How to Experience an Unforgettable Train Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – Witness Enchanting Landscapes in Nuwara Eliya

 One of the most popular ways to travel to Nuwara Eliya is via the train. This is because you get so many breathtaking attractions on the way there. Feast your eyes upon crowd-pullers like scenic landscapes, stunning waterfalls, mist-covered mountains, and verdant tea fields. Here is a guide to make your journey there hassle-free.

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Reasons to travel by train 
The train ride from Colombo to Nanuoya is known as one of the most beautiful rail journeys across the globe. This is because travellers get to experience attractions like green tea plantations, rustic villages and mystifying tunnels on the way there. You can also choose to bask in luxury by opting for first-class seating with an observation deck or mingle among the crowd and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle in a normal carriage. You can also unwind while taking in the beauty of nature through the window next to your seat. Tickets are not that expensive making way for an affordable and sustainable means of travelling. Since Nanuoya is close to the city, it also is a convenient way of reaching Nuwara Eliya.  
 
The best time to make the trip
The most suitable time to visit Nuwara Eliya is between February and April. This is the time of year when the landscapes are dotted with flowers in full bloom. Therefore, you will be greeted by mesmerizing scenery when you make your train journey there. The climate is also mild with less rain and the temperatures rotate between 10°C to 20°C. You can enjoy plenty of outdoor excursions there during this period. The downside to this is that many travellers head there, so you need to book your tickets as well as your accommodations in any of the Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka hotels in advance to avoid disappointment.

How to book tickets 
Booking your ticket is easy as it can be done with a click of a mouse button. Visit the website that is powered by the Transport Ministry in Sri Lanka and book your ticket according to the specific time and date you need. A mobile app too has been introduced to make this chore easy. Therefore, you can book your seats well in advance even before you set foot in Sri Lanka. Remember to collect your ticket at the counter by presenting your payment details for the reservation before hopping on the train. 

The route there 
The trip from Colombo to Nanuoya takes around seven hours. You need to traverse around 171 kilometres to head there. The starting point is Fort Railway Station in Colombo district. Then you stop at prominent stations like Kandy, Hatton and Nanuoya. Your last stop is Nanuoya station. From there it is only a short distance to Nuwara Eliya city. A property like Araliya Green Hills is around a 15-minute drive away from Nanuoya railway station. Other stations worth mentioning include Pattipola, which is regarded as the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, and Ambewela. The train heading there is called Udarata Menike. Then once you disembark from Nanuoya, find a tuk-tuk or taxi to travel the five kilometres to Nuwara Eliya city. What to watch out for 
Some of the most beautiful spots in Sri Lanka can be enjoyed via a train ride. Two stunning waterfalls can be witnessed during this journey: Lover's Leap Falls and Ramboda Falls. You can also get an idea about the tea industry as you observe lush tea plantations and see plantation workers plucking tea leaves. You can get diverse experiences on the way there like passing through tunnels. Be sure to sit on the right side of the train as the best views are on offer there. Food and beverages are available on board but you might like to bring a variety of snacks to enjoy on the way there. If you are taking luggage along, put it on the overhead rack so that you can enjoy the ride peacefully.