Sri Lanka is a place of astonishing contrasts, where green hills and golden beaches, ancient culture and modernity are combined. However, perhaps one of the most magical means to discover this lovely island is to do so by train. A tour of Sri Lanka is incomplete without riding some of its picturesque train rides through tea fields, cloud-covered mountains, small hamlets and sea coasts. These train journeys make travel serene and an experience of visual treat.
Sri Lanka tour is all about slow travel experiences, and train journeys embodiment of the same. These trains are more than a means of transport, with open windows, welcoming people and breathtaking scenery around every corner, they bear a story of the soul of the country. Heading inland to Ella or following the southern coast to Galle, either way, you are in store of a journey you will not forget in a long time.
Discover the Most Breathtaking Rail Routes That Showcase the Natural Beauty of Sri Lanka
1. Kandy to Ella
The train takes more than 67 hours through tea plantations, mist-laden hills and picturesque villages of the locals. Vibrantly painted train cars and the chance to hang out of open doors make it a very photogenic trip, too. It is a perfect choice of a traveler who prefers to sit back and enjoy the shifting scenery of natural beauty and countryside life.
2. Colombo to Kandy
This is a trip that will take you through the capital city to the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Colombo streets behind, the scenery slowly changes to green forests, cascades, and hilly terrain of the country side. The ride is a nice 3-4 hours and a good way to get an introduction to train travel in Sri Lanka. It is a pleasant and easy ride with many attractive views, particularly suitable to the first time visitor who wants a quiet beautiful ride.
3. Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella
This is the shorter part of the Kandy Ella line that is filled with breathtaking scenery. On either side of the train are tall trees, mist-covered mountains and miles of tea plantations. It is an idealistic path to take when one is pressed on time and wishes to get a glimpse of what the highlands of Sri Lanka are all about. Its cool climate and easy going nature make it a favourite among honeymooners and nature enthusiasts.
4. Colombo to Galle
This is a trip around the southern coast of Sri Lanka, which means that you can enjoy ocean views during a large part of the ride. On one side the sea, and on the other palm-fringed villages, make it one of the most restful train journeys in the country. It is not very long, and it will be an ideal half-day ride. It is an experience in itself to watch waves crashing and yet be in a train and it is a very serene feeling.
5. Galle to Matara
The train ride Galle to Matara is a continuation of the southern coastal line, which has even more breathtaking views of the ocean. The railway lines are near the coastline and this gives the tourists a clear and panoramic view of the ocean. It is a less popular path and so it is a secret gem in the journey that one wants to find some peace. This adventure is best suited to those who are beach enthusiasts as it is a nice compliment to a relaxed beach trip.
6. Badulla to Nanu Oya
This highland road is a road with rich tea estates, forests and heritage bridges. It has well known landmarks such as the Nine Arches Bridge and various tunnels which provide a fun element to the ride. With the train winding its way through green hills and picturesque villages, each turn brings a postcard-worthy sight. The experience is calm and leisurely, and it is ideal for those travelers who wish to connect with nature.
7. Polonnaruwa to Batticaloa
East-bound travelers can get a peep into the dry zones and paddy fields of Sri Lanka by taking the road that connects Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa. It is less commercial and ideal for travelers who love off beaten path trips. You will go through sleepy villages, agricultural fields and sometimes wildlife. It is a relaxing journey which gives you a glimpse of rural Sri Lanka and is best suited to those who seek adventure or photography enthusiasts.
8. Anuradhapura to Jaffna
It is a culturally diverse trip which links the north and the cultural triangle. Going through arid plains, kovils (shrines) and tiny hamlets, it captures the essence of north Sri Lanka. This line was previously closed for years because of conflict but now it is open to receive travelers. It is an emotional journey, which provides a perspective on the strength and the beauty of this region of the nation and is thus a worthwhile cultural experience.
9. Colombo to Trincomalee
It is a cross country trip that covers both urban and rural areas and transports passengers across the west to the east. The ride takes you through rivers, forests and open country sides. It is a lengthy road, however with varying sceneries during the day. The trip is ideal for slow travelers and those who are going to beautiful beaches of Trincomalee as it provides a complete geographical diversity of Sri Lanka.
10. Colombo to Avissawella (Kelani Valley Line)
It is an ideal day-tripper narrow-gauge track out of Colombo. It passes through rubber plantations, river banks and forested areas and is a more local mode of travel. Another point that makes the train so real is the fact that it is used by daily commuters. Its tiny, old-fashioned stations and the scenery of green fields make it a quiet escape out of the urban jungle.
Conclusion
Train journeys in Sri Lanka are not merely about transportation between one locations to another, but an opportunity to enjoy the front-row view of some of the most beautiful sceneries the island has to offer. It could be as you curl through the cloud-covered hills of Ella or as you speed along the sun-kissed south coast, every journey is distinct in its own way and has its own tale to tell. Here train journey is leisurely, picturesque and heartfelt.
Incorporating these routes into your Sri Lanka tour package will be an excellent idea to enhance the depth and beauty of your schedule. Offering a combination of natural and cultural beauty, train journeys in Sri Lanka are sure to be a relaxing experience that will also help you get in touch with the very essence of this island. And now board and off we go!
