoRail or contact your Sri Lankan travel agency to arrange this. If buying online, make sure he buys the trip at least a month in advance, as tour operators buy many tickets for resale. A very popular tour!
Ella from Candy
Don’t miss the highlights of this train journey in Sri Lanka. You can visit various places along the way. For example, Nuwara Eliya, Hapta, Ella. Some of the most important things you should do are:
Visit Kandy’s beautiful botanical gardens.
Cross the 30-meter high Nine Arch Bridge in Ella.
See the impressive tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya.