Scenic train journeys
Tea estates, tunnels and waterfalls through an open window on the hill-country railway.
The train between Kandy and Ella is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Even a short section, such as Nanu Oya to Ella, gives you hours of tea country, waterfalls and village life.
The coastal line south of Colombo is a different experience: the tracks run right next to the beach for long stretches.
Who it suits
Good for everyone who enjoys slow travel. Carriages are simple, and some sections take many hours.
Good to know
Where to experience it
Hill CountryKandy
The last royal capital
A green lakeside city in the hills, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the starting point for the scenic railway.
1–2 nights
Hill CountryNuwara Eliya & tea country
Cool air and endless green
A highland town among tea estates, waterfalls and misty hills, with colonial-era bungalows and fresh mountain air.
1–2 nights
Hill CountryElla
Hikes, bridges and hill-country views
A relaxed mountain village with short hikes, tea estates, waterfalls and the famous Nine Arches Bridge.
2–3 nights
Hill CountryHaputale
On the edge of the highlands
A quiet ridge-top town with tea estates, Lipton's Seat viewpoint and some of the widest views in the hill country.
1–2 nights
- Hill Country
Scenic train journeys
Slow travel through the clouds
The hill-country railway between Kandy and Ella winds past tea estates, waterfalls and tunnels — one of the great train rides in Asia.
On the way