
Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya worth booking?
Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya is a 6-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $55 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Begin with hotel pickup in Kandy and travel through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country in a private vehicle. Along the way, enjoy optional stops at scenic waterfalls, tea plantations, viewpoints, and cultural landmarks based on your preferred itinerary and schedule. Then board one of the world’s most scenic train rides and soak in breathtaking views of misty mountains, lush tea estates, tunnels, bridges, and charming villages as you travel to Ella. Popular stops can include Ramboda Falls, Nuwara Eliya, tea factories, and panoramic viewpoints. After the train journey, continue by private transport to your hotel in Ella or returning to Kandy based on your preference. Perfect for travelers seeking Sri Lanka’s most scenic route with sightseeing, flexibility, and stress-free transportation.
What you get
About this experience
Begin with hotel pickup in Kandy and travel through Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country in a private vehicle. Along the way, enjoy optional stops at scenic waterfalls, tea plantations, viewpoints, and cultural landmarks based on your preferred itinerary and schedule. Then board one of the world’s most scenic train rides and soak in breathtaking views of misty mountains, lush tea estates, tunnels, bridges, and charming villages as you travel to Ella. Popular stops can include Ramboda Falls, Nuwara Eliya, tea factories, and panoramic viewpoints. After the train journey, continue by private transport to your hotel in Ella or returning to Kandy based on your preference. Perfect for travelers seeking Sri Lanka’s most scenic route with sightseeing, flexibility, and stress-free transportation.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Ella Train Tickets (2nd Class Normal)
- English Speaking Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Ramboda Waterfall
Visit Ramboda Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls nestled in the hill country. Take in stunning views of the cascading falls, enjoy fresh mountain air, capture great photos, and relax surrounded by lush tea plantations and scenic landscapes.
60 minutes here
Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden
Visit Damro Labookellie Tea Centre and Tea Garden and explore Sri Lanka’s famous tea country. Walk through lush tea plantations, learn how Ceylon tea is made, watch the tea-making process, enjoy scenic mountain views, and taste freshly brewed tea.
60 minutes here
Gregory Lake
Visit Gregory Lake and enjoy the cool climate and scenic beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Relax by the lakeside, take in panoramic views, capture beautiful photos, and explore the peaceful surroundings of Nuwara Eliya.
60 minutes here
Post Office Nuwara Eliya
Stop at the iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office, a charming colonial-era landmark known for its red-brick architecture and old-world charm. Take photos, admire its unique design, and experience a piece of Nuwara Eliya’s colonial history.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Nanu Oya railway station
Stop at Nanu oya Railway Station, a peaceful hill-country station surrounded by rolling green landscapes. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, capture scenic photos of the railway tracks, and experience the charm of Sri Lanka’s countryside.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Ella
Explore Ella, a charming hill-country town known for its breathtaking views and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy scenic landscapes, visit popular viewpoints, explore local cafés, and soak in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s mountains.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sri Lanka Driver Hire with Car
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Above and beyond!
I had an absolutely fantastic time on this trip. With a 7:30 pick-up in Kandy we stopped at a tea factory for a tour (free but purchase expected), went to Ramboda waterfall (200 LKR for close viewpoint), stopped at a beautiful viewpoint (free), went to the famous Nuwara Eliya post office (postcard and stamp under 300 LKR), and Gregory Lake (1000 LKR) all before the 3:30 train to Ella (ticket included with tour). Amila is both a great tour guide and a safe driver on some of the very hilly parts of the country you will go through. You can spend as much/as little time at each spot and Amila will still ensure you get to the train station early enough for a fantastic seat on the train! As a solo female traveler I felt incredibly safe at every moment and appreciated having someone on hand to help with photos 😄. Beyond all of that, when my taxi from Ella to one of the southern beaches cancelled on me last second, I reached out to Amila and he found me a driver incredibly quickly at the same price as the cancelled taxi! I cannot recommend this tour enough, especially since you get the best of both worlds in driving from Kandy to Nanuoya and then taking the most scenic part of the train to Ella. Well worth the price!
via Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic...
We had a fantastic experience traveling from Kandy to Ella with Amila. He was an excellent driver and made the entire journey incredibly easy and enjoyable. Amila arranged and purchased our train tickets in advance, which allowed us to have a wonderful experience taking the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. While we enjoyed the train ride, he took care of our luggage and drove it safely to Ella, where he met us and dropped us directly at our hotel. He was also very flexible throughout the journey. We wanted to make a few stops along the way, and he was happy to accommodate us and make the trip work around what we wanted to see and do. Everything felt very well organized without ever feeling rushed.
via Viator
Punctual, efficient and enjoyable
Had a really efficient and enjoyable experience with this tour, they kept me updated with all the trip details prior to the trip and it was a smooth experience and the scenic train ride to Ella was amazing, would definitely recommend to everyone!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience.
We did this today with our driver Akram and had a great experience. Akram showed us all the sites between Kandy and the train station. He ensured we got our ticket for the train and had us there early enough to get seats at the windows. He kept our bags in his car for ease. He then drove to Ella. He picked us up from the train station and drove us to our hotel. Akram was professional and helpful. I’d recommend this for anyone trying yo get from Kandy to Ella.
via Tripadvisor
Super good
Amazing driver, super nice guy. Everything on time, also the car was comfy, everything perfect.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $110
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sri Lanka Driver Hire with Car, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.3.
See everything Sri Lanka Driver Hire with Car runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kandy.
How much does Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya cost?
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Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kandy usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kandy is not rushed.
Is Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kandy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kandy can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kandy and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kandy within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kandy?
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On Outty we rank every Kandy experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Explore Kandy City Tour by Tuk Tuk, Tours and Transportation in Sri Lanka, Kandy City Tour By Best Guide Lanka Tours. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kandy?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kandy?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya?
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Included: Bottled water; Ella Train Tickets (2nd Class Normal); English Speaking Guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 69 listed pickup locations in and around Kandy. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kandy. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Kandy to Ella Tour by Car with Scenic Train Ride from Nanu Oya?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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