Pre Book Kandy To Ella Train Tickets

Experience Review: Pre-Book Kandy to Ella Train Tickets

Traveling from Kandy to Ella by train is often hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic journeys, offering travelers a chance to see tea plantations, lush forests, and mountains from the comfort of their seat. This particular tour promises reserved seats on a first or second class train, making it seem like a stress-free way to enjoy the landscape. But as with many pre-booked arrangements, the experience can be a mixed bag — promising in theory but sometimes falling short in execution.

One thing we genuinely appreciate about this service is the convenience of ticket delivery to your hotel around Kandy, saving you the hassle of queuing at stations. Plus, the views on this route are renowned for their scenic beauty, making it a must-try for anyone wanting a memorable travel photo. However, a significant concern is the lack of customer reviews and the glaring 1-star rating from a dissatisfied traveler, which hints at potential reliability issues.

This tour is best suited for travelers who prioritize pre-booked comfort and are willing to accept the risks associated with unreliable booking confirmations. If you’re seeking a straightforward, worry-free way to experience the train ride with guaranteed reserved seats, this might appeal. But if peace of mind is your priority, it’s wise to weigh these factors carefully.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: The route offers breathtaking vistas of forests, tea plantations, and mountains.
• Reservation Convenience: Tickets are delivered directly to your hotel, saving time at the station.
• Price Point: At $105, it’s a curated experience that might be steep for some, considering the risks.
• Potential Reliability Issues: Past reviews suggest bookings can be invalid or unavailable despite payment.
• Duration: The journey lasts around 7 to 9 hours, providing a full day of scenic travel.
• Weather Dependency: The experience depends on good weather; cancellations are possible but refunded or rescheduled.

The Reality of Booking a Kandy to Ella Train Ticket in Advance

Traveling from Kandy to Ella by train is often described as a highlight of any Sri Lankan trip. The journey spans approximately 7 to 9 hours, passing through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country. You’ll see endless green tea plantations, dense forests, and views of towering mountains, all from the comfort of your reserved seat.

This tour, offered by Sigiritrip Tours, aims to make this experience even easier by providing pre-booked tickets that are delivered straight to your hotel. It sounds ideal — no standing in long lines at the station, and the promise of guaranteed seats in either first or second class. Still, it’s essential to realize that booking such tickets in advance isn’t always straightforward, as some travelers have faced issues with validity and confirmation.

The Booking Process and Delivery

The process is simple: book online, and your tickets will be delivered to your hotel around Kandy before your travel date. The company states they will contact you before 7 a.m. on the day of your journey to arrange the delivery. The convenience here is undeniable — particularly if you’re staying in a busy hotel or a place where local station access might be tricky.

The Route and What You’ll See

The train ride itself is reputed to be one of the most scenic in Sri Lanka. Expect sweeping views of lush forests, green tea plantations, and valleys that stretch for miles. Many travelers say the train offers perfect photo opportunities, making this a memorable way to capture your trip.

While on the train, you should ideally be prepared for crowds, especially during peak seasons, as this route draws many travelers wanting to see Sri Lanka’s natural beauty from a comfortable seat. The journey takes most of the day, so packing snacks and water is advisable.

The Experience Itself: What to Expect

Based on the description, travelers will enjoy reserved train seats, which is a plus compared to waiting in line at the station. The ticket price is listed at $105, which, given the length and scenic reputation of the trip, can be considered reasonable for some. The ticket includes admission to the train trip, but there are no additional stops or guided commentary.

However, the real-world experience might not match expectations. The lone review available is highly critical, revealing that the tickets purchased online were found to be invalid at the station, leaving travelers disappointed and frustrated. The reviewer states they paid $130 for two tickets and discovered, just 24 hours before departure, that the booking was worthless. This underscores the importance of verifying your booking and being cautious with third-party vendors.

Reliability and Customer Service

This is perhaps the most troubling aspect of this tour. The lack of positive reviews and the one-star rating suggest that travelers should be wary. The review mentions multiple phone calls and a sense of being misled, which highlights the importance of choosing reputable providers or, if possible, booking directly through official sources.

Timing and Duration

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m., giving travelers an early start to enjoy the day’s scenery. The entire trip lasts roughly 7 to 9 hours, making it a full-day commitment. This duration provides ample opportunity to relax and take in the views, but also demands patience, especially if delays occur.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals primarily to those who:

• Value pre-booking convenience and want to avoid station queues
• Are comfortable risking potential booking issues for the promise of reserved seats
• Seek a scenic, long train journey through Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes
• Are traveling with flexible schedules and can adapt to possible cancellations or delays

Conversely, if you are a cautious traveler or skeptical of third-party booking promises, you might prefer to purchase tickets directly at the station or through official channels, despite the potential hassle.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers an undeniably beautiful journey through some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning scenery, which is a key reason many travelers consider it. The promise of reserved seats delivered to your hotel sounds very appealing, especially for those unfamiliar with local station procedures.

However, the few reviews available raise red flags about booking reliability, which could mean that your carefully planned trip might not go as expected. The $105 price might seem fair for the experience if everything goes smoothly, but the risk of invalid tickets can quickly turn this into a costly disappointment.

If you’re adventurous and willing to double-check your bookings or perhaps book directly at the station, this trip could still be worth the effort. But for those seeking guaranteed confirmation and peace of mind, exploring alternative options might be wise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket delivery included in the price?
Yes, the tickets are delivered directly to your hotel around Kandy, typically before 7 a.m. on your travel day.

Can I get a refund if I decide not to go?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour depends on good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the duration of the train journey?
The journey lasts about 7 to 9 hours, giving plenty of time to enjoy the views and relax.

Are there any reviews from other travelers?
The available review is negative, citing issues with booking validity. There are no other reviews to compare.

What class options are available?
You can choose between first or second class seats, both reserved for your convenience.

Is this suitable for families or solo travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the long duration and potential booking issues could be a concern, especially for travelers on a tight schedule or with small children.

To sum it up, this pre-booked train ticket offers a scenic and potentially memorable way to experience Sri Lanka’s landscapes, but it comes with notable risks. Travelers should weigh the value of convenience against the possibility of booking troubles, and consider whether they’re comfortable navigating these issues. If reliability is your top priority, exploring other options might be the better route — but if you’re prepared for a bit of uncertainty, this journey can still be a highlight.