If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the Ella Odyssey Train offers one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. This special tourist service connects Colombo Fort to Badulla, taking you through some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, from coastal plains to misty mountain peaks.
The Ella Odyssey Train has become a highlight for travelers seeking to experience Sri Lanka’s renowned hill country in comfort and style. As one of the most sought-after train experiences in Asia, the Ella Odyssey Train provides an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Overview of the Ella Odyssey Train
The Ella Odyssey Train is a specially designed tourist service that operates along one of the most scenic railway routes in Asia. What sets the Ella Odyssey Train apart is its thoughtful approach to sightseeing – the train slows down or stops at key viewpoints, allowing passengers to fully appreciate Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Unlike regular train services, the Ella Odyssey Train is specifically tailored for tourists who want to experience the legendary beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country railway.
Key Information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Number | 1041 (Colombo Fort to Badulla)<br>1042 (Badulla to Colombo Fort) |
| Train Type | Special Tourist Service |
| Journey Duration | 10 hours 23 minutes |
| Operating Days | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Available Classes | 1st Class A/C (176 seats)<br>2nd Class (144 seats)<br>3rd Class (50 seats) |
| Ticket Type | Reservation Only |
| Maximum Stops | 21 railway stations<br>10 tourist attractions |
Train Schedules
Colombo to Badulla Schedule
| Day | Departure from Colombo Fort | Arrival at Badulla |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 05:30 | 16:00 |
| Saturday | 05:30 | 16:00 |
Badulla to Colombo Schedule
| Day | Departure from Badulla | Arrival at Colombo Fort |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 09:15 | 19:20 |
| Sunday | 09:15 | 19:20 |
Detailed Station Stops
Colombo to Badulla Route
The journey from Colombo to Badulla includes stops at major stations and scenic viewpoints:
| Station/Viewpoint | Arrival | Departure | Stop Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | – | 05:30 | – | Starting point |
| Gampaha | 06:00 | 06:01 | 1 min | |
| Veyangoda | 06:11 | 06:12 | 1 min | |
| Polgahawela | 06:45 | 06:46 | 1 min | |
| Rambukkana | 06:56 | 06:58 | 2 mins | |
| Peradeniya | 08:04 | 08:05 | 1 min | |
| Kandy | 08:13 | 08:25 | 12 mins | Major city stop |
| Peradeniya | 08:33 | 08:35 | 2 mins | |
| Nawalapitiya | 09:18 | 09:23 | 5 mins | |
| Horsetail Waterfall View | – | – | 2 mins | Near 93.5 miles post |
| Sri Pada View | – | – | 2 mins | Adam’s Peak viewpoint |
| Hatton | 10:35 | – | – | Tea plantation area |
| St Clair Waterfall View | – | – | 2 mins | Near 114.5 miles post |
| Great Western Station | 11:40 | 11:44 | 4 mins | |
| Nanuoya | 12:02 | – | – | Gateway to Nuwara Eliya |
| Elgin Falls View | – | – | 2 mins | Near 134.25 miles post |
| Summit Level | – | – | 2 mins | Highest point on route |
| No. 18 Tunnel End | – | – | 3 mins | Near 140 miles post |
| Ohiya | 13:02 | – | – | Mountain station |
| Idalgashinna | 13:25 | 13:35 | 10 mins | |
| Sulan Kapolla View | – | – | 3 mins | Wind break viewpoint |
| Haputale | 13:52 | 13:53 | 1 min | |
| Diyatalawa | 14:04 | 14:05 | 1 min | |
| Bandarawela | 14:17 | 14:19 | 2 mins | |
| Kithal Ella Waterfall View | – | – | 3 mins | Near 167.5 miles post |
| Ella | 14:47 | 14:50 | 3 mins | Popular tourist town |
| Nine Arches Bridge | – | – | 10 mins | Iconic photo stop |
| Demodara | 15:15 | 15:25 | 10 mins | Tunnel and loop |
| Hali Ela | 15:47 | 15:48 | 1 min | |
| Badulla | 16:01 | – | – | Final destination |
Badulla to Colombo Route
On the return journey, the train passes scenic viewpoints at slow speed and makes station stops:
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Stop Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badulla | – | 09:15 | Starting point |
| Hali Ela | 09:28 | 09:29 | 1 min |
| Demodara | 09:49 | 09:59 | 10 mins |
