Railways in Sri Lanka were laid by the British colonialists in the 19th century. (and have not undergone significant modernization since then), but this does not prevent them from being one of the most inexpensive and convenient modes of transport on the island.

Rail communication in Sri Lanka is carried out on several branches ():

• coastal line(Coast line) - runs along the western coast of the country from Puttalam in the north, through cities such as Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Beruwala, Alusgama, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa and Galle to the southern tip of Sri Lanka (Weligama and Matara).
• mountain line(Hill country line) - runs from the capital Colombo to Kandy and further to such settlements as Hatton (), Manu Oya (), Haputale, Bandarawela, Eliya and Badulla.
• northern line(Northern line) - goes from Colombo, through Kurunegala to Anuradhapura and Vavuniya, ending at Omantai. Two additional branches of this line go to Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa, as well as to Trincomalee.

Types of trains and wagons in Sri Lanka

Passenger cars in railway trains in Sri Lanka are divided into 3 classes, depending on the level of comfort, additional services and fares. Cars of the second and third class differ slightly. In the first case, there is the possibility of advance booking (although not always), seats with soft upholstery and less chance of crowding due to lack of seats.

First class carriages are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. Seats are available for pre-booking. Many of them have chic vintage interiors that transport passengers to the beginning of the 20th century. The so-called observation cars (which are attached at the tail end of some trains) have a large rear window that gives you panoramic views.

The class or type of wagons in Sri Lankan trains is indicated by letter marking:

• A - cars of the second and third class, not reserved
• B - restaurant or dining car
• C - second class carriages, reserved
• D - cars of the second and third class with folding seats, reserved
• E - first class survey car, reserved
• F - sleeping car, first class, reserved
• G - air-conditioned first class car, reserved

Depending on the distance and configuration with cars of different classes, trains in Sri Lanka are also divided into several types. In addition to intercity trains (Intercity Trains) and express trains (Express Trains), there are several private trains (Special Trains) on the island, equipped with luxury cars and designed to make rail tours around the country.

If you are going to book train tickets for travel
in Sri Lanka before arriving in the country, this can be done by agreement with
one of the local travel agencies or with the help of your hotel management.

Trains in Sri Lanka: timetable, map

To travel long distances, the local population actively uses mainly two types of transport - buses and railways. The total length of railway lines in the country is 1447 km.

The railway, like buses, is a very inexpensive and popular mode of transport in Sri Lanka. There are only three types in the country public transport: railway, public and private buses.

Sri Lanka train schedule

The current train schedule can be found online, on the Sri Lanka Railways website. Pay attention to the type indicated in the schedule: it can be Express or local- the speeds of these types of trains are different and a short journey, which takes 1.5 hours on an express train, can take 3 hours on a local train. But there are pluses - local trains stop at all stations, and express trains often pass by small railway stations.

Map of railway lines of Sri Lanka

A complete diagram of the railway lines of the island of Sri Lanka. Rail service covers a number of popular tourist destinations: the entire southwest coast to Matara, Kandy, Peradeniya (Royal Botanic Gardens), Nuwara Eliya (the railway station is called Nanu Oya), Pinnawala (Rambukkan railway station), Hatton, Ella and further to Badulla, Jaffna, Mannar, Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, etc. From the main transport hub of the country - the city of Colombo, you can get to most of the country's major cities by rail. Unfortunately, the railway branch to Hambantota has not yet been completed, only its first section to Beliatta was opened in 2019.

Resolution: 2000*3000.

Open the map of railway lines of Sri Lanka in a new tab.

Sri Lanka Railways Online Map

When planning a trip to the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, remember that the railway connection is through Colombo, i.e. it is impossible to get from the resort town on the coast to Kandy without a transfer to Colombo.

Also, be careful with the departure time of trains at peripheral stations: trains can not only be late, but also arrive 15-20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Plan this time for waiting in order to avoid unpleasant situations.

