Train Travel In Sri Lanka For The Luxury Traveler

 
misty scenes on the scenic train trip from ella
 

Sri Lanka’s train journeys take you back in time. We love to send guests who book their holidays with Ayu in the Wild on old fashioned carriages, although the new kid on the block is a rather shiny new luxury train, all plying on tracks dating back to Sri Lanka in the 1800s!

 
 

BOOKING THE BEST TRAINS TRIPS IN sRI lANKA

Reserving train tickets must be done 30 days ahead during peak holiday months of December, April and August especially for the epic central highlands journey from Ella to Nuwera Eliya or Kandy that has won the hearts of every Sri Lanka Travel Guide Book. Shorter trips within this main route is ideal when traveling to Sri Lanka with kids.

Demand also spikes during local school holidays, long weekend breaks and pre and post religious festivals in Sri Lanka on the delightful ride from Colombo to Jaffna in the far north, the Colombo to Kandy journey of city-melting-into-village-scenes and the beautiful southern coastal trip from Colombo to Galle.

Tickets are never guaranteed as availability is also based on limitations imposed by authorities, so, train schedules are at the fingertips of our Travel Designers who usually manage to secure tickets either on the phone, at the Main Station in Colombo, or make quick tweaks to your tailor made itinerary to fit in alternate train rides.

 
 

Which seats to book - Observation, First, Second or Third Class

  • We love reserved seating in 2nd and 3rd class as seats are comfortable, some routes offer a convenient centre table between seats and open windows make the journey perfect for photography and fresh air. Washrooms in all classes can be a bit of a hit and miss!

  • Observation carriages have plush seating, are air conditioned and have sealed windows. Some trains offer first class with no Observation carriages.


  • First class is Air Conditioned while the 2nd and 3rd classes are not. Not much difference really, if you are taking the beautiful Ella, Nanu Oya, Kandy train journey in Sri Lanka as it can be quite cold up in the mountains.

  • The swaying motion of the old fashioned carriages on worn out tracks are a far cry from the speed trains that many travelers are familiar with. Don’t expect a smooth ride, but love every moment of the experience.

More tips on train travel in Sri Lanka on Seat 61

 
 

LUXURY train travel in Sri Lanka

The new luxury train "Denuwara Menike" launched in late 2019 is a great choice for the stylish traveler. The express train connects well at convenient times to Ella, Hatton, Nuwera Eliya or to Kandy from the stop in Peradeniya.

Concierge by Ayu also offers private journeys in the luxury Viceroy Rail Carriage for small groups. Board the stunning carriages refurbished with period fittings reflecting the 1920s and complemented by reclining seats with tables, fine dining, a bar and WiFi facilities. Your personal choice of meals are served on board.

 
 

What to pack for a train journey in Sri Lanka

  • A shawl or light jacket for train travel between Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Hatton and Kandy.

  • Snacks, personal medication, hand wipes and drinking water.

  • Fully charged camera batteries or phones for your #travelgram.

 
 

History of Railways in Ceylon

Initially built to transport tea and coffee from the cool mountains of the Central Highlands to coastal Colombo for export to the rest of the world the off beat routes are an insight into everday island life. Embrace the slow travel and the sights (think stunning scenery, quaint small towns and beautiful old, really old railway stations ); the sounds (gram sellers selling hot boiled gram with coconuts salt and pepper); and mostly the people, from energetic school kids to friendly locals who love to know where you're going!

This post has been updated in November 2019.

 

For more FAQ’s, please visit our FAQ page

For tailor made, immersive holidays in Sri Lanka including the best train rides;

Email: info@ayuinthewild.com

or

WhatsApp us on +94 77 248 1100

 
Harriet Hoult