For 25 days, the rails were quiet. Following the impact of Cyclone Ditwa, the iconic rhythm of the Sri Lankan hill country—the chug-chug of the train winding through tea estates—was paused to ensure safety and repair.
But today, the silence breaks.
We are thrilled to announce that passenger train operations have officially resumed on a limited but spectacular scenic loop: Badulla to Ambewela.
While the full Colombo-Badulla line is still being restored, this specific section offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region, including the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, the mist of Haputale, and the high-altitude forests of Ohiya.
The “Queen of the Hills” is awake again. Here is everything you need to know to hop on board.
🛤️ The New “Misty Loop” Schedule
The service currently operates between Badulla (the terminus) and Ambewela (Little New Zealand). It is perfect for travelers staying in Ella or Bandarawela who want to experience the train ride without committing to the full long-distance journey.
➡️ Route 1: Badulla to Ambewela (Uphill)
The journey from the valley to the high plains.
| Station | Morning Train (No. 1016) | Afternoon Train (No. 1006) |
| Availability | Daily EXCEPT Wednesdays | Runs DAILY |
| Badulla | 09:00 AM | 03:00 PM |
| Hali Ela | 09:15 AM | 03:15 PM |
| Uduwara | 09:23 AM | 03:23 PM |
| Demodara | 09:36 AM | 03:36 PM |
| Ella | 09:50 AM | 03:50 PM |
| Bandarawela | 10:21 AM | 04:21 PM |
| Diyatalawa | 10:36 AM | 04:43 PM |
| Haputale | 10:54 AM | 04:55 PM |
| Ohiya | 11:29 AM | 05:30 PM |
| Ambewela | 11:52 AM | 05:53 PM |
⬅️ Route 2: Ambewela to Badulla (Downhill)
The return journey descending through the clouds.
| Station | Morning Train (No. 1005) | Afternoon Train (No. 1015) |
| Availability | Runs DAILY | Daily EXCEPT Wednesdays |
| Ambewela | 09:30 AM | 03:00 PM |
| Pattipola | 09:37 AM | 03:07 PM |
| Ohiya | 09:52 AM | 03:22 PM |
| Haputale | 10:27 AM | 03:57 PM |
| Diyatalawa | 10:39 AM | 04:09 PM |
| Bandarawela | 10:54 AM | 04:24 PM |
| Ella | 11:25 AM | 04:55 PM |
| Demodara | 11:40 AM | 05:10 PM |
| Hali Ela | 12:01 PM | 05:31 PM |
| Badulla | 12:16 PM | 05:46 PM |
(Note: Stops also include Kithal Ella, Heeloya, Kinigama, and Idalgashinna. Check station boards for exact minute stops.)
🎟️ Ticket Classes & Comfort
This special service is designed for comfort and views, offering three tiers of reserved seating:
- 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): For cool comfort and large sealed windows.
- 2nd Class (Reserved): The traveler favorite—comfortable seats with open windows for photography.
- 3rd Class (Reserved): Budget-friendly and authentic.
🏔️ Why Ambewela To Nuwara Eliya Route is a Better Gateway
For years, travelers have instinctively gotten off at Nanu Oya to reach Nuwara Eliya. With the current schedule changes, Ambewela Station is now your primary drop-off and pick-up point—and frankly, it might be the better option.
The Logistics: Ambewela is roughly the same distance from Nuwara Eliya town as Nanu Oya. There are frequent, easy bus rides and taxis connecting the station to the city center.
The Experience (The “Ambewela Advantage”): While the drive from Nanu Oya is standard, the road from Ambewela to Nuwara Eliya is a destination in itself. It is a scenic corridor that feels like driving through the Scottish Highlands. By taking this route, you turn a simple transfer into a mini-tour:
- Little New Zealand: You will pass the famous Ambewela Farm, known as “Little New Zealand.” Seeing Friesian cows grazing against a backdrop of mist and wind turbines is one of the most picturesque sights in the country.
- Strawberry Stop: Take a break at the Jagro Strawberry Farm. Indulge in Sri Lanka’s finest fresh strawberries and cream, tarts, and shakes right where they are grown.
- Lakeside Chill: The route takes you past the Kande Ela Reservoir. If you have time, hop on a boat ride for a peaceful interlude on the water surrounded by forest.
- Wild Beauty: You will drive through unique montane grasslands and hug the edge of the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. The biodiversity and the sheer greenness of this route are unmatched.
- Misty Mindfulness: Unlike the busier main roads, this route is often wrapped in a calming mist. It is a quiet, winding path that relaxes the mind before you even arrive at your hotel.
🌿 Why This Short Route is Magic
While you can’t go all the way to Kandy yet, this Badulla-Ambewela stretch packs in the “Greatest Hits” of the railway:
Our Tip: Don’t just rush to your hotel. Treat the Ambewela-Nuwara Eliya transfer as part of your holiday itinerary.
- The Nine Arch Bridge: You will cross this architectural marvel between Ella and Demodara.
- The Demodara Loop: Experience the famous engineering loop where the train circles back under itself.
- The Climate Shift: Feel the temperature drop as you climb from the tea estates of Badulla to the misty, pine-forest chill of Ambewela (over 6,000ft elevation).
🇱🇰 Resilience in Motion
This restart is more than just a schedule update; it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rapid recovery post-Ditwa. The tracks have been cleared, the safety checks are complete, and the station masters are ready to blow the whistle.
Whether you are a local reconnecting with your village or a traveler chasing the bucket-list dream, the train is ready for you.
All Aboard!
⚠️ Disclaimer
The photos included in this article are not owned by us. We have used them as found on the official Social Media channels of Sri Lankan Government Authorities to provide timely updates. All credits and rights belong to the respective original photographers.