Kandy to Ella Train Ride - Things to do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the most attractive and affordable travel destinations in 2024. Sri Lanka may welcome you anytime in the year and there are countless things to do and see in Sri Lanka. Today we will bring one of The world’s Most Scenic Train Journey that you can experience in the world. It is the Kandy to Ella Train ride..!
If you are a fan of “Family of Lochi” you may already be aware of our storyline that we have started about Sri Lanka called “Best Holiday Destinations in 2024 – Unveiling Sri Lanka”. If you have not read that informative article, feel free to visit.
Get ready to be thrilled with all the amazing information about the incredible things you can do in Sri Lanka! Are you excited to learn more?
Kandy to Ella train ride offering breathtaking views of tea plantations, mountains, and waterfalls. If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka this scenic train journey must be on your bucket list.
These trains start their journey from Colombo Fort, but the most adorable scenery starts after passing Kandy. So you can start your journey from Colombo or Kandy according to your travel plans.
How to book train tickets in Sri Lanka?
The Kandy to Ella is a part of the Colombo – Badulla train journey. From Colombo to Badulla, there are four daily trains and one special train on Thursdays and Saturdays. I will include the departing time of all these trains from Colombo as well as Kandy for your convenience. The schedule can be changed so always better to check on the Sri Lanka Railway website.
| Train | Frequency | Depart from Colombo | Depart from Kandy | Arrive to Ella |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1041 – Ella Odyssey Express | Thursday, Saturday | 5.30 am | 8.25 am | 2.47 pm |
| 1005-Podi Menike Express | Daily | 5.55 am | 8.55 am | 3.08 pm |
| 1015-Udarata Menike | Daily | 8.30 am | 11.10 am | 4.55 pm |
| 1007 – Badulla Express | Daily | 9.45 am | Not going to Kandy station. Depart from Peradeniya 12.27 pm | 6.26 pm |
| 1045 – Night Mail Express | Daily | 8.30 pm | Not going to Kandy station. Depart from Peradeniya 11.53 pm | 6.38 am |
| 1126 – Mixed Train | Daily | Start from Kandy. Takes longer than usual schedule. | 3.35 am | 1.24 pm |
You can purchase tickets at the railway station or make advanced reservations. It is highly recommended that you book your ticket in advance because these trains tend to be overcrowded with this route is popular not only among tourists but also among locals who love to travel.
Sri Lanka Railways offers different three classes including First, Second, Third, and Observation carriages. First and Second class seats can be reserved online, and it is best to book at least a month in advance. To book your tickets please visit Sri Lanka Railway Ticket Reservation
You can reserve your tickets but you have to collect your physical tickets from “mTicketing”service-enabled stations.
Choosing the Right Class
First Class
Please note that all first-class seats must be pre-booked. First class is the luxurious seating option on the train, providing comfortable seats with extra space and air conditioning. Please be aware that windows cannot be opened in this class. It’s important to note that not all trains offer first-class cabins. If you enjoy taking photos and prefer to access fresh air during your journey, first class may not be the best option for you.Second Class(Reserved)
These seats also need to be reserved. No air conditioning and fans are available. Seats are more comfortable than third class. Windows and doors are open and also you can sit on the open doorways.Third Class
Tickets are booked on the same day at the station, but not sure about seat availability.Facilities inside the trains.
Toilet facilities are available in every train class for your convenience. However, there are no cafeterias on board, but sometimes food vendors may come on board when the train stops at stations. It’s better to bring your own water and snacks with you during the journey. Please note that there are no charging facilities available inside the train. Therefore, make sure your devices are fully charged before boarding.
Best side to seat.
If possible, try to secure seats on the right side of the train when heading from Kandy to Ella. This provides better views of the scenic landscapes, especially the tea plantations. Remember that if you are going from Colombo, the side you are going will change in Kandy because the engine will be connected to the other side. It’s important to note that not all trains go to Kandy station, some of them turn towards Ella at Peradeniya station, which is before Kandy.
Best Time to Travel
The train journey in Sri Lanka is beautiful all year round. However, some seasons offer more stunning views than others. If you want clearer skies and better visibility, it’s advisable to travel during the dry season, which is from January to August. However, due to the unpredictable weather in Sri Lanka, rainfall can occur at any time. The blooming season in the Nuwara Eliya area starts in March and lasts until the end of May.
Check updated train time
You can use to check updated train times by the RDMNS app. It is free to download from the App Store as well as the Play Store.
Currency and Payments
Make sure to have some local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees)with you because most of the vendors may not accept cards.
Stops and Attractions
After passing Kandy, there are over 25 stations, each one more stunning than the other. But Idalgashinna railway station is considered as the most picturesque railway station in Sri Lanka. Most of the trains in this line stop at every station.
You’ll come across Sri Lanka’s second-longest tunnel, the Poolbank Tunnel, after Hatton. It is around 1/2 Km long.
