Joanna James
The train journey from Kandy to Ella completely stimulates the senses. You are sure to fall in love with the enchanting views as the train makes its way through the central highlands for more than 100 kilometres. From the pine and eucalyptus forests to high slopes blanketed in rows of tea and offering expansive views, the terrain shifts dramatically. Every traveller who has taken this train ride will surely tell you that it is one of the best and most scenic train rides they’ve ever been on. It is one of those things that you need to experience yourself, as words won’t ever do justice to this magical train ride.
Of course, don't just go to Kandy for the sake of travelling to Ella by train. There is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens and museums to visit in Kandy among many other things to do. Once you are done touring the city of Kandy Sri Lanka, you will need accommodations to peacefully reminisce about the travels of the day. Well, look no further. Earls Regency where you can dedicate one whole day to just relax and unwind at the hotel to experience the hotel's many amenities after your days of sightseeing in Kandy are done, To exit the central province like true royalty, a scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is called for. Read further for a step-by-step guide on how to do it the right way.
The train ride from Kandy to Ella takes 7 hours, so you need to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the ride. To get the best of the scenery, the most sensible choice is to get tickets in the observation car which comes up at the rear end of the train. You could also purchase first-class tickets in which the compartment is fully air-conditioned. The observation car, however, provides a full view of the scenery, with wide windows that can be opened on both sides of the car and the rear end for unparalleled panoramic views that pass by.
Kandy Railway Station lies in the heart of Kandy, a short tuk-tuk ride from the lively city. Kandy station is accessible by foot, tuk-tuk, or local cab. For those arriving from Colombo or farther north, the bus terminal is located adjacent to the rail station.
Unfortunately, even the first class or observation compartment ticket is not inclusive of meals. However, Food vendors occasionally get onto the train with their various spicy homemade short eats, sodas, and treats, but there is no guarantee that they will venture into the first class or the observation carriage. Hence, it is advisable to pack a filling meal, a snack, a drink of your choice, and a couple of water bottles to keep your hunger at bay and keep you fully hydrated. A restaurant carriage may be available on some trains.
Taking the train throughout June to August provides you with the ideal weather in Ella's peak season: warm with a lack of misty showers. Kandy will see part of the southwestern monsoon; nevertheless, catching the tail end of August offers an excellent mix between the two. The months of December to February are also excellent choices when Kandy is at its best, and although it still rains, it's an excellent time to explore Ella. It's not too hot, and the mountains have the feel of mountains.
Make sure you take into consideration these few steps when you decide to ride the train from Kandy to Ella, and you will be leaving the island with no regrets.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
