Journey from Kandy to Ella in 6 hours, the serenity of botanical gardens contrasting with the vibrant festive energy of Perahera on one side, with splendid mountain panoramas refreshing travelers' journeys on the other. The train journey between Sri Lanka's second-largest city and this charming village perched above 1,000 meters elevation is among the country's classic experiences. It is renowned worldwide and absolutely not to be missed.

From the Train of the Clouds linking Salta to Paso Socompa as it winds through South American mountains, to the Trans-Siberian with its 9,288 km and 990 stations nestled in the heart of glacial aridity, passing through the Glacier Express and its panoramic windows allowing travelers to savor the landscapes from Zermatt to Saint-Moritz. Numerous trains have forged their legend through their routes, travel times, the sense of adventure they inspire in passengers, or the services and amenities available to best appreciate the journey. This is equally true of the Kandy-Ella in Sri Lanka. The 130 km separating these two cities have been fully elevated by this railway and therefore this distinctive mode of transport, which epitomizes the expression: "the destination matters less than the journey itself."

A train open to the surroundings

As you depart from Kandy, you will be struck by the striking contrast this region offers between city and countryside. Directly upon leaving the city, you find yourself surrounded by an abundantly verdant jungle. The picturesque setting continues to unfold as the roads gradually transition from concrete to ochre earth. The visual experience is greatly amplified by the train's openness to these landscapes. All windows and doors remain permanently open. You can, to maximize this experience, sit for a few minutes on the door's steps and admire the scenery before you. You have the feeling of being privileged, in the front row of an open-air spectacle.

Gaining elevation

The risks of accidentally falling are minimal; you will notice the train's slowness as it travels from Kandy to Ella in 6 hours total. It stops frequently at the beginning, and while you may not yet perceive it, the elevation gain is beginning to reveal itself. As you approach the town of Nuwara Eliya, still 2.5 hours from Ella, you will find yourself nearly completely immersed in the jungle. Certain viaducts will allow you to contemplate the rivers, the canopies, the villages below, you will be captivated by the symmetry and beauty of dozens of tea plantations, winding between mountain hamlets, and you will stop in some to catch your breath and check that your camera is properly set.

For you will not let go of your camera. The lush vegetation contrasting with the surrounding rock face and this dominant blue sky. What a spectacle. Once you arrive at Ella, you will find solid ground again, and can discuss this unforgettable half-day in an equally picturesque setting.

Thibault Bourru

A great passionate lover of literature and Asia, Thibault shares his experiences through his writing.