How to Ride the Kandy to Ella Train in 2026: Updated Guide, Current Timetables & Tips
Sri Lanka’s Kandy to Ella train ride is undoubtedly one of the world’s most scenic. To help you have the most incredible train adventure, this guide contains everything you need to know, from tickets and timetables to what to expect and photography tips.
2026 UPDATE - IMPORTANT: Following Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025), the Kandy to Ella section of the line remains suspended. The train IS running, but it currently starts from Ambewela, not Kandy.
Scroll down for our full updated guide on how to do this trip right now, including how to get to Ambewela and what to expect on board.
I’m sitting in the open doorway of a rickety train as it makes its way from Kandy to Ella, feet dangling over the footboard as the wooden sleepers roll past.
In front of me, Sri Lanka’s lush hill country rolls out before us; a thick shag pile rug of green tea fields and misty mountains. Flecks of vivid colour dot the landscape, the brightly coloured saris of pickers who keep the country’s famed tea industry alive.
Behind, a group of young locals beat a drum and sing local songs with such infectious enthusiasm that before long, the entire carriage is swept up in a happy cacophony of laughter and dance.
Somewhere along the train, a vendor is calling ‘wade wade,’ and my mouth waters at the thought of those deliciously crispy fried balls of dhal, best washed down with a sweet cup of warm chai.
Trains pass in the opposite direction, locals precariously balanced on steps below signs that warn against the very same. A train conductor smiles and waves, his starched white uniform crisp and magnificent against the lumbering blue carriages.
The breeze picks up strands of hair, and they dance around my face. I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and smile.
This is joy, pure and simple.
…
Sri Lanka’s train ride from Kandy to Ella is easily one of the most iconic images of this bite-sized Utopia in the Indian Ocean. Having made the journey more than five times (the last being in 2025), we can attest to how incredible it is.
But in the last few years, the train ride has become almost too popular for its own good. Knowing how and when to buy tickets, which station to board from, and how to get the most out of your experience is more important than ever.
This is why we’ve put together this Kandy to Ella train guide with absolutely everything you need to know, from tickets to timetables and what to expect, to help you have the most incredible time on your own adventure.
Happy journey, wanderers.
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KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
SNAPSHOT
KANDY TO ELLA TRAVEL TIME | 7 hours (on a good day!)
TICKET PRICE | Third class | LKR 300, Second class | LKR 600, First class | LKR 3,000
DEPARTURE TIMES (KANDY) | 03:35, 08:55 am* (EXPRESS), 11:10 am* (EXPRESS), 22:20 pm
AVAILABLE SEATING | First class, Second Class, Second Class reserved, Third Class, Third class reserved
RECOMMENDED SEATING | Third Class reserved for the best views
BOOK | Book your tickets through 12go Asia
HOW TO RIDE THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN IN 2026
THE 2026 SITUATION: AMBEWELA IS YOUR NEW STARTING POINT
Unfortunately, the Kandy to Ella train is not running in 2026.
Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka in late November 2025 and tore through the highland railway network, leaving 159 landslides, 95 washouts, and significant bridge damage across the Kandy to Ella stretch in its wake.
As a result, the Kandy end of the line remains suspended. The train to Ella is very much still running, but your journey now begins at Ambewela, a small highland station roughly halfway along the original route.
We've had word from travellers who've done it very recently (June 2026), and, good news, it's still brilliant, just somewhat shorter.
Here's exactly how to make it work.
HOW TO DO THE KANDY TO AMBEWELA TO ELLA JOURNEY IN 2026
STEP ONE | GET YOURSELF TO AMBEWELA FROM KANDY
Ambewela is roughly a two-hour drive from Kandy.
The most straightforward option is a private car or taxi - agree a price upfront, expect to pay in the region of LKR 3,500–5,000 depending on your bargaining.
Alternatively, local buses do run from Kandy towards Nuwara Eliya and onward, though connections to Ambewela specifically can be patchy, so a tuk-tuk for the final stretch may be needed.
Our tip: Leave Kandy by 10 am to give yourself a comfortable buffer. You'll want to arrive at Ambewela station by around noon.
STEP TWO | CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE TIME
We have a photo of the actual timetable taken at Demodara station in June 2026 — here's what's running:
TRAIN #1005 | "Calypso Special", departs Ambewela → Badulla DAILY at 09:30 (arrives in Ella at 11:25)
TRAIN #1015 | Ambewela → Badulla departs at 15:00 (arrives in Ella at 16:55) - runs daily except Wednesdays
The morning train (1005) is the one we'd take if we were going for the first time. You arrive in Ella with the whole afternoon ahead of you, the light through the tea plantations in the morning is something else, and the train is quieter.
