President Anura Kumara Disanayake announced the government’s commitment to transforming Sri Lanka’s public transport system as part of a broader push to elevate the nation’s development. Speaking at the launch of the "Dream Destination" project—a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to modernize 100 railway stations—the President emphasized the need for systemic change, accountability, and efficient infrastructure to reduce road fatalities, traffic congestion, and environmental harm.

Key Highlights:

• Modernizing Railways: The government, alongside private sector partners, will renovate 100 railway stations to improve safety, accessibility, and passenger comfort while aligning with global standards.
• Road Safety & Economic Impact: With around eight daily road fatalities and traffic congestion costing 2-3% of GDP annually, strengthening public transport is a top priority.
• New Rail Projects: Plans include new railway lines from Kottawa to Avissawella and Avissawella to Ratnapura, as well as reviving the Nuwara Eliya–Nanu Oya line for tourism.
• Strict Accountability: The President stressed that misuse of public property will not be tolerated, and all individuals must adhere to the rule of law.

Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake presented the Road Safety Action Plan 2025–2026, highlighting the urgent need for improved public transport to mitigate future infrastructure strain. Private sector representatives and engineering experts also shared plans for railway upgrades, including safer level crossings.

The event was attended by senior government officials, private sector leaders, and transport experts, marking a collaborative step toward a more sustainable and efficient transport system.

The Calypso Train, Sri Lanka's newest rail marvel, will take you on an exciting trip. This train goes from Badulla to Bandarawela along the beautiful Demodara. It has daily trips, making it the best way to see the beautiful hill country of Sri Lanka in comfort and style.

(Last updated: 2024-05-17)

Contents

• 1. General Information
• 2. Badulla to Demodara Train Schedule
• 3. Demodara to Badulla Train Schedule
• 4. Badulla to Demodara Train Stops
• 5. Demodara to Badulla Train Stops
• 6. Ticket Prices
• 7. Ticket Booking
• 8. Tourist Attractions
• 9. Places to Stay in Ella
• 10. Contact numbers
• 11. Photos

General Information

Train name	Calypso Special Train
Train number	1232 (Badulla-Bandarawela-Demodara) 1234 (Demodara-Bandarawela-Badulla)
Train type	Special
Number of stops	5 max (Stations) Stops at Demodara Nine Arches Bridge for 10mins
Journey duration	Around 3 and a half hours
Available classes	Locomotive + OFV (Wooden) + RC + SCR + OFV (Normal)
Frequency	Daily
Status	Operating
Tickets	Reservation only

Badulla to Demodara Train Schedule

Date	Departure time	Arrival time
Daily	08:20	11:39

Demodara to Badulla Train Schedule

Date	Departure time	Arrival time
Daily	12:50	16:12

Badulla to Demodara Train Stops

Train Stop	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Stop Time	Notes
Badulla	-	08:20
Demodara	-	09:10
Ella	-	09:28
Bandarawela	09:58	10:30	30 minutes
Ella	-	11:14
Nine Arch Bridge	-	-	10 minutes
Demodara	-	11:39

Demodara to Badulla Train Stops

Train Stop	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Stop Time	Notes
Demodara	-	12:50
Nine Arch Bridge	-	-	10 minutes
Ella	-	13:30
Bandarawela	14:00	14:35	30 minutes
Ella	-	15:08
Demodara	-	15:35
Badulla	16:12	-

Ticket prices

LKR 1000 for one journey / LKR 2000 for the whole journey

Ticket booking

You can use the below methods to purchase tickets

Purchase at the railway stations in the morning or book online

Railway Online Ticket Website

Tourist Attractions

• Nine Arches Bridge – (10 minutes)

Places to Stay in Ella

Booking.com

Contact numbers of Railway Stations

• Demodara Railway Station: +94552294171
• Ella Railway Station: +94572228571
• Bandarawela Railway Station: +94572222271
• Badulla Railway Station: +0552 222 271

Photos

Ella Odyssey Special train runs daily between Colombo Fort railway station and Badulla railway station. The Ella Odyssey train goes to Badulla from Colombo on Thursday and Saturday and returns to Colombo from Badulla on Friday and Sunday. It stops at the most popular tourist attractions from Colombo to Badulla.

