The Train to Ella

During our 2010 trip, we took the famous "Train to Ella”, at the time, a wonderful experience with a lively mix of locals and tourists enjoying the scenic journey together through Sri Lanka's hill country.

When we returned in 2018, we planned to take the train again. But seeing the crowds of tourists waiting to board, it was clear the experience had transformed entirely. We decided to drive instead.

These photographs capture the authentic charm of that 2010 train journey from Kandy to Ella, before mass tourism changed its character.