As the Kandy Esala Festival approaches from August 26 to 30, Sri Lanka Railway has unveiled plans to operate a series of special trains for the convenience of festival-goers. Commencing from the Colombo Fort railway station, a dedicated train will embark on journeys to Kandy at 9:30 a.m. from August 26 to 30. The return trip from Kandy to Colombo Fort is scheduled for 12 midnight on the same days.
For those seeking an elevated travel experience, a luxury train will depart from Colombo Fort to Kandy at 6:30 a.m. on August 26, 27, and 30.
Enhancing connectivity to surrounding areas, special train services will link Kandy and Matale between August 26 and August 30. A train is set to depart from Kandy to Matale at 1:20 p.m., returning from Matale to Kandy at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, another connection will operate departing Kandy to Matale at 11:30 p.m.
In alignment with the Kandy Esala Festival’s significance, special trains will also be available between Kandy and Nawalapitiya from August 26 to 30. Passengers can embark on the journey to Nawalapitiya from Kandy at 11:40 p.m.
N.J. Indipolage, the Railways Deputy General Manager, highlighted that these specialized train services have been arranged at the direction of Transport, Highways, and Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana. These supplementary trains are designed to complement the routine train schedule and accommodate the influx of travelers during the festival.
