Quick answer
Kandy and Ella in 5 days spends two nights in each, with day three spent on the train from Kandy to Ella, roughly 6 to 7 hours, or a scenic drive of roughly 5 to 6. Kandy gives the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Peradeniya gardens; Ella gives Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls. Ella is roughly 6 to 7 hours from the airport, so day five is a long drive.
Key takeaways
- The route is Kandy 2 nights and Ella 2 nights, with only two check-ins.
- The full Kandy to Ella train takes roughly 6 to 7 hours and is a day in itself.
- Reserved train seats sell out well ahead; have a road backup.
- Ella's walks fit into one relaxed full day.
- Day five is roughly 6 to 7 hours to the airport, so choose an evening flight.
Why Kandy and Ella
Kandy and Ella give the hill country its two most famous experiences: the Temple of the Tooth and the train through the tea estates to Ella's walks. With two nights in each, you have a full day in both places and a full day for the journey.
The route skips a night in Nuwara Eliya. The train passes through Nanu Oya, its station, and you see the tea country from the carriage rather than from a hotel. Horton Plains is left out.
The cost is the last day, roughly 6 to 7 hours from Ella to the airport.
- →Nights: Kandy 2, Ella 2.
- →Check-ins: two.
- →The train: a full day.
Day by day
Day one is the drive from the airport to Kandy, roughly 3 to 4 hours, with the evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth. Day two is a full Kandy day: Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, the lake, a viewpoint and a tea factory near the city.
Day three is the train from Kandy to Ella, roughly 6 to 7 hours, leaving in the morning and climbing through Peradeniya, Hatton, Nanu Oya, Haputale and down to Ella. Your driver takes the bags by road and meets you at Ella station. Day four is Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, the Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls.
Day five is the drive back to the airport, roughly 6 to 7 hours, for an evening flight.
- →Day 1: airport to Kandy, puja.
- →Day 2: Peradeniya and the lake.
- →Day 3: the train to Ella.
- →Day 4: Ella's walks.
- →Day 5: Ella to the airport.
Making the train day work
The full Kandy to Ella journey is long, and some travellers find six or seven hours on a train too much. A good compromise is to take the train for the most scenic half, from Nanu Oya to Ella, and drive the first half with a tea factory stop.
Reserved seats in the observation and first and second class carriages sell out well ahead. Book as early as you can and keep a road backup. The journey by car takes roughly 5 to 6 hours with stops.
Never lean out of the doors for photographs. People are seriously injured on this line. Pack water, snacks and a light layer, because the hills are cool.
- →Full train: roughly 6 to 7 hours.
- →Half train: from Nanu Oya.
- →Road backup: roughly 5 to 6 hours.
Kandy's best day
Kandy's best day begins at the Temple of the Tooth's morning puja, quieter than the evening one, followed by Peradeniya gardens before the heat. After lunch, a tuk-tuk to a viewpoint above the lake and a walk along its shore.
The evening can hold a Kandyan dance performance, with drummers and fire-walkers, or a quiet dinner overlooking the city. Kandy traffic is heavy at peak hours, so keep the plan to a few stops.
When this route works
The hill country is driest roughly January to April. Kandy is warm all year and rain is possible any time. Ella, on the eastern side of the hills, is usually drier than the western slopes from May to September.
In July or August, check the dates of the Kandy Esala Perahera, which fills the city. October and November are wet across the hills.
- →Best: January to April.
- →Ella: often drier May to September.
- →Perahera weeks: book early.
Who this route suits
Train lovers, first-time hill country visitors and travellers who want Kandy and Ella with only two hotels are the route's natural audience. It suits couples and friends particularly well.
Families with young children may find the train day long, and anyone with an early flight should choose a route ending nearer the airport. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange train tickets where available and meet you at Ella station.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Kandy to Ella?
The train from Kandy to Ella takes roughly 6 to 7 hours, and delays are common. It passes through the tea country, high passes and many small stations. Some travellers take the train only from Nanu Oya to Ella, the most scenic half, and drive the rest.
Is two nights in Ella enough?
Two nights in Ella is enough for Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls and the town's cafes. A third night would allow Ella Rock, a longer walk or a cooking class. On a five-day trip, two nights is a good balance.
Should I take the train or drive from Kandy to Ella?
Take the train if you enjoy slow travel and have reserved seats; it is one of the great rail journeys in Asia. Drive if seats are sold out or you prefer flexibility, roughly 5 to 6 hours with tea country stops. Many travellers combine half train, half road.
Can I see Nuwara Eliya on this route?
You pass through Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya, on the train, and see the tea country from the carriage. Staying in Nuwara Eliya would need a third base. If the town and Horton Plains matter, choose a route with a night there.
How far is Ella from the airport?
Ella is roughly 6 to 7 hours from the airport via the Southern Expressway. On a five-day trip, the last day is almost entirely a drive, so choose an evening or night flight and leave after breakfast.
Is this route good for a first trip?
Yes, for first-time visitors who want the hill country. It combines the Temple of the Tooth, the famous train and Ella's walks with only two hotels. It leaves out Sigiriya and the beaches, which a culture and beach route would include instead.