How far in advance should I book the Kandy to Ella train?
2 Answers from travellers
Reserved seats in first and second class open thirty days in advance and usually sell out within minutes, especially for the morning trains. Use the official Sri Lanka Railways website to book. If you cannot get a reservation, you can buy unreserved tickets at the station on the day, but be prepared for a very crowded and standing journey for several hours.
Try taking the train from Peradeniya station instead of Kandy to have a slightly better chance at an unreserved seat. The views are best on the right side of the train when heading from Kandy to Ella. Do not hang out of the doors as it is dangerous and the train passes through narrow tunnels.
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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