Directions of the railway lines of Sri Lanka

1. Colombo - Matara (southwest), runs along the entire popular tourist resort southwest coast to Matara. A branch to Kataragama (next to Yala Park) involving resorts such as Dikwella and Tangalle is planned but not yet completed. For 2019, the Matara - Beliatta (south) section was opened, which runs along the southern coast of the island, is the first segment of the Matara - Kataragama road.
2. Colombo - Puttalam (northwest), the branch runs along the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, passing through the resort towns of Negombo, Marawila, Chilaw. Close to Puttalam there is a kite surfing resort village Kalpitiya.
3. Colombo - Avissawella (center) relatively short railway line towards the center of the island.
4. Colombo - Jaffna (North) runs all the way to the north of the country, ending in Jaffna. The line was badly damaged during civil war, were destroyed, but have now been restored, in the areas of the cities of Vavuniya and Killinochchi.
5. Colombo - Mannar (North) goes to the northwestern part of the country, along the Mannar Peninsula, from which the Adam's Bridge (a chain of islands to the Indian city of Rameshwaram) begins.
6. Colombo - Mihintale (north-central part) in the direction to the north of the island, through the city of Anuradhapura, which is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. The city of Mihintale is the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
7. Colombo - Badulla (center) goes to the central highlands of the country. Extremely popular with tourists, because. passes through many attractions of the mountainous part: the Peradeniya-Nuwara Eliya section of the path is famous for its landscapes (mountains, tea plantations), Hatton (Adam's Peak), part of the path runs through national park Horton Plains, the cities of Bandarawella, Ella (mountains, waterfalls, plantations), Demodara (Ella-Demodara bridge), to Badulla.
8. Colombo - Matali (center) the railway branch goes to the center of the country, a popular tourist destination, passes through the city of Kandy, which is one of the cities of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka and the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, passes through the Pinnavelu (Rambukkana) elephant nursery.
9. Colombo - Trincomalee (east) goes through the center of the country to the northeast. Resort town Trincomalee is popular with tourists from May to September, during the season. The railway line captures the tourist city of Avukana, where the landmark of Avukana and Khabaran (tree houses) are located.
10. Colombo - Batticaloa (east) runs through the center of the country, to the northeast of the island, separates from the line to Trincomalee at Gal Oya and ends at Batticaloa. Popular with tourists traveling to the resort towns of Kalkud and Passikuda.

Train transfer stations

The junction stations connecting the railway branches are mostly very small cities, this should be taken into account when planning the route.

Sooner or later, being in the mountainous regions of Sri Lanka, you will have to go to any other side :) You will want new adventures!

And the only adequate way to do this is by train. And already at the very beginning of this "escape", you will understand that the train itself is already an adventure.

But first, you will pay attention to the details. 'Cause every little thing here is nothing you've ever seen.

At the time when we had to leave, we were in Nuwara Eliya, and the nearest railway station to it is a few kilometers away:

01.

This railway station is called "Nanu-Oya". by name locality. The sign even, for some reason, says that you are at an altitude of 1623 meters above sea level :)

02.

Throughout the space at the station, while waiting for the train, you can walk freely. If you want to walk on rails - please. Do you want to learn the mechanisms of arrows? You are welcome:)

Meanwhile, you have a view of the tea plantations:

03.

Waiting hall:)

04.

And now the shock and sensation))) You won't believe it, but the dark green building in the photo, no less, is the Nanu-Oya Railway Institute! :)))

05.

Wagons are standing. In them, if desired, you can climb. The wagons are obviously beaten by time. The trademark red paint of the Sri Lankan trains has faded to brown.

06.

Passengers in the waiting room:

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Train arrival. Almost like at the end of the 19th century :)

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On the train, everyone quickly takes their seats, and some people who come from nowhere offer incomprehensible food:

14.

The 2nd class carriage is very simple:

15.

There's even a restaurant car! I would not risk buying food there))) But cookies and some water - you can:

16.

The last carriage is 1st class. You won’t get into it just like that - the through doors to it from other cars are blocked. I climbed into it on the move along the outside of the train))) But I will tell about this in the next photo report.

The most important feature of the 1st class is a chic viewing glass.

17.

It is very cool to watch through it the life of ordinary people:

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Like us, you can buy pies from the young man’s grandmother at the station:

21.

