Udarata Menike (Queen of the Highlands) is Sri Lanka's most famous train, running from Colombo to Badulla via Kandy and the Hill Country. The section from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world's greatest scenic rail journeys — passing through Hatton, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), and arriving at Ella with its famous Nine Arch Bridge.
| # | Station | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kandy Station Kandy | Start | 08:30 |
| 2 | Nanu Oya Station Nuwara Eliya | 12:05 | 12:10 |
| 3 | Ella Station Ella | 14:58 | End |
Timetable data is sourced from official Sri Lanka railways records and may vary due to delays or seasonal changes. Always verify with the official operator before travelling.
Udarata Menike (Queen of the Highlands) is Sri Lanka's most famous train, running from Colombo to Badulla via Kandy and the Hill Country. The section from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world's greatest scenic rail journeys — passing through Hatton, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), and arriving at Ella with its famous Nine Arch Bridge.
The train runs on every day of the week. The full route covers 3 stops with a total journey time of approximately 6h 28m.
Available travel classes include Sleeper. Fares start from LKR 1,200 for Sleeper.
Book Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train tickets at railway.gov.lk, the official Sri Lanka Railways portal. Online booking opens 30 to 120 days before departure depending on the operator. Book in advance for the best seat selection and lowest available fares.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to locate the correct platform and coach. Bedrolls are typically provided in sleeper classes. Passengers should carry a light jacket as air conditioning can be cold overnight.
Reserved seating
Book Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train tickets at railway.gov.lk, the official Sri Lanka Railways portal. Compare fares and seat availability before booking. Online booking typically opens 30 to 90 days before departure.
Book NowVisit any Sri Lanka Railways booking office in person. Staff can help with seat selection, group bookings, and special assistance. Book early for popular departure times and holidays.
Contact Sri Lanka Railways for schedule information, delay updates, and booking assistance via their official website or station helpdesk.
Visit Sri Lanka RailwaysKandy–Ella Hill Country Train departs at 08:30 and arrives at the final destination at 14:58. Total journey time is approximately 6h 28m. Always verify current timings with Sri Lanka Railways before travelling.
Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train fares start from approximately 1,200 (economy class). Book at railway.gov.lk for the latest prices.
Book Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train tickets at railway.gov.lk, the official Sri Lanka Railways booking portal. Tickets are also available at station booking offices. Book in advance for popular routes and holiday periods.
Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train makes 3 stops. The route starts at Kandy Station and ends at Ella Station. Major intermediate stops include Nanu Oya Station.
Check the running days shown in the hero section on this page. Some routes run daily, others run on selected days only. Always verify the current running schedule on the Sri Lanka Railways website or app before booking.
Opens Sri Lanka Railways official booking site