In Sri Lanka, the journey makes as much of an impression as the destination itself. Sri Lanka Railways operates several routes throughout the country, including the Main Line, Coast Line, Northern Line, Batticaloa Line and Puttalam Line.
If you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka, then opting for a train ride can make your vacation experience more exciting than only travelling by road. Here are some train rides that you could consider during your time in Sri Lanka.
Why Should You Incorporate a Train Ride in Your Sri Lankan Adventure?
By taking a train ride, you can have a glimpse of various facets of Sri Lanka without rushing from one point to another. Its mountainous regions, tea gardens, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and railway routes add to the natural charm of the journey.
Another reason why you should consider a train ride is that it can be a great mode of transportation.
Train Journeys in Sri Lanka You Should Plan
Kandy to Ella: A Hill-Country Classic
For many visitors, this is the first train journey that comes to mind when they think of Sri Lanka. This train ride will take visitors through the central highlands of the country as the scenery changes from the urban to the mountainous scenery that includes tea plantations, forests, and valleys.
The Nanu Oya railway station connects to Nuwara Eliya, whereas the trip provides scenic views of the hilly region and tea gardens en route to Ella.
The trains from Ella could also move further to Colombo, but those bound for Kandy can get off at the Peradeniya Junction.
For tourists that would wish to travel by train as part of their Sri Lankan experience, the trip would be perfect.
- What makes this train ride unique?
- Hill country scenery and tea plantations
- Mountain and valley scenery
- Nanu Oya and Ella stations
- Attractions in the central highlands
- An alternative to travelling entirely by road
Nanu Oya to Ella: An Alternative for Those Who Are Short on Time
Don’t have enough time to take the full trip from Kandy to Ella? Why not travel from Nanu Oya to Ella?
This is especially good for those who will be staying around or near Nuwara Eliya. Instead of spending a whole day going through the train route, it is possible to see Nuwara Eliya first before proceeding to Nanu Oya and from there on to Ella.
Colombo to Badulla: If You Want to Travel Further Upcountry
For tourists who want to explore even further along the Main Line Railway of Sri Lanka, you may opt to travel all the way to Badulla.
The route passes through several towns and cities between Colombo and Badulla, including Nanu Oya, Haputale, Bandarawela and Ella.
Kandy is reached via a branch line from Peradeniya Junction, so travellers planning a Kandy-to-Ella journey need to connect with the Main Line at Peradeniya.
The good thing about travelling to Badulla via this long-distance railway line is the option for you to plan the entire journey as a stopover journey rather than a direct train journey.
From Colombo to Galle: Coastal Train Tourism
Unlike the mountain train tourism, the coast of Sri Lanka presents itself as something completely new.
Unlike the mountain routes, the coastal train allows visitors to explore the western and southern parts of the island. Galle is of great interest to lovers of history, architecture and the southern coast.
The southern coast is generally driest from December to March, making this a good time to visit Colombo and Galle.
Colombo-Puttalam: The Right Way to Travel to Wilpattu
When you plan to visit Sri Lanka on holiday to view wildlife in their natural environment, then the railway line between Colombo and Puttalam will be a good way for you to travel.
It is recommended to take the train trip from Colombo Fort to Puttalam and then go to Wilpattu either by tuk-tuk or taxi, as there is no train that runs directly to Wilpattu.
Days for Extra Stay at Wilpattu
Nature lovers can enjoy staying extra days at Wilpattu rather than simply passing through Wilpattu.
The Cloud Nine Lanka Resort offers accommodation in proximity to Wilpattu National Park and a wide range of activities including wildlife safaris, nature trails, bird watching, lagoon trips, loris trips and much more. Moreover, the resort is located close to Dutch Bay and all the natural surroundings.
Taking a train ride from Colombo to Puttalam and then moving on to Wilpattu will make a great experience for travellers.
Colombo to Jaffna: Taking a Train Journey to the North of Sri Lanka
For those looking for an exciting cultural experience, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka is an interesting destination to explore.
The Northern Line of trains starts from Colombo to the north of the country and ends at Kankesanthurai. Several trains operate to the north of Sri Lanka, including the Yal Devi and Uttara Devi Intercity Express services.
A train journey to the north allows travellers to experience Jaffna’s unique culture, cuisine and surroundings.
This will be perfect for those tourists who have some time to spend beyond Colombo, Kandy and Ella.
Colombo to Anuradhapura: Combine Rail Travel with History
Sri Lanka’s railway network provides an opportunity to combine rail travel with historical exploration.
Anuradhapura is one of the destinations that tourists visiting Sri Lanka’s historical places are advised to visit. A train trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura can therefore be a convenient way to combine travel with a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical destinations.
Cloud Nine Lanka Resort: Your One-Stop Resort for Your Vacation in Sri Lanka
It can prove to be a great idea if you visit multiple places during your holiday in Sri Lanka rather than spending the whole vacation at a single destination. For example, you can visit the hills first to take the train ride, followed by a stay at the beach or a trip to cultural sites or wildlife reserves.
If you have plans to visit Wilpattu National Park, the Cloud Nine Lanka Resort has got something to offer in terms of nature tourism, where you will get accommodation and food along with safaris, lagoon tours, bird watching, and other activities in nature.
The resort’s sustainability features include energy conservation, proper disposal of waste and other such practices. It is located near the entrance of Wilpattu National Park, which is around 25 minutes away.
Conclusion
While travel by train in Sri Lanka provides an economical means to travel between places, it is also an interesting means to view the changing scenery of the country – ranging from scenic coast, old cities, misty mountains to tea estates and wildlife zones.
The well-known Kandy-Ella train line might be included in many first-time visitor itineraries; however, it certainly is not the only choice. Coastal trips to Galle, northern trips to Jaffna, trips to Anuradhapura and even the Colombo-Puttalam rail service to visit Wilpattu National Park may give you variety to your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular train journey in Sri Lanka?
Kandy-Ella is the most renowned scenic train route in the country due to the beautiful scenery of hills and mountains along with tea estates and plantations.
Is there a train to Wilpattu National Park?
No train service travels to Wilpattu National Park. However, one way to travel to the park is via train to Puttalam from Colombo Fort railway station and then road transportation to the destination.
Is there a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella?
There is no railway station at Nuwara Eliya. The nearest station to it is Nanu Oya Station, about 10 km from Nuwara Eliya, on the line towards Badulla and Ella.
Where can I find Sri Lanka train timings?
Train times in Sri Lanka can be found on the official website of Sri Lanka Railways.
Is train travel suitable for a Sri Lanka family holiday?
Certainly. One may incorporate train journeys into a family vacation in Sri Lanka, provided that one plans proper routes and sufficient time.
Why should I spend additional time at Wilpattu?
Spend additional time at Wilpattu to explore the wilderness around the place and conduct wildlife safaris.
Call Us 
Whatsapp