How Can I Get from Kandy to Ella?
Travelling from Kandy to Ella is a highlight for many visitors to Sri Lanka.
The journey is famous for its breathtaking scenery.
However, Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025 damaged parts of the railway.
The train is not currently running the full distance between Kandy and Ella.
Travellers must consider alternative ways to reach Ella.
What Are the Alternatives to the Train?
The train now operates between Ambewella and Badulla.
This means you can still enjoy part of the journey.
If you want to experience the train, plan to travel this section.
It remains one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Many visitors choose this option to enjoy the landscapes and tea plantations.
If you prefer a more flexible journey, hiring a taxi or driver is recommended.
A driver can point out sights along the way.
You can stop at waterfalls, viewpoints, and tea estates.
Budget around five to six hours for the trip, including stops.
This option provides comfort and convenience.
Sri Lanka
Local buses are another choice.
They are inexpensive but often crowded and uncomfortable.
The driving style may feel unsafe to some travellers.
For this reason, many visitors avoid buses for long journeys.
Suggested Stop in Nuwara Eliya
The journey between Kandy and Ella takes around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.
To break up the trip, consider stopping in Nuwara Eliya.
This charming town is known for its colonial architecture and cool climate.
It is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch.
Stopping here makes the journey more enjoyable.
GlenMyu Estate as Your Base
When planning your holiday in Sri Lanka, staying at GlenMyu Estate is a wonderful option.
It is ideal if you prefer being away from crowds.
The estate offers tranquillity while keeping you close to the sights of the Hill Country.
A day trip to Ella is easy from here.
Guests often appreciate the personalised service and plant‑based menus.
GlenMyu Estate connects guests with trusted drivers recommended by previous visitors.
Importantly, the estate does not take commission from these introductions.
This ensures competitive prices for your journey.
Contact GlenMyu Estate directly on WhatsApp at 00 94 752 999 272 for booking rates.Â
Frequently Asked Questions - Kandy to Ella
Is the train running between Kandy and Ella?
No, the train is not running the full distance due to cyclone damage. It currently operates between Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) Â and Badulla.
Can I still enjoy a train journey?
Yes, you can travel part of the route between Nanu Oya and Badulla. This section remains scenic and popular.
How long does the journey take by car?
Without stops, the journey takes 3.5 to 4 hours. With sightseeing stops, budget 5 to 6 hours.
Is travelling by bus recommended?
Buses are cheap but often uncomfortable. Many visitors prefer taxis or trains for safety and comfort.
Why choose GlenMyu Estate as a base?
It offers peace away from crowds, personalised service, and easy access to Hill Country sights including Ella.
Why stay at GlenMyu?
Two Lounges where you can relax, chat and enjoy the views
GlenMyu Boutique Villa has two comfortable lounges that have views of the southern hills.
The middle floor have ample seating where you can sit together or separately, if you want some space.
Dining is on the lower floor of the house.Â
We also have a snug which is an ideal place to have a pre-dinner drink and chat about your day in the Sri Lankan hills.
Three comfortable Bedrooms
We only have three guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Boutique Villa.
The Mahogany and Mango bedrooms are situated on the middle floor and have a communal lounge.
All the beds in the bedrooms look out over the views to the south of the island through floor to ceiling windows.
Our Cinnamon bedroom is on the ground floor of the property and has direct access to the gardens.
The Swimming Pool
Our Natural Spring-Fed Swimming pool at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is located a short walk from the house.
Guests like that fact that it is private and not overlooked by the house.
Surrounded by nature, it is a wonderful place to relax whilst listening to the soundtrack of bird songs.
Food, glorious food!
Our food offering at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is mainly plant based or vegetarian as we are able to source good quality fresh ingredients.
However, we do offer some fish and chicken dishes for our guests.
Breakfast is quite substantial and guests often skip lunch.
We make our dishes freshly to order from the best ingredients we can find.
What we serve to you is important to us and Ru and the team have a good reputation for cuisine with a hint of Sri Lankan flavours.
Amma shows you how to cook Sri Lankan
We offer a complimentary Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at GlenMyu Boutique Villa when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.
The platter consists of six or seven vegetarian dishes and is served with rice or flat bread.
It’s a fun and interesting experience. We love it when our guests try making some of the dishes when they get home.
Ruwanthi's garden tour
There are five acres at GlenMyu Boutique Villa and we grow various fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Ruwanthi is happy to provide a garden tour to interested guests.
Often you will pick some of the ingredients that will be used in the meals that you will eat that evening.
Book directly and save
We recommend contacting us directly via WhatsApp for the best rates.
Message us at 00 94 752 999 272.
We reward guests for finding us directly by offering direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu 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.