Sri Lanka Travel Guide - Episode 3 - Kandy, Temple of the Tooth, Ella, 9 Arch Bridge, Scenic Train, by Worn-Out Wanderer on YouTube. 7 min 28 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 28 s
- Time to do it
- 2 to 3 days
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start in Kandy, the last royal capital. Walk the loop around Kandy Lake in the evening, and use PickMe or Uber for tuk-tuk rides rather than hailing one in heavy traffic.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes, hats and sunglasses at the entrance, and wear socks because the stone gets hot.
Time your temple visit around a puja ceremony to see drumming and offerings. Stand back, keep quiet, and do not pose with your back to the Buddha statues.
Check the current Kandy to Ella train timetable before you rely on it. Storm damage and closures can cancel services, so ask at the station or check rail updates the day before.
If the full train is booked, take a private taxi to Nanu Oya station and join there for the tea plantation stretch. Reserve a seat in advance when you can.
Base yourself in Ella town, which is compact and walkable with cafes and spas. Walk facing oncoming traffic on the narrow road and step off for buses.
Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge early in the morning. Check train times so you arrive before one passes, and watch your footing on the tracks and muddy slopes.
Finish with the Little Adam's Peak hike, an easy climb of about one hour. Start early to beat the heat and cloud, and carry water.
Tips and common mistakes
Carry a light scarf or sarong so you can cover up at temple entrances even in hot weather.
Wear slip-on shoes for temples, since footwear comes off at the door.
Book train seats as early as you can, because unreserved carriages fill fast in peak season.
Keep small notes of local cash for tuk-tuks, temple donations and entry fees.
Questions
What should I wear to the Temple of the Tooth?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off shoes, hats and sunglasses before you go in. Loose light clothing suits the heat, and socks protect your feet from hot stone.
Do I have to take the whole Kandy to Ella train?
No. Many travellers take a taxi to Nanu Oya and ride only the most scenic section through the tea country. Check the timetable on the day, as closures do happen.
Is the Little Adam's Peak hike hard?
It is a short, well-marked climb of roughly an hour that suits most fitness levels. Go early in the morning for clearer views and cooler air.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