Pattipola is the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, located approximately 6,226 feet above sea level. The panoramic views of the surrounding hills make it a unique stop.
The spectacular Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic places and is located between the Ella and Demodara railway stations in Sri Lanka. To cross the bridge by train, you must travel to Demodara station, which is the stop after Ella. It is important to note that getting off at Ella will not allow you to access the bridge by train.
The Ella Demodara railway loop is also a very unique construction. Trains coming from Kandy /Colombo enter Demodara station, which has only one platform, and then enter a tunnel built beneath the station, winding around a hill. This loop is called the Demoder loop and it is an eye-catching sight.
The Demodara railway loop is a unique construction where trains coming from Kandy or Colombo enter the Demodara station. From there, the trains enter a tunnel built beneath the station, winding around a hill. This loop is known as the Demodara loop, and it’s a fascinating sight to see.
What can you do in Ella?
Ella Rock Hike
One of the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka, is to hike Ella Rock. It offers an amazing viewpoint of Sri Lanka.
This hike is approximately 10 Km round trip and will take 4-5 hrs. The duration of the Ella Rock hike can vary depending on your pace and the specific trail you choose.
Multiple trails lead to Ella Rock, and each offers a slightly different experience. You can explore the routes by Google Maps based on your starting point and better to take the downloaded version with you.
If you need you can take a local guide and they are familiar with the terrain and can provide insights into the local flora and fauna. Anyway, be ensure you take the most scenic paths.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes and a dress. Bring a hat, sun cream, sufficient water and snacks. In wet weather, there may be leeches lurking in the grass. Be prepared for that kind of situation.
The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon. It gets incredibly hot in the mid-day.
Nine Arch Bridge
“Bridge in the Sky”, is another name for the arch bridge. It is located between Ella and Demodara stations and is 300 ft in length. Before visiting, make sure to check the RDMNS app to confirm the train schedule. The view of the scenery from the train as it crosses the bridge is truly amazing.
How to access the bridge?
If you like to walk through the rail tracks start walking from Demodara or Ella station. There may be some other paths to rail track. You can get help from locals. Otherwise, there is a footpath to Nine Arch through the jungle by Ella-Passara Road. you can take a tuk to get there from your location.
Visit Little Adams Peak
Heading out on a hike to Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka, is gonna be awesome! You’ll be treated to some seriously stunning panoramic views and have a blast on the trek.
The trail to Little Adam’s Peak is well-marked, and if you need you can get help from locals. The journey begins with a scenic walk through picturesque landscapes.
The best visiting time is early morning, consider starting your hike early in the morning to catch the sunrise at the mountain peak. Otherwise, try to reach there for sunset.
Upon reaching the peak, you’re treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the Ella Gap, Ella Rock, and the surrounding hills.
Tea Plantation and Tea Factory Tour
Ella is surrounded by lush tea estates, and several plantations offer guided tours. Some popular options include Halpewatte Tea Factory and Newburgh Green Tea Factory. Research and choose a plantation that aligns with your preferences.
Most tea plantations provide guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. These tours offer insights into the entire tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to the final production stages.
Some plantations allow visitors to experience tea plucking firsthand. Joining the tea pluckers in the fields, you’ll learn about the delicate art of selecting the finest leaves and gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work involved.
No tea plantation tour is complete without a tasting session. Knowledgeable staff will guide you through the nuances of each blend, helping you discover your preferences.
Purchasing tea directly from the plantation is a great way to support local communities. Most plantations have on-site shops where you can buy freshly produced tea to take home as souvenirs.
Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls is a must-visit destination in Ella. The fall is situated along the Ella-Wellawaya Road, making it a convenient stop for travellers exploring. It is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at 25 meters in height.
Enjoy the refreshing experience of Ravana Falls by taking a dip in the natural pool at its base. The cool, clear waters provide a perfect respite, especially on warmer days.
Ella Spice Garden
A visit to a spice garden is an odyssey through an aromatic symphony that captures the very soul of Sri Lankan cuisine. You’ll step into a place where the air is filled with the delicious scents of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more spices.
Ella Spice Garden showcases the spices themselves and provides insights into their culinary applications. Learn how these magical ingredients elevate traditional dishes, adding flavour and depth to the island’s distinctive cuisine.
You definitely should not miss the opportunity to not only visit the spice garden but also participate in a traditional Sri Lankan culinary session where you will learn how to make your favourite dishes.
You can get more details from their Facebook page.
Adventure Activities at Flying Ravana
Flying Ravana Adventures is one of the coolest experiences you must get in Ella. It is located on route to Little Adam’s Peak.
You can enjoy thrilling experiences such as zip-lining, ATV rides, abseiling, climbing walls, tower rappelling, and air rifling at Flying Ravana Adventure Park.
For more details and booking visit Flying Ravana.
For anyone thinking about this adventure, go for it! It’s not just a train journey; it’s a chance to soak in the beauty of Sri Lanka and create lasting memories with your loved ones.