During the 19th century British occupation of Sri Lanka, the island’s iconic railway lines were born, marking the inception of a remarkable railway service. This intricate network was initially designed to transport tea from the hill country estates to Colombo Port and facilitate the movement of imported goods across the island. Notably, the hill country railway line weaves its way through tea estates, offering passengers an enchanting and scenic ride. Sri Lanka boasts three renowned train journeys:
Colombo Fort to Badulla or Kandy to Ella: Revered as the most popular railway track among tourists, this journey unfolds through tea plantations and picturesque landscapes in the island’s hill country. The Kandy to Ella leg is particularly sought after, passing through Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and more. The daily trains in this line offer various classes, providing passengers with a truly scenic experience.
Colombo Fort to Galle: Embark on a coastal journey from Colombo Fort to the historic city of Galle. Offering daily trains with 2nd and 3rd class seats, this route showcases the beauty of the western coastline. The intercity train from Colombo Maradana to Galle departs at 4.45 PM, creating a delightful travel experience.
Colombo – Batticaloa – Trincomalee: This train journey, departing from Colombo Fort Railway station at 6.05 AM, leads to Galoya Junction station at 11.19 AM. For travelers bound for Trincomalee, a change at Gal Oya at 11.30 AM is necessary, with only one daytime train to Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
Sri Lanka’s railways provide a relaxed and scenic mode of traversing the country, offering a unique glimpse into its diverse landscapes. Some of the renowned railway journeys include:
South from Colombo: A scenic delight, recently renovated, running past Aluthgama and Hikkaduwa to Galle and Matara.
East from Colombo: Leading to the Hill Country, passing through Kandy, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), and Ella to Badulla. The portion from Haputale to Ella stands out as one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
North from Colombo: Through Anuradhapura to Mannar and Jaffna on rebuilt and renovated tracks. One branch reaches Trincomalee on the east coast, while another serves Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa.
For an unforgettable travel experience, consider incorporating a train journey into your exploration of Sri Lanka.
