Back when Sri Lanka was Ceylon, and tea and coffee transportation was the lifeline, the Colombo to Badulla railway line came about, forever transforming Sri Lanka transportation via, one of the most iconic railway routes in the world one hundred years ago.
The railway line’s history goes back to 1867 when the route was from Colombo to Kandy. This was extended to Nawalapitiya in 1874, to Nanu Oya in 1885, to Bandarawela in 1894, and finally to Badulla in 1924.
The Colombo to Badulla railway is considered an iconic railway line, not just in Sri Lanka, but also around the world.
It is famous for its stunning scenery, which includes tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountainous landscapes. The railway is also a significant feat of engineering, with many impressive viaducts, tunnels, and bridges along the way.
The journey on the Colombo to Badulla railway is often listed as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, and it has been featured in several travel documentaries like that of the late Athony Bourdain and Michael Palin and many more.
Many tourists consider the journey as a must-do experience when visiting Sri Lanka, and it is a popular way for locals to travel between the western and central regions of the country.
While marking 100 years since the beginning of the train service between Colombo and Badulla, the Railways Department is to launch a special train, ‘Dunhinda Odyssey’, tomorrow. The train is scheduled to leave from Colombo Fort at 6.30 a.m.
After the inauguration of the train, the Dunhinda Odyssey will be reserved for passenger transport, and the fare for a ticket will be Rs. 8,000. The train consists of four cabins with 44 seats each; it also includes three second-class cabins and a third-class cabin with a canteen.
In addition to the above trains, the Railways Department has arranged for another special train to travel to Badulla on that day for the respective celebrations.
That is the train with special viewing facilities called “Calypso” without round covers. This train service too is scheduled to be inaugurated by Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena.
This calypso train is designed to enjoy the natural beauty and has entertainment features including food and music. This trip takes about two and a half hours.
The Colombo to Badulla railway runs from the capital city of Colombo in the western coastal region of the country to the town of Badulla in the central highlands. The railway line features 46 tunnels and 68 railway stations along the way, and covers a distance of 292 km.
