Distance 34 km (21.3 miles) | |
Price range US$4-US$83 | |
Ride Duration Range 1h 30m-5h | |
Earliest Departure 18:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest train: 2h 28m
Cheapest train: US$4
The journey between the towns of Ella and Nuwara Eliya is world-famous — and for good reason! Passing through an incredible landscape decked out in shades of green, a train or car ride through tea country is one of the top experiences in Sri Lanka.
You will have a number of options to choose from to make your way through this stunning region, ranging from private cars to an iconic train journey.
Regardless of your method of transport, traveling overland through this unimaginably scenic landscape will be a highlight of your trip. Possibly even your life. It’s a real life example where the journey is just as incredible as the destination.
Nuwara Eliya is where you’ll experience firsthand the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea country by visiting some of the following highlights:
Go chasing waterfalls — With a vertical and well-watered terrain, the region around Nuwara Eliya is home to several must-see waterfalls. Not far outside of town is Lover's Leap Falls, famous for its sheer rock backdrop. Also close by is the impressive Bomburu Ella Waterfall. A little farther away is St. Clair’s Falls, a popular local attraction and the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
See where the world ends — About an hour’s drive outside of town is Horton’s Plains National Park. It’s a misleading name, considering you’re in the neighborhood of some of Sri Lanka’s highest peaks. Arrive early to beat the fog for a hike up to the World’s End — a dramatic drop-off with incredible views.
Learn that anytime is tea time — When in tea country, anytime is tea time. Learn more about the history and crafts of the trade at any number of local tea plantations. If you don’t feel like venturing out of town, afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel is a classy — if pricey — option.
Go birdwatching at Galway’s Land National Park — If birdwatching is your thing, you’ll enjoy wandering the trails of Galway’s Land National Park. Armed with binoculars and a sense of curiosity, you can spot many of Sri Lanka’s feathered residents in this heavily wooded natural preserve.
The passage between Ella and Nuwara Eliya (particularly via train) has long been known as one of the world’s great rides.
The trip winds along valleys and hillsides so green it’s hard to comprehend it’s real. Waterfalls spill into rushing rivers and expansive lakes while the terraced landscape of tea plantations and tall forests surround you.
To say the area is scenic is a real understatement.
A journey along this route will take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on your mode of transport.
If at all possible, the most highly recommended way to make this journey is by rail. But even a trip by car won’t disappoint in the scenery department. If traveling by road, be ready for winding turns, narrow streets and the occasional slow moving tuk-tuk along the way.
The train is the most popular (and relaxing!) option, but it’s not the only one. Those traveling in a group can pool their money to hire a very reasonably priced private car or van.
The most important thing you need to know about traveling from Ella to Nuwara Eliya is that it is wise to book as early as possible for the best seats. This usually means at least a month in advance! This route is very popular with tourists and can sell out fast.
You basically have your choice between first and second-class trains.
First-class trains offer greater comforts, such as air conditioning and adjustable seats.
Both offer restrooms on board and the chance to purchase food or drinks. This should hold you over for the approximately 2.5-hour ride.
If you have your own traveling party of three or less, Sri Lanka is a very affordable place for renting a private car with a driver. Not only do you save yourself the (huge!) stress of driving in Sri Lankan traffic, but you have a lot more flexibility.
Passengers are generally allowed one large bag per person (up to 20 kg). As a bonus, private car rides will pick you up and drop you off right at your hotel.
Shared minivans are an inexpensive way to go. If you have a large enough travel party, you could even rent out the whole thing.
Once again, passengers are limited to one large bag apiece, with your choice of pick-up and drop-off hotels. Some operators even include a few tourist stops just to make things interesting.
As much as traveling can be stressful, this is one trip you won't want to end.
After making your way through the beauty of tea country by train, you’ll pull into Nanu Oya Station, about seven kilometers (4.5 miles) outside of town.
Fortunately, a crowd of taxis and tuk-tuks will be waiting to bring you into town at reasonable rates.
For the best all-around period to visit Nuwara Eliya, come during March or April.
While the coast experiences monsoon rains, the interior is dry and mild. This is also when the tea plants are in full bloom, and the landscape is at its most beautiful. If you come during April, you may also get the chance to experience colorful local festivals that feature horse racing, floral exhibits, musical performances and a lively carnival.
You can easily see all the attractions around Nuwara Eliya in about two days.
If you decided to stay longer, you wouldn’t lack for something to do. Adventurous travelers using Nuwara Eliya as a base for making the trek up Adam’s Peak should give themselves at least another day to recover from the effort.
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