The Iconic Kandy to Ella Train Ride – Everything you Need to Know
- Flo MBT
- Mar 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Who hasn’t heard about the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella when searching for things to do in Sri Lanka? It’s one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, passing through breathtaking tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages.
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The Most Breathtaking Section of the Journey
Did you know that if you only take the train to Ella, you’ll miss the iconic Nine Arches Bridge? After a lot of research, we found out that the most breathtaking section of the journey is between Nanu Oya and Demodara — and trust us, it’s worth it!
Why We Chose to Do Both the Drive and the Train Ride
We had our own tuk-tuk, and rather than just taking the train from Kandy, we wanted to experience both the drive and the ride through the tea plantations.
Yes, we could have hired someone to drive our tuk-tuk from Kandy to Ella for us, but where’s the fun in that? The experience itself was what we were after.
And wow, what a drive! We stopped countless times, soaking in local life as it unfolded before our eyes— women washing clothes in the river, tea plantation workers picking leaves, kids walking home from school. Every moment felt like a window into the heart of Sri Lanka.
The Most Scenic Section of the Ride
Once we arrived in Ella, we knew we didn’t want to miss the train experience. Driving is great, but there’s something magical about watching the landscape roll by from an open train window. Also, where else in the world can you ride a train with the doors wide open?
We didn’t want to do the full Ella-Kandy-Ella route—it would’ve taken too long. Instead, after hours of searching, we discovered that the most scenic stretch is between Nanu Oya and Demodara. So we decided to strech even to Hatton, and do Demodata to Hatton.
And here’s the kicker—if you only go as far as Ella, you’ll miss the legendary Nine Arches Bridge! So we booked tickets from Demodara to Hatton, ensuring we got the best views and crossed the bridge.
The Ticket Struggle
Now, let’s talk about booking tickets… it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. There is a special tourists train called Calypso, which gets fully booked quite quickly and might not provide you with the full experience of being with the locals. When we went to Kandy Train Station, we asked for the Calypso train, but it was fully booked for the coming 6 or 7 days.
We managed to book a one-way ticket, but we also needed a return ticket since our accommodation was in Ella. Unfortunately, all the reserved seats were sold out, and we were told we could buy an unreserved ticket from Hatton.
But here’s where things got tricky. Our first train was running really late, and after chatting with the train controller, he advised us to get off early—two stations before Hatton—so we wouldn’t miss the return train.
Except… this wasn’t a scheduled stop. Luckily, the train was waiting for a signal, so they let us hop off in the middle of the railway!
At the small station, we met the kindest station master, who welcomed us with a smile and took the time to explain how everything worked. Since the railway is a single track, trains can only cross at stations. He showed us the old-school signaling system, which looked like something straight out of Morse code! It was fascinating to watch him receive signals from the previous station, ensuring safe passage for the trains - not something we would have experienced with the Special Tourists Train.
Train Ticket Options – What You Need to Know!
A few things we learned from doing this twice—there are regular trains, which offer a more authentic local experience, and special tourist trains, designed to showcase the most scenic parts of the route in just 2 to 3 hours.
Regular trains - good to know:
👉 You can book seated tickets in advance (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class). But since this ride is getting more and more popular, you need to book ahead if you want a guaranteed seat.
👉 If you’re more spontaneous, you can buy an unreserved ticket on the day (1 hour before departure) in 2nd or 3rd class—and it’s way cheaper!
Special Tourists Train option:
👉 The Calypso Special Tourist Train takes passengers on a scenic round trip from Badulla or Demodara to Bandarawela in 2 to 3 hours.
👉 The Ella Odyssey runs from Kandy to Demodara on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a scenic same-day journey through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country.
Which Class Should You Choose?
1st Class – Air-conditioned, comfy seats, but windows and doors are closed (so less scenic).
2nd Class – Comfortable seats, windows open, but doors closed (a good balance).
3rd Class – Not as comfy, but both doors and windows are open—the best for enjoying the breeze and taking photos!
If you ask us, 3rd class (seated) is the way to go! It’s the most immersive way to experience the ride.
Have you taken the Kandy to Ella train ride? Let us know about your experience in the comments!
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