Most popular scenic Train Journeys in Sri Lanka
The
very first steam trains were running in Sri Lanka to bring Tea, the greatest
commercial export of the colonial Ceylon, to Colombo. Major Thomas Skinner was
instrumental in setting trains up and he describes in his book “Fifty years in
Ceylon” how he had to convince the British colonial government to spend
approximately GBP 800,000/- to set up the network of railway lines,
bridges/aqueducts, for Trains, today it stands as one of the most scenic
journeys to be done on rail in the world. Board the intercity Train from
Colombo to Badulla (10 hours ) making sure that you sit on the right side of
the special observation carriage which will give you the best scenery, in
Peradeniya your Train takes a right turn and starts the most incredible journey
through the rolling hills covered with Tea estate after Tea estate. One could
also takes a nostalgic journey in a Steam Train, The Viceroy Special, to Kandy
and experience the reminiscent of a era gone by.
The
Train trip will take you through 56 manmade tunnels,
places to look out for are Nawalapitiya – Hatton, and Haputale – Ella, grey stone cliffs and rivers will flash past your window with
occasional views of enormous waterfalls cascading down the mountainside,
while the Train keeps climbing steadily through to Hatton then Nanu Oya, if you
are going to Nuwara Eliya you need to break journey here, if not, passing
“Adams peak” standing sentinel in the south an important Buddhist pilgrimage
site, through the
Horton plains National Park then Pattipola and Ohiya reaching its highest
elevation of 1890 meters above sea level, the Train starts
descending towards Ella and at the end of the line you will find the Badulla
Train station sitting on top of the line, known as the “Demodara loop”,
and the Trains passes underneath it before coming to rest on the platform.
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Kandy to Ella Scenic Train journey
Kandy to Ella train trip
is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Therefore we
facilitate our clients to book observation deck, luxury air conditioned compartment,
1st class AC compartment or 2nd class non AC reserved seats. The train starts
from Colombo Fort Railway station and it takes about 3 hours approximately to
reach Kandy/Peradeniya Railway station where the scenic trip begins. The train
would reach Ella approximately in six hours and the most scenic part of
the train journey is from Hatton to Haputale. It will be a good idea
for travelers who go to Adam’s Peak in Maskeliya or White Water Rafting in
Kitulgala to join the train ride from Hatton station.
During the journey the
train goes passing lush greenish tea estates, many tunnels, farming fields,
villages, various types of forests etc.
Two luxury compartments
serve food and beverages during the journey. This is the most comfortable way
of taking this trip while the observation deck is also interesting but only
last four seats have the best view. Recently introduced 1st class air
conditioned compartment also a good option. 2nd Class reserved seats are
the last option. Following is the summary of available
compartments/seats,
1. Two
luxury air conditioned compartments operated by private sector – Need to book
in advance. Food and beverages included in the fee.
2. Observation
saloon (Non AC) – Need to book in advance.
3.1st
Class air conditioned – Need to book in advance.
4.2nd
Class (Non AC) – advance bookings guarantees a seat.
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