Leave Kandy early, and you'll make it comfortably.
The afternoon train (1015) is the one our most recent source took and loved. Get to Ambewela around noon, buy tickets from 1 pm, board when doors open at 1:30 pm, depart at 3 pm, and roll into Ella at golden hour. Just note it doesn't run on Wednesdays
The alternative option is to get a bus from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, stay a few nights there, and then get a tuk-tuk to Ambewela for the onward journey to Ella. This really depends on your itinerary, but is an easy option if you plan to visit Nuwara Eliya.
BOOK | You can book your Ambewela to Ella tickets in advance here
STEP THREE | BOOK YOUR TICKETS
You've got two options here, and the right one depends on how much you value certainty.
BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE | Book via 12go Asia) And your seat is locked in before you even leave Kandy. This is the move if you're travelling during peak season, you want a reserved second-class seat, or you simply don't want to think about it on the day.
Peace of mind has a price, but we think it's absolutely worth it.
BUY ON THE DAY | Risky, but you'll pay the walk-up rate. Ticket sales open at 1 pm for the afternoon service.
No reservation, no guarantee of a specific seat, but perfectly doable if you arrive early and are happy to go with the flow.
STEP FOUR | CHOOSE YOUR CLASS
There are currently two second-class wagons on this service and around eight third-class, so second-class books up and fills faster.
If you want a guaranteed second-class seat, booking ahead via 12go Asia is the smarter move.
That said, third class is where a lot of the atmosphere is.
Windows and doors stay open in both; the highland temperatures are perfectly comfortable without air conditioning, and the views are identical across both classes.
Whether you book in advance or buy on the day, you're in for a great ride.
STEP FIVE | BE READY WHEN THE DOORS OPEN
Every carriage will fill, and it happens rapidly. If you want a window seat, you need to be on that platform and moving when the doors open.
This particular service is running at around 99% tourists right now (sad, yes, but it’s the reality), so expect company, expect enthusiasm, and expect a healthy scramble for the good spots.
WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE LINE?
Upon a bit of research into the future of the line, and when it may reopen, the Sri Lanka Railways department has confirmed that restoration of the full Kandy to Ella service is underway, but there’s a significant engineering task ahead.
Full reinstatement of the line is not expected before early 2027, so we'll update this guide the moment that changes.
In the meantime, the Ambewela to Ella section covers some of the most spectacular terrain on the entire route, the tea plantation switchbacks, the mountain ridges, the waterfalls, so you're not missing the best of it.
The train still crosses the areas that made this ride famous. It's just that you'll need a car or bus to bridge the first part.
If that’s not enough, skip it and take the coastal train from Colombo to Galle/Mirissa. It’s still gorgeous, just different.
Last updated: June 2026. Timetable verified from a photo taken at Demodara station, June 2026. Operational status also sourced from recent traveller reports. Check railway.gov.lk for the latest updates.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
Our train ride starts in the cultural capital of Kandy, the impossibly pretty city in the heart of Sri Lanka. The station is typically beautiful; they all are in this part of the world one of the few positive outcomes of British rule.
Modernist on the exterior, Victorian on the interior and station platforms, it harks back to yesteryear, of simpler times when train travel was the way to get around, and air travel was still a pipe dream.
It’s hot, humid, and busy. Locals accompany the station benches, with an endless bounty of bags stretched out in circles surrounding the seat.
The train from Colombo arrives. It’s a loud, heaving Chinese-made diesel locomotive, coloured turquoise blue. Imagine this coloured train in your hometown - how out of place it’d look amongst the shades of grey concrete, steel and glass. Yet here, it just works. It’s beautiful, even.
We alight to our third-class carriage - our already stretched backpacker budget allowing for little niceties. It’s busy, yet orderly. We miss getting seats, so we plonk ourselves and our bags into the service area. It’s uncomfortable, hot, and somewhat frustrating, but oh well, we’re going to Ella.
The Kandy to Ella train has been running this route since the 1920s, a way of transporting tea to the ports of Colombo and the cups of the English. It wasn’t until the 1960s that passengers overtook freight as the primary revenue stream, and now, well, it’s popular. Really popular.
The train jolts heavily, shifting our bodies from their slumped position, and before long we’re making our way out of Kandy, slowly, surely, winding our way through the jungle towards the hill country.
