Train Journeys in Sri Lanka Worth Planning Your Trip Around
Sri Lanka is a small island. But it has big beauty. Tall coconut trees. Green forests. Old history. Pretty beaches. This island in the Indian Ocean has it all. Many people call it a teardrop on the map. But it feels more like a whole world packed into one small place. One of the best ways to see Sri Lanka is by train. Yes, by train! Train journeys in Sri Lanka feel like a dream. You sit by the window. The world moves past you. Hills, tea fields, beaches, and old towns all pass by like a movie.
Here is something interesting. Sri Lanka’s trains were built a long time ago, during British rule. Back then, they carried coffee from one place to another. Today, they carry something better. They carry travellers like you to the most beautiful corners of the island. The trains are slow, simple, and comfortable. But they are also one of the fastest ways to see many places in one trip. In this blog, we cover the best scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka. Pick one, or try them all. Planning your Sri Lanka holiday? Explore our Sri Lanka tour package from UAE and make your journey easier with well-planned travel experiences.
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Most Scenic Train Journey in Sri Lanka
Some of the Best train journeys in Sri Lanka are listed below:
1. Colombo to Galle
This train ride is the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka and perfect if you want both city and countryside in one trip. It starts in Colombo, the capital city. From there, the train follows the coast. The Indian Ocean stays close to the tracks the whole way. You can feel the sea breeze through the window. You can also enjoy a local snack box while you watch the waves.
Along the way, you can get off at small beach towns. Try Moragalla. It is great for snorkelling near coral reefs. Try Hikkaduwa too. It is known for surfing and beachside cafes. Check out our best beaches to explore in Sri Lanka guide for more stunning beach destinations.
As the train gets closer to Galle, look outside. You may spot fishermen standing on tall wooden sticks in the sea. This is a famous old fishing style in Sri Lanka.
Once you reach Galle, visit the Galle Fort. It is very old. The Portuguese built it in 1558. The Dutch made it stronger in 1649. Later, the British took control of it in 1796. Walking through the fort feels like walking through history.
Note: You must apply for Sri Lanka visa from UAE on time to plan a successful trip.Â
2. Kandy to Badulla
This is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The ride takes about 7.5 hours. So, get comfortable.
Try to book a seat in the panoramic carriage. This gives you the best view. Outside, you will see endless tea plantations. The hills twist and turn like green waves. Lemon grass and small bushes line the tracks. Tea pickers in bright sarees add colour to the green hills. It looks like a painting.
For the best experience, sit near an open train door. Let your feet hang in the air. Watch the view pass by slowly. Many travellers stop at Ella. But we say, go further. Get off at Badulla instead.
Why? Because the final stretch from Ella to Badulla is the best part. You will cross the famous Nine Arch Bridge. It is made of brick and stone. It was built over 100 years ago, and it is still standing strong. The train loops around it in a circle called the Demodara Loop. It is one of the best photo spots in the whole country. For more travel inspiration and tips, explore our complete Sri Lanka travel guide before planning your trip.
3. Anuradhapura to Jaffna
This train route has a deep history. Sri Lanka went through a long civil war. Because of this, this railway line was closed for many years, from 1990 to 2014. Then, in 2014, the trains finally returned. The famous Yal Devi Express ran again on shiny new tracks. People cheered. After years of silence, the trains were finally moving again. While exploring Jaffna after this historic train journey, after watching the Most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka, you can also enjoy the local flavours at Nallur Bhavan, known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.Â
Today, this train is often full of pilgrims. Why? Because Jaffna is known as the city of temples. Many people travel here for religious reasons.
Before you board the train, visit the ruins of Anuradhapura. This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded around the 10th century BC. Discover more historical and cultural experiences with our guide on things to do in Sri Lanka.
The train ride itself takes about three and a half hours. It feels like travelling through a completely different side of Sri Lanka. From an old Buddhist city to a temple town in the north, this journey shows you many layers of the country.
4. Colombo to Kandy
This route is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. It was built in the 1860s. Back then, it carried coffee and tea from the hills down to the coast. The British used this train to support trade.
Today, the same train carries tourists instead of coffee bags. The ride takes about 3 hours. Along the way, you will pass green hills, rice fields, thick forests, and small villages.
Some trains continue all the way to Badulla. But we suggest stopping at Kandy first, because Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This temple is said to hold an actual tooth of the Buddha. It is one of the most important religious sites in the country. Explore more unforgettable locations with our list of the best places in Sri Lanka.Â
As the train climbs higher into the hills, the weather changes too. The hot coastal air slowly turns into a cool hill breeze. It feels refreshing, especially after a warm day near the coast.
Note: Have questions or need assistance planning your Sri Lanka journey? Feel free to contact us.Â
Why These Train Journeys Are Worth It
Train journeys in Sri Lanka are not just about getting from one place to another. They are an experience by themselves. You see the country slowly, you meet locals along the way. You watch the landscape change right in front of you from beaches to tea hills, to old temple towns.
These four routes, Colombo to Galle, Kandy to Badulla, Anuradhapura to Jaffna, and Colombo to Kandy, are some of the best ways to start exploring Sri Lanka’s train culture. So, when you plan your Sri Lanka trip, don’t just think about flights and hotels. Think about which train you want to take too. For a smooth and memorable Sri Lanka experience, plan your journey with Travel Saga Tourism and explore the beauty of the island without any hassle.
