Ella Archives - GlenMyu Estate

A New Train Service

Ella, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

A New Train Service

There is a new train service in Sri Lanka. This will be welcomed by the thousands of tourists that take the beautiful train journey from Kandy to Ella.

A new ‘Ella Odyssey’ special train introduced by Sri Lankan Railways for both local and foreign tourists on the stunning Kandy-to-Ella section of this beautiful train journey.

When does the new train service run?

The Ella Odyssey will operate every Saturday and Sunday.

It departs from the Kandy Railway Station at 09.45 am

The train arrives at Demodara Railway Station at 05.22 pm.

Returning to Kandy from Demodara Railway Station commences 06.00 pm.

How much does the new train service cost?

The fares at February 2025 are as follows:

First Class LKR 7,000

Second Class LKR 6,000

Third Class LKR 5,000

Will I be able to get a seat?

The new train has 176 reserved seats in first class, 176 reserved seats in second class and 44 reserved seats in third class.

There is capacity for a total of 396 passengers.

Whats so special about the new train service?

The new train service will run slowly at sightseeing spats and also stop for 10 minutes at each the following stations so you can take some photos:
Peradeniya
Nawalapitiya
Hatton
Great Western
Nanu Oya
Pattipola
Ohiya
Idalgassinna
Haputale
Bandarawela
Ella

And also on the Nine Arch Bridge.

Where can I buy train tickets?

Visit the official Sri Lankan Railways online seat reservations by clicking on the following button.

Convenient for Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

Lots of our guests take a day trip from GlenMyu Estate to visit Nine Arch Bridge and the other sights around Ella.

Alight and Haputale for GlenMyu Estate

Haputale railway station is the nearest stop to GlenMyu Estate.

We are around a 20/25 minute Tuk Tuk ride from the station.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

A New Train Service Read More »

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka.

Ella, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Reviews from our guests, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Finding a Hidden Gem

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka.

Discovering a place to stay that you fall in love with before others do is a great feeling.

However, once it’s on the tourist radar, you may find it difficult to get a room!

As more tourists visit Sri Lanka there are less chances that you will find a hidden gem.

Of course, as more people discover the hidden gem, the cat will be out of the bag and everyone will know about it.

The trick is to get there early before others do.

Sri Lanka is becoming a more popular tourist destination

Sri Lanka has seen its’ tourist numbers increase substantially over the last year.

In December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024, tourist numbers when compared against the previous period.

It still has a long way to go before it competes with Bali, Cambodia or Thailand.

The tourist board have ambitious targets for the coming year, so get there before it becomes too busy.

A hidden gem in the Sri Lankan hill country

GlenMyu Estate has only been operating since the start of 2022.

Guests love it and there are already we have had several returning guests.

What's so special?

A comfortable place to stay, space and amazing food are there things that our guests comment upon.

As we only have three guest bedrooms at the five acre estate, you are not fighting with other guests for space.

There are no need for time slots to enjoy the natural spring fed infinity swimming pool.

We don’t have staff bothering you too often looking to upsell.

What my wife and I have found is that we can assess the level of interaction our guests want shortly after your arrival.

There is so much more, but you really have to stay to find out what you like best.

Feedback from our guests is important

We have been humbled by what our guests say about their stay with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Neither my wife or I are extroverts and we are really overwhelmed and amazed by our guests taking the time to write the words about their time with us.

It won't last for long!

Some of our guests tell us that they want to keep GlenMyu Estate undiscovered so that there will always be a room for them when they come back!

We have no plans to expand from the three bedrooms that we have and therefore we do believe that in time it will be more difficult to get a room at the estate.

Although we have not been trading very long, we already have had several returning guests and recommendations to their friends and family.

Find us and experience what we have to offer

We love having new guests experience what we do at GlenMyu Estate.

Hopefully we will meet you soon on your next holiday in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka. Read More »

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka

Ella, Holiday, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka

Kandy to Ella is a 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka.

Is, what is considered as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world worth it?

I would be horrified contemplating a seven hour train journey in the UK or Europe.

So why do so many tourist have this train journey from Kandy to Ella on their bucket list?

This journey is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world due to the spectacular scenery that you will see on the way. The landscape changes as you leave Kandy as the train makes it way through the Sri Lankan Hill country.

