Railways in Sri Lanka were laid by the British colonialists in the 19th century. (and have not undergone significant modernization since then), but this does not prevent them from being one of the most inexpensive and convenient modes of transport on the island.
Rail communication in Sri Lanka is carried out on several branches ():
- coastal line(Coast line) - runs along the western coast of the country from Puttalam in the north, through cities such as Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwala, Alusgama, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa and Galle to the southern tip of Sri Lanka (Weligama and Matara).
- mountain line(Hill country line) - runs from the capital Colombo to Kandy and further to such settlements as Hatton (), Manu Oya (), Haputale, Bandarawela, Eliya and Badulla.
- northern line(Northern line) - goes from Colombo, through Kurunegala to Anuradhapura and Vavuniya, ending at Omantai. Two additional branches of this line go to Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa, as well as to Trincomalee.
Types of trains and wagons in Sri Lanka
Passenger carriages in trains in Sri Lanka are divided into 3 classes, depending on the level of comfort, additional services and fares. Cars of the second and third class differ slightly. In the first case, there is the possibility of advance booking (although not always), seats with soft upholstery and less chance of crowding due to lack of seats.
First class carriages are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Seats are available for pre-booking. Many of them have chic vintage interiors that transport passengers to the beginning of the 20th century. The so-called observation cars (which are attached at the tail end of some trains) have a large rear window that allows you to enjoy panoramic views.
The class or type of wagons in Sri Lankan trains is indicated by letter marking:
- A - cars of the second and third class, not reserved
- B - restaurant or dining car
- C - second class carriages, reserved
- D - cars of the second and third class with folding seats, reserved
- E - first class survey car, reserved
- F - sleeping car, first class, reserved
- G - air-conditioned first class car, reserved
Depending on the distance and configuration with cars of different classes, trains in Sri Lanka are also divided into several types. In addition to intercity trains (Intercity Trains) and express trains (Express Trains), there are several private trains (Special Trains) on the island, equipped with luxury cars and designed to make rail tours around the country.
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If you are going to book train tickets for travel
in Sri Lanka before arriving in the country, this can be done by agreement with
one of the local travel agencies or with the help of your hotel management.
Sri Lanka has excellent public transport!
The most common and budgetary are Trains, Tuk-tuks and Buses.
Of course, no one canceled the opportunity to rent a car or motorcycle.
Motorcycles are very popular here.
But driving in Sri Lanka is very difficult because of the local driving culture.
Everyone goes as they want and where they want.
The site is quite confusing.
Therefore, I will try to tell, briefly, what's what.
Here is the railway station in Kandy city.
Inside, as in any other station, there is a ticket office. There you can find out about any train and fares for every taste.
Everyone is waiting for the train on the platform
From the center of Sri Lanka, Colombo, you can get to any end point for no more than 380 rupees.
This is equal to approximately 95 Russian rubles.
Passengers have the opportunity to choose a class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort.
The closer to the end of the train, the better and more comfortable the cars.
Below is a table with the fare, based on the class of the car.
As well as a map of train routes between cities.
In the mountains where I went, there is only one track, i.e. there is practically no chance to cross with an oncoming train. Only if at the stations.
The most comfortable seats were bought from me in advance. Their cost was equal to 1250 rupees, or about 300 rubles.
Only one such car was located at the very end of the train.
Everything in the car was amazing!
1) Comfortable seats with all kinds of adjustments, a footrest and a table.
The seat can be rotated in the direction of the train by pressing a special lever.
2) Air conditioner
3) Several LCD TVs
4) Pleasant LED ceiling lighting
5) Sockets for 220 volts
In general, the comfort was everything you need!
My final station was the small town of Ella, located high in the mountains.
The length of the path is 180-200 km. It took about 7 hours to cover this distance.
Yes, so long.
All because the road passes through the picturesque mountains, tunnels and plains of Sri Lanka.
The maximum speed of the train was 20-30 km/h. And in some places 5-10 km / h.
But I was not at all tired on the way.
Not only was it comfortable in the carriage, but the view outside the window was incredibly beautiful!
