Joanna James
Considered to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world! Read on for some tips to plan your journey and some important locations not to be missed.
Tickets can be purchased from Fort Railway Station from Colombo if you are heading to Ella from Colombo or from Kandy to Ella as well. If in Kandy, tickets can be purchased from the Kandy Railway Station. First Class and Observation deck tickets have to be purchased before the trip. For the second class, there are two decks, the reserved and the unreserved. Tickets can be bought for the latter and for the third class on the day itself based on availability.
If you want fully experience the train ride, it is advisable to forego first class. The deck is airconditioned, therefore the windows cannot be opened to take in the views or take pictures. The Second class reserved is a good option. The seating is considerably more comfortable than third class, and the windows and doors remain open, to take in the fresh air and some glorious shots.
From Colombo Fort Railway Station there are trains available from 5.55 am, 8.30 am, 9.45 am, and at 10.00 pm. The last train doesn't stop in Kandy. From Peradeniya Junction, the town closest to Kandy trains run from 8.32 am, 10.55 am, 12.31 am, 11.06 pm. From Kandy Station at 8.32 am, 10.55 am, 11.10 am, 5.00 pm and 3.30 am. For more precise information check the schedules on the Sri Lankan Railways website.
The journey from Kandy takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours, depending on the departure times. If you staying in Kandy there are many things to do in Kandy as well. You can try staying in a place like Hotel Topaz. The trains can get notoriously late on occasion. However, the amazing views will compensate for the duration of the journey. The Sri Lankan hill country is incredibly beautiful, with lush mountains, tea plantations, waterfalls and forests. The scenery will take a dramatic turn after passing Kandy, the journey to Nuwara Eliya is stunning from the there is a sharp descend that will take go on for another 2 to 3 hours to reach Ella. If you feel the journey is too tiring, get off at Nanu Oya and spend a few days in the little town of Nuwara Eliya. The trains run slowly due to the high altitude and narrowness of the trail tracks. Take plenty of snacks and water along with you, as it is a long journey. You will find vendors selling vadei (fried dhal fritter) vegetable rotis, and hot milk tea and coffee along the way.
Ella is an amazing place for nature lovers. Plenty of lush mountains and viewpoints to traverse. The air is crisp and cool, with plenty of amazing cafes and restaurants galore. The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the main attractions and a top picture-worthy spot. There is also Ella peak, mini -Adams Peak and Diyaluma Falls are among the top attractions to visit.
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