Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Sri Lanka Nanuoya The Main Line

The Main Line

Known as the most scenic route in Sri Lanka, this train line is steeped in history and offers an unparalleled view of the country.

Nanuoya, Sri Lanka

Added By
Alan Newman
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Intercity train with observation car at the rear.   Samantha Weerasinghe
The Main Line   Eleveneleven
Blue train on the 9 Arches Bridge.   Angshuman Chattergee
The Main Line   Katorisi
View from the train at Ella.   Wayne Jones
The Main Line   Kapidi
Idalgashinna station.   Samantha Weerasighe
  TheSpenator / Atlas Obscura User
Pattipola station, the highest in Sri Lanka.   Samantha Weerasinghe
Nanu Oya railway station.   Pierre Andre LeClerq
  TheSpenator / Atlas Obscura User
  TheSpenator / Atlas Obscura User
The Main Line   Chamal N
  Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
Tea plantations from the train near Hatton.   Z thomas
Trains at Badulla.   Pradeepan333
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

The Main Line was the name given to this railway line by the British who are often credited with its construction beginning around 1874. It was the first major line constructed on the island and was originally designed to link tea growing estates in the mountains to the port at Colombo.

However, while the desire to build the railroad came from the British, many of its key elements were constructed and designed by a group of talented local engineers.

This fantastic railway line runs from Colombo Fort station to Badulla, some 182 miles to the east. It passes through both natural and cultivated countrysides, which include quite a few tea plantations. The breathtaking views and natural beauty are complemented by the train's journey through various towns and villages. 

Even express trains along this line only travel at about 15 mph through the winding mountain terrain, allowing for passengers to soak in their surroundings. One of the more unique features along the line is the Demodara Railway Loop. This is a junction where the track spirals sharply, passing over itself to gain height in a short distance. Such configurations are not uncommon on railways in mountainous regions, but what makes this one so unique is the station that sits directly over the tunnel, allowing the line to cross itself. It's said that the engineer who designed the loop was inspired by watching a man tie and retie his Talappawa. 

There is a famous train service along the Main Line called the Blue Train, which runs from Kandy to Ella. It's a very popular trip among tourists due to the modern carriages and air-conditioned first class. The trains themselves are Chinese built, diesel multiple units, with a power car and driving cab at each end. However, the intercity services, which run all the way to and from Colombo Fort Station, are hauled by traditional diesel locomotives and include a much more diverse range of coaches. 

The second and third class coaches have opening windows and provide better views than first-class, making for better photo ops. Many of the trains also include a special observation car at the rear. It's arguably the best way to experience the journey; with a marvelous view along the backend of the tracks.

One of the most well-used stations is Nanu Oya, which is the closest one to the mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya. It was here that British colonials decamped during the hot summer months. 

Related Tags

Trains Railroads Bridges Infrastructure

Know Before You Go

The coordinates are for Nanu Oya station which is the 63rd station on the line from Colombo Fort.

When getting off at Colombo Fort, hold onto your ticket until well outside the station, checkpoints seem to be numerous and random. You need to book the train a couple of days in advance to ensure you get the seat of your choice. Buying tickets on the day is cheaper, but with a 5-6 hour journey in first class, including advanced booking, at about £5, the cost is not really an issue.

If you have the time, a return route from Nanu Oya to Kandy by road (two buses per hour but a 4-5 hour trip, some are air-conditioned) will take you past some spectacular scenery you don't see on the train and is worth the extra time.

Community Contributors

Added By

Dr Alan P Newman

Edited By

TheSpenator

  • TheSpenator

Published

March 5, 2020

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm#Colombo - Kandy - Badulla
The Main Line
AHN Highway
Nanuoya, 22150
Sri Lanka
6.942421, 80.743668
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Mackwoods Tea Plantation Sign

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

miles away

Heritance Tea Factory

Kandapola, Sri Lanka

miles away

Adam's Peak

Rochor, Sri Lanka

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Asia

Places 39
Stories 7

Nearby Places

Mackwoods Tea Plantation Sign

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

miles away

Heritance Tea Factory

Kandapola, Sri Lanka

miles away

Adam's Peak

Rochor, Sri Lanka

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Asia

Places 39
Stories 7

Related Stories and Lists

11 Unforgettable Historic Train Journeys

List

By Jonathan Carey

Related Places

  • Preserved section of old viaduct.

    Llanelli, Wales

    Loughor Viaduct

    A section of a historic wooden trestle viaduct is preserved next to the railway line it once carried.

  • Llucmajor, Spain

    Puente de las Siete Bocas

    This spectacular bridge is part of an abandoned train line that once connected Mallorcan capital to the southeastern coast.

  • Telgárt, Slovakia

    Chmarošský Viaduct

    A gorgeous stone viaduct crosses over a bucolic valley.

  • Bridge to Nowhere

    Irlavas pagasts, Latvia

    Bridge to Nowhere

    A railway bridge leading nowhere stands lonely in the middle of a meadow.

  • Starrucca Viaduct circa 1920

    Susquehanna, Pennsylvania

    Starrucca Viaduct

    Constrained by time and topography, this civil engineering landmark was constructed 100 feet above Starrucca Creek over the course of a single year.

  • The Mighty Samson of the Cimarron

    Liberal, Kansas

    Mighty Samson of the Cimarron

    Raised high above the Cimarron River, this 1,268-foot rail bridge followed a half-century of trainwrecks, bridge collapses, and an abandoned town.

  • Gokteik Viaduct

    Nawnghkio, Myanmar (Burma)

    Gokteik Viaduct

    The highest bridge in Myanmar was once the tallest railway bridge in the world.

  • section of the bridge

    Orbost, Australia

    Snowy River Railway Bridge

    When it was built in 1916, this bridge was critical infrastructure for local farmers. Today, it's being restored for walking and biking.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.