Sri Lanka - amazing island where you can feed turtles on the Hikkaduwa beach, walk on Ceylon plantations, conquer the peaks of Little Adam and Ella Rock, catch waves on Mirissa's spots and enjoy riding the trains.
Railways are the most convenient, inexpensive and very scenic way to travel around the island. There are no traffic jams (there can be terrible traffic jams from Kandy to Colombo), you can get to almost any city, but, most importantly, the views that open up during the trip. From the open train window you will see the nature of the island with its hills, forests, plantations, beaches and villages, where you can watch the life of the locals.
In this article, we'll show you how to build a 14-day train itinerary to see the most Beautiful places countries.
There are three classes of service on trains. We recommend the 2nd: in cars of this class, the windows open, there is a fan and you can sit down. The ticket price ranges from $ 1.5 to $ 8. In the 1st class, soft seats and air conditioning, but the windows do not open, and therefore it will not work to get the most out of the trip. It is better not to get into the third one, you will drive while standing, and even may be robbed.
The train schedule can be viewed on the website of the national carrier.
Kandy
You arrive in Colombo. We would not recommend spending a lot of time in the capital: the city does not reflect the island's charm. Go straight to the train station and buy a ticket to Kandy. The ride takes about three hours.
This city, once inhabited by kings, is located in the heart of the island and is its cultural and religious heart.
Things to do
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a whole complex that includes museums and temples. The divine tooth is kept in a gold box. If you plan your trip in August, you can get to the Esala Perahera - the festival of the Holy Tooth. Music is playing, everyone is dancing, and dozens of decorated elephants are walking along the streets. The tooth itself is brought out for everyone to see. Sri Lankans believe that such a ceremony will contribute to the affairs of the country.
- Climb the hill to the huge statue of Buddha Bahiravokanda Vihara and admire the panorama of the city.
- Walk around Lake Kandy. This artificial lake, about a kilometer long, appeared by order of the last king of Kandy, Sri Vikram Rajasinghe, at the beginning of the 19th century. The ruler's harem was located on a small island in the middle of the lake. You will also see the monastery and the royal baths. Geese, pelicans and herons can be found around the pond.
- Walk through the Udawattakele Nature Reserve to get acquainted with Sri Lankan flora and fauna: 300-year-old vines, mini rattan palms, orchids, lianas, Ceylon macaques, porcupines, mongooses, emerald parrots and doves.
The cost of a train ticket from Colombo to Kandy in the second class is $ 2. To have time to explore the city, we recommend staying one night.
Nuwara Eliya
From Kandy, take the train to Badulla and get off at the Nanu Oya stop. The ride takes about 4 hours. From here take a bus to Nuwara Eliya. "Little England" in the woods of the center of the island. Lovely Victorian houses nestled among plantations and mountain ranges.
Things to do
- Take a boat ride on Lake Gregory. This lake was designed by the British governor of Nuwara Eliya in order to supply the city with electricity, but quickly turned into a vacation spot. Now locals and tourists have picnics here, ride boats in the form of swans, kayaks and bicycles, and walk along picturesque paths.
- Take photos of one of the highest waterfalls in St. Clair Island, which is called "Little Niagara" due to the cascades of different heights.
- Walk through the highest mountain botanical garden in the world - Hakgala.
- Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, so it is worth visiting local plantations such as Pedro Estate to learn how it is made.
The cost of a train ticket from Kandy to Nanu Oya in the second class is $ 1.5. If you arrive early in the morning, you can leave in the evening, but it is better to spend the night in order to calmly see the garden, lake and waterfall one day, and devote another day to plantations.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from, in a 3 * hotel - from.
Ella
Photo: @florianreichelt / @backpackdiariez / Instagram.com
Back to the station. Today you will see one of the most beautiful roads in your life.
Take a ticket to Badulla (terminal station), but get off at Ella. The ride takes about 3 hours, but it's worth it, the views will be stunning. You can sit with your legs dangling in the doorway. It is better to plan a trip on a weekday, as locals will join the tourists on weekends and it will not be easy to find a convenient place.