And this is business class. Trailer car of a private company. To get into it, you have to be either white or in a suit :) If a ticket to the second class cost some ridiculous 5-10 Russian rubles, then to a business class it cost prohibitive for locals, but still ridiculous for us 200- 300 rubles:)

When the conductor, who looked more like the son of one of the employees of a private railway company, realized that we were unpretentious guests and there was no need to jump with a tambourine around us, he relaxed, removed the seats from the seats and lay down on the floor to sleep))) Sri- Lanka is so spontaneous and funny)))

22.

The whole arrangement of Sri Lankan trains allows you to take pictures in all directions. Including oncoming trains. For example, a stylish locomotive:

23.

And positive drivers can also be photographed:

24.

On the way from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy, you even have to change trains! Transfer is carried out at the station "Peradeniya".

Now everyone is transferring to the "new" and faceless station. But exactly opposite they kept (!) the old station, from the times of English Ceylon. Year of construction - shaggy 1867!

By the way, all the railways of Ceylon went to Sri Lanka from the British. No one else built new roads, the old ones were not updated. But it is worth paying tribute to the Sri Lankans - what they have is kept as carefully as possible. The English have been gone for half a century, but look at how good this ancient station is:

25.

Trains run daily, in some areas even many times a day. The country is developing private railway transportation.

And in Kandy, a themed wagon was even spotted! By the way, pay attention to the station in Kandy - the beauty remained from the British:

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That's all for now. I love railways - I couldn't help but show it. I promise it will be better next time ;)

How do you like the local railroad? Do you love railroads? What are your favorite railroads?
Do you work between the May holidays and dream of a long vacation without work breaks? :) Or are you relaxing and at the same time continue to read LJ? :)

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When we were planning our trip to Sri Lanka, we found out that one of the main attractions of the country is the train! Yes, it's a regular train. More precisely, an English train, since the railway, stations and the trains themselves were built under the British. Since then, they have been working properly to this day, being the main transport in Sri Lanka.

The main advantage of traveling by train in Sri Lanka is the beautiful views from the window and immersion in the daily life of the locals. We decided to definitely take the advice to take a ride on the Sri Lankan train. And now I will tell you about everything you need to know in order to carefully plan such a trip - I will share the train schedule in Sri Lanka, the train map and their routes, and, of course, my impressions. Is it worth it to travel by train in Sri Lanka? Read all the details in the article.

A trip to Sri Lanka is unthinkable without the opportunity to ride on a Sri Lankan train. Trains in Sri Lanka are not an attraction, but a real vehicle for the people. It suits everyone because of its cheapness and the ability to choose the level of comfort.

Trains in Sri Lanka come in three classes: Class 1 is more expensive and much more comfortable than the rest. Basically, foreigners ride in first-class carriages. The difference between class 2 and class 3 cars is small, they are best suited for budget travelers. The locals usually go there as well.

Most tourists take the train in Sri Lanka solely because of the opportunity to see the unusually inspired views from the train window. Basically, they prefer one direction - to the mountainous country to drive past the tea plantations. But the trip from Colombo to Galle is also beautiful - the iron track goes along the coast and you can admire the Indian Ocean.

Residents of Sri Lanka use the railway not only to ride the train between cities, but also to go on business between small villages. In the photo - Ella, Sri Lanka

And for other sights of Sri Lanka, tourists prefer to travel in comfortable buses (VIP-class, not the people's buses of Sri Lanka, which are just as uncomfortable and dirty as trains) or on rented vehicles with a driver or on their own.

Compared to trains in Myanmar, where the British also organized rail transport, the train in Sri Lanka is more reliable (and new trains have appeared in recent years!). During our we were not able to take the train. He just didn't come. As we later found out, this is a common occurrence there. In Sri Lanka, this almost never happens. Trains run slowly, but still run on schedule.

Boarding the train to Kandy
Inside an old 3rd class carriage

Railway map in Sri Lanka

A map of train traffic in Sri Lanka will be very useful to understand the route of the trip.

