Nanu Oya To Ella Train

About Nanu Oya to Ella Train

First things first, let’s talk about why this train ride is such a big deal. 

The Nanu Oya to Ella route is part of Sri Lanka’s famous Main Line, which connects Colombo to Badulla. 

The train moves through the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, and the views are nothing short of magical.

Speaking of which, Nanu Oya is a small town near Nuwara Eliya, which is known as “Little England” because of its cool climate and colonial vibes. 

Ella, on the other hand, is a little village that has become a backpacker’s paradise as of now. 

In fact, this place has waterfalls, hiking trails, and some of the best views that you’ll ever see. 

Note: The train ride between these two places is like the cherry on top of an already amazing cake. That’s the most simplest way that we can tell you how amazing it is.

Route

The train leaves from Nanu Oya and makes its way to Ella by covering about 30 kilometers. 

But don’t let the short distance fool you—this journey takes its sweet time, and you’ll be glad it does.

Here’s what you’ll see along the way:

• Tea plantations: Rolling hills covered in bright green tea bushes where you might even spot workers plucking tea leaves!

• Waterfalls: That you will see in various spots which go down the mountainsides.

• Tunnels and bridges: The train goes through several tunnels and over some pretty amazing bridges. It’s like an adventure movie in real life.

Anyway, do you know what the best part of this is?

Well, the train moves slowly, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak it all in. As a result of it, you will have more time to take pictures and amazing short videos.

Timetable

Now, let’s get into the schedules. 

The train schedule can be a bit confusing, so here’s the breakdown of it. 

Trains from Nanu Oya to Ella run a few times a day, but not all of them are the super scenic ones. 

This means, the most popular train is the 1016 Up Country Express, which leaves Nanu Oya around 12:45 PM and gets to Ella around 3:30 PM.

On the other hand, if you are someone who wakes up early, there’s also the 1006 Udarata Menike Express, which departs Nanu Oya at 9:30 AM and arrives in Ella around 12:30 PM. 

Anyway, both trains are great options, but the 1016 tends to be a bit more popular because of the timing.

Just a heads-up: Trains in Sri Lanka can sometimes run late, so don’t stress if things don’t go exactly according to the schedule. It’s all part of the experience!

Ticket Price

Alright, let’s talk about money. 

This train ride is quite affordable, even for tourists.

Like, ridiculously cheap for what you get.

Here’s a quick breakdown of ticket prices:

• Second class reserved: Around 5,000 LKR (about $16 USD). This gets you a comfy seat and a guaranteed spot.

• Third class reserved: Obviously quite less than the second class and it’s a bit more basic, but still totally fine.

• Unreserved: Roughly the amount rotates from $10 USD to $20 USD. This is the cheapest option most of the time, but you might have to stand or sit wherever you can find space.

Speaking of which, if you’re planning to take this train, we recommend you to take a second-class reserved ticket.

This is because it’s quite friendly to your budget, and you’ll have a much more comfortable ride. 

Plus, you’ll have a better chance of taking a window seat for those Insta-worthy views.

Duration

So, how long does this journey take? 

Well, the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is about 2.5 to 3 hours long. 

But trust us, it doesn’t feel like it. 

This means that the time flies by because there’s so much to see.

As a matter of fact, the train moves at a leisurely pace, which is perfect for taking photos, chatting with fellow travellers, or just zoning out and enjoying the scenery. 

Alright, let’s wrap this up. 

Nanu Oya to Ella train ride is one of those experiences that stays with you long after it’s over. 

It’s not just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an adventure, a chance to connect with nature, and a reminder of how beautiful the world can be.

Anyway, the most important thing is that it’s affordable, and stunning at the same time.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to feel the nature and witness the beauty that the nature has created.