Explore misty highlands by railway
Ella, Sri Lanka • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
16°C – 23°C, january in ella is characterized by mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities, medium crowds, peak season
16°C – 23°C, january in ella is characterized by mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Train journey is wheelchair accessible with seating available; minimal walking required.
Train journey is wheelchair accessible with seating available; minimal walking required.
Value for money
Medium
Ticket prices are high, but views are worth it.
Ticket prices are high, but views are worth it.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Breathtaking Scenery
Couples raved about the stunning views; perfect for romantic photo opportunities and lasting memories.
Romantic Journey
The misty highlands and passing tea plantations created an unforgettable, picturesque experience.
Unforgettable Views
Couples loved the open windows for photos and fresh air, making it a truly immersive experience.
Booking Hassle
Travelers struggled to secure tickets, causing major frustration and requiring advance planning.
Crowded Carriages
Many couples found the unreserved carriages packed, making the journey uncomfortable.
Overpriced Tickets
Some felt that the price for the Ella Odyssey was too high, especially for the experience.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
5:30 AM - 4:01 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
5:55 AM - 6:05 AM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 4:01 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 4:01 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join travelers on a captivating Train Journey to Ella.
Experience the highlights of Ella Scenic Train Journey.
A duo embarks on a panoramic train journey from Kandy to Ella.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
20-28°C
December in Ella welcomes a decrease in rainfall, driving the weather towards the drier side. Temperatures span between 19.9°C to 28.4°C. A reduction in cloud cover indicates clearer skies, although daylight hours are at their annual low.
December in Ella welcomes a decrease in rainfall, driving the weather towards the drier side. Temperatures span between 19.9°C to 28.4°C. A reduction in cloud cover indicates clearer skies, although daylight hours are at their annual low.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
High demand may lead to limited availability; early booking is recommended.
Recommended
December offers perfect conditions for hiking, exploring tea plantations, and visiting waterfalls. This is one of the most popular months for tourism in Ella, so pre-planning and early booking are advisable.
December offers perfect conditions for hiking, exploring tea plantations, and visiting waterfalls. This is one of the most popular months for tourism in Ella, so pre-planning and early booking are advisable.
January
MEDIUM
16-23°C
January in Ella is characterized by mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.
January in Ella is characterized by mild temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities.
Open
Advance bookings are recommended due to higher demand during the peak season.
Advance bookings are recommended due to higher demand during the peak season.
Recommended
January offers comfortable weather conditions for exploring Ella by railway, with moderate tourist crowds and higher prices typical of the peak season.
January offers comfortable weather conditions for exploring Ella by railway, with moderate tourist crowds and higher prices typical of the peak season.
February
MEDIUM
16-24°C
February continues the trend of mild temperatures and low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for travel.
February continues the trend of mild temperatures and low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for travel.
Open
Advance bookings are advisable to secure accommodations and railway tickets.
Advance bookings are advisable to secure accommodations and railway tickets.
Recommended
February is an ideal month to visit Ella by railway, with favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, though prices remain elevated.
February is an ideal month to visit Ella by railway, with favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, though prices remain elevated.
March
MEDIUM
17-25°C
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures and a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for travel.
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures and a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for travel.
Open
Greater availability of accommodations and railway tickets as the peak season ends.
Greater availability of accommodations and railway tickets as the peak season ends.
Recommended
March offers a balance of good weather and reduced tourist crowds, making it a favorable time to explore Ella by railway.
March offers a balance of good weather and reduced tourist crowds, making it a favorable time to explore Ella by railway.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses serve Ella from Colombo (Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal) and Kandy (Kandy Goods Shed Bus Station), offering a budget-friendly option, though transfers may be required.
Car
Recommended
Private vehicles can access Ella via the A16 highway (Beragala-Hali Ela road). Limited public parking is available near the Ella Railway Station.
Train
Recommended
The Ella Railway Station is a key stop on the Colombo-Badulla railway line. Trains from Colombo Fort Station, Kandy Railway Station, and Nanu-Oya Railway Station (near Nuwara Eliya) offer scenic journeys.
Taxi
Taxis are available for transport to and from Ella, and for local travel. They can provide drop-offs directly at the Ella Railway Station.
Walking
Walking is feasible within Ella town and to nearby attractions. The Ella Railway Station is a short walk from the town center.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required