If you want to experience a luxury train journey of Sri Lanka’s hill region, which is regarded as one of the most picturesque rail roads in the world, all you need to do is book a ticket of the most recent tourist-focused Intercity Express (ICE) train, the “Ella Odyssey” from Colombo to Ella.
- Train Name: Ella Odyssey
- Train No: 1041
- No of Stops : 21 Stations, 10 Tourist Attractions
- Journey Duration: 10 Hours 23 mins
- Available Classes: 1st class A/C 176 Seats, 2nd class 144 Seats, 3rd class 50 Seats
- Tickets: Reservations only
What’s so Important about Colombo to Ella Train
Ella Odyssey will make stops at well-known tourist attractions on its journey from Colombo to Ella, which is the important aspect of this luxury train journey. You can swiftly exit the train to take in the surrounding natural beauty, snap a few pictures with your camera, and then quickly board the train to continue to the next attraction.
Top 8 Attractions to see during the Train Ride to Ella
- Horsetail Waterfall view point
- Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) view point
- St Clair Waterfall view point
- Elgin Falls view point
- Summit Level
- No 18 Tunnel
- Kithal Ella Waterfall view point
- Nine Arches Bridge
Ella Odyessy Train Schedule
- Every Thursday Colombo Fort to Badulla – The train leaves at 5.30 AM from Colombo Fort railway station and reach Badulla 3.53 PM on same day.
- Every Friday Badulla to Colombo Fort – The train leaves at 9.50 AM from Badulla reach Colombo 7.20 PM on same day.
- Every Saturday Colombo Fort to Badulla – The train leaves at 5.30 AM from Colombo Fort railway station and reach Badulla 3.53 PM on same day.
- Every Sunday Badulla to Colombo Fort – The train leaves at 9.50 AM from Badulla and reach Colombo 7.20 PM on same day.
| Stops | Arrival | Waiting |
|---|---|---|
Colombo Fort | 05.30 | - |
Gampaha | 06.00 | - |
Veyangoda | 06:11 | - |
Polgahawela | 06:45 | - |
Rambukkana | 06:56 | - |
Peradeniya | 08:04 | - |
Kandy | 08:13 | 12 min |
Peradeniya | 08:33 | - |
Nawalapitiya | 09:18 | |
Horsetail Waterfall | - | 2 min |
Adam's Peak | - | 2 min |
Hatton | 10:35 | - |
St Clair Waterfall | - | 2 min |
Great Western | 11:40 | - |
Nanuoya | 12:02 | - |
Elgin Falls | - | 2 min |
Summit Level | - | 2 min |
No 18 Tunnel | - | 3 min |
Ohiya | 13:02 | - |
Idalgashinna | 13:25 | - |
Sulan Kapolla | - | 3 min |
Haputale | 13:52 | - |
Diyatalawa | 14:04 | - |
Bandarawela | 14:17 | - |
Kithal Ella Waterfall | - | 3 min |
Ella | 14:47 | - |
Nine Arches Bridge | - | 10 min |
Demodara | 15:15 | - |
Hali Ela | 15:47 | - |
Badulla | 16:01 | - |
Ella Odyssey Ticket Pirces From Colombo to Ella
- First Class with A/c – LKR 5,000
- Second Class – LKR 4,000
- Third Class -LKR 3,000
Ella Odyssey 1st Class Ticket Prices
| Colombo | Kandy | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombo | - | 3000 | 5000 | 5000 |
Kandy | 3000 | - | 4000 | 5000 |
Ella | 5000 | 4000 | - | 2000 |
Badulla | 5000 | 5000 | 2000 | - |
All the figures are in LKR
Ella Odyessy 2nd Class Ticket Prices
| Colombo | Kandy | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombo | - | 2000 | 4000 | 4000 |
Kandy | 2000 | - | 3000 | 4000 |
Ella | 4000 | 3000 | - | 2000 |
Badulla | 4000 | 4000 | 2000 | - |
All the figures are in LKR
Ella Odyessy 3rd Class Ticket Prices
| Colombo | Kandy | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Colombo | - | 1500 | 3000 | 3000 |
Kandy | 1500 | - | 2000 | 3000 |
Ella | 3000 | 2000 | - | 1000 |
Badulla | 3000 | 3000 | 1000 | - |
All the figures are in LKR
Top 5 attractions to visit during Colombo to Ella Train Journey
01.Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is 91 meters high and is located on the Demodara circle. The bridge is 24 meters tall. It is very attractive because of the gorgeous nine arches that lie amid a lush jungle and rural environment. Behind the railway, there is a thriving forest, and tea leaves are produced below.The Nine Arches is a bridge, situated 3100 meters above sea level, that connects the Demodara and Ella Railway stations. The bridge, constructed entirely of brick, rock, and cement and containing no steel, has stood solid since its start in 1921.
02. St Clair Falls view point
One of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, St. Clair’s Waterfall is sometimes referred to as the “Little Niagra of Sri Lanka.” The waterfall, although being close to the Hatton-Talawakele road, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls since it flows between lush tea farms and verdant hills. The tea plantation through which the waterfall flows, the St. Clair Tea Estate, gave rise to its name.
03. Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) view point
Adam’s Peak is a conical peak in Sri Lanka’s central highlands that is 2,243m (7,359ft) tall. Both visitors and locals like hiking up the mountain because of its mystery and the appeal of the entrancing beauty it offers at the summit.
The mountain is called after a spot close to the peak that is revered by members of several religions. Buddhists believe the Buddha’s footprint is here, while Hindus believe Shiva’s footprint is here, and Christians and Muslims think Adam’s first step after leaving the Garden of Eden is there. The mountain is also well-known for the breathtaking sight of the area’s yearly influx of thousands of lovely butterflies.
