By rail · NINE ARCH BRIDGE & HILL COUNTRY TRAINS

The Nine Arch Bridge & Sri Lanka’s Hill Country Trains: 15 to Book

32 rail days  ·  from $18 a seat

The Ella line runs through tea country and over a stone viaduct built without steel. These 15 sort the ride, the viewpoint walks and the combined days, with fares, running times and which class is worth the extra.

Ella Train Tours, Nine Arch Bridge & Hill Country Trains, Scenic Train Journeys, Scenic Train Journeys in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

Ella to Kandy scenic train journey with reserved seats ticket

1.Ella to Kandy scenic train journey with reserved seats ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · from $17Our pick

Reserve a seat for Sri Lanka’s famous Ella to Kandy train ride. The six-hour trip passes tea plantations, waterfalls, mountain villages, and misty hills. Your seat may be in first, second, or third class, depending on availability. Tickets arrive by WhatsApp before midnight the day before travel.

“They were very kind and very quick to respond. Everything is perfect. I wanted to buy tickets for a trip with friends and on the main website in two minutes they left, I relied on them and as promised the day before departure at midnight, the tickets and 2nd class reserved arrived. I would buy backAuto-translated”

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Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup - Ravana Waterfall makes an easy first stop
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Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup

2.Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 16 hours · from $140

Travel from Colombo, Galle, Negombo, or nearby resorts to Ella with an English-speaking guide such as Krish, Ranga, or Dinesh. Expect a long road day with a short scenic train ride, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, tea tasting, Ravana Waterfall, and optional ziplining.

“Krish was a fantastic tour guide! He has a bubbly, friendly attitude and his attention to detail to personalise the itinerary to make the most of the day was second to none. I had a great day and saw everything I wanted to. Even when I was nervous to go down the zipline, his encouragement got me through! Overall, this day is going to be a highlight of my trip! Highly recommend”

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Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train - Day one: Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Kandy
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Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

3.Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 93 reviews · 3 days · from $250

Travel from Colombo or Negombo to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Udawalawe with a driver-guide. Climb Sigiriya, visit the Temple of the Tooth, ride the Nanu Oya to Ella train when weather allows, hike Little Adam’s Peak, and finish with an elephant safari.

“it was great guide was very much supportive. tour company also give us advised.”

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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour - Nine Arch Bridge before the train
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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

4.Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 7 hours · from $37

Travel by tuk-tuk with guides such as Shifar, Rishad, or Jagan to Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Station, Ella, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Falls, and Pallewela Waterfall. The day includes hiking, swimming, photography, and a short train ride. Lunch and zipline entry cost extra.

“We had an exceptional tour and can highly recommend it. Our guide spoke clear, easy-to-understand English, communicated very well before the trip, and was punctual and reliable. He was also incredibly helpful and supportive, especially during the hike, and made sure we were comfortable even though we were traveling with our two-year-old son. The trip itself was fun and well organized. The waterfalls were truly impressive, and the hike down and back up was challenging but absolutely rewarding. The view from Little Adam’s Peak was stunning and a real highlight of the day. Overall, a fantastic experience from start to finish!”

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Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive - Little Adam’s Peak gives you the best short walk
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Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

5.Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $190

Travel from Bentota to Ella in a private car with a driver-guide, stopping at Rawana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Loop, and a tea factory. You’ll also ride the Hill Country train from Demodara toward Haputale, with lunch, tickets, entry fees, and hotel transfers included.

“A wonderful day trip exploring the sights around Ella. This let us experience the beauty of Sri Lanka away from the coast. Pradeep was our driver and guide for the day and was superb at his job. He was friendly and made sure everything was jRead more”

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From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train - Ella Rock takes the most effort
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From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train

6.All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 54 reviews · 1 day · from $28

Join an English-speaking guide such as Nuwan or Ruwan for a private Ella day tour covering eight major sights, hotel transfers, hikes, waterfalls and a Demodara to Ella train ride. Add the $33 Flying Ravana zipline or $5 Calypso train music option if desired.

“Hiking up Ella Rock was challenging but so rewarding with the stunning views from the top. Ravana Falls was a picturesque spot and perfect for some great photos. Riding the Calypso train through the lush landscapes was a unique experience, and Little Adam's Peak offered breathtaking views with a much easier hike.Our guide was fantastic and made sure we had an amazing day.”

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Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON's SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE] - Nine Arches Bridge and Ella’s railway heritage
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Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

7.Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $135

Travel from Galle to Ella and Haputale on a private, all-inclusive day trip with hotel pickup, a tuk-tuk ride to Lipton’s Seat, Ravana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Buduruwagala Temple, and a one-hour train ride through tea country. Mathews is one guide named in guest feedback.

“Nice trip to Ella and othe places. Amazing views from the little Adam's peak. The trip from Welligama takes the whole day, but it's worth to see all this places.”

