The Kandy to Ella Journey

Sri Lanka Railways
Sri Lanka
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The Journey

Navigate from Kandy to Ella across a span of 164km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Ceylon Tea Estates
  • Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)
  • Nine Arches Bridge (Demodera)
  • Demodera viaduct
  • Haputale tea factory views
  • Lipton's Seat panorama
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7 hours

  • Distance

    164 km

  • Est. Price

    LKR 300–5,000 depending on class and train type

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Meals: None

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

Sri Lanka Railways diesel locomotives (standard gauge)

Locomotive Weight

Varies by locomotive class

Track Gauge

1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge

Braking Technology

Compressed air / vacuum for older rolling stock

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Steep gradients on the main line requiring competent braking systems

  • Numerous tunnels, sharp curves and deep valleys of the highland terrain

  • Frequent weather disruptions (landslides) during monsoon season

  • Nine Arch Bridge at Demodera — 91 m span, 30 m tall, built 1921 entirely of stone and brick

Route operator

Sri Lanka Railways

Route distance

164 km (Kandy–Ella)

Maximum elevation

~1,800 m above sea level (Nanu Oya / Nuwara Eliya)

Notable structures

Nine Arch Bridge, Demodera (91 m span, 30 m tall, 1921)

Average speed

~23 km/h (slow scenic pace)

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    7 hours

  • Distance

    164 km

  • Est. Price

    LKR 300–5,000 depending on class and train type

Official Booking Provider