Kandy to Ella Train Ride – The Most Scenic Journey in Sri Lanka

The Kandy to Ella Train ride is not just a train journey, but a unique adventure through rolling tea hills, mist-covered valleys, ancient forests, and local villages. It’s an experience that offers unparalleled views and a distinct perspective, unlike that of a car or bus, making it a standout feature of any traveller’s trip to Sri Lanka.

This detailed guide offers practical tips for a smooth and successful journey, including the best time to travel, must-see attractions, top activities, booking advice, accommodations, and valuable insights to make your trip unforgettable.

This article is primarily based on the train “Ella Odyssey“.

The trains run daily, but the experience changes with the seasons.

• December to March: The dry season in the hill country. Expect clear blue skies and crisp views of plantations and valleys.
• April: Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Trains are crowded, but the energy is festive. The villages you pass through will be full of games and celebrations.
• May to June: Start of the southwest monsoon. The highlands remain cooler and greener, but showers are possible.
• July to September: Peak for misty views, great for photographers who like dramatic scenery.
• October to November: Heavy rains sometimes delay trains, but this is when waterfalls are at their strongest.

Tip: Morning departures give you clearer light for photography. Afternoon trains risk fog and rain.

* The train Schedule is from Sri Lanka Railways and may be subject to change.

* The train Schedule is from Sri Lanka Railways and may be subject to change.

The train from Kandy to Ella is more than just a means of travel between two cities. It holds historical significance from the British colonial era and offers a unique route through Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country.

• The railway tract was built during the British colonial era to transport tea from the central highlands to Colombo.
• The line remains one of the best-preserved examples of colonial railway engineering in Asia.
• The route takes you through Sri Lanka’s most renowned tea-growing regions, providing insight into why Ceylon tea is famous worldwide.

The ride is slow, taking about 6 to 7 hours, which gives you ample time to breathe, look, and appreciate every detail. This leisurely pace allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience. That is why many consider the train to Ella to be the most scenic journey in Sri Lanka.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka (Photo by Yves Alarie)

The train from Kandy to Ella offers you a continuous scenic view. For example, you can see:

• Tea Plantations: Hills covered in green, with workers plucking leaves by hand.
• Waterfalls: St. Clair’s, Devon, and countless smaller waterfalls.
• Villages: You can see small towns where children wave at the train.
• Forests and Valleys: Mist drifts across pine forests and eucalyptus groves.
• Bridges and Tunnels: 28 tunnels add excitement. Singha Malai (Poolbank) Tunnel is the longest tunnel (562m/1844 ft) in the hill country of Sri Lanka. The Pattipola railway tunnel is the summit tunnel on the railway track. It is the third-longest (322m/1,056 ft) in Sri Lanka and situated at an elevation of 1,897m (6,225 ft) above sea level.
• Pattipola railway station: the highest railway station (1,897 m/6,225 ft above mean sea level) in Sri Lanka.

Every few kilometres, the scenery changes, making this a ride where you should never put away your camera.

Several stations stand out on the Kandy to Ella line.

• Kandy: The start point, cultural hub with the Temple of the Tooth. It is also the last capital of the ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka.
• Peradeniya: Famous for its Royal Botanical Garden.
• Hatton: Base for climbing Adam’s Peak.
• Nanu Oya: Station for Nuwara Eliya, the tea country’s colonial-era town.
• Haputale: Known for Lipton’s Seat and spectacular valley views.
• Ella: End point, a backpacker-friendly town surrounded by hikes.

Some travellers break the journey here, spending a night in Nuwara Eliya or Haputale before continuing.

To make the ride memorable:

• Sit by an open window for clear air and photos.
• Stand by the train doors for expansive views.
• Buy local snacks from vendors, such as corn on the cob or fried snacks.
• Chat with locals who use the train daily.
• Watch for the Nine Arches Bridge before Ella.

• Book tickets early, especially during peak season.
• Do bring snacks and drinking water.
• Dress in layers, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm.
• Do carry small change for vendors.

• Don’t lean dangerously out of the train doors.
• Don’t block doorways for others.
• Don’t expect luxury facilities.
• Don’t carry too much luggage.

Certain moments define this ride:

• Demodara Railway Loop: A unique railway curve where the train circles under itself.
• Nine Arches Bridge: Iconic photo spot near Ella.
• Valley views in Haputale: Some of the best views in Sri Lanka.
• Tea fields around Nuwara Eliya: Endless shades of green.

Little Adam’s Peak, Ella (Photo by Kevin Olson)

Travel smart to get the best out of your journey.

