Badulla to Nanu Oya Train Services Resume - Sri Lanka’s Scenic Hill Country Railway Returns

The railway line connecting Nanu Oya, Ella, Haputale, Bandarawela, and Badulla is considered one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. Every year, thousands of local and international travellers choose this route to experience Sri Lanka’s lush tea plantations, misty mountains, charming villages, and stunning panoramic views.

For many visitors, the hill country train journey becomes one of the most memorable highlights of their Sri Lanka holiday.

Recent adverse weather conditions and landslides caused significant damage to sections of the railway line between Nanu Oya and Badulla. Sri Lanka Railways carried out extensive restoration and safety inspections to ensure the route was fully operational and safe for passengers.

After months of repair work, the railway line is now ready to welcome passengers once again.

• Nanu Oya – 09:00 AM
• Ambewela – 09:30 AM
• Pattipola – 09:38 AM
• Ohiya – 09:53 AM
• Idalgashinna – 10:12 AM
• Haputale – 10:28 AM
• Diyatalawa – 10:40 AM
• Bandarawela – 10:56 AM
• Ella – 11:27 AM
• Demodara – 11:41 AM
• Badulla – 12:16 PM

• Badulla – 03:00 PM
• Demodara – 03:37 PM
• Ella – 03:52 PM
• Bandarawela – 04:23 PM
• Diyatalawa – 04:37 PM
• Haputale – 04:49 PM
• Idalgashinna – 05:05 PM
• Ohiya – 05:24 PM
• Pattipola – 05:39 PM
• Ambewela – 05:47 PM
• Nanu Oya – 06:06 PM

The popular Ella Odyssey Train, designed specifically for tourists, will also resume operations on this route.

The Ella Odyssey offers travellers the opportunity to experience some of Sri Lanka’s most famous railway landmarks, including:

• Nine Arch Bridge
• Demodara Loop
• Scenic tea plantations
• Mountain viewpoints
• Historic railway stations

This service remains one of the most sought-after train experiences for visitors exploring Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Nuwara Eliya
Known as "Little England," Nuwara Eliya is famous for its cool climate, tea estates, colonial architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Ohiya
A peaceful mountain village offering access to Horton Plains National Park and some of Sri Lanka’s best hiking trails.

Haputale
One of Sri Lanka’s most scenic towns, renowned for breathtaking viewpoints and the famous Lipton’s Seat.

Ella
A favourite destination among travellers, Ella is home to attractions such as Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, Ravana Falls, and Flying Ravana Zipline.

Badulla Surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, Badulla serves as an excellent base for exploring Sri Lanka’s eastern hill country.

The reopening of the Badulla to Nanu Oya railway section is excellent news for Sri Lanka tourism. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and local businesses across the hill country can once again welcome travellers arriving by train.

Visitors planning holidays in Sri Lanka can now confidently include the famous hill country train journey in their travel itinerary.

Whether you are travelling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, exploring the tea country, or enjoying a complete Sri Lanka round tour, the return of train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya restores one of the island’s most iconic travel experiences.

From rolling tea plantations and mist-covered mountains to charming railway stations and breathtaking viewpoints, this journey showcases the very best of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. If you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka, now is the perfect time to experience why the hill country railway is regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys.