Loco-motion


We waited in trepidation for the 9.23 train to arrive in Ella, wondering what discomfort the next 6 hours would bring. The train was 30 minutes late and we stood on the platform in 30C degree heat with the sun beating down on us. Finally the train arrived and there was a mad rush for everyone to board and find their seats. We found ours in the 3rd class “reserved” carriage. Our carriage was fairly quite with plenty of spare seats while the “unreserved” 3rd class carriages were packed to the hilt!

The journey was much more comfortable than we imagined and the scenery absolutely spectacular travelling past tea plantations, forests and waterfalls. The rail journey from Ella to Kandy is regarded as one of the world’s most scenic.

Every now and then venders would get in the train with urns of chai and offer snacks of nuts and samosas.

We arrived at Kandy late afternoon agreeing that the rail fare of £1.75 each had been excellent value for money!

















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