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Let’s be honest with ourselves.

No matter what the paint says on the side of the plane, the fact we can zip through the skies from continent to continent is something most of us take for granted.

And despite living in such a fast-paced world, it’s actually rail travel that’s been making a comeback with new train routes announced left and right all over the world, from New Orleans to Thailand’s secret beaches.

But it’s not Thailand that’s the hottest ticket in Asia; it’s actually an astounding island nation that just broke tourism records, having its best month ever in January with over 250,000 tourists.

One of the country’s top attractions isn’t a city, a beach, or a landmark; it’s the method by which you get there (wherever “there” may be).

In Sri Lanka, travelers embrace snagging a window seat for low and slow train rides through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and more greenery than Willie Nelson’s greenhouse.

Finally, after a big push from locals and tourists alike, both are getting what they’ve been asking for — Ella Odyssey Nanu Oya, Sri Lanka’s newest train route.

A New Journey Connecting Nanu Oya And Badulla

Chances are your first stop in Sri Lanka will be Colombo, the buzzing capital city where sights, sounds, and aromas will captivate you as a stepping stone into the unknown.

Like I said, many travelers won’t simply stay in Colombo for an urban adventure as the island’s stunning nature far outweighs the delights of the city.

That’s where Ella Odyssey’s new Nanu Oya route comes in, and you odyssey it! Sorry, had to…

Having just launched this week, both travelers and locals have been granted their wish for a connection between two Sri Lankan gems away from the hustle and bustle of Colombo.

Nanu Oya is actually known for its train station, a popular hub to explore numerous sites across the country.

Google “Sri Lanka,” and you’ll likely see dozens of train photos, and Nanu Oya plays a big part.

Now, riders can enjoy 6 rides per week with departures from Nanu Oya at 8:10 AM, excluding Tuesdays.

The returning journey takes off from Badulla at 1 PM and it’s expected more trains will be added.

There’s no official word on pricing, but given how notoriously cheap Sri Lanka is for travelers, it surely won’t break the bank.

Why Visit Badulla?

As a destination itself, Badulla is more popular than Nanu Oya.

Boasting postcard waterfalls like Dunhinda Falls, mesmerizing sacred temples, and tea plantation tours (a must!), it’s easy to see why Badulla was in high demand for a new train.

Not only are there numerous awesome attractions, but staying here is super cheap. If you’re a solo traveler simply happy to have four walls and a roof over your head, you can score rooms as low as $9, according to HostelWorld.

For an upgrade to a boutique hotel, it’s only slightly more costly ranging from $22 at 360 City View all the way to $96 for a unique eco-friendly stay at Tree Nature Resort.

Last Year’s Travel Advisory Scare: Is Sri Lanka Safe Now?

As it’s hard to believe we’re already in February, many travel publications featured Sri Lanka as a go-to destination after the turn of the calendar.

Despite a concerning travel advisory issued in 2024, that obviously hasn’t slowed down travelers from scratching their travel itch to visit one of Asia’s trendiest getaways over the past few years.

While crime is a touchy subject, the concerns reported last October by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo were just as there were direct terrorist threats specifically targeting tourists.

Thankfully, the U.S. Embassy ultimately withdrew its security alert in November 2024.

This move followed the U.S. State Department’s current classification of Sri Lanka as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, aligning with dozens of popular vacation spots across the globe.

For what it’s worth, the threats were not targeting Nonu Oya or Badulla specifically, but rather Arugam Bay.

That being said, it never hurts to keep your head on a swivel and abide by what’s become the universal rule: “If you see something, say something”.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

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