The first hours are spent chatting with locals who have seemingly adopted us, keen to provide the best possible impression of their homeland. “Where are you from?”, asks one friendly man. “Australia”, I reply. “Oh, Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath… but my favourite is Adam Gilchrist!”. Mid-2000s cricketers seem to be popular in this part of the world. “I love Gilly too”.
Despite crawling along the tracks at a rather slow speed, there’s a real sense of freedom and adventure to be felt in these carriages; the wind whipping through doors and windows to tease your hair, groups of locals singing and dancing in carriages, dangling your feet out of the open doorway and watching the tracks blur by, platforms full of colourful saris and families waving goodbye to each other.
Vendors balance flasks of sweet chai and steaming hot wade precariously as they race through carriages, and everyone, local and tourist alike, is positively beaming with excitement.
Before long the warmth disappears, melting away to cool breeze. It’s glorious, as are the vistas we see from the open door. That open door is to be our seat for the next four hours.
We bypass misty mountains, endless tea plantations, picturesque stations, colourful tuk-tuks, and bustling towns, each providing a glimpse into the everyday lives of thousands of people. It’s simply wonderful.
In our opinion, this is one of the greatest train rides in the world - and definitely one of the best things you can do in Sri Lanka.
HOW TO PLAN YOUR KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY (When the Line Reopens)
The Kandy end of the line is currently suspended following Cyclone Ditwah. We're keeping this section live — it covers everything you'll need the moment services resume, which Sri Lanka Railways expects by early 2027.
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY ITINERARY
The Kandy to Ella train ride forms one section of the ‘Main Line’, the longer Colombo to Kandy to Badulla route that snakes its way through the stunning hill country and tea plantation heart of Sri Lanka.
As well as being insanely scenic, many of the key tourist stops can be found along this train line too, making it extra popular with tourists keen to take in the best sights (more on those below).
The journey takes around 7 hours - assuming there are no delays or breakdowns on the route!
Sri Lanka travel tips | read this before visiting Sri Lanka
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN TIMES (& ELLA TO KANDY TRAIN TIMES)
FROM COLOMBO/KANDY TOWARDS ELLA/BADULLA
From Colombo Fort | 05:55 am*, 08:30 am*, 09:45 am, 20:30pm (doesn’t stop Kandy)
From Peradeniya Junction | 08:32am*,10:55am*, 23:06pm (doesn’t stop Kandy)
From Kandy | 03:35,08:55 am* (EXPRESS), 11:10 am* (EXPRESS), 22:20 pm
From Ella (to Badulla) | 13:36pm, *15:15pm, 17:28pm, 06:06am
= the blue train
NOTE | Times correct as of 2025. Click here for the most up-to-date schedule. Times will be updated when the line reopens
WHERE IS KANDY STATION?
Kandy Railway Station is located in the centre of Kandy, just a short tuk-tuk ride from the bustling downtown, including Kandy Lake and the famous Temple of the Tooth (travelling from Colombo? Here’s how to get to Kandy).
Kandy station is easy to get to - you can either walk, take a tuk-tuk, or a local taxi to the station. Sitting alongside the train station is the bus station for anyone arriving from Colombo or further north. The station itself is a glorious mix of modernist and Victorian architecture and harks back to yesteryear with wooden signage and panelling.
There are a number of ticket counters on-site, and toilets are also available.
Thankfully, this bustling, chaotic and lively part of the city is not as overwhelming as Colombo, and there are a number of markets, food stalls and shopping malls close by in case you need last-minute food or drink.
FROM BADULLA/ELLA TOWARDS KANDY/COLOMBO FORT
From Badulla | 05:45 am*, 08:30 am*, 10:15 am (doesn’t stop Kandy), 18:05 pm (doesn’t stop Kandy)
From Ella | 06:42 am*, 09:20 am*, 11:12 am (doesn’t stop Kandy), 19:01 (doesn’t stop Kandy)
= the blue train
NOTE | Times correct as of 2025. Click here for the most up-to-date schedule. Times will be updated when the line reopens
WHERE IS ELLA STATION?
Ella Railway Station is located right in the heart of Ella, just a short walk from the bustling main street.
Thankfully, Ella is rather small, so getting to and from the station is simple - either walk or grab a tuk-tuk that awaits your arrival. There are a number of food stalls that surround the station, should you need to top up on snacks or water for your ride.
There’s also a small ticket booth on site.
