All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

Experience the Beauty of Sri Lanka’s Mountains on a Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Ella

For travelers craving a memorable journey through some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning landscapes, the All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey offers a compelling option. Priced at $125 per person, this 10-hour adventure takes you on a luxurious, first-class train ride through emerald hills, tea plantations, and charming villages. Your journey begins with hotel pickup near Kandy, and ends with a drop-off at your hotel or resort in Ella, making the entire experience smooth and hassle-free.

What we love about this experience is the luxury of the first-class seats, which provide ample space and comfort to take in the scenery without feeling cramped. Plus, the inclusive food and drink options—ranging from exotic fruits and sandwiches to wine or Prosecco—add a celebratory touch that enhances the journey’s special feel. However, one thing to keep in mind is the length of the trip, which can feel quite long if you’re not a fan of extended train rides. Still, this tour suits those who truly want to soak in the vistas at a relaxed pace and appreciate a touch of luxury.

This scenic journey is ideal for travelers who love breathtaking landscapes, enjoy luxury travel experiences, and prefer all-inclusive packages that take care of the details. If you’re looking for a way to see Sri Lanka’s hill country comfortably and enjoy some fine food along the way, this tour might be perfect. Keep in mind that the experience is best suited for those who can handle a lengthy ride and are comfortable with some minor organizational quirks, as reviews indicate.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The train ride offers some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic vistas, from lush tea plantations to mountain peaks.
• Comfort & Luxury: First-class seats, exclusive to this experience, make the journey more relaxing and enjoyable.
• Inclusive Food & Drinks: You’ll enjoy sandwiches, exotic fruits, and beverages—including wine or Prosecco—adding a festive touch.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 miles make logistics simple.
• Group Size: Limited to small groups (up to 6 participants), ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Potential Long Duration: The 10-hour trip can be long for some, especially if you prefer shorter excursions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Scenic Journey

The highlight of this tour, of course, is the train ride itself. Described by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most thrilling rail journeys, the route from Kandy to Ella weaves through some of the most dramatic scenery in Sri Lanka. Expect to see endless rolling hills covered with tea bushes, traditional villages, waterfalls, and tiny stations that seem to cling to the mountainside. You’ll be traveling in First Class, which means comfortable, reserved seats that allow you to relax and enjoy the view without the noise or hustle of second- or third-class compartments.

We loved the way the tour begins with a hotel pickup, which takes the stress out of figuring out transportation on your own. Once at the station, a guide is there to assist with tickets, and they explain what to expect during the ride. The pre-booked seats ensure you don’t have to scramble for a good spot, which can be a concern on Sri Lanka’s popular train routes.

As you settle in, a small box of assorted snacks is handed to you, encouraging you to snack and sip while marveling at the scenery. You might find that the selection of exotic fruits and sandwiches adds a special touch, making the journey feel like a true treat. For drinks, your choice of wine, soft drinks, hot brew, or Prosecco means you can toast the landscape or just enjoy the ride with a refreshing beverage.

The train journey itself is described as “very long” by some reviewers, which suggests that patience is needed. If you’re not someone who enjoys extended train trips, this might be a consideration. The route is stunning, but the duration is substantial—something to keep in mind if you prefer shorter excursions or need to conserve energy for other activities.

At journey’s end, a driver will pick you up and transfer you comfortably to your accommodation in Ella. This seamless drop-off helps you maximize your sightseeing time and eliminates the hassle of navigating Sri Lanka’s mountain roads after such a long trip.

The Experience at the Station and Onboard Service

While the experience is mostly positive, some reviewers note minor organizational hiccups. One traveler mentioned that communication before the trip was excellent, but on the day of, there were delays and some confusion. For instance, a driver arrived late, and once at the station, they found themselves handed tickets and a plastic bag of snacks without much guidance. Nevertheless, these are minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable experience.

The small group size (limited to six participants) ensures a more personalized experience, but it also means bookings need to be made well in advance, especially since last-minute reservations are not accepted. The flexibility of the schedule—with a 24-hour cancellation policy—adds convenience if plans change.

The Food and Drinks — A Highlight

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the inclusive food and beverage service. The selection of sandwiches, exotic fruits, and snacks is simple but satisfying, providing sustenance for the long ride. The ability to enjoy a glass of wine or Prosecco while gazing at Sri Lanka’s hills elevates the experience from a simple train ride to a celebratory event.

The beverage options are a nice touch, especially for those who want to toast the beautiful scenery or unwind with a drink. Keep in mind, however, that additional drinks or food beyond what’s included are not covered, so if you have specific preferences, you might want to bring your own snacks or beverages.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This scenic train journey is best suited for travelers who value comfort and scenic beauty over speed. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, all-inclusive experience with small group intimacy. The luxury of first-class seats and the inclusion of food and drinks make it a decadent way to see Sri Lanka’s interior, especially if you’re a fan of train travel or want a memorable way to connect with the landscape.

However, if you’re sensitive to long durations or prefer more flexible, shorter excursions, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re traveling in a large group, the limited booking capacity could be restrictive.

In summary, this tour offers a wonderfully scenic, comfortable, and indulgent way to experience Sri Lanka’s hill country, especially if you appreciate the finer details like gourmet snacks and panoramic views.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those who love stunning landscapes and luxury travel, this train journey provides a truly memorable experience with minimal hassle. The inclusive nature simplifies logistics, making it suitable for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about coordinating multiple bookings.

If you’re a photography enthusiast, you’ll adore the wide windows and reserved seats that give you a perfect vantage point for capturing the lush greenery and mountain peaks. The small group size fosters an intimate atmosphere, ideal for making new travel friends or enjoying a peaceful, unhurried trip.

That said, the length of the ride and some organizational quirks are factors to consider. If you’re prepared for a relaxed pace and love scenic trains, this experience delivers a beautiful taste of Sri Lanka’s interior in comfort and style. For travelers seeking adventure, a shorter trip, or a budget option, there might be other ways to explore the region, but none quite match the luxury and scenery this tour offers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour is limited to small groups of up to 6 participants, making it a good choice for solo travelers who want a more intimate experience.

What does the price include?
The $125 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 miles of the station, a one-way first-class train ticket, reserved seating, and a selection of food and drinks including wine or Prosecco.

Are there options for dietary restrictions?
The tour offers sandwiches, exotic fruits, and snacks, but specific dietary requests aren’t mentioned. It’s best to contact the provider ahead of time if you have special needs.

Can I choose my train departure time?
The start times are subject to availability, and specific preferences are not guaranteed. Check with the provider when booking for the most accurate scheduling.

Is there an opportunity to extend or customize the experience?
This is a fixed, pre-booked experience with limited flexibility. Additional extensions or customizations are not typically available.

What happens if my train is delayed?
While the tour includes a guide and organized transfer, some reviews mention train delays. The experience doesn’t specify compensation for delays, so travelers should be prepared for potential schedule shifts.

In the end, this scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella offers an elegant, relaxed way to see Sri Lanka’s mountains and tea country. It’s perfect for those who appreciate comfort, stunning views, and a bit of luxury in their travel adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here: