The Kandy to Ella train is often described as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Asia, and it is easy to see why. The line climbs from the cultural capital of Kandy through tea estates, misty hills, waterfalls and small stations into the cool, laid-back town of Ella. For Singapore travellers, it is a rewarding week-long trip that feels a world away from the city, yet is only a short flight from Changi.
This guide focuses on the hill country route: booking the train, choosing a class, and planning time in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. For a broader country overview covering visas, money and other regions, see our guide to Sri Lanka from Singapore.
Getting From Singapore to the Hill Country
Flights from Singapore land at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. From there, most travellers head to Kandy by private car, taxi or train. The road journey takes several hours depending on traffic, and many visitors prefer to hire a car with driver for this leg, especially after a flight.
Before you go:
- Entry requirements. Sri Lanka has used an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for many visitors. Rules for Singapore passport holders and other nationalities can change, so check the official Sri Lankan government ETA website before booking.
- Money. Cash in Sri Lankan rupees is useful in smaller towns. Cards work at many hotels and larger shops.
- Connectivity. A local SIM or eSIM makes it easier to manage bookings, maps and ride-hailing.
If you have Sri Lankan friends or colleagues in Singapore, ask them for tips. Many are proud of the hill country and happy to share recommendations.
How the Kandy to Ella Train Works
The line is run by Sri Lanka Railways. The journey from Kandy to Ella passes through key stations including Nanu Oya, the stop for Nuwara Eliya, and Haputale and Bandarawela before Ella. Timings vary by service, and delays are common, so treat timetables as a guide. Check the current schedule with Sri Lanka Railways before you plan connections.
Classes you will usually find:
- First class, sometimes with an observation carriage at the end of the train. Seats are reserved, but windows may be sealed in some carriages.
- Second class reserved, popular with travellers who want a guaranteed seat and opening windows for photos.
- Third class and unreserved second class, cheaper and more local, but often crowded with standing room only in peak periods.
Some special tourist trains have also been introduced on the route at times. These change from year to year, so check what is currently running.
Booking Your Seats
Reserved seats on this route are in high demand, especially during European summer, Christmas and Sri Lankan holiday periods. General booking tips:
- Book as early as reservations open. Sri Lanka Railways has offered online reservations through its official portal. Check the current booking window and process there.
- Use official or reputable channels. Some hotels and local agents can help secure tickets for a service fee. Be wary of third-party sites charging inflated prices.
- Consider splitting the journey. Booking Kandy to Nanu Oya and Nanu Oya to Ella separately can be easier and lets you stay in Nuwara Eliya.
- Have a backup. If reserved seats sell out, unreserved tickets are usually sold at the station on the day. Arrive early and be prepared to stand for part of the trip.
- Keep your ticket handy. Inspectors check tickets on board.
Fares and rules can change, so confirm the latest details with Sri Lanka Railways rather than relying on older blog posts.
Planning Your Stops
The beauty of this route is that you can break it into stages. Here is how the three main stops compare.
| Stop | What to expect | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Kandy | Cultural capital with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a central lake, markets and cultural shows | Two nights |
| Nuwara Eliya | Cool highland town with tea estates, colonial-era buildings and access to Horton Plains | One to two nights |
| Ella | Relaxed village with hiking, viewpoints and the famous Nine Arch Bridge | Two to three nights |
Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes and hats before entering. Walk around Kandy Lake in the late afternoon, and explore the botanic gardens at nearby Peradeniya.
Nuwara Eliya. Sometimes called “Little England”, this town sits high in the hills and can be surprisingly cold at night. Pack a light jacket. Tea factory tours explain how Ceylon tea is grown and processed. Early risers can visit Horton Plains National Park for its grasslands and the World’s End viewpoint, though check current entry rules and go with a guide or driver who knows the area.
Ella. Base yourself here for easy walks such as Little Adam’s Peak, a longer hike up Ella Rock, and the Nine Arch Bridge, where you can watch trains cross the stone viaduct. Stay off the tracks when trains are due and follow local guidance on safe viewpoints.
Practical Tips for the Train Ride
- Sit on both sides at different times. Views change sides as the line winds, so swap seats with your travel partner.
- Bring snacks and water. Vendors board at some stations, but supply is unpredictable.
- Mind safety at doorways. Many travellers lean out of open doors for photos. It is risky, especially on bends and near tunnels. Stay inside and hold on firmly.
- Pack layers. Carriages can feel warm in Kandy and chilly near Nuwara Eliya.
- Allow buffer time. Do not book a tight onward connection on the same day as the train.
A Sample Week From Singapore
A relaxed one-week plan might look like this: fly to Colombo and drive to Kandy on day one, explore Kandy on day two, take the train to Nanu Oya and stay in Nuwara Eliya on day three, continue by train to Ella on day five after a Horton Plains morning, then spend two days hiking in Ella before driving back towards the airport or the south coast.
Visa, rail and park rules can all change, so check official Sri Lankan sources before you travel.
Explore more: Sri Lankan Food in Singapore: A Beginner’s Guide · Fraser’s Hill from Singapore: A Travel Guide
Further reading: Battambang From Singapore: Cambodia’s Countryside and Bamboo Train