How to get around in Sri Lanka by Train

Sri Lanka is one of the best countries to see by train. The Railway lines that run across the country were first constructed by the British during colonial times to transport cinnamon and tea from the central highlands and southern lowlands to the major port in Colombo. Nothing much has changed in the last century so the railway lines tend to meander around mountains and valleys and will always make for a spectacular view. Learn how to get around the country using Sri Lanka Railways.

South from Colombo

There are three main lines in Sri Lanka, and they all originate in Colombo. The first of those is the Southern Line that has been recently renovated and hugs the coastline from Colombo down to Matara. The train will take you to the iconic city of Galle as well as Sri Lanka's popular southern beaches including Kalutara, Hikkaduwa and Weligama. You will find some of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka along this line.

East from Colombo

The Hill Country Line heads east from Colombo to the hill capital of Kandy through which you can head to the tea highlands of Sri Lanka. The stretch from Kandy to Ella/Badulla has been dubbed the most beautiful train ride in Asia and is so immensely popular especially with tourists that tickets are sold out at least one month in advance. The train line from Kandy will take you to Nanu Oya where you can disembark for Nuwara Eliya or straight to Ella and Badulla. This line was constructed in British Ceylon to transport tea from the estates down to the port in Colombo so they could be exported to the empire.

North from Colombo

The third major line is the Northern Line that runs from Colombo to Anuradhapura and Jaffna. This train line was destroyed during the civil war and was rebuilt following the end of the war in 2009. The railway line branches with one that heads straight for Trincomalee while the other services Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa. You can take the train to Anuradhapura from Colombo if you are interested in exploring the Cultural Triangle and stay at a local hotel chain like Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts while you are there.

Other Lines

There are also minor lines that interconnect the major three such as the Puttalam Line which runs through the west coast from Colombo to Puttalam on which railbuses serve as public transport from Puttalam to Chilaw. There is also the Kelani Valley Line which connects Colombo to Avissawella via a 60 km line. Railbuses also work the Kandy Line from Kandy Central Station to Gampola on the way to Nanu Oya.

1st Class and Observation Deck

Local trains have three classes. First Class has 3 kinds, which include coach, sleeping berths and observation saloons that are equipped with wide windows. These are more rampant in the north and east lines from Colombo than the south line. Some are set on the last carriage with rear-facing windows and plush, vintage interiors. You must reserve seats in advance.

2nd Class

Second Class has padded seats and air conditioning fans but not air conditioning. You need to reserve seats in advance on some trains. Trains like the ones for Galle are usually first come first serve.

3rd Class

Third Class is not comfortable and is often crowded with people standing in between the seats when it fills up. You can ride on the doors and take pictures if you'd like on Third Class but keep in mind that it is minimal when it comes to comfort.