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.
"Traveled in April 2013 with Cyril . Family with three young children. Cyril match the trip plan problem on his part. Familiar with every corner of this beautiful island and we have managed to produce a great 17 days. Prices respect as well - we tested three competing proposals and was the cheapest. The fact that he was working independently and not through an agency that collects coupon trips generally significantly reduces the price of the package. A modern and spacious vehicle (van with seven ..." Maozd
"We had a great time on last 10 days in on our honeymoon in beautiful Sri Lanka. Thank you very much for the stories, the explanations, driving, tips, care and always with a smile. Big thanks for you Cyril. We had an amazing honeymoon in this beautiful island! and you are the best guide and friend that we could have here!!! We will sure tell our friends and family about the trip and you!!! We will stay in touch and may be one day meet you again. Oded & Carol Israel 10 Oct 2014" Naim & Coral Fisher from Israel
" Our Tour in Sri Lanka Traveling through the beautiful Sri Lanka has been great. Cyril warmly welcomed us at the airport and drove us with his always clean car in every part of the country. He provided daily information about the history and the different sites of Sri Lanka. Also, he taught us a lot about Sri Lankan culture, starting from food, traditions, animals and nature, and suggested authentic and less known places we c..." FILIPPO MASI FROM ITALY
"Thank you so much for wonderful Sri Lanka trip.We had a great time. The trip was very relaxing as well as fun. My daughter MAHI who lovingly started calling you "Cyril Dada"(grand farther) Had a memorable trip. She cannot stop talking about elephants. Our trip to Sri Lanka will be full of great memories, its because of you. Thank you for showing us your beautiful country the way we wanted, eating local food, lots of King coconut and Corn stops. We will be surely coming back to see rest o..." Mithil Patel
"We found Cyril on-line and after checking with lots of other guides we decided he is the one for us, that decision was the best one we did for our trip From the beginning, in our emails, Cyril listen to us and was very helpful, he gave us information and helped us to create the best trip for us.We had 10 days trip, for our honeymoon, to many parts of Sri-Lanka. the country is amazing, green, nice people and good food.Cyril was a great driver and even greater guide, he has so much knowledge and e..." Coral and Oded from Israel
"Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda 08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout
"Hello my dear friend Mr. Cyril We are all fine dear, I have visited Sri Lanka and I loved the country, Insha’Allah I will visit again your country, it is amazing place. This is the first day at work , really I enjoy the tour to sri lanka with my family and it was very nice and I wish to go again to sri lanka and of course you were very good and polite and respectable guy -thanks a lot for every thing and I wish you ..." Nasser Mohamed from Oman
"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
"Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver
"Dear Cyril, Thank you very much for wonderful holiday. Your attention to detail and care of your clients is extraordinary. We certainly hope to cross paths again and we will recommonding you to all of our friends and to family too. Many thanks again. Paul nad Machelle Brisbane, Australia. Visited during 10/10/2012 - 26/10/2012" Mr. Paul and Mrs. Machelle from Australia
.JPG)
