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The prettiest train rides I've ever taken thus far were in Sri Lanka. Traveling by train is one of my favorite modes of transportation (far surpassing planes). Train travel allows me to have unique experiences with locals I otherwise wouldn't meet. In a country like Sri Lanka where locals are super friendly, it wasn't rare to strike up a conversation since many Sri Lankans speak English. Sometimes I was even offered snacks: a mandarine or a samosa.
Continue reading to see why taking one of these train rides is a must while visiting Sri Lanka!
I took two of the prettiest train rides in Sri Lanka: one from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya Station) and the other from Dalhousie (Hatton Station) to Ella. Both rides offered equally stunning landscapes. The slow trains passed through sleepy villages covered in a dramatic mist. At times, the trains snaked along rivers and crossed deep, verdant valleys. It was the rainy season which meant tea plantations were in full bloom.
The more modern, blue trains in Sri Lanka are comfortable enough. These are the inter-city trains (not to be confused with the dilapidated inner-city trains). Passengers have a choice of soft seats or hard seats. The soft seats are in First Class and are padded and recline. Each passenger has their own individual seat complete with plugs, a tray and ample leg room. It's important to note that First Class is the only one with air conditioning.
The hard seat sections (2nd and 3rd Class) are exactly what they claim to be. No individual seats here; passengers share hard benches which sit 2 or 3 at a time. Dusty fans whirl overhead offering just enough breeze to appease the heat.
I suggest trying out both classes to give you a good idea of train traveling in Sri Lanka. If you know the ride will be short-ish, then pick a hard seat (it offers a much more convivial ride). For longer rides, First Class is a no-brainer. Trust me, you'll appreciate the air conditioning and your butt will thank you for the padded seat.
To be honest, ticket prices are really inexpensive allowing even budget-minded travelers to regal in First Class. The prettiest train rides I mentioned before aren't very long. I found 2nd and 3rd Class seats to be more than adequate for these two short rides of just a few hours each.
The most fun part about riding on trains in Sri Lanka is that they move at incredibly low speed. This allows passengers to safely sit or stand on the stairs of the open doorways to enjoy the incredible views and to take photos. Just make sure to tuck yourself in before passing through the many tunnels along the way.
A lot of travelers choose to hire a private driver to tour around Sri Lanka but, do yourself a favor, and take at least one of these train rides. You won't regret it!
READ MORE ON SRI LANKA:
- Climbing Pidurangala Rock in Sri Lanka
- A Guide to Climbing Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka
- Exploring Anuradhapura: The Ancient Sacred City of Sri Lanka
TRAVEL RESOURCES:
- Verify visa requirements for Sri Lanka on the official website
- Book flights to Sri Lanka via Skyscanner
- Compare hotel prices in Sri Lanka on Booking.com & Agoda
- Check hostel prices on HostelWorld
- Reserve train tickets on Sri Lanka Railways official site or 12GoAsia
- Stay connected using an Airalo E-sim for Sri Lanka
- Search for tours & excursions in Sri Lanka
- Shop for affordable travel insurance with SafetyWing
- Save on conversion fees while traveling with Wise
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I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.
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42 Responses
Karla at GlobalETALibrary
This sounds so lovely, trains and Sri Lanka. I would love to ride trains there one day. Sounds like a fun way to experience local life and your photos are incredible. Thanks for sharing you experiences!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
We took the train from Colombo to Anuradhapura. I always enjoy train rides but the scenery wasn’t as nice. The train rides in the tea plantation region are really the most scenic. Enjoy Sri Lanka – it’s a wonderful country!
Ivy
What gorgeous pictures! I’ve been reading about Sri Lanka a lot lately and the more I do, the more I want to visit! I thought seating arrangement wouldn’t be very comfortable but it doesn’t look bad at all- looks pretty safe too! Glad you enjoy this train ride 🙂
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
I think first class has upholstered seating but these seats were fine for the short train rides. Sri Lanka is a wonderful country – book your ticket now! 😉
SydneyFashionHunter
I have to admit that when I think of epic train journeys Sri Lanka does not immediately come to mind. I’m generally not a lover of a slow moving train as I like to get there as soon as possible but I take your point that it does allow you to enjoy the sorroundings more. You managed to capture some great pics that I’m sure wouldn’t have been possible had you been going faster.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
In this case the train ride is a destination in itself! 🙂
Rashmi & Chalukya
Srilanka is high on our list and train travels are our favorite. Srilanka has abundance of greenery. We didn’t know we could do train rides in Srilanka through the sprawling plantations. It looks like an amazing experience. Bookmarking this post and we would surely include this in our itinerary when we plan a trip. Thanks!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Yay – so glad you liked this post and discovered something new about Sri Lanka! I really hope you make it there – it’s one of my favorite countries and I would go back in a heartbeat. Enjoy!
AdventureFaktory
Kandy ella train is a to do list in Sri Lanka yes! We loved it so much and people in our train were so lovely. Def best train ride I’ve been on!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
It was wonderful! The scenery was just so beautiful!
Sonia Sahni
Hey! Loved the pictures! If you liked this, you must explore the train rides along the Western Ghats of India…especially this one over Dudhsagar Falls in monsoon. I am sure you will love it.
We never went by train when we went to Sri Lanka…preferred the road. Maybe we can try this on our next trip!
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Sonia! Thanks so much for the information. I’ve been to India and took the train a few times but this sounds very interesting. Will check it out if ever I go back to India. 🙂
melbtravel
I have never thought about catching a train through Sri Lanka but recently I have been seeing more and more post on this beautiful place. It looks stunning but the best thing I like is that it looks safe. I love the fact of sitting or standing on the stairs of the open doorways enjoying the views. I will definitely have to visit your post again if I go that way, as I am sold about the trains.
Joanna
I agree with you that train rides are never boring. I have taken a lot of train rides during my life and I had very exciting ones (the transiberian) and also really scenic ones (in norway). I would love to do a train journey in Sri Lanka, the scenery looks so lush and green.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Joanna! Train rides are always very entertaining and offer completely different views from other ways of traveling. I would love to do the Transiberian one day!
Katie @ CreativeTravelGuide
A train through the tea plantations sounds amazing! How much were the tickets and how long did each route take? I love a train with a view and these pictures are stunning so thank you for sharing.
Lydia@Lifeuntraveled.com
Hi Katie! We took two train rides and both were about 4 hours each. I can’t remember the exact price but I think it was less than $2 each – very affordable!