04. No 18 Tunnel
The Summit tunnel, also known as Tunnel No. 18, is located 220 kilometers from Colombo on the Upcountry railway line, about one kilometer from the summit of the Railway. Due to its geographic location, this tunnel serves as a border marker for the Central and Uva provinces as well as the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts. Because of this and other apparent factors, the tunnel experiences a variety of environmental conditions. For example, while it may rain at the Colombo end of the tunnel’s mouth, it may be sunny at the Badulla end. The weather and fissures in the rock layers in the tunnel may have been caused by these environmental factors.
05. Demodara Loop
The Demodara tunnel and railway entry, also known as the Demodare Loop, is where the rail line curves in on itself to form a spiral loop before emerging from a tunnel that is positioned just below the Demodare train station. The only spiral loop in the world with a tunnel running beneath a train station is an engineering marvel. According to folklore, the concept was born as a result of seeing a tea plantation manager adjust and refasten his turban.
How to Book Seats on Ella Odyssey
To avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended that you reserve your tickets for this deluxe train service in advance. Finding tickets from Kandy to Ella for the necessary date at short notice may be challenging, particularly if you are in Sri Lanka for a limited amount of time. There are 4 ways to book your Ella Odyssey Train.
01. From Specific Trains Stations
Directly from railway stations listed below 14 days prior to travel date from 9.00 AM to 4 PM
- Colombo Fort
- Maradana
- Gampaha
- Kandy
- Nawala Pitiya
- Ella
- Nanu Oya
- Hatton
- Diyathalawa
02. By Calling Mobitel
The Mobitel M Ticketing Service 14 days before the scheduled travel date by calling the 365 hotline, you can reserve a seat on the Ella Odyssey train. To pay for the ticket, make sure your mobile phone account has enough credit.
03. Through Sri Lanka Railway Department Website
The Sri Lanka Department of Railways’ official website offers the option to purchase Ella Odyssey train tickets online. You can simply log in to the website and can make the reservations. Recommend to Book the tickets exactly a month Prior to the travel date.
Ella Odyssey tickets are like hotcakes! In just 10 minutes after opening to the public on the government website, they are completely sold out. It was a rush as fans and adventure lovers scrambled to grab their tickets for the upcoming journey. The high demand caused many hopeful travelers missed out on this exciting adventure.
When you boarding the Train you always make sure to have the Physical ticket with you.
Scanned Copy or Printed Copy of the ticket will not be accepted.
Contact Numbers of Colombo to Ella main Train Stations
- Colombo Fort – +94112421281
- Kandy – +94812222271
- Nanu Oya – +94522222873
- Ella – +94672228571
- Badulla – +94552222271
Is there a Restaurant available on this Ella Odyssey train?
Yes, There is restaurant car available on this Ella Odyssey train and you may have some short eats, tea, coffee, etc. However, it is always advisable to be prepared before boarding the train to Ella. Bring some snacks with you as the trip will last 10 hours.
Can I get down From Colombo to Ella Train to spend the Night
Of course, if you wanted to spend more time seeing a particular location, you could get off at any of the stations and stay there for a night or two, And if you Planning to catch the train next day you can do it at the closest train Station
What is the best side to book the seats on Ella Odyssey
If you traveling from Colombo to Ella recommend to book the seats on right side as it gives the better view of the downhills and the tea estates. But when you book the tickets in advance you can never predict the side of the seats until your travel date. The Side of the seats depend on how the compartments are connected to the train on that specific travel date.
Where to stay in Ella
It’s always preferable to get off the train at Ella since this little town has that vibe and has a ton of things to explore. and Ella offers hundreds of little guesthouses to select from. Ella does not have any large chain hotels, but it does have a wide variety of guesthouses and tiny motels to select from. 98 Acres Resort & Spa is one of the most established and well-known places to stay in Ella.
How do we Transfer from Ella to other places
If you’re considering a visit to destinations such as Yala National Park, Tangalle, Galle, Mirissa, or other southern parts of the country starting from Ella, it’s important to note that there is no train service available. Therefore, your transportation options include taking a bus, hiring a tuk-tuk, or opting for a private taxi. When selecting a taxi service, it’s advisable to seek recommendations from your hotel or explore online options to secure the best deal for your journey.
Please be aware that Uber taxis are not widely utilized in Ella. It is advisable to book your private taxi in advance. For information on taxi rates from Ella to various destinations, you can check our price list here to compare the best Deals.
In conclusion, Ella and the Ella Odyssey Train offer an enchanting experience that combines natural beauty, adventure, and a touch of history. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, Ella has something to offer everyone. So, plan your journey to this little slice of paradise and let the Ella Odyssey transport you to a world of wonder and serenity.
FAQs
1. Can I book Ella Odyssey Train tickets online?
Yes, you can book tickets online through the official website or authorized booking platforms. Ceylon Hunt can help you to book your ticket in Ella Odyssey.
2. Are there restrooms available on the train?
Yes, there are restroom facilities for passengers’ convenience on the Ella Odyssey Train.
3. How long does the journey on the Ella Odyssey Train typically last?
Ella Odyssey Train Journey is 10 hour Train Journey If you get on to the Train From Colombo.
4. How can we travel from Ella to Other Destination
Since there are no trains operating from Ella to the southern part of the country, if you intend to visit Yala, Mirissa, or Tangalle from Ella, your options are to either use the bus or hire a private taxi. Reach out to Ceylon Hunt Taxi Service to compare and find the best deals for your transportation needs.
Image courtesy of rhythmicdiaspora via creative commons licenses. some rights reserved.
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