Ella is a small town in the mountains full of life. During the day, everyone disperses through the mountains to admire the panoramas, and in the evening they gather in local cafes and share their impressions.
Things to do
- Ella is a city for hiking. There are several routes here at once. The shortest is to the Ravana cave, sung in the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana". According to legend, the king of India had a beautiful wife, Sita, the king of Sri Lanka Ravana kidnapped her and hid her in this cave. Beautiful views of the mountains open from the top.
- Walk slowly to Little Adam's Peak. It will take 45 minutes and it will take another 15-20 minutes to climb.
- If Small Peak is a childish prank for you and you prefer hiking longer distances, then Ella Rock is a bigger mountain. First, the distance is greater. Secondly, the trail is quieter and more unspoiled than the well-organized trail to Little Adam's Peak. The ascent and descent will take 4 hours, you can take a guide.
- Walk to one of the main attractions of the island - the Nine Arch Bridge, the longest in Sri Lanka. In addition, it was built without the use of steel, only at the expense of bricks, volcanic rocks, stone and cement. The 92 meter high bridge is hidden among the lush forest. Every day, hundreds of tourists gather around and on it to take gorgeous photos.
- Ravana waterfall is located 10 minutes from the city. If it's hot outside, it will help you to freshen up.
The cost of a train ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella in the second class is $ 1.5. To enjoy the city, we recommend spending two nights there.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from, in a 3 * hotel - from.
Matara
After Ella, there is a hard way to the coast. Unfortunately, the train does not go to the coast from here, and making the return detour through Colombo is a waste of precious time. You can take Uber or take the city bus number 31 (Bandarawela Matara) and feel the atmosphere.
Things to do
- Walk along Cape Dondra, where the temple of the god Vishnu stands. This is both a Hindu sanctuary and an active sea port with a majestic white lighthouse.
- Swim to Crowe Island. Take a walk among wildlife if you are with children - go to the amusement park Crow Island Beach Park.
- Visit the Vecherahena Temple. The inhabitants built it underground to pray in secret from the colonialists, and later they erected a large statue of Buddha outside.
- Take a walk along the calm, unlike many others on the island, Matara beach.
The cost of a ticket for bus 31 from Ella to Matara is $ 2. It is better to leave early in the morning, as the travel time is five hours. An Uber ride will cost about $ 90, you can find fellow passengers and divide the amount. It is better to leave early in the morning to be in Matara during the day, spend the rest of the day in the city and go to Mirissa late in the evening.
Mirissa
From the "climber-traveler" mode in this city it is worth switching to the "sunbather surfer". Buses run from Matara to Colombo or Galle. Warn the driver to stop at Mirissa.
Sri Lanka is known for its ideal waves for surfers, so if somewhere in your dreams you have cut the sea, then it's time to make your dreams come true.
After sunset, beach establishments lay out their fresh catch on the ice. Your only task is to choose between crabs, a variety of fish and seafood.
Train to Mirissa from $ 1. Better to stay here for a couple of days.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from, in a 3 * hotel - from.
Unawatuna
You can get there by bus to Galle.
The perfect place to sunbathe, drink a royal coconut, take pictures of “I'm on gorgeous beach»And try Sri Lankan cuisine. If you have never been on the surf, then this is the most suitable spot, since the waves are quite small. You can also go diving.
Bus to the city from $ 0.5. You can stay for a couple of days.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from, in a 3 * hotel - from.
Halle
The fortress city of Galle is famous for its fort, built by the Dutch and included in the list World heritage UNESCO.
Things to do
- Walk along the wall of the fortress, take a photo of the lighthouse and the clock tower against the background of the raging sea.
- Look at the Dutch architecture, wandering through the narrow streets inside the fort, looking into the souvenir shops.
- Go to the National Maritime Museum.
- Compare All Saints Church, Dutch Church, Meera Mosque.