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HOW TO BOOK TICKETS FOR THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
The process for booking your ticket depends on whether you’re travelling on an unreserved or reserved ticket:
UNRESERVED TICKETS / AT THE STATION
Unreserved tickets are usually bought at the station on the day of travel. Simply arrive early, queue at the ticket counter, and purchase your ticket before departure.
The important thing to know is that unreserved tickets do not guarantee you a seat. You may get lucky, especially if boarding at Kandy, but on busy days you could be standing for part, or all, of the journey.
If someone tells you the train is “sold out”, they may be referring to reserved seats only. Unreserved tickets are generally still available on the day, but comfort is not guaranteed.
For the Kandy to Ella train, we’d suggest arriving at least 1 to 2 hours before departure if you’re buying unreserved tickets at the station, especially in peak season.
Best for | Spontaneous travellers, backpackers, and those who don’t mind travelling in second or third class without a guaranteed seat.
RESERVED TICKETS
If you want a guaranteed seat, book a reserved ticket in advance.
Sri Lanka Railways currently opens online reservations 30 days before travel, and the popularity of this service means it can sell out quickly, especially in peak season.
Technically, online reserved tickets can be booked up to 2 hours before departure if seats are still available, but for this route, we wouldn’t rely on last-minute availability.
Book online at 12go Asia. Full transparency, though - third-party platforms are often easier for international travellers, but usually come with slightly higher prices or service fees. That being said, we’ve only ever used 12Go Asia for our Sri Lanka train tickets due to the ease of the booking process.
Our advice? If the Kandy to Ella train is one of your must-do Sri Lanka experiences, book your reserved seat as soon as tickets open.
Best for | Travellers who want peace of mind, families, couples, and anyone who doesn’t fancy standing for six hours through the hill country
BOOK | You can book online here
HOW MUCH DO KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN TICKETS COST?
Overall, train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable, though there are some big differences in pricing depending on which class ticket you’re after.
Based on the official Sri Lanka Railways fare tables, standard Kandy to Ella fares are currently:
Third class | LKR 300
Second class | LKR 600
First class | LKR 1,200
For comparison, Colombo Fort to Ella fares are currently:
Third class | LKR 440
Second class | LKR 900
First class | LKR 1,750
BOOK | You can book online here
NOTE | Prices as of June 2026. Click here for updated pricing.
BOOK YOUR KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN RIDE HERE
HOW LONG IS THE TRAIN RIDE FROM KANDY TO ELLA?
The Kandy to Ella train journey takes around 7 hours - assuming there are no delays or breakdowns on the route! This might sound like a long time, but it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and watch the world go by.
Before you know it, you’ll be arriving at your destination and dreaming of taking the train again in the reverse direction.
WHICH TICKET CLASS SHOULD YOU BOOK FOR THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN?
Reserved or unreserved? First class or third class?
When it comes to buying tickets for your train ride in Sri Lanka, the different ticket options can initially be a little confusing.
Personally, we strongly believe that this train ride is one of the rare times where the best experience is actually found in the lower ticket classes.
First class is stuffy with windows and doors that won’t open and most other foreigners occupying the seats next to them. The second and third classes, on the other hand, are a truly authentic taste of what life is really like for locals on the Sri Lankan railway system. That being said, First Class is your best bet if you’d prefer to admire the views from the comfort of a pre-booked seat.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each class entails (keep reading for costs!):
THIRD CLASS UNRESERVED
Third Class Unreserved are the cheapest tickets available for the train, and as such, tend to be the most popular with locals too. The seating here is non-allocated wooden benches (it’s basically a free for all!) so be prepared that at least some of your journey will involve standing.
For all that the journey may be a little uncomfortable though, this is where the most authentic taste of Sri Lankan life can be found though.
Groups of local boys sing and play drums, big families crowd together on one or two benches, sharing meals and passing little ones across the carriage for the best views, while vendors squeeze past with precariously balanced trays of deep-fried delights.
The mood is jovial and everyone’s keen to chat - it’s just a super happy place to be!
THIRD CLASS RESERVED
Exactly as above, but with the difference of allocated seating. It’s a little less chaotic, but the mood is just as fun.
This is probably our favourite place to be on the Sri Lankan rail network, as it comes with all the fun and local interaction of third class, but with the slightly more organised aspect of having a (mostly) guaranteed seat.
You can also open the windows and doors here, and the doorways don’t tend to be as crowded as you may find in the unreserved carriages - perfect for dangling your feet over and feeling the wind through your hair!
