Sri Lanka’s Tea Train
There are faster ways to get across Sri Lanka, but few better.
The ramshackle but achingly romantic tea train is slow travel at its best: rhythmic, refreshing, and deeply evocative. Travelling between Kandy and Badulla – with Ella the scenic highlight – the journey offers immersive glimpses of everyday life in the highlands, as well as access to the island’s most captivating landscapes.
You’ll trundle through tiny stations with hand-painted signs, wave to tea-pickers in fields just beyond arm’s reach, and breathe in the cool air flowing through open windows. Vendors hop on board to sell fresh mango slices, and passengers strike up conversation across generations and cultures. Whether you ride a short section or linger for the full seven-hour journey, this is one to savour.
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With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
What to expect when riding the tea train:
- Traditional carriages and open windows for a sensory ride.
- Refreshing breeze and tea-scented air as you climb.
- Forests, tunnels, tea fields and valleys around every bend.
- A glimpse into everyday life in rural Sri Lanka.
- Word to the wise: the Ella to Badulla stretch offers the most stunning views.
A classic on the move
The bold blue of Sri Lanka’s tea train snakes through emerald hills, climbing into misty heights. It’s the journey, not just the destination, that stays with you.
Station scenes and snacks
Pause at tiny rural stations where life moves slowly. Local vendors sell fruit, roti and sweets – passed through the open window, fresh and still warm.
Cool breezes and warm smiles
Opt for a second or third class seat to enjoy wide-opening windows and a real sense of place. You’ll feel the temperature shift as you climb into cooler air.
From forest to field
The scenery shifts constantly – forested valleys, arched bridges, tea terraces – with every curve revealing another cinematic frame of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
near Ella
Talk to our expert team...
Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.
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