Sri Lanka · TRAIN RIDES IN KANDY
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 14 train rides in Kandy worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Reserved seats on Sri Lanka’s blue train from Kandy to Ella, with tea-country views, two daily departures, and hotel delivery.
“Train ride itself was magnificent!. Great way to get between Kandy and Ella. Unfortunately our ticket "supplier" was difficult to deal with. Said he would drop off the tickets the evening before, but didn't turn up. Contacted him via phone aRead more”
Scenic Kandy to Ella train with reserved seats, e-tickets by email and WhatsApp, and tea-country views, plus the Nine Arches Bridge moment.
“So all in all we got the tickets (e tickets) with no problems on the day we departed. It would be very nice to get them earlier because this caused a bit of stress. The Viator chat was very helpful, it was not so easy to reach the local office but also at the end it worked out. Please make sure to correctly fill in your passport, they control it letter by letter.”
Reserved seats from Kandy to Ella with scenic extra stops, small-group feel, and paper tickets delivered before 7 am. Practical, photo friendly.
“Nice trip by train with gorgeous views of the countryside.”
Take a scenic train from Kandy into Sri Lanka’s tea hills, then explore Nuwara Eliya and the Blue Field Tea Factory in one private day.
“driver was on time to pick up us from the hotel. he was very helpful, it was very good day. amazing views of the tea plantations from train.”
Ride the Hill Country Blue Train to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, with temples, Peradeniya gardens, tea factory tasting, and Kandyan culture.
“The train ride was a dream. I can highly recommend it. On day one, after a very short lunch break of just 30 minutes, we were dragged to a jeweler -> then had to watch a video about how the jewelers are made and, at best, buy something. It wasn't on the program and we didn't want to do that anyway. When we arrived at the hotel, everyone looked at us strangely and showed no welcoming hospitality. Day 2: The train ride was great, but then the guide wanted to go back to Colombo. We asked about Grake Esplanade, the tea plantation and the spice market. Esplanade was too far…”
Classic train up to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy, British hill town sights, tea factory, and Ramboda Falls with a private guide.
“The driver turned up late. We had to call him to find out where he was. Then they had not booked the train tickets in the first class carriage. Then he stuff around for another half hour before we worked out with him to go the reverse of the itinRead more”
Ride the scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, then tea factory, Gregory Lake and Ramboda Falls. 12 hours, hotel pickup included.
“A lovely setting, slightly tired in places but didn't really detract from the beautiful setting. Waiters and waitresses are very attentive. Bravo Dalshan, Rasiha and Ishan. Thank you”
Ride Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail stretch from Kandy to Ella on the Podi Menike, with guaranteed seats and big hill-country views.
“Outstanding service provided by Hansika at Lakpura. Despite the Kandy to Ella train being sold out everywhere else, she managed to secure us tickets for this iconic journey. Highly recommend Lakpura for their exceptional service and commitment to customer satisfaction!”
First-class Kandy to Ella train with prebooked seats, tea-plantation views and waterfalls like Ravana Falls, fast boarding, limited tickets.
“DONT BOOK HERE! THE PRICE 10 TIMES HIGHER THAN NORMAL!”
Ride the scenic **Podi Menike Train 1005** from Kandy to Nanu Oya, with first-class AC option and unforgettable hill-country views.
“We booked this trip for 2 pax in reserved seating in second class prior to our trip to Sri Lanka. Despite the booking being paid for and confirmed, a number of weeks later they asked for additional information to purchase the tickets. When this Read more”
Reserved-seat train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in about 4 hours. Enjoy tea-country scenery, paper tickets, and window-seat comfort.
“We booked Tickets for a train which was already booked out. They organized really quick some new tickets for another train. Everything worked out in the end.”
Reserve reserved seats from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, get an e-ticket on WhatsApp, and ride the scenic 3-hour train with easy check-in.
“simple and uncomplicated way to get train tickets, very reliable, e-tickets are delivered the night before the journey via email and WhatsApp, no printing necessary”
Ride the Udarata Menike from Kandy to Ella on a scenic hill-country route, with reserved seats and a mobile ticket for $45.
“Viator buy up multiple tickets under the guise of doing travelers a service. This prevents people from buying tickets directly from the railways as they appear to be fully booked. Viator then sell them at greatly inflated prices. The railway priRead more”
Private Kandy to Ella day train with hotel pickup, reserved sightseeing seats, and tea-plantation views. About 14 hours, $150 pp.
“The train got cancelled and Unique Lanka never alerted me that this does happen on and off. If they had done it, I might have had a buffer day and not wasted the purpose of my whole trip. Also the Vehicle provided by Unique Lanka Tours waRead more”
Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.
