One of the world’s most scenic train journeys begins in the heart of Sri Lanka. The train ride from Kandy to Ella takes 7 hours and passes through lush tea plantations, rolling rice fields, and endless mountain views. It’s also one of the best travel deals in the world. The railway was originally built by the British in 1864 to transport tea from the hills to the capital city, but it has since become a very affordable way to see the picturesque countryside. The 94-mile train ride is now the highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. The intensity and variety of green are one of the many unforgettable aspects of the scenery. Everything is green and lush here, and the glowing green of the tea plantations covers much of the region. Tea requires a warm climate, altitude, and slope terrain to grow, all of which are present in the Hill Country, and the region is now essentially one large tea plantation.