SECOND CLASS UNRESERVED
A little softer than third-class seating-wise, though in a stuffy carriage with hard seating, this doesn’t really make too much of an impact!
Not too much more expensive than the third class, but again, you’ll probably need to push your way onto the train for this one.
These seats tend to be great if you’re travelling in the off or shoulder seasons, as the trains are a lot less busy then.
SECOND CLASS RESERVED
As above, with allocated seating this time. The price jump for reserved seating in this carriage is about half again of what you’d pay for the other classes, but if you’re travelling during peak season and you know your travel dates in advance, it’s absolutely worth booking these well ahead of your arrival to Sri Lanka (read our top Sri Lanka travel tips for more handy tips).
Note that these will often sell out 1-2 months in advance during peak season, so booking online is the best option.
FIRST CLASS
Allocated plush(ish) seating, privacy, and air conditioning are the main features here.
We absolutely wouldn’t recommend this carriage if you’re wanting to get a real feel for the train ride though; the windows and doors remain locked, and you’ll be rubbing shoulders mostly with other foreigners.
It’s not exactly the most authentic way to experience the country or the train, but if you’ve already taken a few train journeys and just want to get to your destination comfortably, this might be the option for you.
OBSERVATION CARRIAGE
These are only available on select trains and are mostly just 1st class carriages with the added feature of wide windows for observing the views.
Observation carriages will need to be booked a month or more from your travel date and sell out extremely quickly, so you’ll need to organise them online (check 12go Asia) before your trip.
Again, we don’t actually recommend the observation carriage, as a) you can’t open the windows and b) the carriages are often at the end of the train, facing backwards. If travelling in the wrong direction makes you nauseated, definitely avoid this one!
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TIPS & FAQS FOR RIDING THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
ABOUT THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN RIDE
As with many railways in this part of the world, the Sri Lankan rail network was initially conceived by the British colonial government in 1864.
It was initially built to transport tea and coffee (the latter quickly failed after a mystery fungus wiped out entire crops) from the misty hill country to Colombo for export.
For years, these tightly packed crates of tea were the primary passengers on this route, until population growth saw passenger traffic explode past it in the 1960s.
Today, the network is one of the cheapest ways to navigate Sri Lanka and is a vital transport link for locals.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO RIDE THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN?
We suggest travelling on the Kandy to Ella train during December-March, as this is Sri Lanka’s least wet time of year. At this time, the tea plantations are still wonderfully green, the waterfalls flowing, and the weather comfortable.
It is, however, peak season, so expect large crowds (buy your tickets in advance to secure your seat).
Personally, we’ve ridden the Kandy to Ella train in April and November, and while both were equally joyous - April was during Sinhalese New Year, which made securing a spot on the train virtually impossible.
We also suggest taking the morning train, as this tends to be quieter and more peaceful, and you’re guaranteed to arrive at your destination (whether it’s Ella or Kandy) at a reasonable hour in the afternoon.
CONSIDER STARTING YOUR JOURNEY AT PERADENIYA JUNCTION TO GET A SEAT
Trying to get on the train at Kandy can be nigh on impossible for those wanting to ride in third class, especially at peak times. But fret not travellers, we have a sneaky tip for you that might even win you a seat!
Rather than concertina yourself on board here, grab a tuk-tuk and head ten minutes away to Peradeniya Junction station, on the outskirts of Kandy.
Board the reverse service (Badulla/Ella to Kandy/Colombo, or the incoming Colombo to Badulla train) here at Peradeniya, which is the last stop before its final arrival in Kandy.
When everyone on this service finally disembarks from the train at Kandy station, you'll be primed to grab a seat (as you're already on board!) before the hordes of people embark again at Kandy for the service from here to Ella.
If you’re travelling from Ella, the same trick applies - just take a tuk-tuk to Badulla station (the starting point of the return train journey), and embark
Thank us later.
2026 UPDATE | This little trick of ours has been replicated by blogs and TikToks everywhere, so it’s not necessarily a secret anymore. Expect it to be busy, no matter what.
THE JOURNEY CAN BE TAKEN IN REVERSE
We’ve had a number of emails and comments on our Instagram recently regarding whether travellers will miss out on anything by taking the Kandy to Ella train in reverse (ie. travelling from Ella back to Kandy).
The answer is: no!
The train travels the exact same route back again, so you won’t miss out on any of the fun by taking it in reverse.
