It appears on almost every travel bucket list: The train ride from Kandy to Ella. And for good reason. This 7-hour journey isn't just a way to get from A to B; it's a destination in itself.
As the blue train chugs slowly up into the highlands, you leave the tropical heat behind and enter a world of emerald green tea plantations, misty mountains, roaring waterfalls, and smiling locals waving from village platforms. Here is your complete guide to the "Ella Odyssey."
The Route: What to Expect
The train line was built by the British in the late 19th century to transport tea from the hills to the port of Colombo. Today, it transports wonder.
- Kandy to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya): The first leg climbs steadily. You'll pass through pine forests and see the first tea estates.
- Nanu Oya to Ella: This is the most spectacular section ("The Golden Hour"). The train winds along the edges of cliffs, passes through the darker cloud forests of Horton Plains, and offers panoramic views of the valleys below.
Ticket Classes Explained
Choosing the right carriage changes your experience completely.
1st Class (Air Conditioned)
Pros: Guaranteed comfortable seat, cold AC.
Cons: Windows and doors are sealed shut! You cannot hang out for photos or feel the breeze. It feels detached from the experience. We generally don't recommend this for thrill-seekers.
2nd Class (Reserved)
The Sweet Spot. You get a guaranteed seat, fans whirring overhead, and critically – the windows and doors open. You can walk around and take photos.
3rd Class (Reserved)
Similar to 2nd class but with bench seats. It's perfectly comfortable and often lively with locals playing music or singing.
How to Book Tickets
This is the tricky part. Tickets go on sale 30 days in advance and sell out in minutes for the morning trains (8:47 AM from Kandy).
- Online: You can try the official Sri Lanka Railways website, but it can be glitchy.
- Agent: It's easiest to ask us (Lets Go Ceylon Tours) or your hotel to book them for you for a small fee.
- Last Minute? If reserved seats are sold out, you can buy a normal ticket on the day at the station. BUT, you will likely have to stand for the whole 7 hours in a packed carriage.
Photography Tips
You've seen the photos on Instagram – hanging out of the blue train door.
- Safety First: The train moves slowly (30km/h), but it lurches. Hold on tight! Watch out for tunnels, signals, and trees close to the track.
- Right Side: From Kandy to Ella, the best views are generally on the right-hand side of the train.
- Nine Arch Bridge: The train crosses the bridge just *before* Demodara station (after Ella). If you get off at Ella, you'll miss riding over it!
Timetable (Subject to Change)
The most popular train is the "Ella Odyssey" (Train #1041) or the "Podi Menike" (#1005).
- Podi Menike: Departs Kandy ~8:47 AM → Arrives Ella ~3:30 PM
- Ella Odyssey: A special tourist train that stops at scenic viewpoints (like waterfalls) for 5 minutes so you can take photos. It runs on specific days.
"Bring snacks! Vendors will board the train selling peanuts, freshly cut fruit, and 'wade' (spicy fritters). Buying from them is part of the fun."