Sri Lanka Train Journeys 2026: Most Scenic Routes, Ticket Guide & Travel Tips

Sri Lanka, well-known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse terrain, legendary history, and pristine beaches, has become one of the most stunning destinations around the world. This country is not just a normal tourist place, but it is a city full of adventures and enchanting activities. With the Sri Lanka rail journey, you can explore the attractions in the best way, as there are different train routes all around the city. 

Not only are the train journeys time-saving transportation, but they are also comfortable. With the Sri Lanka train travel, you will pass through the routes, featuring a glimpse of lush tea plantations, tasting the rice and the curry, or exploring the coastal vistas. In the guide below, the discussion is done at the top scenic train routes, ticket types, best time to travel by train, photography tips, and packing list for train journeys. 

Top Scenic Routes for 2026

The Sri Lanka train travel promises to make your experience more memorable and efficient. Here are the top scenic routes for 2026: -

1. Kandy to Ella 

The Kandy to Ella train route is considered one of the most mesmerizing train journeys in the world. While moving across the green tea plantations, hills, dense forests, and charming villages, this train route will allow you to explore all the attractions. From the train, you will get to have a look at the picturesque views of the deep valleys. Reaching from Kandy to Ella by train, it takes approximately 6-7 hours to reach Ella, and one of the best trains you should to choose from Kandy to Ella is the Podi Meneke and the Udarata Menike. 

2. Colombo to Galle

In your Sri Lanka tours, visiting Colombo to Galle by train offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, beaches, and the fishing villages. The best train is the express intercity train, as it has limited spots across the entire route, and you can reach in less time. With the scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, you will get to explore different coastal resorts, like Bentota and Ambalangoda. Beyond this, the Sri Lankan train journey from Colombo to Galle offers people to visit the rural cities and taste the popular food, like the rice and curry. 

3. Nanu Oya to Badulla

The Sri Lanka train travel from Nanu Oya to Badulla takes approximately 3 hours to reach the final destination. In a single day, the train runs 4 times and directly reaches Badulla. During this train journey, you will get to explore iconic landmarks, such as the Nine Arches Bridge and the Ella. Apart from this, reaching from Nanu Oya to Badulla, you can expect the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vibrant greenery. From this Sri Lanka tour, you will get an unforgettable experience from the natural beauty of the country. 

Ticket Types and How to Book Online

When booking train tickets online to visit Sri Lanka, you will find various types of tickets, and depending on your preference, you can choose any of the tickets. Different tickets are available, and these include the first-class ticket, the second-class ticket, and the third-class ticket. With the first-class ticket in the Sri Lanka train travel, you will get lavish facilities, such as world-class seats, a dining space, and hygienic food. 

Apart from this, booking a second-class train ticket, basic facilities are offered, such as comfortable seats and a common canteen. From the doors and windows in the train, you can enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls and beaches. If you are looking for an affordable Sri Lanka rail journey, the third-class ticket is perfect for you, and this train is especially perfect for shorter distances. With the Sri Lanka tour packages offered by Travejar, you can book the tickets online and choose the best packages to explore the famous places. 

Best Time to Travel by Train 

For a perfect Sri Lankan railway journey, it is essential to know about which time and season is the best one to travel by train to Sri Lanka. The guide below mentions the best time to travel to all places by train: -

1. Kandy

If you are looking for the best time to visit Kandy, then you must visit the place between December to April, offering pleasant weather conditions, and this season is especially perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities. 

2. Ella

For traveling to Ella, you should choose the months from January to March, as the weather remains warm in the morning and there are chilly nights. During this time, there is comfortable weather with minimal rainfall. 

3. Colombo

The perfect time to explore Colombo is between December to March, and it is the peak tourist season, featuring dry weather, less humidity, and warm temperatures, which is perfect to visit the beaches. 

4. Galle

With a Sri Lankan trip to Galle, you should visit from December to March, as the rainfall is lowest during these months, and you can easily travel across the city, whether you are visiting forts or heritage sites.