We suggest taking a tuk-tuk to Badulla Station and starting your journey from there - you’ll cross the Nine Arch Bridge in the process, and have a far higher likelihood of getting a seat.
SIT ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
This is one of, if not the most important tips: if you’re coming from Kandy, sit on the right side of the train, unless you want to be gawking at an up-close view of the cliff side (you don’t).
The right side is significantly more beautiful than the left, with views over the rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and lush valleys.
Obviously, this is flipped if you’re travelling from Ella back to Kandy; be sure to sit on the left then.
FIRST IS THE WORST, SECOND AND THIRD ARE THE BEST
As we mentioned above; skip first class and head straight to the second and third-class carriages for the best experience ever.
It’ll be hot and sweaty, cramped and claustrophobic, but the wholesome experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.
TAKE THE EARLY TRAIN BETWEEN ELLA AND HAPUTALE
This tip is for photographers, or those with time on their side.
If you’re planning on visiting Lipton Seat and surrounding team plantations, get up early and take the first available train from Ella to Haputale.
On our visit, Lipton’s Seat and the valley were both hidden under thick, oppressive fog - but we did get a half-empty train on our way there (check out our best things to do in Ella), which provided the perfect opportunity to run between windows and doors, lean out in wonder, and snap away to our heart’s content without also having to worry about our backpacks or jostling with others.
If you’ve got a morning to spare and you want a stress-free photography experience, we’d highly recommend doing the same!
PREPARE TO PUSH ON BOARD
Sri Lanka has a culture based around politeness and exceptional friendliness - that is, until you’re trying to get on a train. This is one instance where there are no holds barred, and particularly if you’re from the west, you’re going to have to put away your polite ‘no pushing’ mentality here.
Elbows out, and respectfully pushing on board is the only way to guarantee a seat (or simply some space to stand) here.
Don’t worry, though, as soon as everyone’s settled in their places, the mood returns to one of the utmost care and concern for those around you!
WHAT IS THE MOST SCENIC PART OF THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN?
The whole train ride from Colombo to Badulla (the overall route of the Kandy to Ella train) is pretty scenic, but the best parts are absolutely between Hatton and Ella, and then between Ella and Badulla.
From Hatton to Ella, the landscape shifts, entering the famed tea plantations of Sri Lanka. There are waterfalls, colourful towns, and the odd tunnel or two.
Between Nanu Oya and Haputale, the train enters misty forests and beautiful mountain views as it runs along a narrow mountain ridge.
From Ella to Badulla, the train line has a Swiss-like ‘knot’, where the train loops back on itself and crosses its own path at a different level. It’s unique and absolutely stunning, too.
Badulla is just 30 minutes by tuk-tuk, or about an hour from Ella. If you wish to make the journey, then head back to Ella.
IF YOUR WANT TO GO OVER NINE ARCH BRIDGE, BOOK A TICKET TO DEMODARA
If you’re keen to tick off two attractions at once by travelling over the Nine Arch Bridge, you’ll actually need to book a ticket past Ella towards Badulla. Demodara is the next stop, although we’re not sure if all trains stop there so you’d be best to check when booking your tickets.
Demodara is only about 3km past Ella station, so it’s simple to jump in a tuk-tuk between the two if need be.
NOT ALL TRAINS ARE BLUE
Some are blue, others are red. Both are beautiful and travel along the same tracks with the same epic views. If you have your heart set on taking the blue train though, take the express train. The red ones are either mail and goods trains or are super slow as they stop at all stations.
See the timetable above for more info!
THERE ARE TOILETS ON BOARD
There are toilets on board the trains, and while they’re definitely not the greatest we’ve ever encountered, they’re also not the worst.
They are squat toilets - so best avoided on particularly windy parts of the track - and always take some toilet paper in with you, as we’re yet to encounter any that provide it!
AVOID TRAVELLING OVER SINHALESE NEW YEAR & CHRISTMAS
When we first travelled to Sri Lanka in April 2016, we had no idea that we were walking into the biggest celebration the island sees all year: Sinhalese Tamil New Year, aka Avurudu/Puththandu (check our Sri Lanka travel tips post for more essential travel info!).
From the 13th-15th of April every year, Sri Lankans welcome in the new year with a colourful festival of firecrackers, sweet treats, and loads of family time. It’s a wonderful time to be travelling in the country, except for one thing: the entire country basically grinds to a halt.
Everything closes, people travel from one side of the country to see family, and the transport network is heaving beyond any comprehension. It makes travel between destinations extremely difficult.
