Podi Menike

Podi Manike
Overview
Service typeInter-city rail
StatusRunning
LocaleSri Lanka
Current operator(s)Sri Lanka Railways
Former operator(s)Ceylon Government Railway
Route
TerminiColombo Fort
Badulla
Distance travelled290 km (180 mi.)
Average journey time05.55 AM From Colombo Fort, reaches Badulla at 16:06
Service frequencyDaily
Train number(s)1005 (Colombo Fort-Badulla)
1006 (Badulla-Colombo Fort)[1]
On-board services
Class(es)Air Conditioned First Class
Second Class
Second Class Reserved
Economy Class
Observation facilitiesNot available
Technical
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Operating speed120 kmph
Track owner(s)Sri Lanka Railways
Timetable number(s)1005 and 1006

"Podi Manike" (Sinhala:පොඩි මැණිකේ, meaning "Little Maiden") is a Sri Lankan passenger train running from Colombo Fort to Badulla. This journey covers about 300 km and is renowned for being the most beautiful train journey in Sri Lanka, especially the stretch from Nanuoya to Ella . It takes about 10 hours to complete the journey.

The train follows the hill-country line, a route developed by the British in the 19th century through scenic mountains. The route features bridges, long tunnels, high slopes and gradients.

  1. ^ "Sri Lanka Railways Timetable". Slrfc.org. Archived from the original on 2012-01-04. Retrieved 2012-02-28.