Taking the train is one of the best ways to see Sri Lanka’s spectacular scenery and escape the dizzying roads leading in and out of the hills. Train travel in Sri Lanka is relatively cheap, and there are frequent trains each day to a variety of different destinations across the island. We highly recommend that you take the train from Kandy into the island’s hill country (if you are heading in that direction). As you leave Kandy city center behind, the landscape begins to open out into dramatic, undulating tea fields separated by rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and deep gorges, all framed by dramatic mountains topped with pine forest. This is known as one of the most beautiful rail rides in the world, and it is well-worth taking the time to do. You can also travel on an authentic steam train complete with colonial-period furnishings if you are looking for something more luxurious. Sri Lanka trains have first class, first class observation, second class and third. First class is sometimes fitted with an observation deck, a/c, sealed windows and small television monitors and also has a flushable w/c. The First class observation carriage is air-conditioned and has seats looking out to the scenery and rail track as the train journeys. Second class has fairly spacious seating and toilet facilities. Third class is the cheapest option and is similar to second class, but tickets cannot be reserved in advance so having a seat cannot be guaranteed. Booking train tickets in a country such as Sri Lanka can be a tricky and time-consuming business, as the procedures and technology are outdated. SriLankaInStyle can help you to book your tickets in advance, but we regret that we must request a minimum spend of US$300 on travel and accommodation to seek to book train tickets on a customer’s behalf. Train tickets cannot be guaranteed – although we are usually successful in precuring tickets for your chosen journey – and they cannot be confirmed until ten days prior to your trip. For more information about trains in Sri Lanka, and how the booking process works, please see our Booking Information or contact one of our travel consultants.