Sri Lanka is one of the most picturesque and attractive destinations for a traveller. It is a city with mythological history, beautiful greenery of nature and traditional culture of tribal Kantas. Sri Lanka is not just a place, it is a city of experiences, adventures and vibrant emotions shared by all those who have come to get a glimpse of the solitude of the heat of the sun and enjoy the cool breeze of the sea.
For those who do not travel much, this is one of the cheapest travel destinations which is not only budget friendly but also helps you gain knowledge about the Asian culture, wildlife, monuments and lifestyle of the people of Sri Lanka. Will do. There are many heart-throbbing tourist places that you can visit and also enjoy the authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine and dishes. The country’s coastline is covered with many amazing beaches and the highlands are home to Polonnaruwa, Adams Peak, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and many other beautiful places.
Sri Lanka train travel is considered to be the most convenient way to travel and enjoy the beautiful views of the land of Sri Lanka. These trains were built during the colonial British rule to transport coffee from one place to another.
They are not only comfortable but also a time-saving mode of transport, especially for tourists who want to visit multiple places due to limited time in their holidays. These trains provide a unique experience of traveling and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are many trains that ply across the country and each train varies in terms of cost, facilities, machinery, speed and functioning as well.
3 Best Sri Lanka Train Trips
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka that will give you a unique experience of untouched countryside and thrilling beaches.
1. Viceroy Special
Viceroy Special is one of the traditional steam trains that offers you spectacular Sri Lanka train journeys. With a nominal fee of 897 LKR, it will provide you with all the basic amenities like comfortable seats, clean toilets, no air conditioning and a canteen for normal eating. This train will also provide you with great amenities like bar drinking area, smoke zone, dining cabinet with full course meals, board music, Wi-Fi networking facility and much more but it will cost you a little more. It’s basically an island train that runs along the beach. It offers the best hill country rail tours in Sri Lanka.
2. Viceroy II
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This train showcases the grandeur of luxurious lifestyle as well as the authentic charm of ancient history. It offers you lavish amenities like 24 comfortable seats with tables, dining cabinets and bar along with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and high-class sound system. Sri Lankan rail journeys are incomplete without its presence and functioning. This train will help you meet new people and you can also enjoy the delicious cuisine of Sri Lanka along your journey across the country. Its glory can be seen from its economical service which is much better than Viceroy Special.
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3. T1 Railcar
The T1 railcar was built by the English Electric Company UK to create a magical experience of scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka. In this train, apart from the magnificent modern machinery, an attempt has been made to recreate the entire rail car as a symbol of the traditional background. This train can carry a maximum of 32 passengers and is best suited for family trips and corporate holidays. It is a time-saving and cost-effective means of transportation that provides you with tourist guidance during the train journey as well as experienced and cordial staff to provide you a comfortable travel experience. This train will give you all the facilities along with beauty and class.
Scroll down to see some of the most amazing routes in Sri Lanka and the ways through which you can catch a train out and around this stunning land.
3 Best Train Routes in Sri Lanka
Scroll down to see some of the most amazing routes in Sri Lanka and ways in which you can catch a train while being out and about in this stunning land.
1. Northern Route
This route usually involves pilgrims and devotees who are traveling to Anuradhapura Temple or Jaffna. It is one of the common trains traveling long routes in the north of Sri Lanka, enjoying spectacular views of northern Sri Lanka as well as the best services by Sri Lankan Railways staff. It travels from coastal locations to rugged mountain slopes to carry passengers and help them taste the true Sri Lankan beauty.
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2. Southern route
This train journey takes passengers to the south of Sri Lanka from Colombo to Galle. It is a great trip which includes wades by Tamil devotees and food vendors selling their special Sri Lankan street food. There are many private trains that offer comfortable seats along with delicious food.
3. Nine Arch Bridge
This bridge is the pride of Sri Lanka train travel as it is one of the oldest bridges which was built from rocks and steel in 1900. Demodara Nine Arch Bridge apart from its amazing construction provides a perfect panoramic view to the travelers. Travelers can enjoy this bridge while traveling in the opposite direction or while passing over the bridge in trains.
Sri Lanka Train Trips: Ticket Categories
Sri Lanka Railways has equipped its trains in various categories. The increase in class level also increases the quality of service provided by the professional rail authority. Rainfall experience is divided into the following subgroups.
1. First class ticket
The first class train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is one of the impressive experiences of Sri Lanka train travel. This class will equip you with all the lavish facilities like world class seats and windows with curtains, healthy and hygienic food in all flavours, dining cabinets with drinks and all types of bars and much more. Tourists from Europe, Australia and America usually consider first class tickets as an option for traveling and enjoying long distance travel in Sri Lanka. This ticket costs 1000 LKR and to avoid the risk of your seats not being reserved, make sure you book your tickets a day before your train journey.
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2. Second class ticket
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The second class train cabinets are more filled with middle class working parents, grandmothers with their cute innocent grandchildren and the usual tourist bunches coming from neighboring cities of Sri Lanka. This class will provide you with basic amenities like comfortable seats, doors and windows, working fans, clean toilets and a common canteen that provides you with normal food and drinks. People traveling in this cabinet will love to open their doors and windows to enjoy the mesmerizing glimpse of nature as well as the scenic beauty of highlands, waterfalls, beaches. Although the cost of this class is a bit cheaper yet it varies from place to place. For example, to travel from Weligama to Kandy you have to pay 340 LKR.
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3. Third class ticket
This category is famous for its cost rate. The only difference is the level of amenities provided as there are normal seats and windows with no fan facility. This category is more convenient if you are traveling short distances, like from Colombo Fort to Hikkaduwa you will be charged a nominal fee of 160 LKR, from Hikkaduwa to Galle you will be charged only 35 LKR and from Kandy to Hatton you will be charged 160 LKR. LKR will be charged. This cabinet is more suitable for those who missed their train or who did not sit in second class. This class will also provide you with the most amazing natural views from your window where you can enjoy your train journey without getting bored by seeing the beauty of nature and wildlife. Each journey describes a different experience and each scene explains a unique set of stories made up of Sri Lankan thorns.
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Sri Lanka train trips are a more comfortable and economical means of travel. If you are booking your tickets online, please ensure that you choose the safest and best site for booking to avoid fraudulent websites or payment loss. Also, take care of your luggage during the journey. Ask about the station twice before getting off the train platform. It will not only introduce you to new cities in Sri Lanka but will also save you from getting lost. So, plan your trip to Sri Lanka for a tranquil holiday experience in this gorgeous land!
