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Train through the hill country

Sri Lanka, Kandy and Around

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Sri Lanka's iconic rail network dates back to the period of British colonial rule; a charming, antiquated system much the same today as it was then. Winding its way majestically through some of the island's least hospitable mountain paths, there is arguably a no better or more relaxing way to experience this incredible part of the country.

Passing densely covered tea plantations, remote villages and spectacular waterfalls, the train journey from Kandy up into the highest corners of the hills often stands out as one of Sri Lanka's most unforgettable journeys.

A trip on the train can be incorporated into your itinerary at many points throughout the mountains. If time permits, we would recommend a ride in the 1st class observation cabin. Securing the limited number of tickets available for the 1st class section remains a fine and unpredictable art (British ticketing culture perhaps?) but we shall endeavour to get those tickets before others.

A trip in the 2nd or 3rd class is also worth recommending from a human perspective. Sharing the carriage with musicians, food vendors and kids hanging out of the doors, this is the kind of train experience no longer available in most parts of the world.

The train from Kandy stops at most key mountain locations including Hatton, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Bandarawlea, Ella, Haputale and Badulla. If you have a driver with you on your trip, he can take the luggage and meet you off the train at your selected destination. It is also possible to take a short scenic route between some of the stations near your hotel.

The train journey was great fun. Incidentally they include lunch now so no need to take a snack (airline style curry and rice).

Helene, March 2013

Train journey to Haputale was an experience we enjoyed with wonderful view of scenery and life going by us.

Chris & Jane, February 2013

The train journey was a little disappointing mainly because the train was nearly 3 hours late which meant a lot of time sitting at the station. But this should not detract from some excellent tours and a very interesting and fulfilling itinerary.

Gary, February 2013

Train ride great fun!

Clifford, January 2013

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.

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An in-depth journey through Sri Lanka's fascinating history, culture and scenic landscapes.

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
  • How it works
    • Where to start...
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Get in touch
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
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    • Download Free Country Guides
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