- Sri Lanka's railway system offers some of the most scenic train journeys in the world, especially the famous route from Colombo to Kandy and Ella.
- Traveling by train allows tourists to enjoy breathtaking views of lush green landscapes, misty hills, tea plantations, and quaint villages along the way.
1.Colombo to Kandy – Sri Lanka’s Most Iconic Train Journey
Spanning approximately 125 km (80 miles), the Colombo to Kandy train ride is one of the most scenic and sought-after rail journeys in Sri Lanka. In just three hours, this trip transports you from the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene greenery of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. While some trains continue onward to Badulla, a stop in Kandy is highly recommended, as it is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, believed to house a revered tooth of Lord Buddha.
As the train glides through the countryside, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills, golden paddy fields, and dense tropical forests. Towering palm trees sway in the breeze, while charming village train stations, complete with their colonial-era tin roofs and uniformed station masters, add a nostalgic charm to the journey. The higher you climb, the more the temperature drops, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm coastal air.
Originally constructed in the 1860s by the British to transport tea and coffee from the highlands to the coast, this railway line now offers travelers an unforgettable window into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you're continuing deeper into the Hill Country or exploring the wonders of Kandy, this train ride remains the most picturesque and enchanting way to experience Sri Lanka’s landscapes.
2.Kandy to Badulla – Sri Lanka’s Most Breathtaking Train Journey
Spanning 165 km (100 miles), the Kandy to Badulla train ride is often hailed as the most scenic railway journey in Sri Lanka. While the Colombo to Kandy trip is a stunning introduction, this leg of the journey takes it to another level, offering unparalleled views of Sri Lanka’s misty highlands and sprawling tea plantations.
Winding through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, the train meanders past endless green slopes, where tea estates cascade like giant fingerprints across the hills. Neatly trimmed borders of lemongrass and canna bushes frame the landscape, while vibrant sari-clad tea pickers create striking bursts of color amidst the emerald fields.
The final stretch, from Ella to Badulla, is an engineering marvel. The train glides over the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning colonial-era viaduct built from brick and stone, before reaching the Demodara Loop, where the tracks spiral around a hilltop and pass beneath themselves—one of the most fascinating railway designs in the world.
Many travelers choose to stop in Ella, a charming hill town with breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the bridge. Whether you continue to Badulla or pause to explore, this unforgettable train journey is a must for anyone seeking the most spectacular views in Sri Lanka.
3.Colombo to Galle – Sri Lanka’s Ultimate Coastal Train Journey
The Colombo to Galle train ride is one of the most scenic coastal journeys you can experience in Sri Lanka. Stretching for 120 km (75 miles), this route offers an exhilarating ride along the Indian Ocean, where the refreshing sea breeze and the scent of saltwater fill the air as the train rolls south from Colombo.
The train follows the coastline almost the entire way, with the ocean visible from the right-hand side of the train. The view is nothing short of breathtaking as you pass Galle Face Green, a popular park in Colombo, before the tracks hug the shore, providing a constant spectacle of the azure sea. Along the way, passengers can hop off at charming beach towns like Moragalla, known for its snorkeling spots, or Hikkaduwa, where surfers ride the waves and beach cafés serve refreshing smoothies.
Even if you choose not to get off, the ride itself is a treat for the senses. As the train stops at small rural stations, vendors board to offer delicious local snacks such as buttered sweetcorn and curry rice. Along the way, you'll pass scenic coastal scenes—children playing in the surf, stilt fishermen perched above the waves, and endless vistas of Sri Lanka’s picturesque coastline, all leading up to the historic city of Galle.
This coastal journey is the perfect way to experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant coastal life, with spectacular ocean views and authentic local experiences throughout the ride.
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