Sri Lanka’s train network, constructed by the British during the nineteenth century and little changed since, offers a characterful way of getting around the island, and for many visitors train ride is almost always more relaxed than a bus ride.Sri Lankan trains are worth experiencing, if only once. The network comprises three principal lines:
South from Colombo
Newly renovated, runs past Aluthgama and Hikkaduwa to Galle and Matara.
East from Colombo
To the Hill Country, through Kandy, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) and Ella to Badulla. A beautiful route, the portion from Haputale to Ella is one of the world’s most scenic train rides.
North from Colombo
– Through Anuradhapura to Vavuniya to Jaffna. One branch reaches Trincomalee on the east coast, while another serves Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa.
Other Lines
The Puttalam line runs along the coast north from Colombo, although rail buses run between Chilaw and Puttalam. The Kelani Valley line winds 60km from Colombo to Avissawella.
Trains comprise three classes. Most services consist exclusively of second- and third-class carriages. There’s not actually a huge amount of difference between the two: second-class seats are slightlymore padded and comfortable, and there are fans in the carriages, but the main bonus is that the carriages tend to be (very slightly) less overcrowded.
First class covers three different types of seating, which are only available in selected trains. These are seats on inter-city trains and in the observation carriage on hill country trains; seats in the air-conditioned carriage on trains to Anuradhapura and Batticaloa and sleeping berths on overnight services. The smallness of the island means that, unlike in neighbouring India, there are only a few overnight trains. These comprise first-class sleeping berths and second- and third-class “sleeperettes” (fold-down seats), plus ordinary seats. Fares are still extremely cheap.
Advance bookings are only available for first-class seats and sleeper berths, and for second-class sleeperettes and seats on inter-city express services between Colombo and Kandy. Reservations can be made up to ten days in advance at the Berths Booking Office at Fort Railway Station in Colombo. You can also make reservations at other stations, though they’ll have to contact Colombo, so try to reserve as far ahead of the date of travel as possible. Tickets for all other types of seat can only be bought on the day of travel. If you are a women traveler ;Consider finding a travelling companion if you travel alone on a train.
Tips for Reservation.
» You can reserve places in 1st class and in 2nd class on intercity expresses.
» Always make a booking for the 1st-class observation saloons, which are very popular.
» Reservations can be made at train stations up to 10 days before departure. You can book a return ticket up to 14 days before departure.
For train bookings – https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