On one occasion we couldn’t physically get onto our train in Hatton, considering we would have had to dangle out of the doorway on top of the four people already doing so.
We hear the same goes for Christmas time, so avoid these dates like the plague, settle into one destination (and its celebrations!) and avoid the bedlam on the rails!
BRING YOUR OWN SNACKS AND DRINKS
The train journey is long and tiring, so be sure you’ve got plenty of food and water with you.
There may be a few vendors wandering the train with snacks (see below for the one you must try!), although there generally won’t be anything overly substantial to purchase while on board.
If you feel you’ll need something more than samosas to keep you going, organise some food the night before.
If you spot the tea wallah making his way through the carriage, be sure to get a cup of steaming, sweet milk tea for about LKR 40-50
BUY ALL THE DELICIOUS WADE (SRI LANKAN STREET FOOD!)
If you encounter someone moving through the carriages carrying trays of calling ‘wade wade wade wade [wah-deh]’; make a beeline for them and buy allllll the snacks.
These are deep-fried dhal balls, and they’re a quintessential street food snack in Sri Lanka. They’re also bloody delicious, and we are obsessed with them (so please, eat an extra one for us!).
best adventures from ella | visiting sri lanka’s 2nd tallest falls, diyaluma waterfall
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN
Chances are if you’re reading this post, you’re after a few tips to maximise your photography on this insanely photogenic train ride too. We don’t blame you; we’ve now taken this train more times than we can count, and it still takes our breath away every single time.
To help you get the most from photographing this train ride, here are a few of our top photography tips:
TAKE THE FIRST TRAIN BETWEEN ELLA AND HAPUTALE
As with most things in photography, the early bird gets the worm (or in this case, the shot).
On our recent visit, we decided to take the first train from Ella to Haputale one morning so we could see Lipton’s Seat and the tea plantations in the early morning light. As it happened, Lipton’s Seat and the valley were both hidden under thick, oppressive fog - but we did get a half-empty train on our way there (check out our best things to do in Ella).
This provided the perfect opportunity to run between windows and doors, lean out in wonder, and snap away to our heart’s content without also having to worry about our backpacks or jostling with others. If you’ve got a morning to spare and you want a stress-free photography experience, we’d highly recommend doing the same!
FOCUS YOUR CAMERA INSIDE THE TRAIN, TOO
It’s a real shame that so many travellers jump aboard this train to snap photos hanging out the doors when the real magic of the train ride is the life that’s happening within its carriages.
The entire journey is a super unique and authentic cultural experience and one that’s absolutely worthy of being documented - respectfully - too.
USE A FAST SHUTTER SPEED, AUTOFOCUS + BURST MODE
Hanging your arm out a door or window and trying to take a photo whilst the train is lurching from side to side is a pretty impossible mission, particularly if your shutter speed is too low.
Set your shutter to a minimum speed of 250th, set your focus to auto, turn on burst mode, and fire away (while hoping that at least one shot turns out okay!).
MOUNTAIN AREAS CAN BE QUITE DARK, SO BUMP THAT ISO
It can get pretty moody and foggy through the mountain areas, so bump up your ISO to add more light to your shot without sacrificing that super speedy shutter setting from above.
DON’T BE RECKLESS TO GET ‘THE SHOT’
In recent times, a couple of Instagrammers have been called out for recklessly hanging out of train doors for Instagram photos. Let’s be clear here: it is possible to hang out of trains in Sri Lanka (after all, we’ve done it ourselves!), and they do move pretty slowly at times.
BUT.
There is a limit to pushing these boundaries responsibly and safety should always be your number one priority.
Running along the tracks are all manner of potentially dangerous objects; branches, poles, wires, tunnels, etc, that - should they hit you as you hang backwards by a fingernail out a doorway - could cause serious damage and/or topple you out of the train.
So by all means, have some fun and dangle a limb here or there, hang your feet off the edge, and lean out to feel the freedom of the road. But please, be acutely aware of your surroundings and don’t go endanger your life for a stupid photo for social media.
TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY ON THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN RIDE
In addition to not endangering the lives of yourself or your fellow passengers, there are a few responsible travel tips to keep in mind for your journey:
Be respectful | Please remember that this train ride is more than just a tourist hotspot in Sri Lanka; locals depend on this railway network for their everyday lives and livelihoods. Be mindful of that, and behave respectfully.
Don’t throw your trash out the window | This is something we saw too many times on the train ride, and it’s super disappointing to see. Try to minimise your trash, and for the love of god, take it off the train with you to dispose of it properly.
