Travelling by train in Sri Lanka can be both daunting and one of the best ways to explore the country. If you are here for a holiday a train ride is the most affordable option to travel the country. The train routes run through local villages and towns, tea plantations and mountains en route to your Kandy accommodation. During the colonial era the steam train was used to bring in tea, currently one of country’s largest export industries.
Travelling by train is the best way witness scenic views. Always consider travelling during mornings so you don’t miss out. If it’s an option, avoid travelling on weekends as trains get crowded with most people going back home. To have a hassle free ride book your train tickets in advance for 01st class also known as the Observation Saloon or 02nd class, but if you want a truly local experience it doesn’t get any better than travelling in 03rd class.
You can travel by train to most parts of the country. The experience will be amazing and you will discover villages that you have not seen or heard of.
Colombo to Badulla
The train ride from Colombo to Badulla can be a long ride. The first train begins at 5.55 am reaches Badulla by 4.04 pm if travelling directly. Between Colombo to Badulla there are 06 cities and towns and if you do have the luxury of time do try to hop off on each or least one or two cities on the way, get spontaneous and maybe stay a night or two and start travelling the following day (always make sure to check train schedule so you won’t be stranded!)
First station would be Peradeniya a suburb of the city of Kandy. There are many places to sightsee in Kandy including the Peradeniya the Royal Botanical Gardens that is not so far from the city. Other highlights in Kandy include the Temple of the Tooth, Bahiravokanda Vihara Budda Statue and Gadaladeniya Temple. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and a walk around the Kandy Lake are not to missed either. The city of Kandy is a treat when looking for places to eat and stay! If you are hoping for an overnight stop in the chilly town, our property at Yoho Rajapihilla Mawatha is great with being located less than a km away from the city centre.
The train ride from Kandy to Hatton would be breathtaking because of the lush green tea plantations. If its during the early days of peak time make sure to get off and climb Adam’s Peak early morning. Following Hatton, the next stop would be at Nanu Oya that is a tuk tuk or cab ride away from Sri Lanka’s very own Little England, Nuwara Eliya. Lined up with beautiful colonial type houses and picturesque tea plantations, the nature surrounding Lake Gregory is a treat! Two nights least is advice as there are few places which might take full day to complete. Accommodation comes easy and Yoho Hill Road is a great place to rest for the night. Few of the must see places in Nuwara Eliya includes Lover’s Leap waterfall, the Horton Plains National Park, Bakers Fall, Ambewela Farm, strawberry farms not to forget a visit to the tea factory and a walk along the tea bushes.
The last two stations before Badulla – Haputale and Ella, two quaint little towns that are unique for its own reasons. With luscious greens plantations, mountains and great chilly weather, if you are on a budget there are adequate amount of budget accommodation in the area.
Happy and safe train travels!
