Pattipola Railway Station - Image 1
1 / 10

Pattipola Railway Station

4.6
·512 reviews·Pattipola, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's highest railway station, nestled in misty highlands, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Catch the misty mountain magic

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Pattipola Railway Station - Image 1

Pattipola Railway Station

Best Time

Morning

Catch the misty mountain magic

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sri Lanka's highest railway station, nestled in misty highlands, offering breathtaking views and a serene escape.

4.6
(512 reviews)

"It's more beautiful than I can describe in words—you really have to see it with your own eyes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Pack for the Cold

It's the highest station, so expect cool, misty weather. Layers are your best friend!

🚂 Book Train Tickets Early

Express trains like Udarata Menike fill up fast. Book in advance to secure your spot on this scenic route.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Highest Railway Station

Highest Railway Station

Pattipola

Stand at Sri Lanka's highest point on the rail network, surrounded by misty hills. A truly unique experience.

Scenic Train Journey

Scenic Train Journey

Main Line Railway

The train ride to Pattipola offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and misty mountains. A journey to remember.

Gateway to Horton Plains

Gateway to Horton Plains

Near Pattipola

This station is a convenient starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes of Horton Plains National Park.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Mist and Altitude

Pattipola is Sri Lanka's highest railway station, so expect cool, misty conditions year-round. Pack layers! It's a gateway to Horton Plains, so consider combining visits. Book train tickets in advance, especially for express services, as they can fill up.

Train Travel is Key

The scenic train journey to Pattipola is a highlight itself. While taxis and tuk-tuks are available, the train offers unparalleled views of the hill country. Be prepared for potential delays, as is common with Sri Lankan railways.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Catch the misty mountain magic
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beautiful and highest railway station in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 | Ram The Traveller #SriLanka #TrainJourney #RamTheTraveller #Telugu #RailwayStation #SriLankaRailwayStation #pattipola #ramTheTravellerRailwayStation
ram_the_traveler
48.1K likes • 477.6K views

🧥 Pack for the Cold

It's the highest station, so expect cool, misty weather. Layers are your best friend! Instagram

🚂 Book Train Tickets Early

Express trains like Udarata Menike fill up fast. Book in advance to secure your spot on this scenic route. Reddit

PATTIPOLA 🇱🇰 . . Pattipola is a village that is mostly located in Badulla District, Uva Province with a small portion in Nuwara Eliya District of Central Province, Sri Lanka. 📸 @anushz_kularathne #srilanka #travel #pattipola #nature #srilankatravel #travelblogger #instagram #traveling #travelgram #pattipolarailwaystation #visitsrilanka #exploresrilanka #wonderlust #islander #travelsrilanka #hi...
visit.srilanka.__
7.3K likes • 117.7K views
Pattipola the highest railway station in Sri Lanka with an elevation of 1,897.5 m (6,225 ft) high above mean sea level. #train #trainstagram #travelbug #islandgirl #islandvibes #nature #waterfalls #attraction #visit srilanka #travel #destination #travelgram #srilankatravel #pattipola #srilankadaily #srilankan #sosrilanka #srilankatoday #srilankatourism #srilankatrip #colombostreetstyle #hillcou...
thamali_jay
4.5K likes • 166.8K views

🏞️ Combine with Horton Plains

Pattipola is a great stop before or after visiting Horton Plains National Park. Plan your itinerary accordingly. Instagram

📸 Capture the Mist

The misty atmosphere creates dramatic photos. Be ready with your camera for unique shots! Instagram

ලොව දුෂ්කරතම දුම්රිය මාර්ග අතරින් 07 වන ස්ථානය හිමි අපේ රටේ ප්‍රධාන මාර්ගය නොහොත් උඩරට දුම්රිය මාර්ගයෙහි පිහිටි පට්ටිපොල දුම්රිය ස්ථානය අඹේවෙල සහ ඔහිය යන දුම්රිය ස්ථාන දෙකට මැදිව පිහිටා තිබේ. මෙම දුම්රිය ස්ථානය මධ්‍යම පලාතේ නුවරඑලිය දිස්ත්‍රික්කයෙහි පිහිටා ඇති අතර කොලඹ කොටුව දුම්රිය ස්ථානයේ සිට ආසන්න වශයෙන් කිමී. 225 ක පමණ දුරක් ගෙවූ විට ප්‍රධාන මාර්ගයේ පිහිටි 62 වන දුම්රිය ස්ථානය ලෙස පට්ටිපොල දු...
sankalpa_bandara_
10.5K likes • 171.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Pack for the Cold

