Comments on: The Kandy to Ella train: The worlds most scenic rail journey?

By: 9 of the best Hotels in Sri Lanka with incredible pools

9 of the best Hotels in Sri Lanka with incredible pools — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 12:00:45 +0000

[…] Kandy is also the starting point for the incredible slow train from Kandy to Ella. […]

By: Sylvester

Sylvester — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 11:29:24 +0000

Hi Paayel
I am from Srilanka I can help you to plan itinerary and can assist your tour in Srilanka
Welcome – hdsampath@gmail.com

By: Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 12:25:28 +0000

In reply to Paayel Agarwaal.

Hi Paayel, if you hire a driver for the week it will be much easier as you can connect to places quicker and nothing is actually that far if avoiding public transport. Feel free to get in touch at me@danflyingsolo.com if you need any further help.

By: Paayel Agarwaal

Paayel Agarwaal — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 09:40:36 +0000

Hello Dan
I am planning to go to Sri lanka with my 17 yr old son for a week. We plan to do mountains, beaches, rafting and tea estate. Somehow I have not been able to understand the position and connectivity of the cities and places; as to where to start from and where to end. I am thinking of hiring a taxi for 7 days. Can you help me plan out the itinerary. Thanks

By: Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 13:00:28 +0000

In reply to JADE. Clean ish, nothing fancy. It's quite a slow one so not too bumpy.

By: JADE

JADE — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 22:30:10 +0000

Hi Dan,
What were the toilets like on the trains? Were they clean? Was it a bumpy train journey.

By: Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 19:53:40 +0000

In reply to David.

Hi David,

Fantastic, glad to hear it was handy planning your trip.

I haven’t personally done the Horton Plains so can’t really give a subjective opinion. The train is worth doing I think either way though the first hour or so out of Kandy isn’t as interesteing where as NE – Ella is all tea and hills which makes it more exciting. Ella has a lovely sleepy vibe to it with a bit of a backpacker bar feel to it by evening. I think it will also depend where you are heading to after that, if you are going on to the coast or Yala etc as getting around the country is by far the hardest bit.

I’m heading back in a few weeks for the second time to do the north and have opted to have a driver for most the trip because with time constraints it seems to be the best option.

Hope that helps a litle. Enjoy!

By: David

David — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 11:40:10 +0000

Hi Dan
Great website, your top ten things are all what we plan for our 13 days in Sri Lanka so it is perfect! We are looking at the trains and like most people we are trying to cram a lot into 13 days. We have the option of either having a driver from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya then going to Horton Plains or getting the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and then deciding where to go. Neither offer us the trip from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. What do you recommend please and is/are the train journey/sights to Ella better than from Kandy? Would you suggest Ella or Horton plains if it came to a choice between the two? I know you didn’t get the best weather, is it still worth going to Ella after the train from Kandy? Thank you so much, kind regards, David

By: Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 10:13:29 +0000

In reply to Fiona.

Hey Fiona,
Have an amazing time, it will be great.
The third class looked very hectic to me, the only way to get around it I suggest would be to get there super early and get on 1st so you get a seat, that said expect a big push/fight to get in before the locals have the seats. The alternative would be to go the day before and see if you can get 2nd class tickets, they do 2nd class unreserved carriages where you aren’t guaranteed a seat but at least will have a bit more room hopefully.

Lastly, have a look and see if anything comes up in one of the viewing carriages which are pricey but might be worth it if they come up: http://www.exporail.lk/ExpoRail.php

Enjoy!

By: Fiona

Fiona — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 08:00:37 +0000

Hi Dan
So pleased to find your blog. I’ve booked a little tour in late August with a company called Best of Lanka as we have limited time and wanted to get to Kandy, the train and Yala. Their website recommended the train trip from Kandy to Ella and I asked them to put it on our tour. I now find out they have booked 3rd class tickets for us and assure us it is impossible for us to get 2nd class. I’ve paid a lot for this trip and I’m now a bit worried (especially as my husband has a bad back!) What do you think?
Thanks.
Fiona

By: Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo)

Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) — Sat, 10 Jun 2017 14:15:27 +0000

In reply to Sumita. Oooh thats such a tough call. Honestly, I did like Kandy but beyond the temple I could have happily just spend a few hours there so if you plan to train that would be an option. Both Ella and Nurwara Eliya offer simillar with hikes and tea so I would say pick what works best with your schedule although I did personally prefer the vibe in Ella. Have an awesome time!

By: Sumita

Sumita — Wed, 24 May 2017 12:37:02 +0000

Hi,

Great blog guys and very informative. My husband and I are planning to visit Sri Lanka in August this year for 4 days (unfortunately cannot increase the number of days!), but cant wait to see the beautiful country. We are planning to visit Nuwara Eliya, Ella or Kandy. Since we are there only for 4 days cant decide which place to skip. Pls help us decide if Nuwara Eliya is better or Ella. Or should we go to both the places and skip Kandy. We are keen on taking the train journey too. Pls suggest.