One of the highlights of the train journey is getting to Ella to see Nine Arch Bridge.

This bridge is beautiful and iconic. Crowds arrive in time to see a train cross the bridge to take their photos and selfies to post on social media sites such as Instagram

The bridge is just over one hundred years old (opened in 1921).

It is an amazing feat of engineering as it is made of stone, rocks and cement. The steel that was going to be used for the bridge was redirected for use for the Great War in Europe.

There are many train stations on this seven hour train journey, all which have their own character.

Some of the trains stop for a while at the station. We managed to jump off and buy a cup of tea at the station cafe!

The newest train ‘Ella Odyssey” stops for a time at many of the staions so that you can get off and take some photos. This does add some time to the already very long train journey.

Experiences on a seven hour train journey.

In both these videos they get on the train in Perideniya to attempt to get a seat.

You can reserve seats, however as the train ride is so popular, train tickets are sold out fast.

These travellers bought unreserved tickets and took a chance on whether they would get a seat

Sit on the right if travelling to Ella if you can

It is commonly suggested that it is best to sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views if you a travelling from Kandy to Ella.

However, you will still get good views on the left hand side for part of the train journey if you are not able to bag that seat.

Buy your tickets from Sri Lankan Railways

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An authentic experience or guaranteed comfort

First, Second and Third Class?

Choosing what class you should pick depends on what type of experience you want.

The First Class compartments have air conditioning and the windows cannot be opened.

According to most people you don’t get an authentic experience travelling in First Class.

In Second and Third Classes you will be able to mov e around and perhaps sit at the doorway during your journey.

Please be careful though as some people do fall off and end up in hospital trying to get a selfie!

I guess the class that you choose is all about whether you want comfort for a seven hour train journey or you want to move around and perhaps stand for some of the journey.

Get off in Haputale and stay at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate is about 20-25 minutes in a Tuk Tuk from Haputale station.

We are around 1 hour from Ella and most of our guests do not want to stay in a touristy town. They normally enjoy a day trip to Ella to see the sights there.

The estate is convenient to visit sights including Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Liptons Seat and Horton Plains National Park.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka Read More »

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Ella, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

A holiday in Sri Lanka in 2025 will be an experience that will live with you for many months and years after your time on this paradise island.

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025? WTF project that it will emerge as one of world’s fastest-growing travel destinations in 2025.

Visit Now!....Tourist numbers in Sri Lanka are on the rise

Visit in 2025, before tourist numbers get too large!

The government have ambitious targets to grow the number of visitors to this small island.

Visitor numbers doubled in the months of December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024 .

Calendar year figures for 2023 was for 1.487 million visitors. There were 1.484 million visitors from January to September 2024.

The plan for 2024 was 2,3 million, a rise of 700,000. It was a stretching target and the number has now been revised to 2 million. This is still an additional 400,000 tourists!

In 2025 the targeted numbers are 3 million!

The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Board publish weekly, monthly and annual tourist arrivals.

You can see how the numbers have increased by visiting their website.

What is the World Travel Market

World Travel Market is an organisation that brings the travel industry together through events, content and digital tools.

is home to the world’s travel trade – the most influential travel and tourism event globally.

WTM London brings together the international leisure travel community; providing inspiration, education, sourcing, and benchmarking to travel professionals while providing exhibitors a place to do business and showcase their services to the international press.

In 2023, WTM welcomed over 40,000 professionals from 184 countries. WTM is the easiest, most resourceful place in travel to get networked, saving time, money, and effort on the way.

You can register and download the full report at the World Travel Market website.

The report was made in conjunction with Tourism Economics. This company state that ‘Tourism Economics combines the expertise of the travel industry with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients’.

Why is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

This small island nation located off the tip of India, has incredible diversity in its landscapes. A varying coastline with beautiful beaches to high mountains and rich fertile valleys, there is something to see for everyone.

Stunning wildlife, safaris, hiking, water sports, cultural and history are all elements of what Sri Lanka offers.

The highlight is the people. They proudly welcome visitors with Sri Lankan smiles and want you to have the best experience during your visit. Hospitality is natural to those that live here. Don’t be surprised if you are asked into a strangers home for a cup of local tea!

Visit Sri Lanka in 2025 before others find it!