Respect your reservation | If you’ve booked a specific ticket and seat, don’t go sitting in someone else’s seat or a different carriage just because it suits you.
Experience the cultural capital | Things to do in Kandy
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN ELLA
Tucked away in the misty Sri Lankan high country, amongst idyllic green hills and gushing waterfalls lies Ella: one of this tear-shaped island's most appealing destinations.
From scaling the heady heights of Ella Rock to laying eyes on the mystical Nine Arch Bridge for the very first time; standing on the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls (the second tallest in the country), and winding through the tea plantations and mountains passes on the famous Kandy to Ella train; many of our favourite Sri Lankan adventures can be found right here.
At its heart, Ella is a charming and laid-back village perfect for relaxing, hiking and escaping the searing temperatures of the southern coast, and a town we feel should be firmly embedded on your Sri Lankan itinerary.
READ MORE | What to do in Ella, Where to stay in Ella
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN KANDY
The gateway to Sri Lanka’s hill-country action (and the greatest train journey in the world!) is Kandy; the City of Kings, Sri Lanka’s second city and the island’s undisputed historical and cultural capital.
There are so many great things to see and do in Kandy, and we highly recommend spending a few days in the city to take it all in.
Start at the impressive Temple of the Sacred Tooth and Royal Complex (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the number one attraction in Kandy. Don’t miss the aptly named 'three temple loop', visiting Gadaladeniya Viharaya, Embekke, and Lankathilaka which serve as a living history of Sri Lanka's extensive Buddhist heritage and craftsmanship.
Visit the sprawling city parks including the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, and take a walk around Kandy Lake at sunset to best enjoy the serene surroundings.
And finally, don’t miss a stroll through Kandy’s old town, including crumbling colonial relics, markets, the Giragama Walawwa, the oldest walawwa (former royal building) in Kandy, the historic and stunning Red Mosque of Kandy, and the colourful Kataragama Devalaya Hindu temple.
RELATED | Things to do in Kandy
ESSENTIAL TRIP PLANNING INFORMATION FOR KANDY TO ELLA
We’ve already written comprehensive travel guides for both Kandy and Ella, full of awesome things to do and essential travel information, but in the meantime here are some recommendations for hotels:
WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA
We’ve written a super comprehensive guide to where to stay in Ella, which covers the best hotels, hostels, guesthouses and eco-lodges for every budget.
In the meantime, here are a few of our top recommendations:
ROWINRICH COTTAGES | Spacious loft-style cottages with terraces overlooking the jungle-clad valley and Ella Rock. Prices and availability here
CHILL VILLE VIEWPOINT HOTEL | This great value hotel is set amongst beautiful gardens close to the Nine Arch Bridge. Prices and availability here
THE SECRET ELLA | Overlooking Nine Arch Bridge, The Secret is tucked away in a 10-acre tea estate in Ella’s hills. Prices and availability here
READ THE GUIDE | Our ultimate guide to where to stay in Ella
WHERE TO STAY IN KANDY
HELGA’S FOLLY | Decorated whimsically with traditional Sri Lankan artwork, this is a super unique place to stay.
Prices and availability here
OZO KANDY | Sophisticated, chic, stylish - Ozo is a stunning, well-located hotel with an epic rooftop pool.
Prices and availability here
KANDY CITY VIEW | Where we spent three nights in Kandy. Simple, sizable rooms close to town.
Prices and availability here
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN SRI LANKA
Honest take: if something goes wrong, a medical emergency, a missed ferry, a scooter accident on a coastal road, travel insurance is the difference between a stressful story and a catastrophic one.
After 10+ years of full-time travel, here's what we use and recommend:
FOR TRAVELLERS | World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families. Their policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Get a quote from World Nomads →
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
EXPLORE THE BEST OF SRI LANKA WITH THESE GUIDES
Make the most of your time on the island with our complete Sri Lanka travel guides.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
ITINERARIES
EXPLORE ELLA
Where to Stay in Ella — hotels, guesthouses and hostels for every budget
DESTINATION GUIDES
WHERE TO STAY + HOTEL GUIDES
Galle Fort Hotels — from boutique homestays to Amangalla
WILDLIFE & CULTURE
GETTING AROUND
We hope this Kandy to Ella train ride (and Ella to Kandy train ride!) guide gives you all the information you need, but if we’ve missed anything, let us know in the comments!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SRI LANKA WITH OUR TRAVEL GUIDES
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