• Reserve tickets online or through authorised agencies at least a week in advance.
• Sit on the right side from Kandy and the left side from Ella for the best views.
• Bring a light jacket, especially in Nuwara Eliya and Haputale.
• Use a power bank to keep your phone charged.
• Start the day with a light meal, as train snacks are basic.

Classes differ in comfort and experience.

• First Class: Reserved, air-conditioned, sealed windows. Comfortable but not great for photos.
• Second Class Reserved: Best balance—open windows, assigned seats, and comfortable.
• Third Class Reserved: Cheaper, local feel, often crowded.
• Observation Car: Limited seats, large windows, at the end of the train. Very popular.

Most travellers prefer Second Class Reserved Seats because you cannot open the windows and doors of the first-class air-conditioned saloon.

The entire train ride lasts 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 163 kilometres. It is a slow but rewarding journey.

Booking is competitive but straightforward.

• Online Booking: Online Advance Train Seats Reservation from the Sri Lanka Railways Official Page and third-party booking platforms.
• Stations: Buy tickets directly, as they sell out quickly.

Book early if you travel between December and March or July and August.

*** Sri Lanka Railways now requires ID verification for all train ticket reservations. Foreign travellers must provide their passport numbers when booking online or at station counters. The original passport must be shown during boarding and ticket checks, and only the person whose details were used can travel with the ticket.

A Railway Tunnel (Photo by Samantha Weerasinghe)

• Budget: Backpacker hostels near the lake.
• Mid-range: Guesthouses with gardens.
• Luxury: Resorts with lake and mountain views.

• Budget: Simple guesthouses, often family-run.
• Mid-range: Boutique hotels overlooking Ella Rock.
• Luxury: Villas and eco-lodges with infinity pools.

Both towns have options for every budget.

Facilities are functional but basic.

• Toilets are available but simple.
• Vendors sell food and drinks at stations.
• No Wi-Fi.
• Mobile signals are often weak in rural areas.
• Comfortable seating is only available in reserved classes.

Please bring your own snacks, sanitiser, and water.

Ella is more than a train stop.

• Hike Little Adam’s Peak: Short, family-friendly, with great views.
• Visit Nine Arches Bridge: It’s best to visit at sunrise or when trains pass.
• Climb Ella Rock: Longer trek with panoramic views.
• Swim at Ravana Falls: A popular waterfall near town.
• Relax in cafes: Many with terraces overlooking valleys.

Ella is a hub for backpackers, hikers, and nature lovers.

The train ride also offers a glimpse into Sri Lankan life.

• Locals use the train daily for work and family visits.
• Vendors offer a variety of unique snacks at each stop.
• Stations mix colonial architecture with local energy.

It is a chance to see authentic daily life, not only scenery.

Pattipola Railway Station (Photo by Samantha Weerasinghe)

• Keep valuables close. Use a secure bag.
• Arrive at the station early to find your platform.
• Carry tissues, as train toilets lack supplies.
• Bring medication if you tend to get motion sickness.
• Be polite when sharing space. Many locals stand.

The time of year affects what you see.

• Dry months mean clearer mountain views.
• Rainy months bring dramatic waterfalls.
• Festivals fill the train with local travellers.

Plan your trip according to what matters most to you.

The train passes through three different landscapes:

• Cultural heartland near Kandy: Rice fields, small villages.
• Tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Haputale: Plantations, cool weather, British-style bungalows.
• Adventure hub of Ella: Peaks, trails, waterfalls, and relaxed vibes.

Few train rides in the world offer so many contrasts in a single journey. The Kandy to Ella train is one of them.

The Kandy to Ella train is more than a scenic trip. It takes you through Sri Lanka’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. You pass tea fields, waterfalls, tunnels, old bridges, and villages full of life. Every moment along the way feels unique.

If you plan to travel to Sri Lanka, be sure to include this ride in your itinerary. Book early, choose your Class carefully, and take time to enjoy the experience. The memories you make will stay with you long after you leave Ella.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting? Yes, of course. There are many reasons Sri Lanka should be on your bucket list. The Kandy to Ella train ride is definitely one of them.

(Featured image by Yves Alarie)

Nalaka Priyantha

I am a Sri Lankan medical doctor who spends my free time travelling, exploring new destinations, and documenting the beauty of the island I call home. I have journeyed across almost every corner of Sri Lanka with my wife and daughter — from wildlife parks and misty mountains to ancient cities, deep forests, rugged landscapes, and quiet beaches.

Travel is not just a hobby for me — it’s a way of life. I love nature, enjoy road trips, and find joy in wildlife photography. I also read widely about tourism, travel trends, and destination culture. Through my writing, I aim to help travellers experience Sri Lanka through real stories, meaningful insights, and honest recommendations — the same way I explore it with my own family.