Sometimes the view from the window blew my mind!
At first there was a little rain, and it was overcast.
At the stations, trains stop for a short time.
There is a maximum of 5 minutes to enter the car. Or even less.
Along the way, every 5 minutes you could see small waterfalls.
As well as mountain rivers.
Tea plantations accompanied me all the way!
Sometimes the train passed along picturesque highways.
Slowly rising above the clouds, the train was enveloped in fog!
Then the bright sun came out! There was no end to the plantations!
The train now and then climbed the mountain, descended, skirted them on the side. It was like some kind of attraction!
At times it felt like I was on a cliff. And the train is about to fall into the abyss. But no. All OK.
Periodically, the train passed through the mountain tunnels!
Insanely cool!
I suggest just look at this incredible beauty of nature!
We passed a very beautiful waterfall in the distance.
The train has controllers that keep order so that no one breaks the rules, does not try to move from a cheaper car to a more expensive and comfortable one.
In general, as in any other country.
So, having reached the town of Ella, it was already completely dark. It was about 19 pm.
This is the end of my train journey! It was comfortable and unimaginably beautiful!
I can safely say that this is the most amazing train journey in my life!!!
When we were planning our trip to Sri Lanka, we found out that one of the main attractions of the country is the train! Yes, it's a regular train. More precisely, an English train, since the railway, stations and the trains themselves were built under the British. Since then, they have been working properly to this day, being the main transport in Sri Lanka.
The main advantage of traveling by train in Sri Lanka is the beautiful views from the window and immersion in the daily life of the locals. We decided to definitely take the advice to take a ride on the Sri Lankan train. And now I will tell you about everything you need to know in order to carefully plan such a trip - I will share the train schedule in Sri Lanka, the train map and their routes, and, of course, my impressions. Is it worth it to travel by train in Sri Lanka? Read all the details in the article.
A trip to Sri Lanka is unthinkable without the opportunity to ride on a Sri Lankan train. Trains in Sri Lanka are not an attraction, but a real vehicle for the people. It suits everyone because of its cheapness and the ability to choose the level of comfort.
Trains in Sri Lanka come in three classes: Class 1 is more expensive and much more comfortable than the rest. Basically, foreigners ride in first-class carriages. The difference between class 2 and class 3 cars is small, they are best suited for budget travelers. The locals usually go there as well.
Most tourists take the train in Sri Lanka solely because of the opportunity to see the unusually inspired views from the train window. Basically, they prefer one direction - to the mountainous country to drive past the tea plantations. But the trip from Colombo to Galle is also beautiful - the iron track goes along the coast and you can admire the Indian Ocean.
Residents of Sri Lanka use the railway not only to ride the train between cities, but also to go on business between small villages. In the photo - Ella, Sri Lanka
And for other sights of Sri Lanka, tourists prefer to travel in comfortable buses (VIP-class, not the people's buses of Sri Lanka, which are just as uncomfortable and dirty as trains) or on rented vehicles with a driver or on their own.
Compared to trains in Myanmar, where the British also organized rail transport, the train in Sri Lanka is more reliable (and new trains have appeared in recent years!). During our we were not able to take the train. He just didn't come. As we later found out, this is a common occurrence there. In Sri Lanka, this almost never happens. Trains run slowly, but still run on schedule.
Boarding the train to Kandy 
Inside an old 3rd class carriage
Railway map in Sri Lanka
A map of train traffic in Sri Lanka will be very useful to understand the route of the trip.
Sri Lanka Railway Map (clickable)
As can be seen from the diagram, four railway lines diverge from Colombo throughout Sri Lanka: to Matara, to Jaffna, to Avisavella and to Peryanagavilla. The remaining branches begin their journey in other major cities of the island of Ceylon. The most famous route that tourists are interested in is the train journey from Kandy to Badulla through the mountainous country.
In addition, a branch departs from Maho to Batticaloa (this is the eastern resort town), stopping by the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on the way. So you can definitely get by train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, which is one of the peaks of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.
