Ella to Peradeniya tickets

How to get from Ella to Peradeniya

Those looking to get off the beaten track by visiting Peradeniya have an easy choice because the only way to get there from Ella is to take a train.

Trains depart from the Ella Railway Train Station and arrive at the Peradeniya Train Station.

The serene experience of traversing between the two destinations is a memorable one. You'll see parts of Sri Lanka that many speedy travelers skip over.

Is Peradeniya worth visiting?

A suburb of Kandy, Peradeniya is not the most thrilling destination. However, it's still worth a short visit just to see the incredible Royal Botanical Gardens and take in the marvelous scenery of surburan Sri Lanka. 

If you have a flexible schedule, then it's definitely worth making the trip here. However, if your Sri Lankan adventure is on a strict deadline, prioritize places like Kandy and Ella instead.

Four unique things to do in Peradeniya

1. Start by visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya on the Mahaweli River. These gardens attract visitors from all over Sri Lanka and abroad. The extraordinary garden occupies 59 hectares (146 acres) and contains 4,000 species of plants, including stunning palms, orchids, and flowering trees.

These extravagant gardens were once so grand that only Kandyan royals were allowed to walk among the plants. However, in 1821, the garden was established as a center of plant experimentation to advance economic and environmental development.

Spend a day wandering the carefully kept gardens, marveling at the flowering trees, vast cacti display, spice gardens, and hundreds of palm tree species. There is also a memorial collection of trees planted by important visitors, including heads of state, astronauts, and royalty.

2. Check out the University of Peradeniya, the second oldest in the country. It's a quick but interesting visit thanks to the beautiful blend of colonial and Indian-style architecture nestled amid the thriving vegetation you'll see everywhere on Sri Lanka's hillsides.
   
   

3. Hike up to the Hanthana Mountain Range. Local students have nicknamed it the "Adara Kanda," which translates to mountain of love. Mostly hidden by a dense mist, the easily climbed peak is an idyllic spot to spend a lazy morning or watch the sunset over the peaceful suburb.

4. Temple lovers should also check out the hidden gem of Hindagala Rajamaha Buddhist Temple. Still rarely visited by tourists, colorful murals in the Kandyan style decorate the cave. It's also one of the few places where paintings from the Anuradhapura period still hang. Carve out the time to see this treasure, and you won't regret it. 

How do I get from Ella to Peradeniya?

There is only one way to get from Ella to Peradeniya: by taking a train.

By train

The journey between Ella and Peradeniya will take about six to seven hours.

Sri Lanka Railways operates all trains, and your service will depart from Ella Railway Train Station and arrive at Peradeniya Train Station.

Taking the train between Ella and Kandy is considered one of the most beautiful journeys in the world, and this journey is an extension of this beauty.

You'll have four seating options: first, second, and third classes, as well as an observation class.

First-class amenities include:

Comfortable leather seats

Air conditioning 

Assigned seats

WC

Second-class and third-class seats are about the same, with only slightly more comfortable seats in the second class.

Second-class and third-class amenities include:

Openable windows and doors for cooling

Comfortable seats

Plenty of legroom 

Reservable seats

WC

Observation cars sit at the train's rear with large panoramic windows overlooking the tracks. Although many observation carriages do not have air conditioning, the windows and doors open to allow a breeze to whip through the carriage as you rumble onward to Peradeniya.

You cannot reserve a seat in the observation carriage, so head there when the train sets off to grab a chair with a good view. 

Pro tip: Don't expect to arrive on time! Trains in Sri Lanka regularly run behind, so lean into the experience and don't get stressed when things get delayed.

The best things about the journey from Ella to Peradeniya

Like all train journeys in Sri Lanka, getting from Ella to Peradeniya is an unforgettable experience.

Don't make the mistake of falling asleep. Secure a window seat to watch the jungle scenery edge in and out of view as the train rumbles through Sri Lanka's verdant countryside.

Keep an eye out for temples tucked away between towns, sprawling tea plantations, and green-capped mountains.

When is the best time to visit Peradeniya?

The best months to visit Peradeniya are April to June, August to September, and December.

Heavier rains in and around these months bring the gardens to life, but it doesn't stop you from enjoying them because the showers are usually short and sweet.

If you can, head to the gardens immediately after rainfall because the wetness enhances the luscious smells emanating from the flora and fauna.

How many days should I spend in Peradeniya?

All you need is one or two days to see everything in Peradeniya.

You could also visit as a day trip from Kandy. However, if Peradeniya's suburban charm appeals to you, come for a night to explore the gardens and cultural gems on display here.

Where should I go after Peradeniya?

When finished with the delights of Peradeniya, hop on the train to head to Kandy!

The culturally rich city is overflowing with fascinating attractions to quicken the pace of your Sri Lankan adventure.