Kandy to Ella Train Update (Dec 2025 – Mid 2026)

Full Closure, Repair Timeline, Partial Reopening Plans & Travel Alternatives for Foreign Visitors

The famous Colombo → Kandy → Ella → Badulla train journey, known as one of the world’s most scenic railway routes, remains fully suspended following severe floods and landslides that hit Sri Lanka in late November 2025. As engineers continue extensive damage assessments across the Central Highlands, it is now clear that the train line will remain affected well into early–mid 2026.

This guide provides the latest verified updates, expected timelines, travel alternatives, and nationwide railway status to help travelers plan their trips with confidence.

Update on 1/17/2026: As of January 2026, train services from Ambewella to Badulla via Ella have been restored. Four daily train services are scheduled to run between Ambewella and Badulla. To view the full timetable, read our Ambewella to Badulla via Ella Updated Schedule.

Current Status: Colombo → Kandy → Nanu Oya Train Services Remains Fully Closed

We are sad to inform you that no trains are currently operating on the beautiful Colombo – Badulla hill country Main Line. Cyclone Dithwa, which struck Sri Lanka at the end of November, has caused the worst damage in Sri Lanka Railway’s history. As of December 4th, more than 60% of Sri Lankan railway tracks remain non-operational due to the cyclone’s impact. The tracks in the Kandy, Ella, and Badulla regions were particularly affected.

Damaged includes:

• Washed-out track sections
• Landslide debris across multiple segments
• Collapsed or weakened embankments
• Waterlogged tunnels and unstable slopes
• Structural damages near older bridges (especially near Peradeniya)

Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has confirmed that the line will not reopen in the short term until major safety and engineering requirements are completed.

How Serious Is the Damage?

Authorities are still evaluating the magnitude of the damage. Some sections of track were completely destroyed by landslides and remain inaccessible. The Colombo to Badulla and Colombo to Matale lines suffered the most significant damage. Other lines, including the Northern (Jaffna) and Eastern (Batticaloa and Trincomalee) railways, also suffered track washaways in several places.

Updated Restoration Timeline (2026)

It is still too early to predict exactly when trains will run again on the beautiful Kandy, Ella and Badulla railway. However, according to preliminary assessments by Sri Lanka Railway authorities, the process to completely reopen the track could take around 6 months, targeting a reopening around May or June 2026.

Positive Update — Partial Reopening Plan (Nanu Oya → Ella → Badulla)

Authorities are considering reopening the southern half of the Main Line for limited operations.

Proposed partial service:

Nanu Oya → Hatton → Haputale → Ella → Badulla

This is the section most popular among foreign tourists and include most scenic attractions in the journey.

Status: Ambewella to Badulla via Ella train services have been resumed (update on 1/17/2026)

SLR has stated that special tourist services may begin once safety inspections are cleared, but no official date has been announced. This remains an encouraging development for visitors hoping to experience at least part of the scenic route.

Railway Status Across Sri Lanka (2025–2026)

1. Northern Railway (Colombo → Anuradhapura → Jaffna)

Expected reopening would take least 3 weeks

Flooding, fallen trees, and track instability have slowed operations. Engineers estimate a 3-week minimum for safe restoration.

2. Eastern Lines (Trincomalee & Batticaloa)

Expected reopening would take least 3 weeks

Safety inspections and debris clearing are ongoing. Final reopening depends on weather stability.

3. Southern Coastal Line (Colombo → Galle → Matara)

Fully operational and safe

This route was unaffected by the floods and is currently the best scenic rail journey available for tourists. Travelers visiting Galle, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama, or Matara can enjoy this beautiful seaside route without disruptions.

How to Travel Between Kandy & Ella Now (Best Alternatives)

With rail services suspended, here are the most reliable options:

1. Private Car / Taxi
   • Scenic mountain roads
   • Most comfortable option
   • Ideal for couples, families, photographers
2. Shared Tourist Vans
   • Affordable
   • Depart from Kandy, Ella, and Colombo
   • 5 hours average travel time
3. Public Buses
   • Cheapest choice
   • Requires transfers via Badulla or Bandarawela
   • 6–8 hours depending on weather

Quick Railway Summary for Travelers

Route	Status	Expected Reopening
Kandy → Ella → Badulla	Closed	~6 months (mid-2026)
Nanu Oya → Ella → Badulla	Proposed (not confirmed)	TBD
Colombo → Kandy	Partially disrupted	Repair ongoing
Northern (Jaffna) Line	Closed	~3 weeks
Eastern (Trinco / Batticaloa) Line	Closed	~3 weeks
Southern Coastal (Galle–Matara)	Open	Fully operational

FAQ for Foreign Travelers

1. Is Ella still safe and open for tourists?
   • Yes. Most hotels, attractions, restaurants, and roads are operating normally.
2. Can I still visit the hill country?
   • Yes. road travel is possible. Most tourist destinations are welcoming tourist, some places may still recover from the cyclone effects.
3. Should I book train tickets for January–April 2026?
   • No. Wait for official confirmation, it can takes up to 6 months to get the line into fully operational.
4. Are any scenic train routes still working?
   • Yes. The Southern Coastal Line is running beautifully along the ocean.
5. Will the scenic train journey return?
   • Absolutely. With ongoing repairs and expected foreign support, the Kandy–Ella route will be restored. It simply requires time and safe engineering.

Final Travel Advice — Stay Flexible & Stay Positive

While the iconic hill-country railway faces one of its largest repair challenges in years, Sri Lanka remains fully open, safe, and welcoming for travelers.

The Southern Coastal Line is operational, the north and east will return soon, and the hill country is accessible by road with breathtaking scenery.

Repairs are actively underway, with international support expected, and the world-famous Kandy–Ella train journey will eventually return stronger and safer. Ellahype will continue to monitor official updates and refresh this advisory as new information becomes available.