Sri Lanka Railway Map (clickable)

As can be seen from the diagram, four railway lines diverge from Colombo throughout Sri Lanka: to Matara, to Jaffna, to Avisavella and to Peryanagavilla. The remaining branches begin their journey in other major cities islands of Ceylon. The most famous route that tourists are interested in is the train journey from Kandy to Badulla through the mountainous country.

In addition, a branch departs from Maho to Batticaloa (this is the eastern resort town), stopping by the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on the way. So you can definitely get by train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, which is one of the peaks of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Read also:

To find out which train is most convenient for you to travel in the right direction, it is best to familiarize yourself with the schedule of their movement in Sri Lanka. Knowing the exact Sri Lanka train schedule, you can easily change from one train to another and get inexpensively to almost anywhere in the country.

A convenient schedule for all directions is shown in the diagram. It also says in front of each city how long it will take to get from it to Colombo. And also the prices for tickets to all classes of cars are indicated: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In my opinion, this is a very convenient scheme.

Sri Lanka trains have their own website - http://www.railway.gov.lk/ However, it is not particularly useful for travelers, since it is impossible to buy tickets online for them. But you can learn how to transport goods by train and read about the history of Sri Lanka's railways.

• Helpful information. You can see the current train schedule in Sri Lanka

How to buy a train ticket in Sri Lanka

Train tickets in Sri Lanka are in most cases easy to buy just before the train leaves. It's very simple. You need to arrive at the station in advance, go to the ticket office, pay for the ticket and get on the train to an empty seat (if there is one). All this applies to 2nd and 3rd class cars. If you do not sit down at the departure station, then most likely you will have to ride standing up.

You can buy tickets for 1st class carriages on a train in Sri Lanka in advance. Ticket sales begin 30 days before the date of the intended travel. Online booking is not possible. You can only buy while in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, you need to come to Fort Colombo to office 17. In other cities and at other stations, the same rule applies. You can also call by phone and book a seat in the 1st class carriage, but only in the direction of Colombo - Kandy. Keep in mind that 1st class tickets sell out very quickly.

How to book a train ticket in Sri Lanka?

You need to call 365 from a local Mobitel SIM card (the national provider of Sri Lanka) and book a seat on the train for the desired date and time. Soon you will receive an SMS with your number. When you arrive at the station, you will need to show this number to the station supervisor or directly at the Mobitel office. You will immediately be given a ticket (M-ticket). The money for the ticket will be debited from your mobile account.

Advice. Very often, travelers leave the train station upset, because they heard that the train was full and there were no tickets. However, this only means that all 1st class seats have been bought out. 2nd and 3rd class tickets are still on sale. It's just that many Sri Lankans can't believe that the white misters will ride with them.

Stunning views from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train

Which cities can be visited while traveling by train in Sri Lanka

Any trip to Sri Lanka starts in Colombo or Negombo, the cities closest to Baidanaraike International Airport. Let's start our acquaintance with the country from its capital - the city of Colombo. Or rather, from Fort Colombo, the main station of the country, from where trains diverge in all directions.

Fort Colombo on the map

North direction: Kandy - Anuradhapura - Jaffna.

• If you travel to the north of Sri Lanka, then it is worth getting off the train here to visit the colonial city around the lake and the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Very close by is located, which we personally really liked with its rich collection of various plants - trees and flowers. And of course, it is also worth it to get off at the station and spend ancient city one day. End station - jaffna- the capital of the Tamils, may be of interest to those tourists who study all aspects of the life of the country.
• From Fort Colombo you can also go in the direction Negombo and to Peryanagaville station. The interval of trains is every hour.
• Relatively small area railway built from Colombo to Avisabella. Trains run here several times a day.
• From the station Medavaccia begins a new branch - to the island Mannar. The train runs twice a day.

Train to the east coast of Sri Lanka: Maho - Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa and Trincomalee

From the northern branch that goes to Jaffna at the station Maho you can go east, to the coast. On the way to the resort Batticaloa the train stops at . And in Gal Oya you can take a train to Trincomalee, where to sunbathe on almost virgin beaches, which, in comparison, have their own unique flavor.

