There’s something unparalleled about chugging through a heritage-rich tropical island with uninterrupted views of undulating hills, lush tea estates, colourful communities, and coastal gems flying by. Here are some unforgettable train rides to the best Lankan destinations.
1. Kandy to Ella
While Sri Lanka can be explored in many ways, from the jolt of authenticity to be gained from bus and tuk-tuk expeditions to private car hires that enable you to veer off the beaten path at your leisure, there’s something undeniably magical about its railway adventures. On par with the most cinematic escapades in Sri Lanka, like the Yala safari, Sigiriya Rock climb, and bewitching beach backdrops like Mirissa, Kalpitiya, and Trincomalee, the journey from Kandy to Ella has been listed as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Book a second-class or third-class carriage so you can capture the visual feast of undulating hills and valleys, dusky forests, and rugged peaks filigreed with waterfalls from the open windows and doors. One of the main highlights of this journey is crossing the majestic Nine Arches Bridge, a Victorian-era masterpiece soaring 100 feet above tea carpeted valleys and velvety tropical foliage.
2. Onwards to Badulla
If you have more time on your hands after your sojourn in this old-world hilltop settlement, venture beyond the typical tourist trail and witness the raw and dramatic upcountry route from Ella to Badulla. While Ella is rich in hiking trails, secret waterfalls, spice gardens, and tea terraces, the journey to Badulla will immerse you in sweeping mountain views, ancient coniferous forests, lush valleys, dense tropical jungle, and small villages in a patchwork of fields. Badulla itself is full of olden day charm, affording a slice-of-life glimpse into a traditional farming community.
3. Nanu Oya to Haputale
Sri Lankan train rides are reminiscent of a bygone era with vintage trappings creating a nostalgic charm, from old-world colonial station houses with their graceful pillars, arches, intricate ironwork, and hand-painted wooden signs to tunnels, bridges, and viaducts adapted to the island’s diverse topography. Suppose you’re short on time but desperate to savour a scenic rail route. In that case, the journey from Nanu Oya Railway Station in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s tea-steeped, blossom-tinted ‘Little England’, to the quaint little town of Haputale is only 2-3 hours long and yields panoramic highland views that almost rival the Kandy-Ella stretch.
4. Colombo to Galle
There’s nothing quite like the rhythmic clatter of the antique train carriages passing through remote, untouched green vistas or salty, wind-swept coastline, yielding an exquisite glimpse of plantations, waterfalls, caves, and lagoons, as well as vibrant vantages of everyday rural life. Try to snag a seat on the left side of the Colombo-Galle train for the best views of the iridescent Indian Ocean, swaying palm trees, sun-kissed sands, colourful boats, and colonial-era architecture. If you’re looking for bespoke Sri Lanka tours catering to your unique interests, customise your itinerary with Walkers Tours.
5. Galle to Matara
After you’ve soaked in the tropical glamour and heritage artistry of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, extend your beguiling south coast saga by hopping on the train to Matara. Catch enticing snatches of secluded coves, luscious seaside vegetation, and secret beaches as you wind deeper into the tranquil sanctuaries of this stunning region.
