Thank you for visiting my site.
You are here: Home / Destinations / SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEY - NANU OYA TO ELLA
The train journey from Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya station) to Ella is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. This unforgettable experience takes travelers through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country, offering a unique perspective of the island’s natural beauty that cannot be experienced by road.
As the train slowly winds through the mountains, passengers are treated to panoramic views of rolling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, cascading waterfalls, and charming rural villages. The journey passes through numerous tunnels and across scenic bridges, creating a constantly changing landscape that is both relaxing and visually stunning. The cool climate and fresh mountain air further enhance the experience, making it a highlight of any Sri Lanka itinerary.
What Makes This Journey Special
This train ride is more than just transportation—it is a truly immersive experience. The open doorways and large windows allow travelers to fully enjoy the scenery, making it ideal for photography and relaxation. One of the most iconic sections is near Nine Arch Bridge, where the train curves through lush greenery, offering one of the most photographed views in Sri Lanka.
Duration & Distance
Important Travel Update
Please note that due to previous damage to the railway track caused by a natural disaster, train services on this route are currently operating from Ambewela Railway Station instead of Nanu Oya. Transfers can be easily arranged from Nuwara Eliya to Ambewela, which is approximately a 30–40-minute drive.
Classes & Seating Options
For most international travelers, 2nd class reserved seating is recommended for the best balance between comfort and experience.
Best Time to Travel
This journey can be enjoyed throughout the year, with the clearest views typically between December and April. Morning and mid-day departures are ideal for the best lighting and scenery.
Travel Tips
Experience Highlight
Often described as a once-in-a-lifetime journey, this train ride perfectly combines scenic beauty, local culture, and a relaxed travel pace. It remains one of the most memorable experiences in Sri Lanka, especially for nature lovers and photographers exploring the hill country.
"11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK
" Hi Cyril We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka. We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from
"CyrilWe are now back at home after the lovely time with you in Sri Lanka, andvisiting Hong Kong.Thank you for driving for us while we were in Sri Lanka.In particular, we appreciated - your smooth, calm and efficient driving through varied traffic conditions - your calmness when things did not go quite as expected - your being available at all times of day - I'm remembering our late arrival at the airport, and our late departure - your information about all sorts of ..." Cliff Hooker and Jean from Australia
"If you ever plan to visit Sri Lanka (and I think you should) this is your guide!!! Martha Iordanidou - Thesoloneki - Greece " Martha Iordanidou
"We had a exellent and memorable trip. That all credit to you Cyril.Indepth knowledge about the place, roads, Culture and history. Very matuared and patient. We were in very safe hands on all the time. Thanks a lot, mainly it's memorable expeirience for all of us. We always recomond CYRIL TOURS to our friends and relatives in Dubai and in India." Awdhesh Kumar and gruop
"Thank you so much for your great service and making our honeymoon in Sri Lanka, so special and joyful. Best regards from Yuffa and Elad Abbo – Israel- 10 July 2008 " Yuffa and Elad Abbo - Israel
"Dear Cyril, Thanks for taking care of the Dr.Sethukavalar and his wife very well. They were indeed very happy for all the care you have shown during your tour. They were very impressed of your patience and kindness. I look forward to see you soon and maintain this good relationship we have developed in a short period of time. We will not hesitate a second to recommend you to all our friends who would like to visit Sri Lanka. Taking this opportunity of wishing you all the best. Thanks fo..." HARIDAS KANDASAMY
"We had an excellent and memorable trip and all credits to Cyril. In-depth knowledge about the places, roads and history and culture. From the airport assistance - Food, accommodation provided and the vehicle was excellent. Very matured and patient, We being on safe hands. Thanks for making it a memorable experience for all of us. " Aubry De Souza and group from Dubai
"(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
"Thank you Cyril for caring us and giving a very enjoyable tour to all of our family while we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. Definitely we will recommend you to our friends and relatives. Hitendra Molleti and family" Hitendra Molleti
.JPG)