| Ella | 10:24 | 10:25 | 1 min |
| Bandarawela | 10:50 | 10:51 | 1 min |
| Diyatalawa | 11:04 | 11:05 | 1 min |
| Haputale | 11:15 | 11:16 | 1 min |
| Idalgashinna | 11:30 | 11:34 | 4 mins |
| Ohiya | 11:51 | 11:52 | 1 min |
| Nanuoya | 12:43 | 12:50 | 7 mins |
| Great Western | 13:06 | 13:11 | 5 mins |
| Talawakele | 13:35 | 13:50 | 15 mins |
| Hatton | 14:14 | 14:16 | 2 mins |
| Nawalapitiya | 15:21 | 15:25 | 4 mins |
| Peradeniya | 16:07 | 16:14 | 7 mins |
| Kandy | 16:22 | 16:35 | 13 mins |
| Peradeniya | 16:43 | – | – |
| Rambukkana | 17:44 | – | – |
| Polgahawela | 17:56 | – | – |
| Veyangoda | 18:32 | – | – |
| Gampaha | 18:41 | – | – |
| Maradana | 19:14 | – | – |
| Colombo Fort | 19:20 | – | Final destination |
Ticket Pricing
All prices are in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).
1st Class Air-Conditioned
| Route | Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | – | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
| Kandy | 3,000 | – | 3,000 | 4,000 | 5,000 |
| Nanu Oya | 4,000 | 3,000 | – | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Ella | 5,000 | 4,000 | 3,000 | – | 2,000 |
| Badulla | 5,000 | 5,000 | 4,000 | 2,000 | – |
2nd Class
| Route | Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | – | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Kandy | 2,000 | – | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 |
| Nanu Oya | 3,000 | 2,000 | – | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Ella | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 | – | 2,000 |
| Badulla | 4,000 | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 | – |
3rd Class
| Route | Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | – | 1,500 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Kandy | 1,500 | – | 1,500 | 2,000 | 3,000 |
| Nanu Oya | 2,000 | 1,500 | – | 1,500 | 2,000 |
| Ella | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,500 | – | 1,000 |
| Badulla | 3,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 | – |
Scenic Highlights Along the Ella Odyssey Train Route
One of the most remarkable features of the Ella Odyssey Train is its designated scenic stops. The train either slows down significantly or comes to a complete pause at nine breathtaking locations, giving passengers ample time to capture photographs and absorb the natural beauty. Here’s what makes each stop special:
1. Horsetail Waterfall Viewpoint (2-minute stop)
Located near mile post 93.5, this elegant waterfall cascades down the mountainside like a horse’s tail, giving it its distinctive name. The Ella Odyssey Train slows here as you enter the more mountainous terrain, marking the transition from the mid-country to the hill country. The waterfall is particularly impressive during the monsoon season when it flows with full force.
2. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) Viewpoint (2-minute stop)
Near mile post 107.25, passengers aboard the Ella Odyssey Train are treated to views of Sri Lanka’s most sacred mountain. On clear days, you can see the distinctive pyramid-shaped peak of Adam’s Peak rising 7,359 feet above sea level. This mountain holds religious significance for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims alike, and the view from the train offers a unique perspective of this revered landmark.
3. St. Clair Waterfall Viewpoint (2-minute stop)
Often called the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,” St. Clair’s Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the country, plunging 265 feet in two cascades. Located near mile post 114.5, this is one of the most photographed stops on the Ella Odyssey Train route. The waterfall is surrounded by lush tea estates, creating a picture-perfect scene that captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
4. Elgin Falls Viewpoint (2-minute stop)
Near mile post 134.25, Elgin Falls drops approximately 100 feet through dense vegetation. The Ella Odyssey Train provides an excellent vantage point to see this relatively lesser-known but equally beautiful waterfall. The surrounding area is characterized by thick forests and tea plantations, offering a glimpse into the region’s biodiversity.
