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5 of the Most Scenic Rail Journeys in Sri Lanka
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
Soak up Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty on one of these incredible rail journeys.
Trace the striking coastline north to south or wind your way inland through misty, tea-covered mountains: whatever the decision, a train ride in Sri Lanka is a magical experience. A rail journey is a must-do for any traveller to this teardrop-shaped island – and an air-conditioned first-class carriage makes for the perfect place to soak up the scenery.
Another perk is that it’s affordable. A first-class ticket from Colombo to Kandy will set you back around A$10, meaning you’ll have more to spend on other holiday indulgences – perhaps stay at one of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious resorts. Looking for more savings? Join LuxPlus+, Luxury Escapes’ new members-only travel club, and enjoy discounts on select Sri Lanka tours, accommodation and more.
1. Cultural journey: Colombo to Kandy
Starting in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, this three-hour rail journey weaves inland through verdant rice fields and lush jungle, before ascending to the central highlands. As you climb higher into hill country, the coastal landscape melts away, replaced by scenes of local villages surrounded by terraced tea plantations in the foreground and towering mountains in the background. Watch the scenery change as the train winds its way through tunnels and over bridges, closer to the cultural city of Kandy.
Tip: Rise early for a 6am departure and enjoy a quieter and more authentic local experience.
2. Tea country: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
The train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya takes passengers through verdant hills and into the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country over four hours. Wind your way through the lush mountainous terrain, past tea pickers and local farmers working as they have for hundreds of years. Enjoy breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and soaring mountain peaks as you travel through the village of Hatton – the starting point for the Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) pilgrimage – and into Nuwara Eliya (or ‘Little England’, affectionally named for its Tudor Revival-style heritage hotels, bungalows and post office).
Tip: Book a seat on the right-hand side for views of Sri Pada on a clear day.
3. Spectacular sights: Nuwara Eliya to Badulla
While many travellers opt for the journey from Kandy to Ella, this nearby alternate route offers all the breathtaking scenery with a slightly more local feel. Board the eye-catching blue or red train from the heart of tea country and head southeast towards the hillside village of Ella. While the entire journey (3.5 hours total) offers striking views of waterfalls, tea plantations and misty mountains, the highlights are the first section, between Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, and the final section between Ella and Badulla. In the last 50 minutes, you will cross the iconic Nine Arches Bridge – a feat of architecture and engineering – as you ascend further towards the clouds.
Tip: Elevate your journey on The Ella Odyssey sightseeing train. While it might look like a classic Sri Lankan train, this dedicated tourist service operates exclusively between Colombo and Badulla. It includes eight short photo stops for optimal shots of sites like Sri Pada and Elgin Falls and pauses for 10 minutes at the Nine Arches Bridge so you can get off and snap a photo in front of this Sri Lankan icon before continuing your journey.
4. Beachside bliss: Colombo to Galle
Escape the bustle of Colombo and head 2.5 hours south along the Indian Ocean to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort. Watch as the high-rises melt away into the distance, replaced by beachside shacks selling native king coconuts and markets overflowing with freshly caught fish. This serene route is perfect for beach lovers, with most of the track running parallel to the coast, ensuring uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea and sandy shores. Glimpse popular seaside towns including Kalutara, Bentota and Hikkaduwa before pulling into historic Galle.
Tip: Book a seat on the right-hand side for the best ocean views.
5. Ancient treasures: Anuradhapura to Jaffna
The north of Sri Lanka offers a healthy dose of culture, history and fiery cuisine. Starting in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, this three-hour route ventures north through rice fields and rolling hills, dotted with significant Buddhist stupas and temples. As you leave most of Sri Lanka’s tourists behind, you’ll notice the scenery change – the landscape flattens out and rice farms are replaced with sprawling plains of scrubland and vast salt fields. Finally, cross the narrow Elephant Pass and watch as the breathtaking Jaffna Peninsula emerges in front of your eyes. With its predominant Tamil population, this region is known for its intricate kovils (Hindu temples), historic sites – including the country’s second-largest Dutch Fort – and sweeping golden-sand beaches.
Tip: Brush up on your history before travelling. Elephant Pass was significant in Sri Lanka’s civil war: understanding its role will provide valuable context for a more immersive journey.
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Looking for more inspiration? Read Why Sri Lanka is the Destination for Everyone.
