Booking the Ella Odyssey luxury train tickets in advance
3 Answers from travellers
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The Ella Odyssey is a premium tourist train and all seats are reserved first-class or second-class. It sells out weeks in advance. You absolutely cannot buy tickets on the same day at the station. You must book them online via the Sri Lanka Railways website exactly 30 days before your travel date.
If you miss the Odyssey, you can still buy unreserved 3rd class tickets for the normal blue train on the same day. It is crowded but the views are identical.
If it is sold out, local travel agents sometimes scalp the tickets, but you will pay triple the price. Be ready on the website at midnight 30 days prior.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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