Riding Tropical Tracks

The system’s track standards have not been upgraded for some time which has resulted in our trains being limited to an official 50 mph, though the M4 and M8 classes are capable of over 70 mph. The current passenger stock is from Romania (1976 onwards) and from the 1960’s from China. The early trains had rolling stock of British origin and carriages built to British designs at our workshops at Maradana and Ratmalana. Recently, the system has been receiving stock from Korea and India. In a way, the trains themselves are like travelling museums.

To mention a few beautiful rides that we are thinking of taking you on …

Colombo to Galle – Slice of both the city and the countryside. Departing from Sri Lanka’s capital, continue along the coastal countryside as the Indian Ocean washes up to the tracks.

Anuradhapura to Jaffna –  Jaffna is known as the City of Temples and the trains often carry  pilgrims or religious devotees. Now, savvy travellers are quickly discovering Jaffna’s idyllic and less crowded beaches along with its mouth watering, unique cuisine. In Central Sri Lanka, be sure to visit the UNESCO archaeological site of Anuradhapura before the journey to Jaffna. Historical records show the city was founded in the 10th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Colombo to Kandy – from the official capital to the spiritual capital, passing rolling hills, paddy fields, tropical forests, and villages. You’ll also relish the cooler air as you leave the baking coastal plain for a more temperate climate in the hills. As a short and scenic rail experience to the hill country, this is a popular train which offers a comfortable introduction to Sri Lanka’s train culture.

Kandy to Badulla via Ella – The journey from Kandy to Badulla takes around 7.5 hours and is often considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Reserve a seat in the panoramic carriage to view emerald green hills, tea plantations, and tea-pluckers dressed in brightly coloured saris. Many passengers end the journey at Ella, but it’s worth continuing on to Badulla. The final, dramatic stretch includes the brick-and-stone Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of 19th century engineering. The tracks curve over the bridge before circling the Demodara Loop, availing spectacular photo opportunities.

Trains have been a big part of Sri Lankan Culture and the long distance trains are fondly named to resemble a lovely lady taking a journey through the winding country tracks.

• “Udarata Menike” (the “Upcountry Maiden”) – Runs between Colombo Fort and Badulla
• “Podi Menike” ( the “Little Maiden”) – Connects Colombo Fort and Badulla (no longer runs via Kandy, only through coaches to Kandy)
• Tikiri Menike ( the“Little Maiden”) – Colombo Fort to Hatton
• “Senkadagala Menike” (“Maiden of “Senkadagala”– A Local Name for Kandy ) – Runs between Colombo Fort and Kandy
• “Yal Devi” ( the “Queen of Jaffna”) – Was operated between Colombo Fort and Kankasanthurei to Jaffna (now only up to Thandikulam)

It’s like meeting with an old acquaintance, full of character and taking a journey through amazing landscape and time …