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.
Check the schedule at Ella station the day before — trains are unpredictable and you don't want to wait 3 hours on the platform.
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
Have a specific question about Demodara Loop Train Ride?
Ask BYC — honest answers from 300,000+ real guest reviews.