How to get the train to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka is a lush green hill country that immediately captures the hearts of all of its visitors. The misty mountains and the green tea field landscape are truly magical. There is so much to enjoy in Ella and the best way to reach this town will be via a train journey which envelopes all of the secret and treasured sceneries of this country.

About the train journey

Most of the railway networks of Sri Lanka and other destinations around this country were constructed by the British. The colonial government back in 1864 established these networks. Initially, the rail network was built to serve in the transportation of coffee and tea. After the 1960s, passenger traffic exploded due to population growth. Since then, these networks were used for passenger transport which is one of the cheapest ways that you can get around when in Sri Lanka. You can travel to Ella without much hassle easily. For any guidance, you can check out sites like Ella Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

This railway route from Kandy to Ella is actually one section of the mainline which goes from Colombo to Kandy and then to Badulla. Ella is quite close to Badulla. This train ride snakes and winds its way through pristine and immaculate hill country and its tea plantations. It is literally located in the heart of Sri Lanka. It is absolutely scenic and there are many tourist shops where you can disembark to capture popular sites. This journey will take around seven hours if there are no breakdowns or delays on your way.

Train times to Ella

From Colombo Fort: 05:55, 08:30 *, 09:45 and 20:00 (doesn't stop in Kandy)

From Peradeniya Junction: 08:32, 10:55, 12:31, 23:06 (doesn't stop in Kandy)

From Kandy: 08:47, 11:10, 17:00, 03:30,

Train classes

There are many different options that you can choose from when purchasing your ticket. This can get quite confusing given that this might not be something you are familiar with. Would you go for the reserved class? Or the non-reserve class? Or maybe first class? Or the third class? Most tourists enjoy the local ticket class as it offers one of the best experiences with the locals. First-class often has windows and doors that are shut out and will not open. It will also have other foreigners who are occupying other seats. The second, as well as the third class, offers a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience with the locals and windows and doors open.

The third class unreserved is the cheapest option. These are the most popular ones among the locals. The seating is not allocated for anyone and it is first come first serve basis. It might be uncomfortable, but it offers a unique experience with the locals. The local boys play drums and sing. Families group together sharing meals and playing with the kids. The mood is quite jovial, and everyone is ready for a chat. The third class reserved offers the same vibes, but the mood is a little bit less chaotic and your seats will be reserved.

The second class unreserved is more comfortable where seating is concerned. It is not priced much higher than the third class and you might have to push your way through to get your seat. During the shoulder season, it is less crowded. If you pay a little extra, you can get a reserved seat in the second class but if you're travelling during the peak seasons you might have to do so in advance.

The first-class offers privacy, comfortable seating as well as air-conditioning. The doors and windows remain locked and you will be meeting many other tourists, and this will not be an authentic experience, but it will be a comfortable ride.