Joanna James
A small island, Sri Lanka is famous for its bio-diverse environs. The best way to experience the changing scenery is to scour the nation by train and enjoy the stunning scenery as it unfolds around you. Here is a guide on the most scenic train trips to enjoy in Sri Lanka.
This is undoubtedly the most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka. Ella is a backpackers haven and Nanu Oya is located close to Nuwara Eliya, the town that sits at Sri Lanka's highest elevation. The journey through the highlands will treat you to gorgeous vistas of blue-green tea plantations, silvery waterfalls, and verdant valleys. Add variety to your journey by stopping at Haputale, a mountainous town offering endless vistas across vales and open plains. On clear days, you can even see the ocean.
This route will take you across the famous Nine Arch Bridge; a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site, the bridge was built during the British colonial era. The train trundles across the ancient but sturdy stone bridge treating passengers to views of the hilly surroundings, festooned with lush greenery and more tea plantations. You will find that choosing accommodation in the highlands of Sri Lanka is not easy, as you will be faced with excellent options. Some of the popular hotels belong to top chains like Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Booking your stay at chain hotels will help with seamless transfers to sister resorts located at top destinations across the island. This makes it easy to explore the best things to do in Sri Lanka in the lap of luxury.
This is a seven-hour long trip that takes you to the cultural city of Kandy across the Nine Arch Bridge. You can start from Demodara close to Ella and travel through the iconic tunnel that does a loop trail under the station. As you journey, you will pass green jungles, huge valleys adorned with trees and shrubs, as well as charming little villages where smiling local kids will happily wave and chase the train. For variety, you can break the journey and get off at Hatton, a short bus ride from there will take you to Dalhousie, a town that sits at the base of Adam's Peak; also called Samanala Kanda, which is a religious site where a footprint in stone found at the summit is believed to be that of the Lord Buddha, Adam, or Lord Shiva.
Travelling from Badulla to Fort in Colombo is a long journey but you will be heading from the highlands to lower ground and the changing scenery is quite impressive. You can break the long journey by booking a room at one of the top chain resorts in Sri Lanka, to ensure a comfortable stay where good food awaits you. Some of the popular resorts will even provide a shuttle service and meet you at the train station for an easy transfer.
On your turnaround journey, take the train from Colombo to Galle and explore the south coast. This coastal route offers a captivating contrast to the island's highlands. The sheer beauty of the island's amazing bio-diversity will hit you when you switch to the highlands for travel across the coastal belt where tall coconut palms, rolling blue waves and expansive skies are yours to savour.
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.