5. Nanu Oya 

If you have planned a trip to Nanu Oya in Sri Lanka, you should visit between January to March, offering clear views of all the sites. During this time, the weather remains warm and there is less crowd. 

6. Badulla

When choosing a trip to Badulla, four months are ideal, and these include February, March, May, and June. This time is perfect for those people who are looking to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking. 

What To Expect Onboard

While onboarding in Sri Lanka through the train, different types of classes are available, including first class, second class, and third class. After booking the tickets online in any of these classes, you will enjoy air-conditioned seating, reserved seating, openable windows, and affordable travel costs. During your trip to Sri Lanka, you can enjoy famous dishes, like Kottu, Lamprais, Fish Ambul thiyal, rice and curry, and the Jaffna Crab curry. With the scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, you can explore the stunning views of tea plantations, mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. 

Photography Tips for Instagram 

Sri Lanka train journeys are among the best-photographed experiences, especially when going through the scenic routes. Here are some of the photography tips: -

1. Kandy to Ella: You can get the efficient scenic views by sitting on the right side of the train, right from Kandy to Ella, as from here you will get to explore waterfalls and mountains. 
2. Colombo to Galle: For the best Instagram-worthy photographs, you should capture the views during the time of sunrise or sunset. The train routes from Colombo to Galle showcase the best lighting during early morning and at night. 
3. Nanu Oyo to Badulla: When heading from Nanu Oyo to Badulla by train, you should sit on the left side, as from here you can take the best photographs of the entire sightseeing. 

Packing List for Train Journeys

For the Sri Lanka rail journey, you should follow certain tips when packing for your trip. The tips are highlighted below: -

1. When traveling in the air-conditioned trains, you must carry a light jacket with you. 
2. For long scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, carry a reusable water bottle, as it will reduce plastic waste, and you will stay hydrated. 
3. During the train ride within Sri Lanka, pack a power bank with you, as it will keep your device charged throughout the entire tour. 
4. As the train stops at certain places during the route, it is suggested to carry sunscreen with you to protect your skin from the sun. 

How to Combine Train Travel with Local Experiences

The train journeys in Sri Lanka do not just offer exploring the beautiful views along the entire routes, but they also offer memorable cultural and natural experiences. The guide below mentions how you can combine the train travel with local experiences: -

1. With the Kandy to Ella train ride, you can combine the travel with a local experience by enjoying the views of tea plantations, mountains, or walking across the coastal areas. 
2. Combine your Sri Lanka train travel journey from Colombo to Galle with the local experience of exploring the small beach towns and capture the views of the Indian Ocean. 
3. You can combine the train ride from Nanu Oya with local experiences by visiting Nuwara Eliya to explore the tea plantations and reach the Haputale route for mountain views. 

Conclusion

Visiting Sri Lanka and exploring all the famous places by train is not just a normal mode of transportation option, but it also offers an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking views of diverse landscapes. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, the scenic train rides in Sri Lanka provide a captivating journey. With the short train experience to the mountains, different train journeys are famous among all tourists, while allowing them to explore the rich culture of the country. 

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to reserve the Kandy to Ella train route in advance?

Ans. Yes, you need to reserve the train seat for the Kandy to Ella route in advance, when choosing the first-class or the second-class train ticket. While doing the advanced booking, you can reserve a window seat in the train. 

Q2. Can I buy tickets at the station?

Ans. Yes, at the railway station in Sri Lanka, you can book the tickets, but it is better to book them in advance to secure your seat on the Sri Lanka train rides. 

Q3. Are trains safe to travel in Sri Lanka?

Ans. Yes, all trains are safe to travel in Sri Lanka on all the routes, but it is also advised to be mindful of personal safety, especially if you are travelling at night. 

Q4. Which side of the train has the best view on the Colombo to Galle route?

Ans. The right side of the train offers beautiful views on the Colombo to Galle route. While sitting on the right side, you can explore the views of the Indian Ocean. 

Q5. Where can I check timetables for 2025? 

Ans. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka in 2025, you must visit the Travejar and check all the Sri Lanka Tour packages, which are of different durations and costs.