It's the highest station, so expect cool, misty weather. Layers are your best friend! Instagram

🚂 Book Train Tickets Early

Express trains like Udarata Menike fill up fast. Book in advance to secure your spot on this scenic route. Reddit

🏞️ Combine with Horton Plains

Pattipola is a great stop before or after visiting Horton Plains National Park. Plan your itinerary accordingly. Instagram

📸 Capture the Mist

The misty atmosphere creates dramatic photos. Be ready with your camera for unique shots! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Short Walks Nearby

Explore the area around the station; it's a peaceful spot for a stroll. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(512 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pattipola Railway Station is lauded for its stunning location as Sri Lanka's highest railway point, offering cool misty air and beautiful highland scenery. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the unique experience of arriving by train. However, some reviews note that the station's infrastructure, particularly its facilities, could be improved to better match its tourist potential.

"Pattipola Railway Station is one of the highest railway stations in Sri Lanka, located in a scenic mountainous area. Surrounded by misty hills and lush greenery, it offers a peaceful and beautiful environment. The station is known for its cool climate, fresh air, and picturesque views, making it a popular stop for travelers exploring the hill country. Its simple charm and natural beauty reflect the unique character of Sri Lanka’s upcountry railway journey."

Kavinda A

"A charming and quiet railway station located at the highest elevation in Sri Lanka. The station is clean and well-maintained, with a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by beautiful scenery. I really enjoyed the calmness of the area. It’s also the perfect starting point for a short walk to the Summit Level. A lovely stop for anyone exploring the upcountry railway line."

Pramuditha Bandara

"The railway station is situated in a beautiful location. The station master and the staff do the maximum to keep it in order despite many hardships and the lack of essentials.
The waiting rooms/washrooms have become store rooms for cargo. The guest toilets are not functioning. Lack of essential electrical fittings. The enthusiasm, warm smiles, assistance by the staff is overshadowed by the lack of infrastructure.
The SL railway and SL tourist board need to address this as it is a major tourist attraction location. The lack of many essential requirements, downgrades and deters foreign and Sri Lankan tourists."

Harsha Pilapitiya

What People Like

Highest railway station
Misty highland views
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Basic facilities
Infrastructure needs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic way is by train on the Main Line, which connects major cities like Kandy, Ella, and Badulla. You can also reach it by road via tuk-tuk or taxi, especially if coming from nearby towns like Nuwara Eliya or Ohiya. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can take a train from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) towards Badulla, and Pattipola is a scheduled stop on this route. Instagram

Tuk-tuks and taxis are the primary options for reaching Horton Plains National Park from Pattipola. It's advisable to arrange a return trip to ensure you have transport back. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to Pattipola. The roads leading to the station are part of the scenic hill country routes. Instagram

While local buses operate in the region, they might not be the most direct or convenient option for tourists specifically heading to the railway station. Trains and private hire vehicles are more common. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to visit the railway station itself. However, you will need a train ticket to travel on the railway line. Instagram

The station operates according to the train schedule. Trains run throughout the day, but it's best to check the latest Sri Lanka Railways timetable for specific timings. Instagram

Yes, Horton Plains National Park has an entrance fee for both locals and foreigners. It's recommended to check the latest park fees before your visit. Instagram

You can purchase tickets at the station, but for popular express trains, it's highly recommended to book in advance online or at major railway stations to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Yes, Sri Lanka Railways offers online booking options for many of its services, especially for the express trains that stop at Pattipola. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the station itself, being the highest in Sri Lanka. Enjoy the cool climate, misty views, and the unique atmosphere. It's also a starting point for short walks and a gateway to Horton Plains. Instagram+1

Pattipola Railway Station is the highest in Sri Lanka, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,897.5 meters (6,225 feet) above sea level. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The misty landscapes, the colonial-era station architecture, and the passing trains offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

While the station has basic facilities, some reviews mention that waiting rooms and restrooms may not always be in optimal condition due to infrastructure challenges. Reddit

While not a primary wildlife viewing spot, the surrounding highlands are home to diverse flora and fauna. Keep an eye out during your walks. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are limited dining options directly at the station. You might find small local eateries nearby or roadside cafes, especially if traveling towards Ella. Instagram

