Is third class unreserved on the Ella train safe for tourists.

Third class unreserved is perfectly safe regarding personal security, but it is physically excruciating for a long journey. The carriage features hard wooden benches, and because it is unreserved, it gets packed with local commuters. You will likely be crushed in the aisles and forced to stand for hours. It is highly authentic for a short trip, but for the full seven hour journey from Kandy to Ella, you should strongly prioritize finding a second class reserved seat.