Sri Lanka is small but mighty when it comes to scenic train rides. From tea-clad mountains to palm-fringed coasts, the island’s railways serve up some of the world’s most photogenic journeys. Below are the ten must-ride routes, with quick practical tips, why each ride is special, and suggestions for images/maps you can embed on the post.
1. Kandy → Ella (Main Line / Badulla section) — the crown jewel
Why ride: This stretch through the hill country is famous for rolling tea estates, misty valleys and iconic photo moments (like trains crossing the Nine-Arch Bridge). It’s widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail rides. Lonely Planet
Tips: Book 1st class or reserved 2nd class well in advance during high season; aim for an early morning departure for the clearest light.
Suggested map pin: Kandy → Ella via Nanu Oya (show elevation profile).
Image: Nine-Arch Bridge, tea terraces and the blue train.
2. Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) → Ella — tea-country magic
Why ride: Shorter than the full Kandy–Ella run but concentrated with dramatic switchbacks, tunnels and plantation panoramas — it feels like being inside a moving postcard. Great for travelers based in Nuwara Eliya. roytellstales.comYouTube
Tips: Sit on the left traveling toward Ella for the best valley and plantation views.
Image: panorama of tea terraces and tunnels; small map showing distance from Nuwara Eliya town to Nanu Oya station.
3. Ella → Badulla — highland finale
Why ride: The route climbs and drops through some of the steepest, greenest terrain in Sri Lanka — perfect if you want dramatic ridgelines and quieter stations. Many vlogs highlight the stretch from Ella to Badulla for its remote charm. YouTube
Tips: Buy snacks at Ella station; vendors hop on and off with fresh local bites.
4. Colombo Fort → Galle (Coastal Line) — sea on one side, palms on the other
Why ride: The coastal line runs tantalizingly close to the Indian Ocean for long stretches — beaches, fishermen and classic coastal towns roll by outside the window. It’s a calm, sunlit counterpoint to the hill country. YouTube+1
Tips: Take a daytime train; sit on the right side heading south for better sea views.
Image: train hugging the coast near Hikkaduwa/Bentota; small inline map of the coastal stretch.
5. Colombo → Matara / Beliatta — extended southern coast
Why ride: A longer coastal experience that includes both busy fishing villages and quieter southern beaches. Good for travellers heading to Mirissa and Galle but want the full coastal ride.
6. Colombo → Kandy (Main Line shorter hop) — cultural and scenic sampler
Why ride: A classic and convenient way to reach the cultural triangle and hill country; the ride mixes paddy fields, stations alive with commuters and the first hints of elevation.
7. Colombo → Jaffna (Northern Line) — long, historic, lately revived
Why ride: The long northern route gives a changing landscape — paddy plains, lagoons and towns with a distinct cultural flavour. Recent vlogs document improved services and even special overnight options, making this an appealing long-distance rail adventure. YouTube+1
Tips: Overnight expresses are comfortable and save a day of travel; book reserved berths where available.
8. Kandy → Peradeniya / Hatton (Main Line gateway to Adam’s Peak)
Why ride: Short sections of the main line are travel-packed: temples, university towngreen, and the start of climbs toward tea country and pilgrimage hills such as Adam’s Peak.
9. Haputale → Ella — dramatic ridges & cloud seas
Why ride: A lesser-crowded slice of the hill country with steep escarpments and “sea-of-clouds” views at dawn — a dream for photographers and hikers. Many independent vloggers and walkers highlight this as a hidden gem. YouTube+1
10. Local commuter rides (Colombo suburbs / Kelani Valley line) — everyday Sri Lanka
Why ride: Short, lively, and utterly local. If you want to experience Sri Lanka beyond postcards — noisy markets, friendly vendors, and authentic daily life — take a few short commuter hops around Colombo or between nearby towns.
Practical info & safety tips (short)
- Ticketing: Reserve first/second-class seats for long or popular runs; third class is atmospheric but crowded. For Kandy→Ella reserved seats sell out fast. The Broke Backpacker
- Best time: December–March for good coastal weather; February–May for clearer hill country views (but hill weather is always changeable).
- What to bring: Light jacket for hill climbs, water, snacks, power bank, camera with a strap (leaning out of doors to shoot is dangerous — be careful).
- Etiquette: Respect passengers and conductors; buy small snacks from station vendors — it supports local livelihoods.