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To find out which train is most convenient for you to travel in the right direction, it is best to familiarize yourself with the schedule of their movement in Sri Lanka. Knowing the exact Sri Lanka train schedule, you can easily change from one train to another and get inexpensively to almost anywhere in the country.
A convenient schedule for all directions is shown in the diagram. It also says in front of each city how long it will take to get from it to Colombo. And also the prices for tickets to all classes of cars are indicated: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In my opinion, this is a very convenient scheme.
Sri Lanka trains have their own website - http://www.railway.gov.lk/ However, it is not particularly useful for travelers, since it is impossible to buy tickets online for them. But you can learn how to transport goods by train and read about the history of Sri Lanka's railways.
- Helpful information. You can see the current train schedule in Sri Lanka
How to buy a train ticket in Sri Lanka
Train tickets in Sri Lanka are in most cases easy to buy just before the train leaves. It's very simple. You need to arrive at the station in advance, go to the ticket office, pay for the ticket and get on the train to an empty seat (if there is one). All this applies to 2nd and 3rd class cars. If you do not sit down at the departure station, then most likely you will have to ride standing up.
You can buy tickets for 1st class carriages on a train in Sri Lanka in advance. Ticket sales begin 30 days before the date of the intended travel. Online booking is not possible. You can only buy while in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, you need to come to Fort Colombo to office 17. In other cities and at other stations, the same rule applies. You can also call by phone and book a seat in the 1st class carriage, but only in the direction of Colombo - Kandy. Keep in mind that 1st class tickets sell out very quickly.
How to book a train ticket in Sri Lanka?
You need to call 365 from a local Mobitel SIM card (the national provider of Sri Lanka) and book a seat on the train for the desired date and time. Soon you will receive an SMS with your number. When you arrive at the station, you will need to show this number to the station supervisor or directly at the Mobitel office. You will immediately be given a ticket (M-ticket). The money for the ticket will be debited from your mobile account.
Advice. Very often, travelers leave the train station upset, because they heard that the train was full and there were no tickets. However, this only means that all 1st class seats have been bought out. 2nd and 3rd class tickets are still on sale. It's just that many Sri Lankans can't believe that the white misters will ride with them.
Stunning views from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train
Which cities can be visited while traveling by train in Sri Lanka
Any trip to Sri Lanka starts in Colombo or Negombo, the cities closest to Baidanaraike International Airport. Let's start our acquaintance with the country from its capital - the city of Colombo. Or rather, from Fort Colombo, the main station of the country, from where trains diverge in all directions.
Fort Colombo on the map
North direction: Kandy - Anuradhapura - Jaffna.
- If you travel to the north of Sri Lanka, then it is worth getting off the train here to visit the colonial city around the lake and the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Very close by is located, which we personally really liked with its rich collection of various plants - trees and flowers. And of course, it is also worth it to get off at the station and spend one day in the ancient city. End station - jaffna- the capital of the Tamils, may be of interest to those tourists who study all aspects of the life of the country.
- From Fort Colombo you can also go in the direction Negombo and to Peryanagaville station. The interval of trains is every hour.
- A relatively small section of the railway was built from Colombo to Avisabella. Trains run here several times a day.
- From the station Medavaccia begins a new branch - to the island Mannar. The train runs twice a day.
Train to the east coast of Sri Lanka: Maho - Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa and Trincomalee
From the northern branch that goes to Jaffna at the station Maho you can go east, to the coast. On the way to the resort Batticaloa the train stops at . And in Gal Oya you can take a train to Trincomalee, where to sunbathe on almost virgin beaches, which, in comparison, have their own unique flavor.
The most popular train route from Kandy to Ella through the mountain country
Most of the tourists travel around Sri Lanka by train along this route - from to Ella. Although the final station of this route is the city. Why is everyone ignoring Badulla? The colonial city does not outperform Nuwara Eliya in terms of legend and the number of tea plantations and loses to Ella in picturesqueness. Although there is nearby, and for the sake of it, Badulla is still worth a trip.
So, the train starts from Kandy and travels along the route: Hatton(exit for Sri Pada, Adam's Peak) - Nanu Oya (this is the name of the station next to Nuwara Eliya, you need to get off here) - Ohiya(exit to visit Horton Plains Park) - Ella - Badulla.
