A Train Journey From Kandy To Ella

There are train rides that get you from A to B—and then there are train rides like this.

The journey from Kandy to Ella isn’t just about transport. It’s a slow-moving theatre through some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking scenery: misty hills, endless tea plantations, waterfalls slipping down cliffsides, and small stations with names that sound like poetry.

For travelers craving not just a destination but a journey to remember, this ride is a must.

Boarding the train in Kandy, you leave behind the sacred city and begin a gentle ascent into the highlands. The air shifts—cooler, fresher—and the pace slows, in the best possible way.

As the train winds through the hills, it’s like being inside a living postcard. Bright green tea estates roll on for miles, broken only by tall eucalyptus trees and the occasional tea picker moving through the fields with practiced grace.

You'll pass charming stations like Nanu Oya (gateway to Nuwara Eliya), Haputale, and Ohiya, each one a tiny slice of colonial-era charm still ticking quietly along the tracks.

And then there’s Ella—a mountain town that feels like a well-kept secret, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and views that stretch forever. After 6–7 hours of cinematic travel, stepping off the train here feels like arriving at the top of the world.

Why This Train Ride is So Famous

• Scenic Beauty: Considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. No exaggeration.

• Open Doors & Windows: You can literally sit at the door with your legs dangling (safely, of course), wind in your face, watching the world roll by.

• Photogenic Moments: From rolling tea fields to viaducts and tunnels—every turn offers a frame-worthy view.

• Local Encounters: The journey is as much about the people as the place—locals with baskets of snacks, kids waving from villages, travelers exchanging stories.

Tips for the Best Experience

• Book in advance. Especially for 1st or 2nd class reserved seats—these can fill up quickly.

• Travel light. The stations are charmingly old-fashioned, but don’t expect elevators or smooth platforms.

• Bring snacks and water. Vendors hop on and off, but it’s always good to have your own.

• Sit on the right side when leaving Kandy (and left from Ella) for the best views.

• Keep your camera ready. The scenery changes constantly, and golden hour near Ella is magic.

Key Information:

• The train ride takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on stops and train type.

• Trains are often delayed, so allow flexibility in your travel plans.

• Reserved seats are highly recommended and can be booked at stations, via agents, or online.

• 1st class offers air-conditioning and fixed seats but no open windows; 2nd class reserved is ideal for both views and comfort.

• 3rd class is the most basic and can be crowded, but it's great for local interaction.

• The train can get cold in the highlands, especially in early morning or late evening—bring a light jacket.

• Snacks like samosas, vadai, and tea are sold by local vendors on the train.

• Toilets are available but may be basic—carry tissue and hand sanitizer.

• The Nine Arches Bridge is located just before Ella and can be seen on foot later; not clearly visible from the train.

• Trains can be booked on Sri Lanka Railways, 12Go Asia, or through local travel agents.

• The route is safe for solo travelers, including women, especially in reserved compartments.

• The best time to travel is during the dry season—January to April and July to September for clear views.

• Trains often sell out days in advance during peak season—plan ahead.