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Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella - Starting at Platform 1 in Kandy
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Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella

8.Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $34

Meet at Kandy Railway Station at 9:40 am for a roughly six-hour Ella Odyssey ride. Your paper ticket has a reserved seat in second or third class, with scenic stops for photographs. Ticket delivery is offered before departure, and contacts such as Geesara or Bawantha may assist with arrangements.

“Nice trip by train with gorgeous views of the countryside.”

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Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home - Hiking Little Adam’s Peak to 1,141 meters
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Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home

9.Sri Lanka Ella Private Day Tour Nine Arch & Elephant transit home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $190

Travel from Kalutara to Ella in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed guide. Walk to Nine Arches Bridge, hike Little Adam’s Peak, stop at Ravana Falls, visit a tea plantation, and see elephant calves at Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. Guides may speak English, Russian, Polish, French or German.

“We did an Ella day tour with Hai Sri Lanka Tours. Since the Elephant Transit Home visit is only about 30–40 minutes for the elephant feeding, we requested to add an Udawalawa Safari to the itinerary.”

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Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch - Nine Arch Bridge and the engineering behind the view
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Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

10.Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $145

Travel from Bentota to Ella by air-conditioned vehicle, hike to Little Adam’s Peak, see Nine Arch Bridge, visit a tea garden and Rawana Falls, then ride the train from Demodara to Bandarawela. An English-speaking guide, tickets, snacks, and water are included. Confirm the private group arrangement before departure.

“I booked a private tour with Sindu based on the reviews. Unfortunately the night before I was informed there would be another passenger. When I queried this I was offered another guide. After my day I would have to say that Armuna is not Read more”

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Special Tourists Train Ride in Ella - Calypso Train - The 30-minute pause in Bandarawela
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Special Tourists Train Ride in Ella – Calypso Train

11.Special Tourists Train Ride in Ella – Calypso Train

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 13 reviews · from $19

Ride the Calypso Train through Sri Lanka’s hill country between Badulla, Demodara, Ella, and Bandarawela. The reserved service includes a photo stop at Nine Arches Bridge, a 30-minute break, taxes, and an e-ticket sent by email or WhatsApp. Train times can change.

“Absolute cheek. We paid 60$ and there was no music, no canteen, not what was promised. Just a train that you can also book for 3$ at the station. Don't fall for these scammers, please don't book!!!”

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All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey - From hotel pickup to the platform
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All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

12.All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 11 reviews · 10 hours · from $125

You’ll take a 10-hour scenic rail journey toward Ella with an English-speaking host or greeter, reserved first-class seating, snacks, one included drink, and hotel transfers within 10 miles of the station. The route currently starts at Ambewela because of cyclone damage, with a complimentary shuttle provided.

“ceylon havde en fantastisk servise men togturen var længere end forventet måtte vente 3 timer i toget på en station”

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From Ella -Unforgettable Day Trip of 8 Sights & Train - Ella Rock brings the biggest reward
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From Ella -Unforgettable Day Trip of 8 Sights & Train

13.Unforgettable Day Trip of 8 Sights & Train

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 8 reviews · 1 day · from $34

You’ll spend a full day touring Ella with an English-speaking guide and driver, visiting Ravana Falls, Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Loop, and Little Adam’s Peak. A train ride is included when schedules allow. Nuwan is one guide reported for this tour, with ziplining and Calypso music available at extra cost.

“I had the most amazing day in Ella. Nuwan was the best guide I’ve ever had in all my travels. He let me customise my day since it was just him & I on the scooter. I got to see so much of Ella. He was very conversational and really kind and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone, but especially solo travelers!!”

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Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") - Hatton to Haputale: the finest section of the ride
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Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

14.Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $45

Take Train 1005, Podi Menike, from Kandy or Peradeniya to Ella in about six to seven hours. You will pass villages, tea estates, and the finest scenery between Hatton and Haputale. Choose first or second class, with advance booking arranged by Lakpura.

“The trainride is definitely worth it and a must-do if you visit Sri Lanka. We had reserved 2nd class tickets. The doors were opened regularly to make instragrammable pictures.”

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From Ella - Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Scenic Train Ride - Ravana Falls and the first taste of Ella’s folklore
1-Day Tours, Ella Train Tours, Nine Arch Bridge & Hill Country Trains, Scenic Train Journeys, Scenic Train Journeys in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Tours

From Ella – Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Scenic Train Ride

15.Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Scenic Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5 reviews · from $49

Join an English-speaking guide and driver for a full day around Ella, with hotel pickup, lunch, Ravana Falls, Ella Rock, the Demodara Loop, Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak. You can add the Calypso train for about $5 or the Flying Ravana zipline for about $33.

“Saw so much, had a delicious lunch and the driver was excellent”

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