{"id":648,"date":"2022-12-08T13:00:16","date_gmt":"2022-12-08T07:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experientialjourneys.com.au\/sri-lanka\/?post_type=inspiration&p=648"},"modified":"2025-12-16T09:53:57","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T04:23:57","slug":"train-journeys","status":"publish","type":"inspiration","link":"https:\/\/www.experientialjourneys.com.au\/sri-lanka\/inspiration\/train-journeys\/","title":{"rendered":"Train Journeys Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Train Journeys Sri Lanka<\/h6>\r\n

Riding Tropical Tracks<\/h1>\r\n

With rows of coconut palms, dense forests, smiling faces of the locals known for their hospitality and clear sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean under the warm tropical sun, Sri Lanka is an incredible offshore garden packed with lots of things to do.<\/h5>\r\n

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One of the best ways to experience all that is there in \u201cSri Lanka\u201d is by train.<\/h2>\r\n

The train can be listed as the most cheapest, safe and enjoyable travelling method in Sri Lanka.<\/h5>\r\n

From the Colombo Fort – which is the central railway station – travellers can take their trains to different destinations. You can take trains to most of the important places in Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Read More <\/a>\r\n\t

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In addition to the spectacular, breathtaking views of the diverse landscapes you encounter, you can also meet other savvy travellers or share a flavoursome rice and curry meal on a banana leaf with a friendly local\u2026<\/p>\r\n

Less Read <\/a><\/div>\r\n\t<\/div> Plan My Trip<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”4624″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class=”left-image”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”4622″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\r\n
The Sri Lankan Train System has a fascinating history behind it.<\/h5>\r\n

The system, built by the British, began operating in 1864, initially from Colombo, Henerathgodde (Gampaha) and to Ambepussa. Kandy was reached in 1867. 1925-40 was the peak of railway development. Most of the system is Broad Gauge at 5’6″ with diminishing bits of Narrow Gauge at 2’6″ (Dual Gauged since 1991). The system was known as the Ceylon Government Railway. As of late it is referred to as Sri Lanka Railways.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Read More <\/a>\r\n\t

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The system’s track standards have not been upgraded for some time which has resulted in our trains being limited to an official 50 mph, though the M4 and M8 classes are capable of over 70 mph. The current passenger stock is from Romania (1976 onwards) and from the 1960’s from China. The early trains had rolling stock of British origin and carriages built to British designs at our workshops at Maradana and Ratmalana. Recently, the system has been receiving stock from Korea and India. In a way, the trains themselves are like travelling museums.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

To mention a few beautiful rides that we are thinking of taking you on \u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Colombo to Galle – Slice of both the city and the countryside. Departing from Sri Lanka\u2019s capital, continue along the coastal countryside as the Indian Ocean washes up to the tracks.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Anuradhapura to Jaffna –\u00a0 Jaffna is known as the City of Temples and the trains often carry\u00a0 pilgrims or religious devotees. Now, savvy travellers are quickly discovering Jaffna\u2019s idyllic and less crowded beaches along with its mouth watering, unique cuisine. In Central Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the UNESCO archaeological site of Anuradhapura before the journey to Jaffna. Historical records show the city was founded in the 10th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Colombo to Kandy – from the official capital to the spiritual capital, passing rolling hills, paddy fields, tropical forests, and villages. You\u2019ll also relish the cooler air as you leave the baking coastal plain for a more temperate climate in the hills. As a short and scenic rail experience to the hill country, this is a popular train which offers a comfortable introduction to Sri Lanka\u2019s train culture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Kandy to Badulla via Ella – The journey from Kandy to Badulla takes around 7.5 hours and is often considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Reserve a seat in the panoramic carriage to view emerald green hills, tea plantations, and tea-pluckers dressed in brightly coloured saris. Many passengers end the journey at Ella, but it\u2019s worth continuing on to Badulla. The final, dramatic stretch includes the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of 19th century engineering. The tracks curve over the bridge before circling the Demodara Loop, availing spectacular photo opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Trains have been a big part of Sri Lankan Culture and the long distance trains are fondly named to resemble a lovely lady taking a journey through the winding country tracks.<\/span><\/p>\r\n