We would recommend that you visit in 2025 before tourist numbers rise too much.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025? Read More »

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka

Ella, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka

Where are the must see places in Sri Lanka?

There are so many places and experiences to choose from, the list could be very long.

However, most travellers have too short a time on this paradise island to see enough.

This is why many visitors to Sri Lanka come back again and again.
The Sri Lanka Tourist boards slogan is ‘You will come back for more’.

Our 5 best must see places?

We have listed five places that we think that you must see on your first trip to Sri Lanka.

Some are prominent in guide books and we considered that we had to put on the list.

We could have put five places that you must visit whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate as there are so many amazing places within an hours drive away.

However, we understand that your time on holiday is short and we have highlighted five places you must see around the island.

1. Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara

This bridge near Ella Town has probably taken over the Lion Rock, Sigiriya as the number one place to visit on the island.

But its’s just a bridge!, I hear you say.

Nine Arch Bridge is in a stunning setting and is part of what has been coined the most beautiful train journey in the world.

The bridge is just over one hundred years old (Opened 1921).
Apparently it is just made from stone, rocks and cement as the steel that was to be used in its’ construction was redirected to be used in the First World War effort.

I guess is Scotland can have the Harry Potter Bridge at Glenfinnan Viaduct, Sri Lanka can have a stunning bridge too!

2 Lion Rock, Sigiriya

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is known as Lion Rock.

Prior to being built as a fortress, it’s thought the rock was a Buddhist monastery.

The citadel on top of Sigiriya Lion Rock was built by King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD. As he was worried of potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne, he used the fortress as his royal residence.

The Lion Rock was once again used as a monastery after Kasyapa’s death until it was abandoned in the 14th century.

You will ascend 200 metres climbing 1,200 steps and will be met with a magnificent view.

We would recommend that you go early to avoid the heat of the sun.

Remember, you can always see the Lion Rock from Pidurangula Rock which is likely to have less tourists.

3. Horton Plains National Park, World's End

Our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate love hiking at UNESCO World Heritage site, Horton Plains National Park.

The exhilarating views that you will see from Greater World’s End and Little World’s End are worth the 11 kilometre circular trek itself.

At an elevation of around 2,100 metres you will feel that you have had a good workout at the end of your walk.

Information boards highlight the landscape, flora and fauna that you are likely to see on your hike.

You will enjoy sitting watching the cool water cascading down the beautiful Baker’s Falls waterfall.

Make sure you go early to get a chance of a clearer view at both Worlds End viewpoints.

4. The Southern Beaches

There is so much variety for you to experience at the southern beaches of Sri Lanka.

Apart from catching the rays to show off when you get home, there are lots of different things to do.

Visit one of the turtle hatcheries.

Learn to surf at a surf camp

Enjoy the nightlife at one of the

Watch the sunset with your partner

Don’t forget, if you are visiting the island during May to August, you should stick to the beaches of the East and North coasts.

Beaches to visit on the Southern Coast

Here are some of the better known beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka with links to show you what they are like.

Ahungalla Beach
Unawatuna Beach
Hiriketiya Beach
Bentota Beach
Mirissa Beach
Jungle Beach
Hikkaduwa Beach
Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa)
Mihiripenna Beach
Polhena Beach

5.Yala National Park

Yala National Park is probably the best known park on the island to do a safari and see animals. It is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.

The park covers a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons.

You are likely to see a wide range of wildlife such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks and many more types of birds.

However, there are plenty of other safari parks around the country. So, if you want to avoid the crowds look for other parks as you travel around the island.

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka - Summary

Watch the train pass over Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara
Discover the history behind the Lion Rock, Sigiriya
See the view from Little World’s End
Enjoy the variety at the Southern beaches
See the animals on safari at Yala National Park

Too much more to mention!

These five must see places are only just some of the amazing sights and experiences you can have on this small island.

Sri Lanka has something for everyone and we are sure that you will be back for more.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Horton Plains and many more

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka Read More »

Developing an interest in Birdwatching

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Ella, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Developing an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

It’s easy to develop an interest in bird watching in Sri Lanka. The birds appear to be more interesting on this paradise island.

Whether it is the colours of their feathers or just the light that they fly in, it has heightened my interest.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

It’s easy to develop an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

There are many endemic species, residents and migrants to spark your curiosity.

