Members' personal websites · Sri Lanka

Honestly, taking the train in Sri Lanka is no walk in the park. Between tickets disappearing in minutes, platforms that aren’t always very clear, and that infamous “full” sign displayed weeks in advance, you quickly feel like you’re playing the lottery. There’s even a real black market for tickets on the island: some seats are resold at higher prices through middlemen or agencies, which makes things even trickier. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who sells tickets. But we learned the hard way that this isn’t the safest way to get them, and we had to find another solution at the last minute.

We definitely went through a bit of an obstacle course to manage the booking. But once on the train, riding through the tea plantations between Kandy and Ella, we understood why everyone raves about it. Tea plantations, misty mountains, little bridges, and breathtaking valleys. To make the most of the scenery on the Kandy → Ella route, it’s best to sit on the right side of the train (and on the left if you’re going Ella → Kandy). As for the class, 2nd class reserved is, in our opinion, the best compromise: authentic vibe, open windows and doors, but with a guaranteed seat. Remember to pack enough water, snacks, and toilet paper for this 7-hour journey that somehow flies by.

I’ve gone into more detail about all this in the article for those who’d rather plan a bit better than we did. https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/prendre-le-train-au-sri-lanka-guide-complet/ Happy travels! :)

Hi there, We just got back from a 2-week trip to Sri Lanka in April 2024, organized independently. Our itinerary took us to: Sigiriya (sunrise from Pidurangala), Kandy, Ella (train), Udawalawe, and Tangalle. We’ve put together our day-by-day itinerary, our experiences from this trip, and some practical tips here: https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.blogspot.com/2026/01/sri-lanka-itineraire-2-semaines.html Happy travels to those planning their trip! !