SriLanka - Ella to Kandy

Many people consider the train trip from Ella to Kandy to be among the world's most picturesque. This 6- to 7-hour journey provides sweeping vistas of Sri Lanka's hill country as it winds through verdant tea plantations, foggy mountains, and quaint villages. The train travels through thick forests and verdant scenery while chugging over famous blue bridges including the Nine Arches Bridge. It's a moving postcard of Sri Lanka's natural splendor, not merely a means of transportation.

The Blue Train from Ella to Kandy is one of the world's most picturesque train trips, winding past picturesque villages, foggy mountains, and luscious tea plantations. With stops at famous locations like Nine Arches Bridge, Demodara Loop, and undulating green valleys, this 6- to 7-hour journey provides sweeping vistas of Sri Lanka's hill country. It's a photographer's and nature lover's dream come true with its expansive windows and open doors. An experience that will never be forgotten!

Traveling by train from Ella to Kandy, Sri Lanka, is frequently praised as one of the world's most picturesque rail trips. Through the center of the island's hill area, travelers can enjoy sweeping vistas of verdant tea plantations, foggy mountains, tumbling waterfalls, and quaint villages throughout this roughly seven-hour journey. Originally built to carry tea and coffee during the British colonial era, the road currently serves as a charming path that highlights Sri Lanka's natural splendor.​

Ella, a charming town renowned for its lush surroundings and the famous Nine Arches Bridge, is where the trip starts. The train travels through a number of tunnels and crosses many bridges as it leaves, progressively rising in elevation. Haputale, which provides sweeping views of the southern plains, and Nanu Oya, which serves as the entryway to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya—often referred to as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and temperate climate—are noteworthy stops along the route. A tour that skillfully combines cultural sites with stunning scenery comes to a close as the last stretch descends towards Kandy, the location of the famed Temple of the Tooth Relic.

The train journey from Ella to Kandy in Sri Lanka is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, traversing lush tea plantations, verdant hills, and charming villages. Often referred to as one of the most scenic train rides globally, this route offers travelers an immersive experience through the heart of the island's hill country.​

Route Overview:

• Distance:Approximately 162 kilometers.​
• Duration:The journey typically takes between 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific train service.​
• Key Stops:The train passes through notable stations such as Haputale, Nanu Oya (the stop for Nuwara Eliya), and Hatton (gateway to Adam's Peak).​

Train Schedule:

Several trains operate daily on the Ella to Kandy route. Here are some options:​

• Podi Menike Express (Train No. 1006):
• Departure from Ella: 09:42 AM
• Arrival in Kandy: Approximately 4:19 PM​
• Frequency: Operates daily.

Udarata Menike Express (Train No. 1016):

• Departure from Ella:06:51 AM​
• Arrival in Kandy:Approximately 1:12 PM​
• Frequency:Operates daily

Ella Odyssey Special (Train No. 1042):

• Departure from Ella:08:56 AM
• Arrival in Kandy:Approximately 3:22 PM​
• Frequency:Operates on Fridays and Sundays.