Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike")

A nice train ride but very long. Scenery is lovely and gives a different perspective of Sri Lanka. It was a comfortable ride in 1st class as it has AC. Snacks and drinks reasonably priced. Make sure you book early and take your passport, it will get checked.

Review of Train Journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya We recently took the famous train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya, often described as one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. It certainly lived up to its reputation for beauty, but it was also the longest train journey we’ve ever taken, and at 6.5 hours it was quite an experience – equal parts breathtaking and exhausting. We were fortunate enough to book seats in the observation carriage, which made a big difference to the trip. The carriage has large windows at the back of the train, allowing you to take in sweeping views of the countryside as the line winds its way through tea plantations, villages, forests, and mountains. Watching the landscapes unfold so dramatically felt like being part of a moving postcard. It was a genuinely unique way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. That said, while the scenery was spectacular, the journey itself was not particularly comfortable. The observation car was pleasant, but it did get very hot at times, especially in the early afternoon. Ventilation is limited, and while the windows provide fresh air, it wasn’t always enough to offset the heat after hours of travel. A small fan or better air circulation would have made a huge difference. One of the main challenges was the number of stops along the way. The train stopped at every single station, and while some were quick halts, others lasted anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour as we waited for trains coming in the opposite direction to pass. This is understandable since it’s a single-track line, but it did make the journey feel drawn out. What is billed as a 4–5 hour trip stretched into 6.5 hours for us. For some, that might add to the sense of adventure, but for us it felt a bit too long, especially in the heat. Despite the delays, there were moments when time seemed to stand still in the best way. Watching locals hopping on and off at rural stations, seeing schoolchildren waving at the train, and spotting the endless rows of tea bushes were all highlights. It’s a reminder that this is not just a tourist experience – it’s also an important everyday mode of transport for many Sri Lankans. By the time we reached Nanu Oya, we were both relieved and grateful. Relieved because the journey was tiring, but grateful because it was unlike anything else we’ve done while travelling. If you’re planning to take this train, we’d strongly recommend booking seats in either first class or the observation carriage if possible, as the comfort level is noticeably higher than in the more crowded carriages. Bring water, snacks, and plenty of patience – it’s not a quick or smooth ride, but it is unforgettable. In summary, the train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya is exactly as people describe it: beautiful, memorable, and very long. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, especially if you’re sitting in the observation car. Just be prepared for heat, frequent stops, and significant delays. For us, it was both the longest and the most scenic train ride we’ve ever taken – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’re glad we did, even if we wouldn’t rush to do it again.

Our train was delayed due to maintenance, and after finally boarding in 2nd class, the journey quickly became frustrating. We came to a standstill for over an hour with no communication from staff. The carriage was extremely hot, there was no drinks service, and the lap tray would not stay up. Although the scenery along the route is beautiful, what should have been a 2.5-hour trip turned into a 6-hour ordeal. The toilets were particularly disappointing and unsuitable for women, as they were simply holes in the floor leading directly onto the track. Overall, this was not the experience we were led to believe. Very disappointing—and to add to the frustration, there are no “9 arches” to see on this ride.

Scenic 4 hour train ride through the hilly area of Sri Lanka, doors left open at the end of the carriages to allow unimpeded views of the countryside, they would have a fit in the UK! We travelled 1st class (air conditioned) the whole train seemed busy so book in advance.

Slow train ride through beautiful countryside. Views amazing. Train was quite empty when I travelled maybe lucky. I was in 3rd class. Maybe go in second class for a more comfortable seat.

Having read other travellers’ experiences of not being able to secure train tickets we didn’t want to take any chances so book them in advance. The tickets came through via email and the agent was great and made regular contact via WhatsApp - even to check we were safely on the train. The train ride was great (only 1.5 hours late which we understand is quite good!) We booked first class seats as thought we would need the air conditioning but as it’s much cooler due to the altitude 2nd class would have bern equally good with the added benefit of being able to open the windows to take photos. However we could move around the train and were able to take plenty of photos of the magnificent views.

In itself, this is a beautiful train journey through beautiful scenery. When you first visit Sri Lanka, you definitely want to include this in your trip. The train is good and someone regularly comes along to sell coffee and some food.