Sri Lanka by

Rail

Car Rail Air

The morning railway journey from Kandy to the highlands represents one of the world's greatest train experiences. As you ascend up to 6,000 feet above sea level toward Nuwara Eliya, Ella, or Dickoya, the dramatic landscape unfolds before you. Wind past emerald tea plantations, towering peaks, and cascading waterfalls while the cool mountain air fills your senses.

The journey passes through several charming stations including Hatton (gateway to Adam's Peak), Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), and Haputale, each offering unique opportunities to break the journey and explore Sri Lanka's hill country. The most scenic section runs between Hatton and Haputale stations, where the train winds through the heart of the tea plantation region.

First Class

• Air-conditioned compartments with sealed windows
• Individual television monitors
• Flushable toilet facilities
• Some carriages feature observation decks

First Class Observation

• Premium air-conditioned seating
• Panoramic windows designed for optimal scenery viewing
• Forward-facing seats overlooking the railway track

Second Class

• Comfortable, spacious seating
• Basic toilet facilities
• Good value for money

Third Class

• Most economical option
• Similar to second class but more basic
• Advance reservations strongly recommended

Experience Sri Lanka's only passenger steam train, the historic 75-year-old Viceroy Special. This charter-only service features two air-conditioned observation saloons with 64 plush reclining seats, individual adjustable tables, and modern facilities. The restaurant carriage showcases elegant Edwardian design with ribbed fans and teak wood paneling.

Colombo to Kandy

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours

Highlights: Scenic journey through hill country

Note: Kandy station is located 4km from the main line at Peradeniya

Colombo to Galle

Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours

Highlights: Coastal route with ocean views throughout

Stops: Bentota, Hikkaduwa, and other coastal towns

Special feature: Train runs directly alongside the coastline, offering spectacular views and the sound of crashing waves

Colombo to Jaffna

Duration: 8 hours total (6 hours to Anuradhapura, 2 hours to Jaffna)

Highlights: Access to Cultural Triangle sites

Recommendation: Consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop

Colombo to Trincomalee

Duration: 6.5+ hours Note: This is a challenging route requiring significant travel time and stamina

Minimum Booking Requirements

We provide train ticket booking services exclusively for customers with a minimum spend of US$1,000 on travel and accommodation. This ensures we can maintain high service standards for our holiday customers.

• Advance Payment: Full payment required with tour booking
• Passport Details: Required for all ticket purchases
• Confirmation Timeline: Tickets confirmed 14 days before travel
• Availability: First-come, first-served basis (no online booking available)
• Priority Policy: Government officials receive booking priority
• Refund Policy: Non-refundable once purchased; full refund if we cannot secure tickets

First-class reservations are particularly challenging during:

• Christmas Season: December 20 - January 5
• Sinhala and Tamil New Year: April 1 - April 20
• Perahera Festival: July and August
• Peak Tourist Season: February

Important Safety Notice: Train travel is undertaken at your own risk. Sri Lankan trains do not have doors, so passengers must exercise extreme caution and avoid leaning out during the journey. Our operations team is available to assist in emergencies, but we cannot accept responsibility for passenger safety incidents.

Tickets will be delivered according to arrangements specified in your Travel Voucher:

• Hand delivery to your assigned chauffeur-guide
• Hotel delivery (Colombo only)
• Station collection

Contact our travel consultants for detailed information about the Viceroy Special and other premium train experiences.