The cost of a bus to Galle is $ 0.5. During the day you will have time to see the city, and in the evening you can go to the next city.
Hikkaduwa
If the prospect of lying on the board waiting for the perfect wave is not very encouraging, we recommend going to Hikkaduwa. This is a Sri Lankan village favored by the Russians. There is a clean beach, clear water and palm trees bent over the water. Only pareo merchants and masseuses can break the atmosphere. It is better to go to the salon for a massage.
If you walk to the beach, you can see large turtles swimming in for food. They know that tourists with prepared food and cameras are waiting for them here, so they chose this place. For dinner, head to one of the restaurants and sample the freshest crabs.
The cost of a train ticket from Galle to Hikkaduwa in the second class is $ 0.5. How long to stay here depends on your thirst for relaxation and days on vacation.
Hotels: a night in a hostel for one person will cost from, in a 3 * hotel - from.
When we were planning our trip to Sri Lanka, we learned that one of the main attractions of the country is the train! Yes Yes, regular train... More precisely, the English train, as the railway, the stations and the trains themselves were built under the British. Since then, they have been working regularly to this day, being the main transport in Sri Lanka.
The main advantage when traveling by train in Sri Lanka is beautiful views out of the window and immersion in everyday life local residents... We decided to definitely take the advice to take a ride on the Sri Lankan train. And now I will tell you about everything you need to know in order to carefully plan such a trip - I will share the train schedule in Sri Lanka, a map of trains and their routes, and, of course, my impressions. Should you travel by train in Sri Lanka at all? Read all the details in the article.
A trip to Sri Lanka is unthinkable without the opportunity to ride a Sri Lankan train. Trains in Sri Lanka are not an attraction, but a real one vehicle for the people. It suits everyone because of its cheapness and the ability to choose the level of comfort.
Trains in Sri Lanka are of three classes: the 1st class is more expensive and it is much more comfortable than the others. Mostly foreigners travel in first class carriages. The difference between class 2 and 3 carriages is small, they are best suited for budget travelers. Local residents usually go there as well.
Most tourists take the train in Sri Lanka solely for the opportunity to see the incredibly inspirational views from the window of the carriage. Basically they prefer one direction - in mountainous country to drive past tea plantations. But the trip from Colombo to Galle is also wonderful - iron way goes along the coast and you can admire the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lankans use the railroad not only to ride the train between cities, but also to go on business between small villages. In the photo - Ella, Sri Lanka
And to other attractions of Sri Lanka, tourists prefer to travel in comfortable buses (VIP-class, and not the Sri Lankan public buses, which are just as inconvenient and dirty as trains) or on rented transport with a driver or on their own.
Compared to trains in Myanmar, where railway transport also organized by the British, the train in Sri Lanka is more reliable (and in last years there were also new compositions!). During our time we were unable to catch the train. He just didn't come. As we later found out, this is a common occurrence there. This almost never happens in Sri Lanka. Trains run slowly, but still run on schedule.
Boarding the train in Kandy 
Inside an old class 3 carriage
Railway map of Sri Lanka
A train map in Sri Lanka will be very useful to understand the route of the trip.
Sri Lanka railway map (clickable)
As can be seen from the diagram, four railway lines diverge from Colombo throughout Sri Lanka: to Matara, to Jaffna, to Avisavella and to Peryanagavilla. The rest of the branches start their way in others large cities Ceylon islands. The most famous route that is interesting for tourists is the train journey from Kandy to Badulla through the mountainous country.
In addition, a line runs from Maho to Batticaloa (this is an eastern resort town), stopping along the way to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. So you can definitely get by train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, which is one of the peaks of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.
Read also:
To find out which train is the most convenient for you to travel in the desired direction, it is best to familiarize yourself with their timetable in Sri Lanka. Knowing the exact train timetable Sri Lanka, you can easily change from one train to another and get inexpensively almost anywhere in the country.
A convenient timetable for all directions is shown in the diagram. It also says in front of each city how long it will take to get from it to Colombo. And also the prices for tickets to all classes of carriages are indicated: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In my opinion, this is a very convenient scheme.
