The Legendary Train Ride Kandy – Ella★★★
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world — and rightly so. For six to seven hours, the train winds through a landscape that looks like a painting: emerald green tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, roaring waterfalls, jungle gorges, and the famous Nine Arches Bridge.
What to Expect
The route ascends from Kandy (500 m) to over 1,800 meters and then descends again to Ella (1,041 m). Along the way, the train passes:
- Kadugannawa: First switchbacks with views over the valley
- Hatton: Beginning of the tea plantation landscape, access to Adam's Peak
- Nanu Oya: Station for Nuwara Eliya (8 km away)
- Haputale: Breathtaking view over the southern plain
- Demodara: The famous Demodara loop, where the train makes a 360-degree turn over itself
- Nine Arches Bridge: Just before Ella — the iconic highlight
Practical Information
| Class | Price | Reservation | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class (Observation) | 1,500 LKR (~4.30 €) | Mandatory, weeks in advance | Comfortable, but windows closed |
| 2nd Class (reserved) | 230 LKR (~0.65 €) | Recommended, days in advance | Best choice — open windows! |
| 3rd Class (unreserved) | 120 LKR (~0.34 €) | Not possible | Pure adventure, but often standing |
💡 Tipp
The complete route Kandy–Ella takes 6–7 hours. For a shorter trip: the most beautiful sections are between Nanu Oya and Ella (about 3 hours). Alternatively, get off at Haputale — the mountain town is less touristy than Ella and offers fantastic views.
