Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike")
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") worth booking?
Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") is a 6-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $31 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 13 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (13)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $31 per person
Kandy to Ella train ride is known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. We facilitate our clients to book 1st class AC compartment or 2nd class non-AC reserved seats. The train starts its journey from Co
What you get
About this experience
Kandy to Ella train ride is known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. We facilitate our clients to book 1st class AC compartment or 2nd class non-AC reserved seats. The train starts its journey from Colombo Fort Railway station and Reaches Kandy by 0905 hrs. Usually it takes about 3 hours approximately to reach Kandy/Peradeniya Railway station where the scenic trip begins. The train would reach Ella by 1522 hrs. and the most scenic part of the train journey is from Hatton to Haputale. During the journey the train goes passing lush greenish tea estates, many tunnels, farming fields, villages, various types of forests etc
What's included
Included
- All taxes & service charges.
- Scenic train ride to Ella from Peradeniya / Kandy Railway Station
Not included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from/to Kandy or Ella.
- Food or drinks.
- Expenses of personal nature.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kandy
Meet Lakpura representative at Kandy Railway station & collect the Train Tickets
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lakpura LLC
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike"). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great trip with wonderous views
A great 2.5 hours, coming down from the heights of Kandy to Ella, thru wonderful countryside, tea plantations, waterfalls, virgin forests the views just keep coming , For thrills you can lean out of the carriage, no doors , All seats need booking and fill up quickly
Response from the operator: (J36083U63) Thanks for your review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the beautiful views and thrilling ride from Kandy to Ella. Booking early is definitely recommended for this unforgettable journey!
via Tripadvisor
Nuwara Eliya to Ella scenic train journey
The scenic train journey was just wonderful...!The hillside view from the train was just exquisite! We were travelling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella...And also we experienced a journey by train among the cloudy hill and also the train passed 21 Tunnels!
via Tripadvisor
A Moving Lunch
For those with long memories a rail journey on a train with a Pullman carriage (or two), with lunch (perhaps more appropriately here, 'luncheon') served throughout, is not unusual; but these services were eliminated several years ago and it's quite possible that many rail travellers don't even know that such a service ever existed. But GWR has reinstated a scaled down version of lunch in a Pullman carriage on it's regular runs from Plymouth to Paddington (as well as on the Swansea route) throughout the week ( sadly, not at weekends). A two or three course lunch is served, a limited selection of good wine is available to accompany, and the service was enthusiastic and excellent. Charges are £38 for two courses, £46 for three, and drinks are optional/additional. On my one journey I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food, and cooking, and found the entire experience pleasant, effortless and, frankly, delightful. This in an age where 'delight' is often in limited supply. My only slight criticism, or disappointment, was that GWR did not have the faith to devote an entire carriage to dining tables, and the usual (if unavoidable) clutter of bags and cycles took up space which could usefully included three or four additional tables. The other drawback for travellers on a limited budget is that those with first class tickets are able to book a table online, in advance, while those with standard class tickets have to check with the steward just before the departure of the train to see if there are places available. That apart, this was my best (and best catered) journey from Plymouth to Paddington in about 40 years. Can't be bad.
via Tripadvisor
Viator you need to shut this down
Shockingly dreadful experience on every level. We paid for the tickets in advance and were sent an eticket which clearly stated to meet the rep at the station on the day. Fortunately we thought we would double check at Kandy station the day before to find out where exactly we should meet the rep. To be told the ticket was invalid Basically TripAdvisor sell via Viator block bookings for this train journey the tickets for which have not yet been released. The agents in Sri Lanka then scramble on line on the day Sri Lankan railway release the tickets to secure as many as possible. In our case they had all sold out by the time the agents got online. Trying to arrange alternative transport to Ella became a nightmare and trip advisor helpline next to useless We later found out that Sri Lankan government is cracking down on companies like viator and if you don’t book direct AND with your passport number you won’t be going anywhere
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional Service: Secured Sold-Out Train Tickets
Outstanding service provided by Hansika at Lakpura. Despite the Kandy to Ella train being sold out everywhere else, she managed to secure us tickets for this iconic journey. Highly recommend Lakpura for their exceptional service and commitment to customer satisfaction!
Response from the operator: (J33018U05) Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that was able to secure your tickets for the Kandy to Ella train journey. Providing exceptional service and ensuring customer satisfaction are our top priorities. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to assisting you again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike"): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kandy.
How much does Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") cost?
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Prices start at $31 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 train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") 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 train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Kandy, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike")?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") 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 train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike")?
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Around 5 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 train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") 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, Chauffeur guide and Tour organizer. 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.
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