Top Train Rides in Sri Lanka – Touring the Island on Rails

If you only have time to experience one train ride during your time here in Sri Lanka, this is the one you should go for. Decades ago, steam trains carried all kinds of different cargo from Colombo to Kandy – this included everything from lumber to rich island spices. Nowadays, the train ride to Kandy has been described has been called everything from mesmerising to spiritual. Kandy is one of the most venerated and important cities in Sri Lanka. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the train ride to get here is no less spectacular. As you make your way to Kandy, you'll be treated to breath-taking views of verdant tea estates, quaint little towns, and vibrant paddy fields; all of which are found under the shadow of towering mountain ranges that loom in the distance. Interestingly, the Colombo-Kandy Railway was the first major track established by the Ceylonese government at the time.

Now, the trip to Kandy might seem like an excellent trek – and it is – but when it comes to admiring the scenery of Sri Lanka's central highlands, there's a lot more ground to cover! Indeed, from Kandy, you can continue riding the mainline to Badulla – a trip that will take you around seven to eight hours. This train ride takes you through the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country and the views are as amazing as you'd expect. Be sure to secure yourself a vantage point near the train's doorways for the best possible sightings. One of the stops you'll be passing on your way to Badulla is the famed Ella Town. This is one of the most tourist-friendly destinations to visit in Sri Lanka. It's full of great attractions and amazing sights – so you might want to consider making a stop here. What's more, there are plenty of Ella hotels in Sri Lanka for you to stay in – for example, there's the Bandarawela Hotel.

If you prefer being treated to magnificent views of Sri Lanka's pristine coastline and the glorious Indian Ocean that lies beyond, consider a train ride from Colombo to Galle. You'll be treated to the fresh sea breeze and the hearty smell of sea salt along the way.

The Northern Line is not quite as famous as the train rides to the central hill or the Southern Coast, but if you have the time to spare, you should definitely consider it. This will take you to the sacred city of Anuradhapura – the site of the ancient Sinhalese capital.

Of course, the Northern Line doesn't end in Anuradhapura – it continues on to the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka – the city of Jaffna. Here the land flattens out and you'll be treated to vast swats of open wilderness and saltpans. If you prefer a calm train ride that has an air of solitude about it, this is the choice for you.