Kandy to Nanu Oya 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
3.8/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") worth booking?
Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") is a 3-hour experience in Kandy, Sri Lanka, from $26 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 8 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (8)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $26 per person
Kandy to Nanu Oya 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 fro
What you get
About this experience
Kandy to Nanu Oya 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 0849 hrs. Usually it takes about 4 hours approximately to reach Nanu Oya Railway station. 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 Nanu Oya from Kandy Railway Station
Not included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off from/to Kandy or Nanu Oya
- 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.
- Languages
- en
- 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 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike"). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Lovely
A nice train ride but very long. Scenery is lovely and gives a different perspective of Sri Lanka. It was a comfortable ride in 1st class as it has AC. Snacks and drinks reasonably priced. Make sure you book early and take your passport, it will get checked.
via Tripadvisor
Stunning Views but a Very Long Journey
Review of Train Journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya We recently took the famous train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya, often described as one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. It certainly lived up to its reputation for beauty, but it was also the longest train journey we’ve ever taken, and at 6.5 hours it was quite an experience – equal parts breathtaking and exhausting. We were fortunate enough to book seats in the observation carriage, which made a big difference to the trip. The carriage has large windows at the back of the train, allowing you to take in sweeping views of the countryside as the line winds its way through tea plantations, villages, forests, and mountains. Watching the landscapes unfold so dramatically felt like being part of a moving postcard. It was a genuinely unique way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. That said, while the scenery was spectacular, the journey itself was not particularly comfortable. The observation car was pleasant, but it did get very hot at times, especially in the early afternoon. Ventilation is limited, and while the windows provide fresh air, it wasn’t always enough to offset the heat after hours of travel. A small fan or better air circulation would have made a huge difference. One of the main challenges was the number of stops along the way. The train stopped at every single station, and while some were quick halts, others lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour as we waited for trains coming in the opposite direction to pass. This is understandable since it’s a single-track line, but it did make the journey feel drawn out. What is billed as a 4–5 hour trip stretched into 6.5 hours for us. For some, that might add to the sense of adventure, but for us it felt a bit too long, especially in the heat. Despite the delays, there were moments when time seemed to stand still in the best way. Watching locals hopping on and off at rural stations, seeing schoolchildren waving at the train, and spotting the endless rows of tea bushes were all highlights. It’s a reminder that this is not just a tourist experience – it’s also an important everyday mode of transport for many Sri Lankans. By the time we reached Nanu Oya, we were both relieved and grateful. Relieved because the journey was tiring, but grateful because it was unlike anything else we’ve done while travelling. If you’re planning to take this train, we’d strongly recommend booking seats in either first class or the observation carriage if possible, as the comfort level is noticeably higher than in the more crowded carriages. Bring water, snacks, and plenty of patience – it’s not a quick or smooth ride, but it is unforgettable. In summary, the train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya is exactly as people describe it: beautiful, memorable, and very long. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, especially if you’re sitting in the observation car. Just be prepared for heat, frequent stops, and significant delays. For us, it was both the longest and the most scenic train ride we’ve ever taken – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’re glad we did, even if we wouldn’t rush to do it again.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointing train ride
Our train was delayed due to maintenance, and after finally boarding in 2nd class, the journey quickly became frustrating. We came to a standstill for over an hour with no communication from staff. The carriage was extremely hot, there was no drinks service, and the lap tray would not stay up. Although the scenery along the route is beautiful, what should have been a 2.5-hour trip turned into a 6-hour ordeal. The toilets were particularly disappointing and unsuitable for women, as they were simply holes in the floor leading directly onto the track. Overall, this was not the experience we were led to believe. Very disappointing—and to add to the frustration, there are no “9 arches” to see on this ride.
via Tripadvisor
Scenic Train Delight
Scenic 4 hour train ride through the hilly area of Sri Lanka, doors left open at the end of the carriages to allow unimpeded views of the countryside, they would have a fit in the UK! We travelled 1st class (air conditioned) the whole train seemed busy so book in advance.
via Tripadvisor
Buyer be Aware - a confirmed booking does not mean you will get your train tickets
We booked this trip for 2 pax in reserved seating in second class prior to our trip to Sri Lanka. Despite the booking being paid for and confirmed, a number of weeks later they asked for additional information to purchase the tickets. When this was further explored, despite confirming the booking they did not have tickets and then were not able to get them stating the train trip is popular. They then tried to sell tickets to a later train for the same price.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 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
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kandy to Nanu Oya 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 Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") cost?
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Prices start at $26 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 Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 8 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 Nanu Oya 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 Nanu Oya 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 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike")?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kandy to Nanu Oya 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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