Many people think that using the Train Travel in Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and real methods to see the island. Sri Lanka’s trains take you across coastal plains and misty hill region, giving you a front-row seat to beautiful scenery, colonial history, and ordinary life in the villages. Train travel in Sri Lanka offers remarkable experiences that go far beyond just getting from one place to another, whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned traveller.
Train Travel in Sri Lanka: Essential Travel Information
Knowing a few essentials regarding train travel in Sri Lanka before you plan your trip will help make sure everything goes smoothly. The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the currency in use. One Australian dollar is worth about 115 Sri Lankan rupees, but travellers should always check the latest exchange rates before they leave.
Most Westerners and Australians need visas to visit. If you apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) ahead of time on the official website, though, the process is easy. This makes it easier and less stressful to schedule train trips in Sri Lanka.
The official Sri Lanka Railways website is the best place to find accurate train timetables and route information. Seat61 is another good source for international travellers because it explains routes, classes, and booking recommendations for train travel in Sri Lanka.
Train Travel in Sri Lanka: Colombo to Kandy Route
The trip from Colombo to Kandy by train is the most famous train trip in Sri Lanka. This famous train ride, which covers around 125 km, takes about three hours and is known as the “gateway” to Sri Lanka’s hill area.
The trip starts in Colombo Fort Station, where the noise of the city steadily disappears as the train heads inland. This train route in Sri Lanka takes you from the flat coastal plains to the rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll see paddy fields, palm-lined villages, tropical woods, and lovely rural stops.
Kandy, the destination, is Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital and the site of the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This route is a key part of many Sri Lanka train trips because many travellers stop here before going farther into the hill country.
Train Travel in Sri Lanka: A Journey Through History
The colonial history of Sri Lanka makes train travel there very interesting. The Ceylon Government Railway built the first major link between Colombo and Kandy in the 1860s. During British administration, its main job was to move tea and coffee from the hills to the shore.
Today, travellers go in the other direction and enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides in South Asia. The old stone bridges, tunnels that cut through forests, and other engineering feats make train riding in Sri Lanka more interesting and cultural.
Train Travel in Sri Lanka: Choosing the Right Ticket Class
To have a good time on the train in Sri Lanka, you need to know about ticket classes. Every class has a different experience, so you can find one that fits your budget and comfort level.
The third class is the most basic and usually the most busy. You can buy tickets on the day of the event, but there is no assurance of a seat. It’s a bit of a mess, but it gives you a real and authentic sense of train travel in Sri Lanka.
Second class is a good mix of comfort and realness. Second class without reservations is like third class, but the chairs are padded. Tourists should definitely choose reserved second class because it has open windows, assigned seating, and great photo opportunities.
First class has air conditioning and seats that are more comfortable. But blocked windows can make train travel in Sri Lanka less immersive.
The first-class observation saloon is the most expensive choice. It has wide windows that let you see everything around you. The sealed environment may make the ride less interesting, even when it is pleasant.
Conclusion
It is highly recommended that you book reserved tickets ahead of time for train travel in Sri Lanka, especially during busy times. Popular routes like Colombo to Kandy often sell out very quickly.
Getting to the station early gives you time to find your platform and enjoy the bustling environment. Travelling light and keeping your possessions safe also makes train travel in Sri Lanka more comfortable.
It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially on lengthy trips. You can buy refreshments from merchants that board the trains at stations along the way.