Sri Lanka trains have their own website - http://www.railway.gov.lk/ However, it is not particularly useful for travelers, since it is impossible to buy tickets online for them. But you can learn how to transport goods by train and read about the history of the railways of Sri Lanka.
- Helpful information. You can view the current train schedule in Sri Lanka
How to buy a train ticket in Sri Lanka
Train tickets in Sri Lanka are in most cases easy to buy just before the train leaves. It’s very simple. You need to arrive at the station in advance, go to the ticket office, pay for the ticket and get on the train for an empty seat (if there is one). All this applies to class 2 and 3 carriages. If you do not sit at the departure station, you will most likely have to ride while standing.
You can buy tickets for class 1 carriages for a train in Sri Lanka in advance. Ticket sales start 30 days prior to the date of the intended travel. You won't be able to book online. You can buy only while in Sri Lanka. In Colombo, you need to go to Fort Colombo to office 17. In other cities and at other stations, the same rule applies. You can also call by phone and book a seat in the 1st class carriage, but only in the direction of Colombo - Kandy. It should be borne in mind that 1st class tickets fly very quickly.
How to book a train ticket in Sri Lanka?
You need to call 365 from a local SIM card Mobitel (national provider of Sri Lanka) and book a seat on the train for the desired date and time. Soon you will receive an SMS with your number. When you arrive at the station, this number will need to be shown to the station supervisor or directly at the Mobitel office. You will be immediately given a ticket (M-ticket). The money for the ticket will be debited from your mobile account.
Advice... Very often, travelers leave the railway station in frustrated feelings, as they heard that the train is full and there are no tickets. However, this only means that all 1st class seats have been bought. Tickets for grades 2 and 3 are still on sale. It's just that many Sri Lankans all cannot believe that the White Misters will ride with them.
Magnificent views from the windows of the Kandy - Nuwara Eliya train
What cities can be visited while traveling by train in Sri Lanka
Any travel in Sri Lanka begins in Colombo or Negombo, the closest to international airport Baydanarayke cities. Let's start our acquaintance with the country from its capital - the city of Colombo. More precisely, from Fort Colombo, the main station of the country, from where trains depart in all directions.
Fort Colombo on the map
North direction: Kandy - Anuradhapura - Jaffna.
- If you head to the north of Sri Lanka, it is worth getting off the train here to visit the colonial city around the lake and the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nearby is located, which we personally liked very much for its rich collection of various plants - trees and flowers. And of course, it is also worth getting off at the station and taking ancient city one day. End station - Jaffna- the capital of Tamils, may be of interest to those tourists who study all aspects of the country's life.
- From Fort Colombo, you can also go in the direction Negombo and to Peryanagavillu station. The train interval is every hour.
- A relatively small section of the railway is built from Colombo to Avisavella... Trains run here several times a day.
- A new line starts from Medavaccia station - to the island Mannar... The train runs twice a day.
Train to the east coast of Sri Lanka: Maho - Polonnaruwa - Batticaloa and Trincomalee
From the north line that goes to Jaffna at the station Maho you can go east, to the coast. On the way to the resort Batticaloa the train stops at. And in Gal Oya you can take a train to Trincomalee, where to sunbathe on almost virgin beaches, which in comparison with have their own unique flavor.
The most popular train route from Kandy to Ella in the mountainous country
Most tourists travel to Sri Lanka by train along this route - from to Ella. Although the final station of this route is the city. Why is everyone ignoring Badulla? The colonial city does not win over Nuwara Eliya in legendaryness and the number of tea plantations and loses to Ella in scenic beauty. Although there is a number, and for the sake of him it is still worth going to Badulla.
So, the train starts from Kandy and travels along the route: Hatton(exit for Sri Pada, Peak Adam) - Nanu Oya (this is the name of the station next to Nuwara Eliya, you need to exit here) - Ohiya(exit to visit Horton Plains Park) - Ella - Badulla.