This is how the train journey from Kandy begins 
Our fellow traveler is a Sri Lankan baby 
Tourists dangle from the running boards to take pictures of the beautiful views.
Sri Lanka is an amazing island where you can feed turtles on Hikkaduwa beach, walk through Ceylon plantations, conquer the peaks of Little Adam and Ella Rock Peaks, catch waves at Mirissa spots and enjoy train rides.
Railways are the most convenient, inexpensive and very scenic option for traveling around the island. There are no traffic jams (there can be terrible traffic jams from Kandy to Colombo), you can get to almost any city, but, most importantly, the views that open up during the trip. From the open window of the train you will see the nature of the island with its hills, forests, plantations, beaches and villages where you can observe the life of the locals.
In this article, we will show you how to build a 14-day train itinerary to see the most beautiful places in the country.
There are three classes of service on the trains. We recommend the 2nd one: in cars of this class, the windows open, there is a fan and you can sit down. Ticket prices range from $1.5 to $8. In the 1st class, soft seats and air conditioning, but the windows do not open, and therefore you will not be able to get the maximum pleasure from the trip. It’s better not to hit the 3rd, you will ride standing up, and they can even rob you.
The train schedule can be found on the website of the national carrier.
Kandy
You are arriving in Colombo. We would not recommend spending a lot of time in the capital: the city does not reflect the charm of the island. Go straight to the station and buy a ticket to Kandy. Drive about three hours.
This city, which was once the home of kings, is located in the very center of the island and is its cultural and religious heart.
Things to do
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a complex of museums and temples. The divine tooth is kept in a golden box. If you plan a trip for August, you can get to Esala Perahera - the festival of the holy Tooth. Music is playing, everyone is dancing, and dozens of decorated elephants are walking along the streets. The tooth itself is exposed to the public. The Sri Lankans believe that such a ceremony will contribute to the affairs of the country.
- Climb up the hill to the huge statue of Buddha Bahiravokanda Vihara and admire the panorama of the city.
- Walk around Kandy Lake. This artificial lake, about a kilometer long, appeared on the orders of the last king of Kandy, Sri Vikram Rajasinghe, at the beginning of the 19th century. The ruler's harem was located on a small island in the middle of the lake. You will also see the monastery and the royal baths. Geese, pelicans and herons can be found around the pond.
- Walk through the Udawattakele nature reserve to get acquainted with Sri Lankan flora and fauna: 300-year-old vine, mini rattan palms, orchids, creepers, Ceylon macaques, porcupines, mongooses, emerald parrot and dove.
The cost of a train ticket from Colombo to Kandy in the second class is $2. In order to have time to explore the city, we recommend staying for one night.
Nuwara Eliya
From Kandy, take the train to Badulla and get off at the Nanu Oya stop. Drive about 4 hours. From here take a bus to Nuwara Eliya. "Little England" in the forest thicket in the center of the island. Lovely Victorian houses in the midst of plantations and mountain ranges.
Things to do
- Take a boat ride on Lake Gregory. This lake was designed by the British Governor of Nuwara Eliya to supply the city with electricity, but quickly turned into a holiday destination. Now locals and tourists have picnics here, ride boats in the form of swans, kayaks and bicycles, walk along the picturesque paths.
- Take photos near one of the highest waterfalls of St. Clair Island, which was called "Little Niagara" due to the cascades of different heights.
- Walk through the highest botanical garden in the world - Hakgala.
- Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, so it's worth visiting local plantations like Pedro Estate to find out how it's made.
The cost of a train ticket from Kandy to Nanu Oy in the second class is $1.5. If you arrive early in the morning, you can leave in the evening, but it is better to spend the night so that one day you can calmly look at the garden, lake and waterfall, and devote the other to plantations.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from , in a 3 * hotel - from .
Ella
Photo: @florianreichelt / @backpackdiariez / Instagram.com
Back to the station. Today you will see one of the most beautiful roads in your life.
