Which side of the hill-country train to sit on
The best view swaps sides halfway. Sit right out of Kandy, then move left after Nanu Oya. On the Kandy to Ella run the view genuinely changes sides. Sit on the right leaving Kandy for the valley panoramas and the first big tea estates. After Nanu Oya, the stop for Nuwara Eliya, the drama moves to the left.
The practical picture
On the Kandy to Ella run the view genuinely changes sides. Sit on the right leaving Kandy for the valley panoramas and the first big tea estates. After Nanu Oya, the stop for Nuwara Eliya, the drama moves to the left as the train works through cloud forest and open highland.
Most passengers get off at Nanu Oya, which is your chance to cross the aisle in an unreserved carriage. For photography avoid first class: it is air conditioned, so the windows are sealed and tinted. Second or third class reserved gives you a guaranteed seat, windows that slide open and access to the doorways.
Frequently asked
Which side has the best views from Kandy to Ella?
Should I book first class on the scenic train?
When do reservations open?
Places in this guide
Sources
We compile and link to public sources; details change, so verify time-sensitive specifics before you travel.