(Last updated: 2024-03-15)

Contents

• 1. General Information
• 2. Colombo to Badulla Train Schedule
• 3. Badulla to Colombo Train Schedule
• 4. Colombo to Badulla Train Stops
• 5. Badulla to Colombo Train Stops
• 6. Ticket Prices
• 7. Ticket Booking
• 8. Tourist Attractions
• 9. Ella Travel Guide
• 10. Places to Stay in Ella
• 11. Contact numbers
• 12. Photos

General Information

Train name	Ella Odyssey Train
Train number	1041 (Colombo Fort to Badulla) 1042 (Badulla to Colombo Fort)
Train type	Special
Number of stops	21 max (Stations) 10 (Tourist attractions)
Journey duration	10 hours 23 mins
Available classes	1st Class A/C (176 seats), 2nd Class (144 seats), 3rd Class (50 seats)
Frequency	Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Status	Operating
Tickets	Reservation only
Powerset	Class S14

Colombo to Badulla Train Schedule

Date	Departure time	Arrival time
Every Thursday	05:30	16:00
Every Saturday	05:30	16:00

Badulla to Colombo Train Schedule

Date	Departure time	Arrival time
Every Friday	09:15	19:20
Every Sunday	09:15	19:20

Colombo to Badulla Train Stops (Updated on 2023/08/01)

Train Stop	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Stop Time	Notes
Colombo Fort	-	05:30
Gampaha	06:00	06:01
Veyangoda	06:11	06:12
Polgahawela	06:45	06:46
Rambukkana	06:56	06:58
Peradeniya	08:04	08:05	-
Kandy	08:13	08:25	12 minutes
Peradeniya	08:33	08:35	-
Nawalapitiya	09:18	09:23	-
Horsetail Waterfall			2 minutes	Near 93.5 miles post
Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) View			2 minutes	Near 107.25 miles post
Hatton	10:35	-	-
St Clair Waterfall View			2 minutes	Near 114.5 miles post
Great Western Station	11:40	11:44	-
Nanuoya	12:02	-	-
Elgin Falls View			2 minutes	Near 134.25 miles post
Summit Level			2 minutes	Near 139.75 miles post
Ohiya end of No 18 Tunnel			3 minutes	Near 140 miles post
Ohiya	13:02	-	-
Idalgashinna	13:25	13:35	-
(Wind break)Sulan Kapolla View			3 minutes	Near 150.5 mile post
Haputale	13:52	13:53	-
Diyatalawa	14:04	14:05	-
Bandarawela	14:17	14:19	-
Kithal Ella Waterfall View			3 minutes	Near 167.5 miles post
Ella	14:47	14:50	-
Nine Arches Bridge			10 minutes	Near 169 miles post
Demodara Tunnel and Bridge
Demodara	15:15	15:25
Hali Ela	15:47	15:48
Badulla	16:01

Booking.com

Badulla to Colombo Train Stops (Updated on 2023/08/01)

Kindly note that the train will pass the viewing points at slow speed during this journey and it will only stop at Nine Arches Bridge and below stations.

Station	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Notes
Badulla	-	09:15
Hali Ela	09:28	09:29
Demodara	09:49	09:59
Ella	10:24	10:25
Bandarawela	10:50	10:51
Diyatalawa	11:04	11:05
Haputale	11:15	11:16
Idalgashinna	11:30	11:34
Ohiya	11:51	11:52
Nanuoya	12:43	12:50
Great Western	13:06	13:11
Talawakele	13:35	13:50
Hatton	14:14	14:16
Nawalapitiya	15:21	15:25
Peradeniya	16:07	16:14
Kandy	16:22	16:35	13 minutes
Peradeniya	16:43	-
Rambukkana	17:44	-
Polgahawela	17:56	-
Veyangoda	18:32	-
Gampaha	18:41	-
Maradana	19:14	-
Colombo	19:20

Ticket prices

1st Class

	Colombo Fort	Kandy	Nanu Oya	Ella	Badulla
Colombo Fort	-	LKR 3000	LKR 4000	LKR 5000	LKR 5000
Kandy	LKR 3000	-	LKR 3000	LKR 4000	LKR 5000
Nanu Oya	LKR 4000	LKR 3000	-	LKR 3000	LKR 4000
Ella	LKR 5000	LKR 4000	LKR 3000	-	LKR 2000
Badulla	LKR 5000	LKR 5000	LKR 4000	LKR 2000	-

2nd Class

	Colombo Fort	Kandy	Nanu Oya	Ella	Badulla
Colombo Fort	-	LKR 2000	LKR 3000	LKR 4000	LKR 4000
Kandy	LKR 2000	-	LKR 2000	LKR 3000	LKR 4000
Nanu Oya	LKR 3000	LKR 2000	-	LKR 2000	LKR 3000
Ella	LKR 4000	LKR 3000	LKR 2000	-	LKR 2000
Badulla	LKR 4000	LKR 4000	LKR 3000	LKR 2000	-

