Railway Line Guide 2026

Main Line (Hill Country Line)

Sri Lanka's most famous and scenic railway line, running from Colombo Fort through Kandy and into the misty hill country to Badulla. This 292 km line passes through tea plantations, over the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and past stunning mountain vistas. Built during the British colonial era starting in 1858, it remains one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Total Distance
292 km
Stations
19
Daily Trains
173+

Stations on this Line

Trains on the Main Line (Hill Country Line)

TrainFromToDepartureArrivalFrequency
Podi MenikeColombo FortBadulla
Udarata MenikeColombo FortBadulla
Yal DeviColombo FortKankesanthurai
Uttara DeviColombo FortKankesanthurai
Udaya DeviColombo FortBatticaloa
MeenagayaColombo FortBatticaloa
PulathisiColombo FortBatticaloa
Tikiri MenikeColombo FortNanu Oya
Senkadagala MenikeColombo FortKandy
Dunhinda OdysseyColombo FortBadulla
Night MailColombo FortBadulla
Express TrainColombo FortBadulla
Mixed TrainColombo FortBadulla
Express TrainColombo FortBadulla
Express TrainColombo FortBadulla
Showing 15 of 173 trains. Use the route search to see specific schedules.

Key Named Trains

  • Podi Menike
  • Udarata Menike
  • Ella Odyssey (Dunhinda Odyssey)
  • Night Mail