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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

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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
      • Malaysia
      • Borneo
      • Indochina
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Classic Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Off Beat Family Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Cultural, Historical & Immersive
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Why choose Sri Lanka
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Free Country Guide Download
  • Info on Sri Lanka
    • Nature and Wildlife
      • 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 (Ruhunu) National Park
    • Getting Around in Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • Chauffeur Guides & Transportation
      • Vehicles in Sri Lanka
      • Internal Flights
      • Helicopter in Sri Lanka
    • Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Weddings
  • Regions of Sri Lanka
    • Overview
    • The Cultural Triangle
    • Colombo, Negombo & Around
    • Kandy and Around
    • The Hill Country
    • West Coast Beaches
    • Galle and Around
    • The Deep South
    • Puttalam & the North West
    • The East Coast
    • Jaffna & The North
  • About us
    • Our Story
    • Our Team
    • Our Reviews
    • Our Press
    • Our brochure
    • Our Blog
  • How it works
    • Why choose us
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost
    • Financial protection
    • Trip planning process
    • Common questions
    • My Booking
    • Contact Us
  • Inspiration
    • Inspire me
    • Which type of holiday is right for me?
    • Country guide downloads
    • Month by month weather guide
    • Family Travel
    • The magic of travel
  • Sustainability
    • Making Travel Count
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • ETG Revitalise
    • View the collection
    • Pick your theme
      • Active and Restorative
      • Into the Wild
      • Uncomplicated Adventures
      • Surrounded by Nature
      • Curious Journeys
      • Remote and Switched off
  • Search
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