Take a ticket to Badulla (terminal station), but get off at Ella. It takes about 3 hours to drive, but it's worth it, the views will be amazing. You can sit down with your legs dangling in the doorway. It is better to plan a trip on a weekday, as locals will join the tourists on weekends and it will not be easy to find a comfortable place.
Ella is a small town in the mountains, which is full of life. During the day, everyone goes to the mountains to admire the panoramas, and in the evening they gather in local cafes and share their impressions.
Things to do
- Ella is a city for hiking. There are several routes here. The shortest is to the Ravana cave, sung in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. According to legend, the king of India had a beautiful wife, Sita, the king of Sri Lanka, Ravana, kidnapped her and hid her in this cave. From the top you have great views of the mountains.
- Slowly walk to Little Adam's Peak. It will take 45 minutes and another 15-20 minutes to climb.
- If the Small Peak is a childish prank for you and you prefer hiking for longer distances, then Ella Rock will be a more serious mountain. First, the distance is greater. Secondly, the trail is quieter and more untouched than the well-organized trail to Little Adam's Peak. The ascent and descent will take 4 hours, you can take a guide.
- Walk to one of the main attractions of the island - the Nine Arch Bridge, the longest in Sri Lanka. In addition, it was built without the use of steel, only due to brick, volcanic rocks and cement. The 92 meters high bridge is hidden among the lush forest. Every day, hundreds of tourists gather around it and on it to take gorgeous photos.
- Ravana waterfall is located 10 minutes from the city. If it's hot outside, it will help cool you down.
The cost of a train ticket from Nanu Oy to Ella in the second class is $1.5. To enjoy the city, we recommend spending two nights there.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from , in a 3 * hotel - from .
Matara
After Ella, a difficult path to the coast lies ahead. Unfortunately, there is no train to the coast from here, and making the return detour through Colombo is a waste of precious time. You can use Uber or take the city bus number 31 (Bandarawela-Matara), feel the atmosphere.
Things to do
- Walk along Cape Dondra, on which stands the temple of the god Vishnu. This is a Hindu sanctuary, and an active seaport with a majestic white lighthouse.
- Swim to Crow Island. Take a walk among the wild, if you are with children - go to the amusement park Crow Island Beach Park.
- Visit the Veherahena temple. Residents built it underground to pray in secret from the colonialists, and later they put a large statue of Buddha outside.
- Take a walk along the calm, unlike many others on the island, Matara beach.
The ticket price for bus 31 from Ella to Matara is $2. It is better to leave early in the morning, as the travel time is five hours. A ride on Uber will cost about $90, you can find fellow travelers and split the amount. It is better to leave early in the morning so that you can be in Matara during the day, spend the rest of the day in the city and go to Mirissa late in the evening.
Mirissa
From the "climber-traveler" mode in this city, it is worth switching to the "surfer-tanner". There are buses from Matara to Colombo or Galle. Warn the driver to stop in Mirissa.
Sri Lanka is known for its ideal waves for surfers, so if somewhere in your dreams you cut open the sea, then it's time to make your dreams come true.
After sunset, beach establishments lay out their fresh catch on the ice. Your task is only to choose between crabs, a variety of fish and seafood.
Train to Mirissa from $1. It's better to stay here for a couple of days.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from , in a 3 * hotel - from .
Unawatuna
You can get there by bus to Galle.
The perfect place to sunbathe, drink royal coconut, take “I’m on a gorgeous beach” photos and sample Sri Lankan cuisine. If you have never stood on the surf, then here is the most suitable spot, since the waves are quite small. You can also go diving.
Bus to the city from $0.5. You can stay for a couple of days.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from , in a 3 * hotel - from .
Halle
The walled city of Galle is famous for its fort, built by the Dutch and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Things to do
- Walk along the wall of the fortress, take a photo of the lighthouse and the clock tower against the backdrop of the raging sea.
- Look at Dutch architecture, wandering through the narrow streets inside the fort, looking into souvenir shops.
- Go to the National Maritime Museum.
- Compare Church of All Saints, Dutch Church, Meera Mosque.
The cost of the bus to Galle is $0.5. You will have time to see the city in a day, and in the evening you can go to the next city.