5. Summit Level (2-minute stop)
At approximately 6,226 feet above sea level near mile post 139.75, this is the highest point on the Sri Lankan railway network. When the Ella Odyssey Train reaches Summit Level, passengers experience the coolest temperatures of the journey and are surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. On clear days, you can see for miles across the undulating tea-covered hillsides.
6. Tunnel No. 18 at Ohiya (3-minute stop)
Near mile post 140, the Ella Odyssey Train pauses at the end of this tunnel to reveal one of the most dramatic views on the entire route. The sudden transition from darkness to a spectacular mountain vista creates an unforgettable moment. This area represents some of the most challenging railway engineering in Sri Lanka, with the track carved through solid rock.
7. Sulan Kapolla Wind Break Viewpoint (3-minute stop)
Located near mile post 150.5, this unique stop on the Ella Odyssey Train showcases the power of nature. The wind break was constructed to protect the railway from strong mountain winds that sweep through this exposed section. The views here stretch across deep valleys and distant mountain ranges, offering some of the most dramatic scenery on the route.
8. Kithal Ella Waterfall Viewpoint (3-minute stop)
Near mile post 167.5, the Ella Odyssey Train slows to allow passengers to admire this graceful waterfall that tumbles through terraced tea plantations. The combination of cascading water and meticulously maintained tea bushes creates a uniquely Sri Lankan scene that perfectly illustrates the harmony between natural beauty and agricultural tradition.
9. Nine Arches Bridge (10-minute stop)
This is undoubtedly the highlight of the Ella Odyssey Train journey. Located near mile post 169, the Nine Arches Bridge is an architectural masterpiece built entirely from stone, brick, and cement without any steel. Constructed during the British colonial era, this 300-foot-long bridge stands 80-100 feet above the ground and is surrounded by lush jungle and tea plantations. The Ella Odyssey Train stops here for 10 minutes, giving passengers time to disembark, walk around, take photographs, and truly appreciate this iconic structure. Many consider this the most photographed railway bridge in Sri Lanka, and experiencing it from the train itself is truly magical.
How to Book Your Ella Odyssey Train Tickets
Since the Ella Odyssey Train operates on a reservation-only basis, advance booking is essential. Tickets for the Ella Odyssey Train can be purchased through:
- Railway Online Ticket Website – Official government booking platform
- Railway stations – Direct purchase at major stations
We recommend booking your Ella Odyssey Train tickets well in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons (December to March and July to August).
Practical Tips for Your Ella Odyssey Train Journey
What to Bring:
- Camera or smartphone with full charge (the Ella Odyssey Train offers countless photo opportunities)
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary significantly from lowlands to highlands)
- Snacks and water
- Sunscreen and hat for sunny sections
- Light jacket or sweater for mountain areas
Best Practices:
- Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the Ella Odyssey Train departure
- Seats on the right side offer better waterfall views on the ascent
- The Nine Arches Bridge stop provides excellent photo opportunities
- Consider breaking your Ella Odyssey Train journey with overnight stays in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, or Ella
Contact Information
For inquiries or assistance, you can contact the following railway stations:
| Station | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Colombo Fort Railway Station | +94 11 4 600 111 |
| Kandy Railway Station | +94 81 222 2271 |
| Nanu Oya Railway Station | +94 52 222 2873 |
| Ella Railway Station | +94 57 222 8571 |
| Badulla Railway Station | +94 55 222 2271 |
Why Choose the Ella Odyssey Train
The Ella Odyssey Train represents more than just transportation—it’s an immersive experience through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes. From coastal plains to tea-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls to engineering marvels like the Nine Arches Bridge, the Ella Odyssey Train journey showcases the natural and cultural richness of the island.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience, the Ella Odyssey Train provides a comfortable and memorable way to explore the hill country’s stunning beauty. The carefully planned stops and slower pace allow you to truly connect with the landscape in ways that other forms of transportation simply cannot match.
Booking your seat on the Ella Odyssey Train means securing a front-row seat to one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys—an experience that will remain with you long after your Sri Lankan adventure ends.
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