The most popular train route from Kandy to Ella through the mountain country

Most of the tourists travel around Sri Lanka by train along this route - from to Ella. Although the final station of this route is the city. Why is everyone ignoring Badulla? The colonial city does not outperform Nuwara Eliya in terms of legend and the number of tea plantations and loses to Ella in picturesqueness. Although there is nearby, and for the sake of it, Badulla is still worth a trip.

So, the train starts from Kandy and travels along the route: Hatton(exit for Sri Pada, Adam's Peak) - Nanu Oya (this is the name of the station next to Nuwara Eliya, you need to get off here) - Ohiya(exit to visit Horton Plains Park) - Ella - Badulla.

This is how the train journey from Kandy begins
Our fellow traveler is a Sri Lankan baby

Tourists dangle from the running boards to take pictures of the beautiful views.

The railway routes of Sri Lanka do not shine with a special variety, it is much faster and more comfortable to travel around the country by bus. But there is one case when it is worth sacrificing comfort and using the services of the SHZD, do not worry, the bewitching mountain landscapes will not let you regret it for a minute.

Of course, you shouldn’t be too fanatic about trains, unless you are traveling first class, otherwise, you run the risk of not weakly tiring your body. We will start our journey from Bandarawela station and move towards Nuwara Eliya, after a short stop we will go further to Kandy.

This is how a typical railway station looks like, it looks like the station of some unnamed town in the Wild West, except that the lush vegetation and the absence of Clint Eastwood are a little embarrassing:

The interior is very ascetic: ticket offices (open half an hour or an hour before the train arrives), a controller and a board with a schedule:

Carefully placed railings will not let you get lost on the way to the checkout:

After each train departure, a new schedule is manually hung on the scoreboard and the departure time is set:

Each station has a chief, he can be recognized by his white uniform and concentrated look:

Well, let's go to consider this very mountainous Sri Lanka:

Our train is climbing:

In direct proportion to this, the number of tea plantations increases:

Waterfalls are often found in the mountains:

Sri Lanka is an agricultural country, and if the coast of the island is an all-Lankan health resort, then the mountainous regions can be safely called a granary, all food is grown here:

Cabbage, carrots, potatoes...

To irrigate the fields, small reservoirs are built:

There is a place in the mountains landscape design, for the convenience of growing, the following terraces are cut:

A special charm to the route adds a considerable number of tunnels:

And the carbon monoxide that spreads in them:

There are beautiful narrow tunnels, but keep yourself in control and do not lose your head:

Do not deny the pleasure of feeling like a hare:

True, it happens that all the places are occupied by others:

By the way, about hares, they are caught by conductors in the form of people's commissars, who check the availability of a ticket and its compliance with the social class.

After checking the ticket, do not rush to get rid of it, there is another degree of protection, the ticket must be returned at the exit from the station:

In case of loss, you will need to pay a penalty for the loss of inventory:

Trains are very often late, especially in the mountains, this is due to the wear and tear of the railway floor, which is in a state of permanent repair. Here you can drive and drive, and then stop for 30 minutes and wait until the repair work on this section is completed, although, most likely, they will simply lay rails for you, so that they can be immediately dismantled:

Beautiful floor of Sri Lankan trains:

Staying hungry on the train is very difficult, food vendors run regularly.

Almost all railway routes are single-track:

Therefore, at the stations you often have to wait for an oncoming train to pass each other:

Specific arrow translation:

Road to Kandy:

By the way, there is no direct train to Kandy, you will need to change trains at Peradeniya station, and the same ticket is used.

Now let's talk a little about classes, there are three classes on long-haul flights: 3, 1, 2. On different trains, first class can be: a sleeping compartment (for two people), a seated compartment, with air conditioning in the car or with a preliminary seat reservation. The second class, usually, is seating, with fans and without prior seat reservation (recommended for short trips, no more than 2-3 hours). Third class - seats with a huge number of local people in the car.

The cost of each class is almost twice as high as the previous one.

This is what the second class carriage of the Colombo-Kandy train looks like:

And this is the second class Negombo-Colombo carriage:

Good luck and smooth rails!