This is how the train journey from Kandy begins 
Our travel companion is a Sri Lankan baby 
Tourists hang from footpegs to take pictures of the beautiful views
Trains are the cheapest, safest and most enjoyable way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Fort Colombo, which is central railway station, travelers can take trains to different places on the island. You can take the train to most of the important places in Sri Lanka.
History of the Sri Lanka Railway
Railway Sri Lanka was conceived in the 1850s as a tool for the development and unification of the country. The first sod for the construction of Sri Lanka's railways was cut by Sir Henry Ward, Governor, in August 1858. The first railway in Sri Lanka was built by the British in 1864, and the first train went along it on December 27, 1864. We are talking about the Colombo - Ambepuss line. This line was officially opened to traffic on October 2, 1865. Sri Lanka's railroad expanded, and in 1927 the total length of railroad tracks on the island was 1,530 km. The main line expanded in stages: to Kandy in 1867, to Navalapitiya in 1874, to Nanu Oya in 1885, to Bandarawela in 1894 and to Badulla in 1924. The rest of the lines were completed over time to connect other parts of the country. These were the Matale Line in 1880, the Coastline in 1895, the Northern Line in 1905, the Mannar Line in 1914, the Kelani Line in 1919, the Puttalam Line in 1926, and the Batticaloa and Trincomalee Line in 1928.
Originally the Sri Lanka Railway was built to transport coffee and tea from the country of the hills to Colombo, from where goods were exported and were the main source of income for many years. However, with the growth of the population, passenger traffic increased, and in the 1960s the railways began to bring in huge amounts of money to the treasury.
Currently, the Sri Lanka Railway is mainly engaged in the transport of passengers, especially in commuter trains to Colombo and from Colombo. Thanks to the trains, it is possible to avoid serious traffic congestion in the Colombo area.
Sri Lanka railway map
You have already met brief history railways of Sri Lanka. Now is the time to see what the island's rail network currently looks like. Below you will see a map of the Sri Lanka railways, which will allow you to understand what important places can be reached by train.
Train names in Sri Lanka
Some trains in Sri Lanka get their names from the Ceylon Government Railways. These trains are presented below:Udarata Menike (Maiden of the Hinterland) - walks between Fort Colombo and Badulla
Podi Menike (Little Maiden) - connects Fort Colombo and Badulla
Tikiri Menike (Little Maiden) - walks from Fort Colombo to Hatton
Senkadagala Menike (Virgin "Senkadagala") - walks between Fort Colombo and Kandy
Yal Devi (Princess / Queen of Jaffna) - walks between Fort Colombo and Kankantauriu via Jaffna
Udaya Devi (Princess / Queen of the Rebellion) - Runs between Fort Colombo and Batticaloa
Rajarata Rajina (Queen of the Land of Kings) - walks between Vavunia and Matara through Fort Colombo
Ruhunu Kumari (Princess "Ruhuna" - southern province) - runs between Colombo (Maradana) and Matara
Samudra Devi (Queen of the Oceans) - walks between Colombo (Maradana) and Galle
Galu Kumari (Princess Galle) - runs between Colombo (Maradana) and Matara
Sagarika (the name of the ocean in Sinhalese) - runs between Colombo (Maradana) and Galle
Muthu Kumari (Princess of Pearls) - runs between Panadura and Chilaw
Special trains in Sri Lanka
There are also a couple of special trains in Sri Lanka, which include:Viceroy Special - Runs between Colombo and Badulla (steam touring train)
Bradby Express - Runs between Colombo and Kandy
Types of wagons in trains in Sri Lanka
Trains in Sri Lanka have several classes of wagons. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka by train, then you must understand the main differences between these cars.1st class sleeping car: First class berths are available only on a few overnight trains.
1st class carriage with a large window: such cars are available only on the best day trains that walk the scenic route from Colombo to Kandy and Badulla. Typically, such a carriage is located at the back of the train (or sometimes just behind the locomotive) and has comfortable seats facing a large window.
