Scenic Hill-Country Train Ride to Ella
Overview
The railway through Sri Lanka's hill country is one of the great train rides of Asia. Built in the British era to carry tea, the Main Line climbs from Kandy through Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya, over the summit at Pattipola and down to Ella, past waterfalls, tea estates and hillsides where pickers work between the bushes. The stretch between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is widely thought to be the most beautiful.
We book reserved seats for you, which sell out quickly, and your driver takes your luggage by road and meets you at the station at the other end. Sit back, lean out of the open window and watch the tea country slide by. Near Ella, the line crosses the Nine Arches Bridge at Demodara.
Cyclone Ditwah damaged parts of the line in late 2025 and repairs are ongoing. We book the section that is running on your travel date, most often Nanu Oya to Ella, and plan the rest of the day by road.
Highlights
- One of Asia's most scenic railways
- Tea estates, waterfalls and misty peaks
- Reserved seats booked for you
- Luggage sent ahead by road
- Nine Arches Bridge near Ella
What's included
- Reserved train seats (class subject to availability)
- Transfer to the departure station
- Driver meets you at the arrival station
- Luggage transported by road
- Snacks and drinks on board
- Tips
Request this activity
Send us your dates and a SkyRay advisor will confirm availability and price.
Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
Not yet. After cyclone damage in late 2025, services on some sections were suspended while repairs continue. We check the timetable before you travel and book the section that's running.
Heading towards Ella and Badulla, the right-hand side usually has the better views.
Reserved seats in first and second class go on sale about 30 days ahead and often sell out within minutes. Unreserved carriages can be very crowded.