Hikkaduwa
If the prospect of lying on the board waiting for the perfect wave is not very happy, we recommend going to Hikkaduwa. This is a Sri Lankan village, chosen by the Russians. There is a clean beach, clear water and palm trees leaning over the water. The atmosphere can be broken only by pareo dealers and masseuses. For massage it is better to go to the salon.
If you go to the beach, you can see large turtles coming for food. They know that tourists are waiting for them here with prepared food and cameras, so they chose this place. For dinner, go to one of the restaurants and taste the freshest crabs.
The cost of a train ticket from Halle to Hikkaduwa in the second class is $0.5. How long to stay here depends on your thirst for relaxation and days on vacation.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from , in a 3 * hotel - from .
You can get from Colombo to Kandy by bus, taxi and train. We recommend that you take the train. Since it is not only cheaper and faster, but also more interesting and safer.
Train
At the station Colombo Fort we find the 3rd way. There are several of them, so we need the most extreme platform near the station building. By the way, “helpers” are actively working at the station, peasants who will kindly show you which way and train, and then ask for money. We gave such a friend 100 rupees, although he asked for 1000.
Tip: buy your Colombo-Kandy tickets 2-3 days in advance, as there may not be enough seats
This is what the desired platform looks like from the footbridge:
The cost of tickets to Kandy is approximately per person
1st class: 500 rupees
2nd class: Rs 250
3rd class: 100 rupees
The train is coming to Kandy. First class carriage ahead:
How to find out what class the car is?
On each wagon, near the doors, there is a number indicating the class of the wagon. First class carriages look modern.
We get on the train. We traveled from Colombo to Kandy in first class. Of course, this car is worth the money. Clean and modern. Merchants don't come here. Air conditioners are working at full capacity, warm clothes will come in handy.
Colombo-Kandy train. 1st class carriage
First class train tickets look like an A4 printout. Second and third class tickets look something like this:
While driving, you can sleep, watch Indian movies on monitors or enjoy beautiful views:
After 4 hours we arrived at the Kandy railway station:
Waiting hall
Where can I order a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - KiwiTaxi
Ordered a taxi online, paid by card. We were greeted at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You have already talked about your experience In this article
How to use this thing remains a mystery to us:
Externally, the station building looks like this:
Hotels in Kandy
- Hantana Home Stay
- 38b Homestay Heerassagala
- Mountain View Holiday Home
- Greenwood Edge Hanthana
- Hill City Mansion- hotel near the train station
All hotels on Booking.com
Return trip: Kandy-Colombo train
2nd class carriages
We couldn't buy 1st class return tickets as we bought them on the day of departure, so we went in a 2nd class carriage with no reserved seats and no air conditioning. That is, whoever got up first, that and slippers.
There is no air conditioning, but there are ceiling fans. I can’t say that it was unbearable heat, the windows are open and it blows well, it’s much hotter in our trains in summer
There were a lot of people, there weren’t enough seats for all, so we went first standing up. Our company consisted of 4 girls and one man. We must pay tribute to the Sri Lankans, they showed themselves extremely well and gave way to women. Katya and I changed places and in 4.5 hours we reached Colombo in this way.
3rd class carriages
The cars are not much different from the 2nd class, they are exactly the same shabby. They also have wooden seats for 3 people and more people are packed.
You can cool off while driving outside. Sri Lankan train doors never close
You can also have a snack during the trip or at stops. Traders of some incomprehensible food and cold drinks are constantly wandering around the train, singing another tongue twister in their own language. By the way, merchants do not enter 1st class carriages.
Is it safe to travel around Sri Lanka by train?
Our opinion is quite safe. We traveled by train in Sri Lanka several times, there has never been a single criminal incident with either tourists or locals. Follow the normal safety rules and you'll be fine.
Transfer Colombo - Kandy by taxi
It is possible to order a transfer to Kandy from Colombo or from your hotel in the resorts of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Bentota. Prices vary depending on where you are. You can book a taxi in Kandy online. by this link >>
Book a transfer to Kandy online
