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Exploring Sri Lanka by Train: A Journey Through Scenic Routes
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with greenery scattered all over the island as well as a wealthy history and culture. One of the beauty that cannot be paralleled when visiting the island is by train. Not only are train journeys in Sri Lanka cheap, but they are the most exotic way of traveling through the most picturesque terrains of the country including the misty mountains, green tea estates, and silent sandy beaches. Here, we will be showing you the ideal train journeys for the international visitor and those of you who live here but never thought that a train journey could be an adventure.
Distance: 7 hours | Scenic Highlights: Tea Plantations, Waterfalls, Mountains
Undoubtedly, the most, or perhaps the only train ride in Sri Lanka that can be compared to this one is the one that goes from Kandy to Ella through breathtaking mountains. This blue train which comes with the association of the British Raj chugs along through tea gardens, over bridges and through tunnels. Tourists get to see drop over the rocks waterfalls and other aspects like extensive greens. The centerpiece of visiting this area is the Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara set up majestically amidst hills.
Distance: 2.5 hours | Scenic Highlights: Coastal Views, Beaches, Fishing Villages
The Southern Coastal Railway Line is on tracks passing through the beaches along Galle to Colombo making it quite relaxed journey. On this trip, you enjoy scenic sea views, coconut palm trees, fisherman’s boats and culture of the Indian Ocean shore. The ride is enjoyable and offers a more scenic route devoid of many boats, thus perfect for any couple or group intending to grasp a short shore sightseeing along the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Distance: 9-10 hours | Scenic Highlights: Highlands, Rivers, Tea Estates
It passes from the country’s capital of Colombo through highlands and up to the town of Badulla. Just like the Kandy to Ella route, this trip takes most of the same path but goes further inland of Sri Lankan’s central highlands. Passengers are going to feel the difference in altitude and undergo observation of some of the most beautiful areas throughout the country. Train movement through small towns and nearby valleys, and gorges is perhaps one of the adventurous joyful rides to go through.
Distance: 2.5 hours | Scenic Highlights: Misty Mountains, Tea Plantations, and Horton Plains
For those who want to travel to the less-traveled off beaten points in Sri Lanka, the train ride from Nanu Oya station near Nuwara Eliya to Haputale is quite amazing. This short ride provides you excellent view of misty hills, few rural houses, and tea gardens. The climate is rather fresh, and the very atmosphere is rather misty what contributes to the creation of a rather romantic image of the tour. You can also enjoy Horton Plains National Park if you want to or Liptons seat which has views of southern plains of Sri Lanka.
Distance: 6-7 hours | Scenic Highlights: Dry Plains, Salt Pans, Historical Landmarks
For those interested in the scenic experience of touring the northern part of Sri Lanka specifically Colombo to Jaffna by train is a different experience. This road leads one through the physical barrenness of the northern plains, abandoned salt pans and small towns that make up the Northern Province with its unique culture and geographical features. First of all, Jaffna actually itself is a culturally diversity place contains Hindu temples, Dutch colonial buildings, and other archaeological places that would give the visitors more knowledge about Sri Lanka.
Distance: 4 hours | Scenic Highlights: Rural Villages, Lagoons, Mangrove Forests
This relatively unknown route from Puttalam to Colombo Backwater gives the glimpse of the coastal lagoons, Mangrove forests and rural side of Sri Lanka. It is not as crowded as the southern or highland routes which makes this route best for those in search for untouched and unique Sri Lanka. Lagoon of Puttalam is one of the most popular destinations for watching birds with a great many of them being migratory.
Distance: 3.5 hours | Scenic Highlights: Sacred Sites, Paddy Fields, Coastal Views
This ride begins from the ancient city of Anuradhapura which contains significant Buddhism and ends at the world famous Trincomalee, famous for its beaches and diving. During the traverse, the train, probably passes through flood plains, arable land, rice terrains, and rural communities. Trincomalee also comes with treasures such as the Koneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick, beautiful sandy beaches for snorkeling and watching whales.
Free use of trains for travelling in Sri Lanka is not all about transport – it is about the process of travelling. If you are an inhabitant of the island or your tourism attraction is similar to the Japanese anime sensation, you must understand that many experiences in the island’s geography and culture are most comfortably experienced from within a train window. The train rides range from the very popular Kandy to Ella journey to the unheard-of routes within the Northern and Eastern parts of the country; these are as real as it gets.
The Kandy to Ella train ride, also known as the Blue Train, is the most iconic route. It takes you through stunning landscapes, including tea plantations, waterfalls, and the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge.
The Galle to Colombo route along the Southern Coastal Railway Line offers beautiful views of pristine beaches, palm trees, and fishing villages with the Indian Ocean in the background.
Yes, you can book tickets at train stations or online through Sri Lanka Railways and private travel agencies. For popular routes like Kandy to Ella, it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The Colombo to Jaffna route is perfect for cultural travelers, offering insights into Tamil culture, as well as historical landmarks like Jaffna Fort and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple.
Sri Lankan trains offer three classes: First Class (air-conditioned, reserved seats), Second Class (reserved or unreserved), and Third Class (unreserved and basic). First class provides the most comfort, while Third class offers a more immersive experience.
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