3rd Class

	Colombo Fort	Kandy	Nanu Oya	Ella	Badulla
Colombo Fort	-	LKR 1500	LKR 2000	LKR 3000	LKR 3000
Kandy	LKR 1500	-	LKR 1500	LKR 2000	LKR 3000
Nanu Oya	LKR 2000	LKR 1500	-	LKR 1500	LKR 2000
Ella	LKR 3000	LKR 2000	LKR 1500	-	LKR 1000
Badulla	LKR 3000	LKR 3000	LKR 2000	LKR 1000	-

Ticket booking

You can use the below methods to purchase tickets

Railway Online Ticket Website

Dialog Railway Ticket

mTicketing

Tourist Attractions

• Horsetail Waterfall viewpoint – (2 minutes)
• Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) viewpoint – (2 minutes)
• St Clair Waterfall viewpoint – (2 minutes)
• Elgin Falls viewpoint – (2 minutes)
• Summit Level – (2 minutes)
• No 18 Tunnel – (3 minutes)
• Sulan Kapolla View – (3 minutes)
• Kithal Ella Waterfall viewpoint – (3 minutes)
• Nine Arches Bridge – (10 minutes)

Ella Travel Guide

Ella Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Ella, a charming town nestled in the picturesque hills of Sri Lanka. Known for its lush green landscapes, scenic tea plantations, and friendly locals, Ella is a must-visit destination for both foreign and local travelers. This travel guide is tailored for those arriving by train, offering…

Sri Lanka Railway ForumSLRF Staff

Places to Stay in Ella

Booking.com

Contact numbers of Railway Stations

• Colombo Fort Railway Station: +94 11 4 600 111
• Kandy Railway Station: +0812 222 271
• Nanu Oya Railway Station: +0522 222 873
• Ella Railway Station: +0572 228 571
• Badulla Railway Station: +0552 222 271

Photos

Photos from Daily Mirror Online

Class M11 954 derailed near Peralanda railway station while assigned to Prima Wheat Flour Train operations.

This marks the first derailment of a Class M11 locomotive in 2024.

Sri Lanka Railways has recently announced that India would provide Sri Lanka with 20 decommissioned locomotives and 3 more locomotives for spare parts. These locomotives worth LKR 16 billion will be provided to Sri Lanka as a grant and are expected to arrive in February 2024.

While the deal was originally announced in September 2023, it has only now been confirmed after Sri Lanka’s Department of Railways sent over a team of experts to assess the vehicles and decide whether they would be appropriate for the country’s rail network.

This move comes in the backdrop of India’s gradual transition towards electric train operations, leaving a surplus of diesel engines that are still functional and can be put to good use by other countries.

What are the types of locomotives to receive from India?

The technical team from Sri Lanka Railways will most likely pick WDM3D, WDG3A, and WDM3A locomotives.

Read more:

Indian locomotive class WDG-2/3A - Wikipedia

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.Contributors to Wikimedia projects

India’s Transition to Electric Trains

"India’s decision to decommission diesel train engines and move towards electric train operations is part of the country’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change. Electric trains are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than their diesel counterparts. They also offer several other advantages such as quieter operation and lower maintenance costs. By providing decommissioned diesel engines to Sri Lanka, India ensures these machines continue their useful life, reducing waste and contributing to a circular economy." - bnnbreaking.com

Maho Junction Railway Station (Mahawa Handhiya – මහව සංධිය) is situated in Maho town. Northern railway line branches to Batticaloa railway line at Maho Junction Railway Station.

Trains on the Northern Line will run up to Maho Junction due to the track upgrade project between the Maho-Anuradhapura section. SLTB buses provide transport service for passengers traveling to Anuradhapura from Maho.

Contact Information

Additional Information

Timetable to Colombo

Last updated: 2024-01-18

Places to Stay in Maho

The inauguration ceremony for the second phase of the Maho - Omanthei railway track upgrade project took place today (2024-01-07) at Galgamuwa railway station.

Indian High Commissioner, Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways, and several officials from SLR and IRCON participated in the inauguration ceremony.

The project is scheduled to be completed on June 15, 2024.

Class S11 903 powerset refurbished by Aluthgama running shed had its debut trial run to Jaffna on 2023-12-28.

The powerset did not go through a major overhaul but a fresh interior and exterior paint, cleaning, and some interior refurbishments.

📷 Nirujan Selvanayagam

Galboda railway station is located at 152.8km along the Main Line between Inguruoya and Watawala railway stations in Nuwara Eliya district in the Central Province.

