Hill-Country Train to Ella: Tips for First-Timers
The train from Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella is a highlight for many visitors. Here is how to make the most of it.
Winding slowly through tea plantations, tunnels and cloud forests, the hill-country railway is one of the most scenic train journeys in Asia. It is slow, sometimes crowded and always memorable.
Which section should I take?
The full trip from Kandy to Ella takes around seven hours. If you are short on time, the most beautiful stretch is from Nanu Oya (the station for Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, which takes about three hours. Many of our guests do this stretch and let their driver carry the luggage onwards by road.
Book ahead and choose your class
Reserved seats in the observation, first or second class carriages sell out quickly in high season. Booking ahead means a guaranteed seat and window views. We can help arrange reservations, subject to availability. Unreserved third class is cheaper and lively, but you may need to stand.
Tips for a great ride
- Grab a window seat if you can. The best views change from side to side, so take turns if you are travelling as a pair.
- Pack water, snacks and a light jacket. Mornings in the hills are cool.
- Keep your camera strap on. Doors are often open, so be careful when leaning out.
- Start early. Morning light is clearer, and the mist adds atmosphere before it burns off.
Don’t miss the Nine Arch Bridge
Just outside Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge near Demodara is one of the best-known landmarks in Sri Lanka. Arrive before a scheduled train passes and take the path through the tea and jungle for the best photos. Our hill-country packages include a visit.