I mentioned in my earlier post that train ride is one of the most important mode of transport in Sri Lanka. It is not only affordable but offers amazing views of different part of the country. I’ve previously written about the popular Kandy-Ella line that travel through the hill country, but do you know that the train that journey along the coast from Galle to Colombo offers another breath-taking view of Sri Lanka?
The View
The train journey along the coast and takes you through many coastal villages. At some parts, the train coasts closely to the ocean shoreline that it makes it seems like the train is traveling on the water itself. This is why some people has resembles this to the sea train in the famous Japanese animation, Spirited Away. We get the view of a never-ending horizon which is absolutely stunning when the sun is seating. Therefore, I highly recommend taking the afternoon train. The 2.45pm train we took is a good choice for the view, but do note that it is not an express train and therefore, it’s an hour slower.
This railway line passes through a number of major cities and towns such as Kalutara, Beruwala, Aluthgama, Bentota, Balapitiya, and Hikkaduwa. As opposed to the tea plantations and mountain valleys in Kandy-Ella, here we see slums, run-down houses, small coastal villages, beachs, palm trees. The contrast is huge and poverty is especially prevalent along this stretch.
As with other train rides in Sri Lanka, food vendors are seen boarding the train at different stations, carrying basket of local Sri Lankan snacks like wadai, nuts, and fruits. As we had taken the second class before, this time around we tried the third class seat and they are indeed more locals, and the seat are less comfortable, but enough for a short 2 hours ride. Thankfully, as there are more locals than tourist in the third class carriage, we were able to find seat a lot easier, as the locals weren’t as keen as securing the perfect window seat.
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| We boarded the third class cabin this time around instead of second class |
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| No seat so I ended up standing at the doorway |
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| Found a great spot |
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| But there already a local Sri Lankan hoarding the door |
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| So I sat behind him hoping he'd alight along the way |
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| Passing by the beach |
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| Ah so lovely! |
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| We are travelling next to the sea |
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| Passing by the beach |
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| Finally hoarded the door |
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| After a few stations finally found a seat |
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| Trying to take a selfie with the train body |
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| More selfie out of boredom |
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| More selfie |
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| More selfie |
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| Crossing the bridge |
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| Passed by some fishing village |
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| Palm trees along the sea |
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| More view of the sea |
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| Passing by a village |
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| A fishing village by the sea? |
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| A selfie with the village |
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| Pass by the sea again |
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| More sea view |
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| More selfie |
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| Don't this look like Spirited Away's sea train? |
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| Last stretch of the sea before the train ends at Colombo |
How to get your tickets
Unreserved tickets
Unreserved tickets can only be booked on the day of travel and cannot be purchase in advance. This is purchased at the railway station by queueing at the ticket office. Unreserved tickets also can’t sell out as they do not set a limit for the number of passengers. As the name suggest, there is no seat reserved for you and it depends on your luck whether you are able to grab any seats on board. There are no unreserved seats for first class carriage.
Reserved tickets
Contrary to the unreserved tickets, a reserved ticket cannot be purchased on your day of travel, and must be booked ahead of time, around 30 days before your departure date. You can either book this with a third part agent or book online (32 days before) at 12go Asia
Ticket Classes
Most trains have different classes to choose from:
1st class observation seat - only available on certain daytime trains, mainly on trains between Kandy and Ella. It provides a full view of the scenery and is usually at the rear of the train
1st class air-conditioned seats - available on occasional express trains
1st class sleeper - available on a few overnight trains, air-conditioned
2nd class seats - provided on all trains and are available as either unreserved seats or reserved seats
3rd class seats - available on most trains, is the cheapest and mostly crowded with locals, also available as either unreserved or reserved
The first class seats are the most comfortable since it is air-conditioned but you can’t open the window and you would only be rubbing shoulder with other foreigners. The most recommended seat for the most authentic Sri Lankan railway experience if the second or third class seat. Second class seat is normally about double the price of third class seats but still very cheap. I have taken both the second class and third class seat and both are equally about the same with second class being just a tiny bit more comfortable.
Train Schedules, Duration and Costs
Train schedules changes occasionally so the best way to check the schedule is from the Sri Lanka Government Railway Information official web site
Southbound (from Colombo to Galle)
From Colombo : 6.55am*, 10.30am*, 2.25pm, 3:10pm, 3.50pm*, 4.46pm, 5.30pm, 5.35pm, 6.05pm*, 7.30pm (2 hours on express train, 3 hours on commuter train)
Northbound (from Galle to Colombo)
From Galle : 3:40am, 4:50am, 5.00am*, 5.58am*, 6.55am*, 7.25am, 9.00am, 10.25am*, 2.45pm, 3.35pm (2 hours on express train, 3 hours on commuter train)
* express train (blue train)
Tip: Avoid late evening train as you would miss the sunset view.
Ticket Prices:
Second class: LKR 220
Third class: LKR 120 (we paid LKR 100 in May 2018)
The Best Seat
The best view is different depending on which direction you are taking the train:
Southbound (Colombo-Galle): Right side of the train
Northbound (Galle-Colombo): Left side of the train
Final Words
Although nowhere as famous as the scenic train ride that connects Kandy and Ella, the view from this train is perhaps the second best in whole of Sri Lanka. As the sun sets, the water reflects the sun light creating a beautiful golden hue. It was a mesmerising journey to end our Sri Lanka trip.
If you are travelling from Galle to Colombo or vice versa, don’t miss this train ride. You’ll love it!
For other places of attractions in Sri Lanka, read my travel guide with sample itinerary and cost breakdown ➢ 12 Days Sri Lanka In Less Than RM2.2K - Visa Application, Sample Itinerary & Cost Breakdown
Thanks for giving us such useful information. Sri Lanka Visa
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