Train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa

Scenic train journeys are not uncommon in Sri Lanka, and going from Colombo to Polonnaruwa is one of them.

We had bought tickets for the early morning train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa, and when my alarm went off, I swear I found it way too early! The train from Colombo Fort Rail Station at 06.05 was either way a better option than the evening train around 19. We had bought the tickets the day before, and as the experience with the 1st class train from Galle was not really that good, we had booked reserved seats in 2nd class, where we could actually open the window and look out.

Leaving Colombo just as the sun was rising, showed us yet another side of the city. The train tracks continued, cutting through the landscape of rice fields and trees, and passed a village from time to time.

Maho Junction is the point where trains to and from Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Anuradhapura meet. After stopping there for a while, the train changed driving direction, and the scenery became more characterized by the paddy fields, only interrupted by some low mountains every now and then.

Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as the beautiful sights passes by.

Experienced in January 2015.