Top Rail Tours in Sri Lanka: Hill Country, Coastal, Northern, and Southern Lines

Written by Ruwani Madushani | Created on 9th Jan 2023

 

Explore the beauty and culture of Sri Lanka by train on one of these top rail tours. The Hill Country Train takes you through stunning tea plantations and mountain views, while the Coastal Line offers views of the ocean and stops in popular beach towns. The Northern Line takes you through the cultural heartland, with stops at important historical sites, and the Southern Line takes you through the lush countryside of southern Sri Lanka. Choose the perfect rail tour for your journey through this beautiful country.

There are many different rail tours available in Sri Lanka, each offering a unique experience and showcasing different parts of the country. Some of the top rail tours in Sri Lanka include:

01. The Hill Country Train

The Hill Country Train is a popular rail tour in Sri Lanka that takes you through the beautiful hill country region of the country. The journey begins in Colombo and ends in the hill town of Badulla, passing through many stunning locations along the way. Some of the highlights of the Hill Country Train include:

 

Tea Plantations: The Hill Country is famous for its tea plantations, and the train journey offers breathtaking views of these lush, green fields.

Ella: This charming hill town is known for its stunning views and is a popular stop on the Hill Country Train.

Haputale: This small town is located at a high elevation and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Bandarawela: This small town is located in the heart of the Hill Country and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Badulla: The final stop on the Hill Country Train, Badulla is a charming hill town with a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

Overall, the Hill Country Train is a great way to experience the beauty and charm of the Hill Country region of Sri Lanka.

02. The Coastal Line

The Coastal Line is a rail tour in Sri Lanka that takes you along the beautiful coast of the country, offering stunning views of the ocean as you travel. The journey begins in Colombo and ends in the southern city of Matara, with many interesting stops along the way. Some of the highlights of the Coastal Line include:

Galle: This charming city is known for its beautiful fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 16th century. The city is also home to many charming shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Hikkaduwa: This popular beach town is known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and surfing opportunities.

Ambalangoda: This small town is famous for its traditional masks and puppets, which are used in local cultural performances.

Matara: The final stop on the Coastal Line, Matara is a laid-back coastal city with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, the Coastal Line is a great way to experience the beauty and charm of the coastal regions of Sri Lanka.

03. The Northern Line

The Northern Line is a rail tour in Sri Lanka that takes you through the cultural heartland of the country, with stops at important historical and cultural sites. The journey begins in Colombo and ends in the northern city of Kankesanthurai, with many interesting stops along the way. Some of the highlights of the Northern Line include:

 

Anuradhapura: This ancient city was the capital of Sri Lanka for over a thousand years and is home to many important historical and cultural sites.

Polonnaruwa: This ancient city was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century and is home to many important historical and cultural sites.

Jaffna: This city is the cultural center of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and is known for its vibrant culture and history.

Kankesanthurai: The final stop on the Northern Line, Kankesanthurai is a small coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, the Northern Line is a great way to experience the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka.

04. The Southern Line

The Southern Line is a rail tour in Sri Lanka that takes you through the lush, green countryside of southern Sri Lanka. The journey begins in Colombo and ends in the southern city of Galle, with many interesting stops along the way. Some of the highlights of the Southern Line include:

 

 

 

 

Matara: This laid-back coastal city is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Beliatta: This small town is located in the heart of the southern countryside and is surrounded by lush green fields.

Karapitiya: This small town is located near the famous Galle Fort and is known for its beautiful beaches.

Galle: The final stop on the Southern Line, Galle is a charming city with a rich history and a laid-back atmosphere. The city is home to the famous Galle Fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 16th century.

Overall, the Southern Line is a great way to experience the laid-back, coastal lifestyle of the southern region of Sri Lanka.