The Kandy to Ella train ride is the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka, if not in the world! Board the train and experience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life. Meet smiling locals on the train, wave to the running children along the tracks, and eat the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop. This is a must-do experience in Sri Lanka; find out everything you need to know with this complete guide.
The train from Kandy to Ella is a beautiful 7-hour ride that moves through tea plantations, jungle, and mountains. As the journey goes on, you move higher and higher up into the rolling green highlands where the big tea farms are and many beautiful hilltop villages and waterfalls.
The old-fashioned train is famous for its open windows and doors, which have become a buzz for people who want to feel the wind through their hair as they travel. In fact, it’s become one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka, with travelers coming from all over the world to experience it.
The train was brought to life in the mid-1800s when Sri Lanka was under British colonial rule. During this time, it was used as a train to transport tea from the plantations to Colombo, where it would then be exported internationally. These days, it’s used mainly by locals who use it to travel between home and work. Because of this, getting a ticket as a tourist can be a little more difficult, as seats sell out fast.
The train from Kandy to Ella should take around 6 hours. However, everything runs a little slower in Sri Lanka, and there can be longer stops and delays on the journey. In reality, it can take up to 10 hours, but that means more time to see the beautiful views! It might be a long ride, but it’s 100% worth the journey.