Chapters
Credit: @aga_on_the_run
Duration
10 H 30 M
Journey
Colombo to Badulla
Tickets
Reservation Only
Schedule
Thursday to Sunday
What is the Ella Odyssey Train?
The Ella Odyssey Train is a special train that was launched in 2023. This special train covers a distance of 292 km between Colombo Fort and Badulla and takes about 10 hours and 23 minutes. Also, the Odyssey train has three classes: 1st Class A/C, 2nd Class, and 3rd Class, with a total of 370 seats.
The Ella Odyssey train ride provides an unforgettable memory for a lifetime with its scenic views. As the train passes through the highlands, you can feel fresh, cool breezes from the open windows and enjoy your senses. Green bushes and tall trees covering the slopes attract you with bright green colors and a cloudy blue sky while the fresh mountain air refreshes you.
The train also stops at several tourist attractions along the route, such as the Horsetail Waterfall, the Adams Peak, the St Clair Waterfall, the Nine Arches Bridge, and the Demodara Loop. The train also provides commentary and information on the history, geography, and significance of the places it passes through.
E-ticket options are available for booking tickets that allow you to reserve your seat on this popular train easily. Don’t miss out on the chance to ride on this and discover the beauty of Sri Lanka from a new perspective.
Credit: @kasegasanov
Ella Odyssey Stops at View Points
This train ride not only provides beautiful views from your seat, but it also stops at numerous viewpoints along the journey, allowing you to walk outside and enjoy yourself in the beauty of your surroundings.
01. Horsetail Waterfall
02. Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
04. Elgin Waterfall
05. Summit Level
06. No 18 Tunnel /Summit Tunnel /Pattipola Railway Tunnel.
07. Wind Break / Sulan Kapolla / Idalagashinna
08. Kithal Ella Waterfall
How to book the Ella Odyssey Train?
To reserve an online train ticket, you can follow these options:
Alternatively, you can also diectly book your train ticket from the below railway station in Sri Lanka. Please note that train tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons (November to April), so it’s best to book in advance.
- Colombo Fort
- Maradana
- Gampaha
- Kandy
- Nwalapitiya
- Ella
- Nanu Oya
- Hatton
- Diyathalawa
Ella Odyssey Train Ticket Price 2024
1st Class
| Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | - | LKR 3000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 5000 | LKR 5000 |
| Kandy | LKR 3000 | - | LKR 3000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 5000 |
| Nanu Oya | LKR 4000 | LKR 3000 | - | LKR 3000 | LKR 4000 |
| Ella | LKR 5000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 3000 | - | LKR 2000 |
| Badulla | LKR 5000 | LKR 5000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 2000 | - |
2nd Class
| Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | - | LKR 2000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 4000 |
| Kandy | LKR 2000 | - | LKR 2000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 4000 |
| Nanu Oya | LKR 3000 | LKR 2000 | - | LKR 2000 | LKR 3000 |
| Ella | LKR 4000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 2000 | - | LKR 2000 |
| Badulla | LKR 4000 | LKR 4000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 2000 | - |
3rd Class
| Colombo Fort | Kandy | Nanu Oya | Ella | Badulla | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort | - | LKR 1500 | LKR 2000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 3000 |
| Kandy | LKR 1500 | - | LKR 1500 | LKR 2000 | LKR 3000 |
| Nanu Oya | LKR 2000 | LKR 1500 | - | LKR 1500 | LKR 2000 |
| Ella | LKR 3000 | LKR 2000 | LKR 1500 | - | LKR 1000 |
| Badulla | LKR 3000 | LKR 3000 | LKR 2000 | LKR 1000 | - |
Ella Odyssey Train Schedule
The train runs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the schedule and stops may change depending on the demand and availability.
You can check the latest schedule and availability using:
From Colombo to Badulla
| Every Thursday | ||
| Every Saturday |
From Badulla to Colombo
| Every Friday | ||
| Every Sunday |
Ella Odyssey Railway Contact Numbers
You can contact the main railway stations below for any inquiries.
Colombo Fort Railway Station: +94 11 4 600 111
Kandy Railway Station: +0812 222 271
Nanu Oya Railway Station: +0522 222 873
Ella Railway Station: +0572 228 571
Badulla Railway Station: +0552 222 271
Ella Odyssey Railway Contact Numbers
You can contact the main railway stations below for any inquiries.
Colombo Fort Railway Station:
Kandy Railway Station:
Nanu Oya Railway Station:
Ella Railway Station:
Badulla Railway Station:
Fill Your Tummy with Sri Lankan Yummies
At each station stop, local vendors come aboard the train, offering tempting Sri Lankan foods from savory samosas to sweet coconut treats, these local vendors bring a taste of Sri Lanka right to your cabin. You can savour the flavours of the island, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of one of the world’s most iconic trains.
As you journey through the mountains, bushes, and waterfalls, the aroma of these delectable dishes will fill the air, adding another amazing feeling to your experience.
Credit: @Original_Photograper_Unkown
FAQ
- Directly from railway station
- Sri Lanka Railways website
- mTicketing
- Dialog Tickets
- First Class Air Condition – 5,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
- Second Class – 4,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
- Third Class 3,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
First class with 176 seats with air conditioning, and a second class with 144 seats.
From Colombo to Badulla, passing through Kandy, Nanu Oya, and Ella.
1st Class AC – 5,000 Rupees Per Person (One way)
Ella Odyssey
14 days prior to travel date.
Yes, and you can find these things there: snacks, tea, coffee, and more.
You can’t directly book a window seat. But if you can book your ticket before 14 days, there will be a possibility to reserve a window seat.
Summary
| Train Name | Ella Odyssey |
| Journey Duration | 10 hours 30 mins |
| Available Classes | 1st Class A/C (176 seats), 2nd Class (144 seats), 3rd Class (50 seats) |
| Number of Stops | 21 max (Stations) 9 (Tourist attractions) |
| View Points | Horsetail Waterfall view point – (2 minutes) Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) view point – (2 minutes) St Clair Waterfall view point – (2 minutes) Elgin Falls view point – (2 minutes) Summit Level – (2 minutes) No 18 Tunnel – (3 minutes) Sulan Kapolla View – (3 minutes) Kithal Ella Waterfall view point – (3 minutes) Nine Arches Bridge – (10 minutes) |
| Route Map | Colombo Fort – Gampaha – Veyangoda – Polgahawela – Rambukkana – Peradeniya – Kandy – Peradeniya – Nawalapitiya - Horsetail Waterfall View Point - Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) View Point- Hatton - St Clair Waterfall View Point - Great Western – Nanuoya - Elgin Falls View Point - Summit Level View Point - No 18 Tunnel View Point – Ohiya – Idalgashinna - Sulan Kapolla View Point – Haputale – Diyatalawa – Bandarawela - Kithal Ella Waterfall View Point – Ella - Nine Arches Bridge – Demodara - Hali Ela - Badulla |
| Ticket Price Range | LKR 1500 - LKR 5000 |
| Ticket Type | Reservation Only |
| Traveling Days | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday |
