Train rides are always fun and exciting. Yet, a train ride in Sri Lanka is on another level as it comes with spectacular views. And believe us! There are many famous train stations in Sri Lanka, owing to the significant features and charms that they hold!
This small island of the Indian ocean is absolutely breathtaking. There are eye-catching destinations in literally every corner of the island. First, the British rulers built the railway line to carry goods from the upcountry areas to Colombo. Later, the railway lines spread across the island, magnifying the unique beauty of this island.
So, choosing a train ride in Sri Lanka will be one of the most memorable experiences of your whole trip. Besides, on your journey around Sri Lanka, you will see many train stations that would attract you. Knowing about them prior to your travel will surely magnify the delight of your journey. So, get to know some interesting facts about the most famous train stations in Sri Lanka!
Details about the Famous Train Stations in Sri Lanka
The following sections contain details about the following train stations in Sri Lanka.
- Colombo Fort Railway Station
- Kandy Railway Station
- Galle Railway Station
- Jaffna Railway Station
- Badulla Railway Station
- Ella Railway Station
- Haputale Railway Station
- Idalgasinna Railway Station
- Demodara Railway Station
Scroll down for the details!
1. Colombo Fort Railway Station
This is the most important and busiest rail hub in the whole Sri Lankan railway line. You can take a train to destinations all around the country from here. Multiple intercity and commuter trains pass through the Fort station every day. It is also the starting point and the final stop for many trains traveling around the country.
The Colombo Fort Railway station is at the heart of Colombo. According to the records, the history of the building of this railway station goes back to 1908. Altogether, there are 10 platforms in this railway station. Further, more than half a million passengers use the services of the Fort railway station daily. There are passenger waiting rooms, changing rooms, and cafeterias inside the station.
There is a belief that the structure of the Colombo Fort railway station is very similar to the Manchester Victoria station. Besides, this station is at a very important location, at the intersection of the A4 and A1 roads to be specific, and very close to Colombo Fort and Pettah.
Maradana station, which is also another major railway station of Colombo is just a few kilometers away from the Fort station. Hence, there is nothing wrong in mentioning that the Fort station is at a very convenient location. After all, this busy train station will probably be the beginning of your wonderful journey in Sri Lanka. So, this is undoubtedly one of the most famous train stations in Sri Lanka.
2. Kandy Railway Station
Kandy railway station is one of the most popular railway stations among travelers in Sri Lanka. It is also a historic location on the upcountry railway line. It is simply the major railway station of the central hills. Initially, this railway station had been on a site called Deiyange Wela. Today, it is a significant landmark in Kandy city.
Another important factor about the Kandy station is that it is the starting point of the Matale railway line. The first train which completed a journey from Colombo to Kandy on the 30th of April 1867 was a goods service. The first passenger service from Kandy railway station dates back to the 1st of August 1867. However, the railway line from Colombo to Kandy had been the main railway line. Later, the authorities extended this railway line in stages with time.
The structure of the Kandy railway station is also very interesting as it features both modernist and Victorian architecture. To be specific, the main station building has shades of the Art Moderne style. The dominating features of this style are the curving forms and the long horizontal lines. There is evidence that the constructors have used concrete massings in the construction of this station to create a geometric form. Besides, the walls of the building are very minimalistic. Yet, it is surrounded by heavily ornamented and traditional architecture. The shelters of the platforms display parts of a Victorian design.
So, owing to all these reasons, Kandy railway station will be an eye-catching and important destination in your journey.
3. Galle Railway Station
Galle railway station is the major railway station in southern Sri Lanka. It is the main hub of the southern coastal railway line that connects Sri Lanka’s south with Colombo.
This railway station is located at the center of the historic city of Galle. It is also situated within close proximity to other important locations such as the Galle International Cricket Ground, Galle’s city hall, and the famous Galle Fort.
One important feature about the Galle railway station is that it is a terminus station where the trains have to back out of the station in order to continue the journey towards an onward destination. Hence, the passengers have to enter the station from the South but the trains approach the station from the North.
Since DMU models were introduced in 2011, the problems which arose in regard to the station’s terminal layout were resolved. However, the structure of the Galle railway station mainly displays features from modernist and international styles. While the walls of the stations show a minimalistic style, it shows features of traditional and colonial architecture. Moreover, the structure of the building is mainly symmetric which contributes to the station’s layout as a terminus station. The platforms of this railway station have shades of utilitarian design. These specialties have indeed made it one of the most famous train stations in Sri Lanka.
Ruhunu Kumari, Galu Kumari, and Samudra Devi are the trains that the Gall Fort Train station serves the most.
4. Jaffna Railway Station
Jaffna railway station is one of the most famous train stations in northern Sri Lanka. Simply, it is the main attraction of Sri Lanka’s northern railway line. It is located in the main city of northern Sri Lanka, Jaffna.
This station is also one of the busiest railway stations in the country. Yal Devi service is the most popular train which serves the northern line and it calls at this station. However, this station suffered much damage during the civil war which prevailed in Sri Lanka for three long decades. In fact, all the railway operations of the northern line stopped from Vavuniya onwards in 1990. Afterward, the Jaffna railway station was abandoned which worsened the damage. After the civil war, the government started several refurbishment projects on the northern railway line. As a result, train services between Pallai and Jaffna commenced on 13th October 2014.
The British rulers identified the importance of a railway line connecting Sri Lanka’s south and north. And yes, that had been the main reason for a train station to come up in this area. However, as per the historical records, the first train to Jaffna traveled on the 1st of August 1905. This train journey from Colombo to Jaffna at the time took 13 hours and 20 minutes. Later, the authorities introduced the well-known Yal Devi express train to the northern railway line on the 23rd of April 1956. Because of this express train, Jaffna railway station became the second-largest railway station in the country.
At present, six northern line trains serve the Jaffna railway station including Yal Devi, Uttara Devi intercity, AC intercity, night mail, and two other unnamed services.
5. Badulla Railway Station
This is also one of the most famous train stations in Sri Lanka, as it is the last station of the country’s main railway line. It is located in Badulla, the capital city of the Uva province.
Badulla railway station is located around 292 kilometers away from the main city of Colombo. Podi Manike and Udarata Manike are the main trains that run on the main railway line and these express trains end their journeys at the Badulla railway station.
The construction of the railway line from Nanu Oya to Badulla dates back to 1924. As per the historical records, the authorities officially opened this station on the 5th of April 1924, but the first passenger train service started at the Badulla railway station on the 5th of February 1924. There are 3 side platforms at the Badulla railway station.
Since Badulla district is a popular tourist destination, many tourists visiting Sri Lanka make sure to visit Badulla during their tour. And the favorite mode of transport of many, from Colombo to Badulla is by train. Specifically, the journey from Kandy to Badulla is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the country with the most breathtaking views. Apart from that, it is very easy to travel to many of the popular tourist attractions situated in the Badulla district from the Badulla railway station. Thus, it will be one of the most memorable stations that you will meet on your journey.
6. Ella Railway Station
Ella railway station is probably one of the most famous and most-visited train stations in Sri Lanka. That is simply because Ella is a tourist hotspot among both local and foreign tourists. While there is a very small station in Ella, it is a loved location among tourists as it is the main getaway facilitating travel to this charming mountain town. However, the railway station is located quite a bit away from Ella town. But you can easily hire a tuk-tuk from outside the station or simply walk to the town.
This small station is well-maintained, and comparatively, to the other railway stations, Ella railway station is very clean as well. All the essential facilities are available for the tourists within the station premises. The ride from Kandy to Ella will be one of the most scenic rides that you will take in Sri Lanka.
This railway station was built 100 years ago during British rule. So, the original colonial-era architecture is still visible through the construction of this railway station. However, it is situated in a very scenic location surrounded by a ring of mountains. Therefore, the station itself has become an insta famous location. A photograph at the Ella railway station has become mandatory for your Ella visit.
7. Haputale Railway Station
Haputale is another tourist dreamland in upcountry Sri Lanka. Besides, Haputale railway station is the major getaway to all the scenic locations situated in the Haputale area. It is the 69th station located on the main railway line of the country.
The authorities extended the main railway line to Haputale from Nanu Oya. Besides, the railway station was opened on the 19th of June 1893. The railway line was extended to Bandarawela from Haputale in 1894.
Haputale train station is one of the major and also well-known railway stations in the Badulla district between the Diyatalawa and Idalgashinna railway stations. The distance between Colombo and Haputale railway stations is around 248 kilometers. The station is in the center of Haputale town above a sea level of 1479 meters. However, there is only one platform at the Haputale railway station.
Besides, there is a scenic and panoramic view of the surrounding from the Haputale railway station. During a good climate, one can get a view to a certain extent towards the southern part of the country from Haputale due to its high elevation. Haputale railway station is mostly a calm and quiet place and gets active when a train is due. Furthermore, there is a small railway museum there with an antique ticket cabinet, track control devices, and communication systems which makes this station extra unique.
8. Idalgashinna Railway Station
This is also one of the most famous train stations in Sri Lanka. It is the 68th station on the main railway line of the country. It is also the fifth-highest station located between Haputale and Ohiya railway stations. The elevation of the station above sea level is 1615 meters. Besides, the location of this railway station is highly interesting.
This small railway station is located on the top of a hill that separates the southern and eastern parts of the country. Because of this significant location, the rainwater which gets collected on the front roof of the Idalgashinna railway station falls into the Mahaweli river valley and the water from the back roof falls into the Walawe river valley. Simply, the water from the same roof pours on two main rivers of the country, and thus, it adds more uniqueness to this wonderful train station.
Due to the steep land in the broad gauge main line between Haputale and Idalgashinna, there is a magnificent view of the greenish mountains of the Uva province. Express trains such as Podi Menike, Udarata Menike, night mail trains, and other local trains which run on the main line serve the Idalgashinna railway station.
Another interesting fact about the Idalgashinna railway station is that there are 14 tunnels between the Ohiya and Idalgashinna railway stations. Besides, this railway station is in a popular hiking area. However, the railway track extending from the Idalgashinna station to Ohiya station is simply one of the most scenic treks of Sri Lanka. Apart from all that, this is indeed one of the most beautiful railway stations in the country.
9. Demodara Railway Station
Many consider the Demodara railway station as one of the most fascinating civil engineering marvels of Sri Lanka. However, it is the 76th and the third last railway station of the main railway line. The distance between Colombo and Demodara railway stations is approximately 277 kilometers.
All the trains that run on the main railway line stop at the Demodara railway station. Anyway, this station is well-known for the spiral rail line at the location, which is famous as the ‘Demodara loop’. This loop consists of a rail line that passes under itself. Also, this rail line goes around in a loop and emerges from a tunnel which is underneath the railway station. The length of this rail loop is about 900 metres and the length of the tunnel is 320 metres. Demodara is the only railway station in the world that shows a special feature as the above. So, it automatically ranks top among the famous train stations on this island.
According to folklore, one of the engineers named Devapura Jayasena Wimalasurendra was inspired by how a villager tied his turban in the construction of this unique railway line. And that is how this spiral has come up at this railway station. So, from this railway station, you will be able to see the train coming through the tunnel below before it arrives at the station.
Apart from that, the Demodara station is small and quaint with an amazing view of the surrounding. The nine arch bridge is the closest tourist attraction to the station.
10. Sarasavi Uyana Railway Station
This is another famous railway station situated on the Kandy to Colombo railway line. The most significant fact about the Sarasavi Uyana railway station is that it is the one and only railway station situated inside a university in Sri Lanka. To be specific, this railway station is situated within the premises of the University of Peradeniya between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Agriculture.
Besides, the Sarasavi Uyana Railway Station is the 47th railway station on the main railway line of Sri Lanka. This small railway station is located 476 meters above sea level. There is only one platform in the Sarasavi Uyana station. The station is mostly used by university students and staff. However, this station is like the main gateway to the University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya teaching hospital, and also to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
The distance between the station and the Peradeniya junction is just 900 meters. You can also find the popular Devil’s bridge or the Yaka Palama within close proximity to this station. Sarasavi Uyana is also one of the most beautiful railway stations in Sri Lanka. Besides, this location is well-known among university students as a memorable spot for many love stories. Therefore, there are many romantic songs that revolve around this small station.
The Bottom Line
Sri Lankan railway has been serving as a major mode of transport in the country. Sri Lanka Railways is the official governing body of the national train service, as well as the train stations. However, it is considered that the Sri Lankan railway service is one of the last remaining railways in the world that still uses the ancient and ingenious tablet signaling system. However, most of the train stations in Sri Lanka have been existing since the British colonial era. There are many interesting facts about the railway stations and the tunnels situated on the main railway line. Anyway, we believe that the information shared in this article will make your scenic train journey more interesting. So don’t forget to look into the above-mentioned popular train stations during your train journey through Sri Lanka. Happy and Safe Traveling!
