Taking longboards from Hiriketiya to Kandy on the train
I am finishing my surf trip in Hiriketiya and want to head up to Kandy. Can I take a 9 foot longboard on the coastal train back to Colombo, and then on the scenic blue train up to Kandy.
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5 Answers from travellers
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Taking a 9 foot board on Sri Lankan trains is a nightmare. The coastal train guard vans might accept it for a fee, but the blue scenic trains to Kandy generally refuse anything over 7 feet because the aisles and storage racks are too tight. You are much better off leaving the board at a surf camp in Hiriketiya and picking it up before your flight out.
Dots Bay House in Hiriketiya offers board storage for a small weekly fee. Just leave it there!
I tried this last year and got denied boarding in Colombo Fort. I ended up having to book a private minivan all the way to Kandy just for the board.
If you must take it, skip the train entirely. You can occasionally convince the driver of a red CTB public bus to open the deep undercarriage storage for a longboard, but you have to tip them well.
Honestly, lugging a massive board around the hill country ruins the trip. Leave it on the coast and enjoy the mountains hands free.
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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