Scenic Train Rides
The train from Kandy to Ella climbs through tea estates, tunnels and misty hills, past Nanu Oya for Nuwara Eliya, then runs on beyond Ella over the Nine Arches Bridge and the Demodara Loop. The coastal line from Colombo to Galle runs right beside the sea.
Places travellers love for this, verified by local editors.
The short answer
Sandbanks and shallow seas extend toward India in the legendary chain known as Adam's Bridge or Rama Setu. Most visitors need 1–3 hours. Best time: january to September; hottest from May to August.
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1–3 hours · Free entry · Beaches
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1–3 hours · Free entry · Culture & History
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1–4 hours · Free entry · Culture & History
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1–3 hours · No general admission fee · Culture & History
Scenic Train Rides: questions people ask
How do I book the Kandy to Ella train?
Reserved seats sell out days ahead, so book as soon as you know your date. If they are gone, unreserved second-class tickets are sold at the station on the day.
Which side should I sit on from Colombo to Galle?
The right-hand side, for views of the sea.
Is it safe to hang out of the train door in Sri Lanka?
Many people do it for photos, but trains pass close to rock, poles and bridges. Keep a firm hold, stay inside through tunnels and on bends, and never lean far out.