Distance 65 km (40.6 miles) | |
Price range US$13-US$127 | |
Ride Duration Range 4h-7h 10m | |
Earliest Departure 18:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
A seven-hour train ride might not seem enticing, but the transfer from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic trips in the world, taking you through jungles, tea plantations, and mountains. It’s worth the ride and tickets are affordable. You’ll want to continue to take pictures once you arrive in Ella as it offers amazing views. You can visit its many waterfalls, caves, and exquisite landscapes. Bring a jacket as it can get cool in Ella, but the summer provides more sun and warmth.
Fastest train: 5h 49m
Cheapest train: US$13
After the buzz and excitement of visiting the major city of Kandy, a quieter and slower-paced next destination is Ella. Ella is a peaceful town that sits in the mountains in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, 64 kilometers (40 miles) from Kandy.
Ella is a tourist-friendly destination with many affordable hotels and guesthouses available. The hilltop location makes it the perfect place to enjoy hikes to destinations such as Adam’s Peak or Ravana (sometimes spelled Rawana) Falls Viewing Point which takes you through tea plantations in the surrounding areas and up to captivating panoramic views of the vibrant green countryside.
Ravana Falls is also a great place to enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Close to the town center you can walk down the hundreds of stairs that lead you to the Ravana Cave and its network of tunnels which are said to have been created by King Ravana, the Demon King in Hindu mythology. Another popular sight worth visiting for the photographs alone is the Nine Arches Railway Bridge.
There are numerous ways to get from Kandy to Ella. You can choose the transport options of train or bus, a minivan for larger groups, or a private car ride for convenience. Trains and buses from Kandy to Ella are scenic but slow, with a travel time of around 5 hours for buses and 6.5 hours for trains. Going by minivan or car takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Whatever transport you choose from Kandy to Ella, entering the mountaintop town will feel like an escape to a quieter and simpler destination where the natural beauty and friendly people are enough to make Ella a worthwhile destination.
The journey from Kandy takes you to higher and more mountainous regions as you make your way to the hilltop town of Ella. Jungle and rich vegetation are prominent throughout the route. If traveling by car you may find yourself following the river from Kandy towards the reservoirs that are contained with Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary where many species of birds as well as elephants flourish.
It is possible to see Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain peak in Sri Lanka, on certain routes from Kandy to Ella. The charming town of Ella is surrounded by beautiful countryside consisting of waterfalls, mountains, valleys, and tea plantations which you will no doubt explore during your time in this scenic location.
Taking a bus
The Tourist Bus from Kandy to Ella departs approximately once per day and offers toilet and rest stops along the way. The 5-hour journey offers air conditioning and reclining seats for comfort as well as charging ports and TVs for convenience and entertainment.
Taking a minivan
The Standard Minivan service from Kandy to Ella has seats for up to 6 passengers and is a good way to save money if you are traveling with a large group. If traveling in a pair, it can be cheaper to travel by car instead. Minivans do accommodation pick ups and drop offs to get you from Kandy to Ella with ease.
Taking a train
Train travel from Kandy to Ella offers the widest range of services available with a number of class options to choose from including First and Second Class, as well as Tourist and Economy. Some trains offer food and drink on board while all provide air conditioning and toilet facilities.
Renting a car
Car transportation from Kandy to Ella can take two passengers from and to their accommodation in Kandy and Ella. Cars have good luggage capacity and make toilet stops on request. Cancellations or changes to car bookings are free up to 3 days before your journey.
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