SriLanka - Ella to Kandy

Where to Stay

Embarking on the train journey from Ella to Kandyin Sri Lanka is a remarkable experience, offering some of the most scenic views through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages.Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan this trip:

Train Options and Schedule:

Sri Lanka Railways operates multiple trains daily on the Ella to Kandy route. Notable trains include:

Udarata Menike (Express Train):Departs Ella at 6:51 AM, arriving in Kandy around 1:12 PM.
Podi Menike (Express Train):Departs Ella at 9:42 AM, arriving in Kandy around 4:19 PM.
Ella Odyssey (Special Intercity Express):Operates on Fridays and Sundays, departing Ella at 8:56 AM and reaching Kandy by 3:22 PM.

The journey typically takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on the train and specific schedule.

Ticket Classes and Pricing:

Trains offer various classes to cater to different comfort levels:

First Class:Air-conditioned seats with panoramic windows. Tickets are priced between LKR 3,000 to LKR 3,500.
Second Class:Fans and adjustable windows; seats are not reserved, so early arrival is recommended.
Third Class:Basic seating without reservations; can be crowded but offers an authentic local experience.
Booking Tickets:
Due to the popularity of this route, especially in First Class, it's advisable to book tickets in advance. Reservations can be made through the Sri Lanka Railways Seat Reservation System or via travel agencies. Some agencies offer ticket delivery to your accommodation in Ella for convenience.

Journey Highlights:

During the trip, you'll pass through picturesque landscapes, including:

Tea Plantations:Expansive views of lush green tea estates.
Nine Arches Bridge:An iconic viaduct near Ella, renowned for its architectural beauty.
Mountain Tunnels and Waterfalls:Experience the thrill of passing through tunnels and witnessing cascading waterfalls along the route.

Additional Tips:

Seating:For the best views, seats on the right side of the train from Ella offer superior scenery.
Comfort:Carry snacks and water, as the journey is lengthy, though vendors do board the train selling refreshments.
Photography:Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes.

Traveling by train from Ella to Kandy, Sri Lanka, is frequently praised as one of the world's most picturesque rail trips. Through the center of the island's hill area, travelers can enjoy sweeping vistas of verdant tea plantations, foggy mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and quaint villages throughout this roughly seven-hour journey. Originally built to carry tea and coffee during the British colonial era, the road currently serves as a charming path that highlights Sri Lanka's natural splendor.

Ella, a charming town renowned for its lush surroundings and the famous Nine Arches Bridge, is where the trip starts. The train travels through a number of tunnels and crosses many bridges as it leaves, progressively rising in elevation. Haputale, which provides sweeping views of the southern plains, and Nanu Oya, which serves as the entryway to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya—often referred to as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and temperate climate—are noteworthy stops along the route. A tour that skillfully combines cultural sites with stunning scenery comes to a close as the last stretch descends towards Kandy, the location of the famed Temple of the Tooth Relic.

The train journey from Ella to Kandy in Sri Lanka is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, traversing lush tea plantations, verdant hills, and charming villages. Often referred to as one of the most scenic train rides globally, this route offers travelers an immersive experience through the heart of the island's hill country.

Route Overview:

Distance:Approximately 162 kilometers.
Duration:The journey typically takes between 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific train service.
Key Stops:The train passes through notable stations such as Haputale, Nanu Oya (the stop for Nuwara Eliya), and Hatton (gateway to Adam's Peak).

Train Schedule:

Several trains operate daily on the Ella to Kandy route. Here are some options:

Podi Menike Express (Train No. 1006):
Departure from Ella: 09:42 AM
Arrival in Kandy: Approximately 4:19 PM
Frequency: Operates daily.

Udarata Menike Express (Train No. 1016):

Departure from Ella:06:51 AM
Arrival in Kandy:Approximately 1:12 PM
Frequency:Operates daily

Ella Odyssey Special (Train No. 1042):

Departure from Ella:08:56 AM
Arrival in Kandy:Approximately 3:22 PM
Frequency:Operates on Fridays and Sundays.

Travel and Flights

Nine Arches Bridge

A stunning colonial-era bridge surrounded by dense forest and tea fields — perfect for photos, especially when a train passes.

Little Adam’s Peak

An easy hike with panoramic views of the valley — ideal for sunrise or sunset.

Ella Rock

A more challenging hike than Little Adam’s Peak, but well worth it for the sweeping views.

Ravana Falls

A popular roadside waterfall — great for a quick stop and some cool air.

Ella Spice Garden

For a local cooking class or to explore Sri Lankan spices and ingredients.

Beautiful Stops on the Train (Ella to Kandy)

The train takes around 6–7 hours, passing through dreamy landscapes. A few places you’ll pass by or could optionally stop at:

Demodara

Famous for the loop in the railway line — an engineering marvel.

Haputale

A misty mountain town surrounded by tea estates, home to Lipton’s Seat — a great detour.

Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England” — famous for colonial bungalows, Gregory Lake, and nearby tea plantations.

Tea Estates

The entire route is lined with emerald-green tea fields. Visiting a tea factory (like Mackwoods or Pedro Tea Estate) is a great experience if you stop in Nuwara Eliya.

Top Places in Kandy(ending point)

Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

One of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world, said to house a tooth of the Buddha.

Kandy Lake

A peaceful lake right in the city center, great for a walk or boat ride.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

A massive garden with over 4,000 plant species — perfect for nature lovers.

Kandy Viewpoint

A quick tuk-tuk ride or short hike gives you a panoramic view of the city and lake.

Cultural Show

Catch a traditional dance and music performance in the evening to round off your cultural experience.

SriLanka - Ella to Kandy

Where to Stay