8 | Scenic Train Journey – Nanu Oya to Ella

This is the highest stretch of railway in Sri Lanka, and it climbs before it falls. From Nanu Oya, once the railhead for the planters of Nuwara Eliya, the line rises through the dairy pastures of Ambewela to Pattipola – at 1,898 metres the summit of the entire network. Then it tunnels and curves down past Ohiya, the gateway to Horton Plains, and along the cliff ledges near Idalgashinna, where the land falls away towards the southern lowlands. Haputale and Bandarawela follow, then the tea valleys close in for the final run into Ella. One correction to what most itineraries promise: the Nine Arch Bridge and the Demodara Loop lie just beyond Ella, not on this route – pair this journey with Day Tour 9 to see both.

Pattipola – the highest station on the Sri Lankan network at 1,898m
Ohiya and the cliff-edge stretch around Idalgashinna
Haputale’s ridge-top views across the southern plains
Tea estates, waterfalls and hand-cut tunnels throughout
Platform vendors selling isso vade and spiced chickpeas through the windows

Reserved seats – observation or first class where available
Private transfer to and from the station
Pre-journey briefing on the route and key sightings

Train ticket fare class upgrades
Meals on board (snacks available from station vendors)
Onward accommodation if required

Scenic Rail

Approximately 3.5 to 4 hrs on board, plus transfers

All travellers - railway enthusiasts, photographers and romantic couples

Year-round. Mornings are clearest before highland cloud builds. Nanu Oya-Ella services resumed in June 2026 after Cyclone Ditwah repairs; we confirm the live timetable at booking.

Easy - seated throughout.

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14 | Anuradhapura Sacred City - Heritage Cycling & Sri Maha Bodhi

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13 | Colombo Food Trail, Pettah Market & Design Quarter

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12 | Sinharaja Rainforest - Guided Naturalist Walk

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11 | Polonnaruwa Ancient City - Heritage Cycling Tour

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10 | Udawalawe Elephant Safari & Elephant Transit Home

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9 | Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge & Ella Village Trail

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8 | Scenic Train Journey - Nanu Oya to Ella

This is the highest stretch of railway in Sri Lanka, and it climbs before it falls. From Nanu Oya, once...

7 | Knuckles Mountain Range - Guided Cloud Forest Trek

The British surveyors who named this range thought its folded peaks looked like the knuckles of a clenched...

6 | Doctor-led Ayurveda Consultation & Treatment Day

Sri Lanka keeps two healing traditions alive side by side – classical Ayurveda and the island’s...