Contact Information

Additional Information

Find a Place to Stay in Galboda

Photos

There will be several changes to take place with the temporary closure of the Maho-Anuradhapura section for 6 months, starting January 7, 2024. This essential modernization effort aims to create a more reliable and advanced railway system, ensuring a smoother travel experience for commuters in the long run.

Several direct trains from Colombo to KKS (Kankesanthurai) and Talaimannar will be canceled for the duration of the project.

These four train services will be canceled:

1. Train No. 4021/4022 - KKS Intercity Express
2. Train No. 4017/4018 - Uttara Devi Intercity Express
3. Train No. 5003/5004 - Talaimannar Express
4. Train No. 4089/4090 - KKS Night Mail

Two train services between Anuradhapura and Kankesanthurai will be operational daily:

Anuradhapura to KKS

KKS to Anuradhapura

Yal Devi Train Extension to Trincomalee:

As part of an experimental trial during the modernization period, the Yal Devi Express train with a single S13 powerset will be extended to Trincomalee as Train No. 7077/7078.

Rajarata Rejini Train will Run Between Maho and Beliatta:

Read more:

Maho - Anuradhapura Section Closure Date Announced

SLR has officially announced the closure of the Maho - Anuradhapura section for six months, starting January 7, 2024.

Sri Lanka Railway ForumSLRF Staff

Welcome to Ella, a charming town nestled in the picturesque hills of Sri Lanka. Known for its lush green landscapes, scenic tea plantations, and friendly locals, Ella is a must-visit destination for both foreign and local travelers. This travel guide is tailored for those arriving by train, offering a unique perspective on the journey and the destination.

This article will be updated frequently

Best Time to Visit Ella

Ella (Sri Lanka) in general has a tropical climate. The day temperatures range from 25 °C (76 °F) in January to 29 °C (83 °F) in April. The least rainy month in Ella is February with its 6 days of rain, the rainiest month is November, when it rains 17 days. Temperatures during the night go from 17 °C (63 °F) in February to 19 °C (66 °F) in May. ~ sunheron.com

The best time to visit Ella is from January to May.

Getting There: By Train

Trains to Ella run regularly, but checking the schedule in advance is advisable. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, so plan accordingly. The most scenic stretch is from Nanu Oya to Ella, so try to catch a daytime train to witness the beauty of the hills.

Trains from Colombo Fort to Ella

Trains from Kandy to Ella

Exploring Ella

Little Adam's Peak

Kick off your Ella exploration with a trek to Little Adam's Peak. The relatively easy hike rewards you with panoramic views of Ella Rock, the valley, and the surrounding hills. The best time to ascend is sunrise or sunset for a magical experience.

Ella Rock

For the more adventurous, Ella Rock is a challenging yet rewarding trek. The trail takes you through tea plantations, dense forests, and open terrain, culminating in a breathtaking view of Ella and its surroundings.

Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arches Bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities, and you can even catch a passing train on the Nine Arch Bridge, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is about 6.5 KM south of Ella town. It's around 25 meters in height and it's one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Flying Ravana Zip Line

Located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella and Sri Lanka’s first-ever Mega zip-line.

The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.

Where to Stay in Ella

Ella offers a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to boutique hotels with stunning views. Popular choices include The Secret Ella, 98 Acres Resort, and Ella Jungle Resort. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

The Model Train Exhibition is rolling into Kandy City Center from December 22nd to 26th, and you won't want to miss it. From 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, get ready to dive into the world of "Model Railway".  The exhibition will include Foreign and Local Train models, Running layouts, workshops, and many more exciting events to geek out on.

Don't miss out on the chance to explore the exciting events waiting for you!

Read about "Model Railroader's Day 2023" event:

Model Railroader’s Day 2023

Model Railway Association - Sri Lanka is inviting you to join Model Railroader’s Day 2023 on Saturday 18th February.

Sri Lanka Railway ForumSLRF Staff

Batticaloa Railway station is the terminus of the Track No 06 Batticaloa line in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. Batticaloa Station was built in 1928.

Batticaloa city is a major city in Sri Lanka and it is the administrative capital of the Batticaloa District. Arugam Bay which is a World famous popular surfing and tourist destination is situated 113 km away from Batticaloa city.

Contact Information

Additional Information

Batticaloa to Colombo Timetable

Colombo to Batticaloa  Timetable

Last updated: 2023-12-29

Places to Stay in Batticaloa

Kollupitiya Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations on the Coastal Railway Line between Bambalapitiya Railway Station and Slave Island Railway Station.

With its charming colonial architecture, the station blends history and modernity seamlessly.

Contact Information

Additional Information

Find a Place to Stay in Kollupitiya