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Some
people may joke that train travel in Sri Lanka is for
people with little money and lots of time, but for tourists
it is a wonderfully appealing mode of travel, especially
in the island’s highlands where the scenery can
be breathtaking at times. The downside is that for some
routes the train can be slower than a car and delays are
common.
Train routes available:
The railway network, which began operating in
1864, comprises nine lines radiating from Colombo, the
most beautiful of which runs deep into the hills, travelling
via Kandy and Nuwara Eliya before terminating in Badulla.
This journey offers spectacular hill-country views as
the train winds its way past gushing waterfalls and through
neatly-clipped tea estates. There is also a useful train
line for tourists travelling along the south coast from
Colombo to Matara which stops in Bentota and Galle. There
is also a train to Trincomalee, which travels through
the Cultural Triangle, but travelling by car is preferable
in terms of comfort and time.
For a full timetable click here: Online Timetable
Hill-country observatory carriage:
There is a special first-class observatory carriage on
the Colombo to Dabulla hill-country train. This is the
last carriage on the train which has a full window to
maximise the views. Tickets need to be booked at least
10 days in advance. Note that availability can be limited
during national holidays.
First or second class?:
The main advantage of travelling in the first class carriage
– not available on the south coast route –
is that you can book in advance and be guaranteed a seat.
However, as long as you avoid the peak commuter trains
in the morning and evening, second class travel is also
enjoyed by many, although you have to be prepared for
some jostling on the station platform.
Rates:
Train travel in Sri Lanka is priced by the sector which
means the rates are very simple and also extremely good
value. First-class travel from Colombo to Kandy, Nuwara
Eliya, Badulla, Anuradhapura or Trincomalee costs just
£5 per person for a single ticket. In addition,
for advance bookings, Red Dot charges a £10 administration
fee per booking to cover the costs of sending a representative
to book your tickets. A second class ticket to Galle or
Matara costs just £2.
The Viceroy Special:
For the ultimate in luxury old-world train travel you
can even travel on Sri Lanka’s only passenger steam
train, the 75-year-old Viceroy Special. The private train
has two-airconditioned observational saloons furnished
in period style with 64 plush reclining seats and individual
adjustable tables. Each saloon has an adjoining smoking
lounge and modern toilet. There is a restaurant carriage
complete with Edwardian ribbed fans and teak-trimmed wood
panelling.
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