Demodara Loop Train Ride. Before you come.
A famous spiral railway loop where the train tunnels through itself — a true engineering oddity and a fun day trip.
Demodara Loop Train Ride is less about transport and more about the experience of riding through Sri Lanka's most scenic rail corridors. People come for the hanging-out-of-doors moments, the tea plantation views, and the sheer romance of old colonial railway engineering. It suits travelers who see the journey as the destination.
Don't expect a dramatic scenic experience — the loop is a novelty, not a spectacle. The train enters a tunnel and emerges 20 metres higher, having curved back on itself through the hillside. From inside the carriage, you barely notice anything special — it's just a tunnel. The magic is understanding what's happening: the train literally crosses over its own track. A short ride from Ella to Demodara station (about 10 minutes) gives you the experience without committing to a long journey.
Catch a Badulla-bound train from Ella station — almost any train heading that way will pass through the loop. Tickets cost LKR 50–150 depending on class. The Demodara station itself is charming and worth a few photos. Check the train schedule at Ella station the day before to know exact departure times, as Sri Lankan trains run on their own schedule. Combine this with a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge since both are on the same line.
- Ticket: LKR 50–150 (2nd/3rd class)
- Best time: early morning (7–9am) or late afternoon
- From Ella town: walk or tuk-tuk to Ella station (5 min), then train to Demodara (10 min)
- Short ride: 10 minutes one way; make it a round trip by waiting for a return train
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