1st class carriage with air conditioning: only available on one or two trains.
2nd class carriage: Available on all trains. Such cars have several versions, depending on the train:
Not reserved seats... You buy a ticket, get on the train and choose any free seat.
Reserved seats... When you book your ticket, you will receive a dedicated seat.
Reserved sleeping spots... Available on most night trains.
3rd class carriage: Available on most trains. They have the same versions as the 2nd class carriages, that is: no reserved seats, reserved seats and reserved sleeping spots.
The cars of the 3rd class are very simple and usually overcrowded, therefore tourists are not recommended to travel in such cars. We advise you to choose the 2nd class carriages, but if you are ready to spend more money, you can also ride in the 1st class carriage.
Train timetable in Sri Lanka
There are quite a lot of railways and trains running along them in Sri Lanka, so it would be correct to find out the schedule of a particular train on the official website of the Sri Lanka Railways. The address of this website is http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/.On this site you can not only find out the train schedule, but also get information about ticket prices and other useful information.
However, if you need a more or less complete train schedule in Sri Lanka, then you can see it below. But still, I note again that it is advisable to check the current train schedule on the official website of the Sri Lanka Railways. Trains in Sri Lanka in most cases leave and arrive at the terminal station on time. But, as in other countries of the world, transport delays do occur here.
Do not forget to enlarge the image to the original so that you can clearly see the entire schedule.
Public transport is well developed in Sri Lanka!
The most common and budgetary ones are Trains, Tuk-tuk and Buses.
Of course, no one canceled the opportunity to rent a car or motorcycle.
Motorcycles are very popular here.
But driving in Sri Lanka yourself is very difficult due to the local driving culture.
Everyone goes as they want and where they want.
The site is pretty confusing.
Therefore, I will try to tell you, in short, what's what.
Here is the railway station in the city of Kandy.
Inside, like any other station, there is a ticket office. There you can find out about any train and tariffs for every taste.
Everyone is waiting for the train on the platform
From the center of Sri Lanka, Colombo, you can get to any destination for no more than 380 rupees.
This is equal to about 95 Russian rubles.
Passengers have the opportunity to choose their own class of carriage with a suitable level of comfort.
The closer to the end of the train, the better and more comfortable the cars.
Below is a table with the fare, based on the class of the car.
And also a map of train routes between cities.
There is only one track going to the mountains where I went, i.e. there is practically no chance of crossing the oncoming train. Only if at the stations.
I have bought the most comfortable seats... Their cost was equal to 1250 rupees, or about 300 rubles.
Only one such car was located at the very end of the train.
Everything in the carriage was simply gorgeous!
1) Comfortable seats with all kinds of adjustments, footrest and table.
The seat can be turned in the direction of the train by pressing a special lever.
2) Air conditioner
3) Multiple LCD TVs
4) Nice LED ceiling light
5) 220 volt sockets
In general, there was everything you need for comfort!
My final station was the small town of Ella, located high in the mountains.
The length of the path is 180-200 km. It took about 7 hours to cover this distance.
For so long.
This is because the road passes through the picturesque mountains, tunnels and plains of Sri Lanka.
The maximum train speed was 20-30 km / h. And in some places 5-10 km / h.
But I was not at all tired on the way.
Not only was it comfortable in the carriage, but the view outside the window was incredibly beautiful!
Sometimes the view from the window amazed my imagination!
At first it rained a little and it was cloudy.
Trains stop at stations for a short time.
There is a maximum of 5 minutes to get on the train. Or even less.
On the way, small waterfalls could be seen every 5 minutes.
And also mountain rivers.
Tea plantations accompanied me all the way!
Sometimes the train passed along the scenic highways.
Slowly rising above the clouds, the train enveloped in fog!
Then the bright sun came out! There was no end to the plantations!
The train kept going up the mountain, descending, bending around them from the side. It looked like a kind of attraction!
In some places it felt like I was on a cliff. And the train is about to fall into the abyss. But no. All OK.