According to Nature Odyssey, currently there are 33 identified species of endemic birds in Sri Lanka, out of which most are found in the wet zone

A colourful world

I didn’t really have much of an interest in birdwatching when I lived the UK.

Since living in Sri Lanka my curiosity about all forms of nature has increased. Perhaps it’s just living in a place that is surrounded by nature.

Maybe it’s because the birds appears to have so much more colour than those in the UK.

A little help from our neighbours to bring about an interest in birdwatching

At GlenMyu Estate we are really fortunate that some of our neighbours have a lifetime interest in birdwatching.

They have helped develop our interest in birding and we have often had informal early birdwatching session with our neighbours on the estate.

Some of our guests have got up early and joined our neighbours at their estate for a bird watching session.

Informal birdwatching opportunities

Sri Lanka really is a paradise island and there are lots of opportunities for spotting birds.

You don’t just have to visit a reserve or sanctuary. As you travel around the country you will see birdlife wherever you go.

Sri Lankan bird sanctuaries

There are a large number of wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and there are many that have a great variety of birds which will interest birdwatchers.

Sri Lanka Birdwatching Tours has a long list of great places that you should visit in Sri Lanka if you have a particular interest in birding.

It's not all about Elephants and Leopards on Safari!

There are lots of safari parks around the island that offer different experiences.

One thing that you will always find it an array of birdlife.

Lots of our guests come to GlenMyu Estate and are disappointed that they didn’t get to see that elusive Leopard. I’ve never seen a Leopard in Sri Lanka and therefore I’m not too surprised (however I am disappointed for them).

Birds are always present in the National Parks and , if you look close enough, you will get your wildlife fill from what you see.

Bring your binoculars

Nowadays, no-one leaves home without their mobile phone. Sure, you can snap away when you spot any wildlife.

However, carrying your binoculars with you means that you are more likely to get a good view of the birds you will see Ella round the island.

Birdwatching opportunities near to GlenMyu Estate, Haputale.

If you are interested in birdwatching spending time at GlenMyu Estate will provide you with lots of opportunities to see a variety fo birdlife.

You can see some of the birds that I have managed to capture with my camera by pressing on the following link.

Thangamale and the Pekoe Trail Stage 12

This sanctuary is located within reach of GlenMyu Estate, just outside of Haputale.

Some of the sanctuary falls within Stage 12 of the new Pekoe Trail and therefore you can get some exercise, see some fabulous views and practice your hobby all on the same day.

Birdwatching at GlenMyu Estate

Throughout the year we have regular flying visitors at GlenMyu Estate.

We have developed the land to encourage wildlife to visit and forage from our five acres in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

I do not profess to be the best wildlife photographer, so my photos are not great.

Perhaps you can do better and share them with me so that I can add them to my bird photo gallery on our website?

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the nature of the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Developing an interest in Birdwatching Read More »

A view of Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara, Ella, Sri Lanka.

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

Ella, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka

There was a heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge in August 2024.

Here is the reason why this tourist attraction was so busy.

It was reported in the Sri Lankan Daily Mirror that on the 22nd of August there was a heavy influx of tourists to visit Nine Arch Bridge Ella.

Read the article by clicking on this link.

Why was there such an influx of tourists to see the bridge?

August is in the middle of school holidays for Sri Lankan children.
It was also a long weekend and therefore many local tourist visited the Sri Lankan hill country that weekend.

This is the main reason why there was lots of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge.

There has also been an increase in foreign travellers visiting the island.

Avoid public holidays or long weekends

If you like less crowded tourist spots then we would recommend that you check the public holiday in Sri Lanka. You can avoid the large number of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge

On public holidays and long weekends, you will be competing for space at the tourist spots with local travellers along with foreign tourists. Local tourists tend to visit Nine Arch Bridge in numbers during these times.

Take a day trip to visit Ella and Nine Arch Bridge from GlenMyu Estate

Ella Town is just over 1 hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Many of our guests take a Tuk Tuk to Haputale and then take the 1 hour train journey to Ella or Demodara Station.

Apart from visiting Nine Arch Bridge you can also do some great hikes near to the town

Little Adam’s Peak is a short hike that end with an amazing view.

Ella Rock is a little bit more challenging of a hike, especially as you reach the top.

There is also some stages of the new Pekoe Trail that you can trek.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Read More »