12go still selling Colombo-Kandy but locals say that line is broken?
Cyclone Ditwah last November wrecked the hill line, I know. Some blogs say Udarata Menike dies at Rambukkana. 12go still has tickets. We wanted the train up to Kandy on 24 Aug for Perahera. What is actually true this week?
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5 Answers from travellers
Ditwah hit the Colombo-Badulla line in a lot of places. Mid-2026 the upcountry express has been limited to Rambukkana, short of Kandy. Work between Kadugannawa and Rambukkana was still being rushed in July. People talk about getting through toward Kandy by end of 2026 - treat that as a hope, not a ticket. Check seatreservation.railway.gov.lk the week you travel. Intercity buses still run. Car is about 3 hours on the expressway plus A1.
We took a private car Colombo-Kandy in July. Train was not a through option.
Do not buy a third-party "Colombo-Kandy reserved seat" without reading the boarding station. If it says Rambukkana that is a connecting-bus situation, not the postcard ride.
If 12go shows a pretty observation car all the way to Kandy, that listing is stale. Ask them where you actually board.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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