Periodically, the train passed through the mountain tunnels!
Insanely cool!
I suggest you just look at this incredible beauty of nature!
Drove very beautiful waterfall in the distance.
There are controllers on the train that keep order so that no one breaks the rules, does not try to switch from a cheaper carriage to a more expensive and more comfortable one.
In general, like in any other country.
So, having reached the town of Ella, it was already completely dark. It was about 7 pm.
So my train journey is over! It was comfortable and incredibly beautiful!
I can safely say that this is the most amazing train journey of my life !!!
Sooner or later, being in mountainous areas Sri Lanka, you will have to leave in any other direction :) You will want new adventures!
And the only adequate way to do this is by train. And already at the very beginning of this "escape", you will understand that the train itself is already an adventure.
But first, you will pay attention to the details. Because every little thing here is not one you have ever seen.
At the time when we had to leave, we were in Nuwara Eliya, and the nearest railway station is located a few kilometers from it:
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This railway station is called "Nanu-Oya". By name settlement... The sign even, for some reason, says that you are at an altitude of 1623 meters above sea level :)
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Throughout the space at the station, while waiting for the train, you can walk freely. If you want to walk on the rails - please. Want to learn the mechanisms of shooters? You are welcome:)
Meanwhile, you have a view of the tea plantations:
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Waiting hall:)
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And now shock and sensation))) You will not believe, but the dark green building in the photo, no less, the Nanu-Oyi Railway Institute! :)))
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The trailers are standing. You can climb into them if you wish. The carriages are clearly battered by time. The trademark red paint of Sri Lankan trains faded to brown.
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Passengers in the waiting room:
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Arrival of the train. Almost like at the end of the 19th century :)
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On the train, everyone quickly takes up seats, and some people who come from nowhere offer incomprehensible food:
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The 2nd class carriage is very simple:
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It even has a restaurant car! I would not dare to buy food there))) But cookies and water - you can:
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The last carriage is 1st class. You can't just get into it - the through doors to it from other cars are blocked. I climbed into it on the way along the outside of the train))) But I'll tell you about this in the next photo-report.
The most important feature of the 1st class is the chic observation glass.
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It's very cool to watch the life of ordinary people through it:
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As with us - you can buy pies from the young man's grandmother at the station:
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And this is business class. A trailed car of a private company. To get into it, you have to be either white or in a suit :) If a ticket to the second class cost some ridiculous 5-10 Russian rubles, then in business class it cost outrageous for the locals, but still ridiculous for us 200- 300 rubles:)
When the conductor, who looked more like the son of one of the employees of a private railway company, realized that we are unpretentious guests and there is no need to jump around us with a tambourine, he relaxed, took the seats off the seats and lay down on the floor to sleep))) Sri- Lanka is so spontaneous and funny)))
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The entire device of Sri Lankan trains allows you to take pictures in all directions. Including oncoming trains. For example, a stylish locomotive:
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And positive drivers can also be photographed:
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On the way from Nuwara Eliya to the city of Kandy, you even have to change trains! The transfer is carried out at the "Peradeniya" station.
Now everyone is changing to a "new" and faceless station. But exactly opposite they preserved (!) The old station, from the times of English Ceylon. Year of construction - shaggy 1867!
By the way, all the railways of Ceylon went to Sri Lanka from the British. Nobody built new roads anymore, the old ones were not renewed. But it is worth giving the Sri Lankans their due - the fact that they contain them as carefully as possible. The British have been gone for half a century, but look at how good this ancient station is:
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Trains run daily, in some directions even many times a day. Private railway transportation is being developed in the country.
And in Kandy, some kind of themed carriage was even noticed! By the way, pay attention to the station in Kandy - the beauty remained from the British:
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That's all for now. I love railways - I could not help but show. I promise it will be more interesting next time;)
How do you like the local railroad? Do you love railways? What are your favorite railways?
And you work in between May holidays and dream of a long vacation without work breaks? :) Or are you relaxing and at the same time continuing to read LJ? :)
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