Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes aboard the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella. Whether you choose the comforts of 1st class or the budget-friendly 2nd class, this six-hour odyssey showcases the island’s verdant tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and lush jungles. With multiple daily departures, this train ride not only provides a comfortable and accessible travel experience but also immerses you in the friendly onboard atmosphere, complete with local vendors offering a tempting array of snacks and refreshments. Prepare to be enchanted as you witness the country’s natural wonders unfold before your eyes.
Good To Know
- Train tickets start at $108.90 per person and offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella takes approximately 6 hours, with three daily departure times.
- Passengers can choose between 1st or 2nd class seating, with 2nd class prioritized, and enjoy the onboard atmosphere with friendly vendors.
- The train route features lush tea estates, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and dense jungles, offering a truly breathtaking experience.
- Passengers must bring their passport or national ID card to collect their tickets at the station, as online booking tickets are not valid.
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Ticket Information
The ticket prices for the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella start at $108.90 per person.
You can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
The tickets offer 1st or 2nd class seating, with 2nd class as the first priority. If unavailable, 3rd class tickets with reserved seats will be arranged.
You can have the tickets delivered to your hotel in Kandy or collect them at the station – just be sure to provide your contact details.
Regardless of the class, you’re in for a breathtaking 6-hour journey through tea estates, mountains, and lush jungle scenery.
Journey Duration and Departure Times
The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella takes approximately 6 hours to complete.
Travelers can choose from three daily departure times – 8:40 AM, 11:20 AM, and 12:25 PM.
Whether you opt for the morning or midday journey, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing display of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes.
As the train winds its way through tea estates, mountains, viaducts, and lush jungle, you’ll be captivated by the ever-changing views.
The friendly atmosphere onboard, complete with vendors selling tasty snacks at stops, ensures an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
Scenic Train Route
As the train departs Kandy, travelers are treated to a mesmerizing panorama of lush tea estates that blanket the rolling hills. The journey takes them through a breathtaking landscape, offering stunning vistas of cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and lush, verdant jungles. The train winds its way across iconic viaducts, providing travellers with a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. Along the route, passengers can enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the vendors selling local snacks at the stops, adding to the authentic experience. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is truly a feast for the senses, showcasing the incredible diversity and splendor of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
| Scenic Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Tea Estates | Lush, rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea plantations |
| Waterfalls | Cascading waterfalls tumbling down the mountainsides |
| Mountains | Towering peaks and rugged, awe-inspiring terrain |
| Jungles | Verdant, dense jungles teeming with wildlife |
| Viaducts | Iconic railway bridges that span deep valleys |
Onboard Atmosphere and Vendors
Passengers aboard the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella can look forward to a friendly and lively onboard atmosphere.
The train’s vendors add to the vibrant experience, weaving through the carriages and offering a tempting array of local snacks and refreshments.
The sights outside the window are complemented by the sounds within, as fellow travelers converse and enjoy the ride.
The journey promises an immersive cultural experience:
- Savor freshly brewed Ceylon tea and traditional Sri Lankan delicacies.
- Mingle with locals and soak in the congenial camaraderie.
- Embrace the unhurried pace and relish the ever-changing vistas.
Accessibility and Included Services
For passengers with mobility needs, the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is designed to be wheelchair accessible. The journey includes a reserved seat as part of the ticket price. Plus, the service provides transportation from your hotel in Kandy to the train station, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure.
| Included Services | Description |
|---|---|
| Reserved Seat | Guaranteed seating during the 6-hour journey |
| Train Ticket | Covers the Kandy to Ella train route |
| Hotel Pickup | Transportation provided from your Kandy hotel to the station |
With these accessibility features and included amenities, travelers of all abilities can sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views as the train winds through the lush Sri Lankan countryside.
Important Requirements for Tickets
To collect the actual train tickets for the scenic journey from Kandy to Ella, passengers must present their passport or national ID card.
These tickets aren’t valid for online bookings – travelers must pick them up in person. Plus, the tickets can’t be delivered to hotels in Nuwaraeliya.
The key requirements are:
- Passport or national ID card required for ticket collection
- Online booking tickets aren’t valid; actual tickets must be obtained
- No ticket delivery to Nuwaraeliya hotels
With these important details in mind, travelers can confidently plan their scenic train ride through the stunning landscapes of central Sri Lanka.
Transportation Logistics
The journey from Kandy to Ella by train offers a unique transportation experience for travelers. While the train tickets include reserved seating, there’s no transportation provided from your hotel to the train station. To get to the station, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation, whether that’s a taxi, tuk-tuk, or other local option. Once you arrive at the station, you can collect your actual train tickets before boarding. The train itself is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. With two daily departure options, you can choose the schedule that best fits your travel plans.
| Transportation Logistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel to Train Station | Arrange your own transportation |
| Ticket Collection | Collect actual tickets at the station |
| Train Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Departure Options | Two daily departures |
| Train Station Arrival | Allow time to collect tickets |
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have provided a range of feedback on the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella. The overall rating of 3.9/5 based on 12 reviews reflects a generally positive experience, with travelers praising the journey itself.
However, some issues have been reported:
- Challenges with ticket collection and communication from the agency
- Potential cost savings by purchasing tickets directly at the station
Despite these concerns, the train ride remains a popular attraction, offering breathtaking vistas of tea estates, mountains, and lush landscapes throughout the 6-hour journey.
The friendly onboard atmosphere and accessible amenities contribute to the appeal of this scenic voyage from Kandy to Ella.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and beverages onboard. This allows travelers to enjoy the scenic journey at their own pace and savor local snacks. The friendly onboard atmosphere encourages passengers to sit back, relax, and take in the views.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Train Journey?
The scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella offers onboard restroom facilities for passengers’ convenience. Travelers can access these clean and well-maintained restrooms throughout the 6-hour journey, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free experience.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Higher Class Ticket?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a higher class ticket. Travelers can choose between 1st or 2nd class seats, with 2nd class as the first priority. If unavailable, 3rd class tickets with reserved seats will be arranged.
Can I Make Any Stops Along the Way or Is It a Direct Journey?
The scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella is a direct trip without any stops along the way. Travelers can enjoy the stunning views throughout the 6-hour ride, but they can’t make any stops during the journey.
Is There Wifi or Charging Ports Available for Electronic Devices?
The train doesn’t offer WiFi or charging ports, but the scenic views and friendly onboard atmosphere make it an enjoyable journey. Passengers can pass the time by admiring the stunning landscapes as the train winds through the countryside.
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The Sum Up
The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella showcases Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes and offers a comfortable, memorable journey. With the choice of 1st or 2nd class seats, travelers can experience the country’s natural beauty, friendly onboard atmosphere, and accessible amenities. This six-hour trip is a must-do for anyone seeking a unique and immersive travel experience in Sri Lanka.