Kandy to Nanuoya: Ella train with tea factory stops
The Ella train departs from a mountain station you reach by road through Sri Lanka's tea belt.
A guided drive from Kandy to Nanuoya Station in the highlands, with stops at a working tea factory, Hanuman Temple, Ramboda Falls, and Nuwara Eliya Town before you board the iconic Ella train. You travel in a private vehicle with a driver, making the journey itself part of the experience rather than just transport to the station.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Private air-conditioned transportation from your Kandy hotel or the city.
- bottled water throughout the journey.
- stops at a tea factory, Hanuman Temple, Ramboda Falls, and Nuwara Eliya Town.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by Travel with Hasith
Prices and times updated 6 days ago
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The experience
The tour starts with pickup from Kandy City or your hotel, then heads into the central highlands on the route to Nanuoya Station. Along the way you stop at a tea factory to see how Ceylon tea is processed, visit Hanuman Temple, and walk to Ramboda Falls. The drive passes through Nuwara Eliya Town before reaching the station in time to board either the 2:50pm or 4:45pm Ella train. The whole route takes between three and eight hours depending on how long you spend at each stop and which train departure you choose.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided. The operator handles the logistics of getting you to the platform on time, so you don't have to navigate the route or worry about missing the train. A moderate level of fitness helps, since the stops involve some walking: particularly at Ramboda Falls and around the temple grounds.
Is this one for you?Choose the earlier 2:50pm train if you want more time exploring the stops without rushing. Pick the 4:45pm departure if you'd rather start later in the day or spend longer in Nuwara Eliya Town. Either way, the private vehicle means you set the pace at each stop instead of following a fixed group schedule.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is the Ella train and why do people take it?
The Ella train is an iconic Sri Lankan railway journey through the highlands, famous for its mountain scenery and the experience of traveling through tea plantations and misty valleys. Boarding from Nanuoya Station puts you on one of the country's most celebrated train routes.
Can I choose which train departure time works for my day?
Yes. The tour offers either the 2:50pm or 4:45pm Ella train, so you can pick the departure that gives you enough time at the stops or fits the rest of your itinerary in Kandy.
What happens at the tea factory stop?
At the tea factory you see how Ceylon tea is processed, from leaf to finished product. It's a working facility, so you get to watch the actual production rather than just a museum display.
Do I need my own transport to get to Nanuoya Station, or is it included?
Transport is included. The operator picks you up from Kandy City or your hotel and drives you all the way to Nanuoya Station in a private vehicle, making stops along the route.
How long is the drive from Kandy to Nanuoya Station?
The total time ranges from three to eight hours depending on how long you spend at each stop and which train you board. The drive itself is roughly three hours, with the extra time spent at the tea factory, temples, falls and town.
Kandy to Nanuoya: Ella train with tea factory stops
3h–8h · at your hotel
from US$ 96 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.