Expect simple, local Sri Lankan cuisine. If you're lucky, you might find small shops selling snacks and beverages. Instagram

Yes, it's a good idea to carry your own snacks and water, especially if you plan to visit Horton Plains or are on a long train journey. Instagram

For a wider selection of restaurants, you would need to travel to larger towns like Ella or Nuwara Eliya. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned, some roadside cafes might offer basic seating and views of the surrounding landscape. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings can offer beautiful misty scenes and sunrises, while late afternoons might provide softer light. The passing trains are also great subjects. Instagram

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for landscapes and trains. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain views. Instagram

The platform itself offers classic train station shots. Exploring the immediate surroundings can reveal scenic viewpoints of the misty hills. Instagram

The mist can create atmospheric and moody shots, but it can also reduce visibility. Be prepared for changing conditions and protect your gear from moisture. Instagram

Yes, trains are a key part of the experience. Be mindful of safety and railway regulations when photographing trains. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pattipola Railway Station offers a unique educational experience for families. The novelty of being at the highest railway station in Sri Lanka can capture children's imaginations. The train journey itself is often an adventure for kids, with opportunities to see the changing landscapes. Instagram

When visiting, consider packing plenty of snacks and warm clothing, as the altitude means cooler temperatures. If planning a trip to Horton Plains from Pattipola, ensure children are comfortable with walking and the potentially misty conditions. The station's relative quietness compared to larger tourist hubs can also make it a more relaxed stop for families. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers

Pattipola is an excellent stop for solo travelers and backpackers looking for authentic Sri Lankan experiences. The train journey is a classic backpacker route, offering chances to meet fellow travelers and locals. Instagram

From Pattipola, you can easily access Horton Plains for hiking. For budget-conscious travelers, sharing tuk-tuk or taxi costs for trips to the park with other travelers can be a good strategy. Reddit The station's serene environment also provides a peaceful respite between more bustling destinations. Remember to carry cash, as card facilities might be limited in this region.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Pattipola is a dream location. The highest railway station in Sri Lanka, often shrouded in mist, provides dramatic and atmospheric shots. Capture the colonial architecture of the station, the winding train tracks, and the lush, rolling hills. Instagram+1

Timing is key for capturing the best light and mist. Early mornings can yield stunning sunrise and mist-laden scenes. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and protect your gear. The passing trains, especially the iconic express trains, offer dynamic subjects against the backdrop of the highlands. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Sri Lanka's Highest Railway Station

Pattipola Railway Station holds the distinction of being the highest railway station in Sri Lanka, perched at an impressive 1,897.5 meters (6,225 feet) above sea level.Instagram This elevated position contributes to its unique, cool, and often misty climate, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The station, with its colonial-era design elements, is a testament to the engineering prowess of the British colonial period, which was instrumental in building the island's extensive railway network. It remains a vital stop on the Main Line, connecting the hill country to the capital, Colombo, and serving both local commuters and tourists eager to experience the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka's upcountry. Reddit

The journey to Pattipola itself is often considered a highlight, with trains winding through lush tea plantations and dramatic mountain landscapes. Travelers often describe the experience as breathtaking, with the crisp mountain air and panoramic views adding to the allure. The station's simple charm and its role in the daily lives of the local community, alongside its historical significance, make it more than just a transit point; it's a destination that embodies the spirit of Sri Lanka's hill country railway. Instagram+1

Beyond its status as the highest station, Pattipola is also strategically located near significant engineering marvels like the Pattipola Tunnel, one of the longest on the Main Line. This proximity underscores the challenging yet remarkable feat of railway construction in this rugged terrain. The station continues to operate, serving major express trains like the Udarata Menike and Podi Menike, ensuring its ongoing relevance in Sri Lanka's tourism and transportation landscape. Reddit

Connecting with Nature: Pattipola and Horton Plains

Pattipola Railway Station serves as a crucial gateway for visitors heading to the renowned Horton Plains National Park. This park is celebrated for its stunning biodiversity, dramatic escarpments, and the iconic World's End viewpoint. Many travelers use Pattipola as a convenient starting point for their excursion into the plains, often arranging for tuk-tuks or taxis from the station to the park entrance. Instagram

The journey from Pattipola to Horton Plains offers a transition from the railway's embrace to the wilder beauty of the highlands. The cool, misty climate that characterizes Pattipola extends into the national park, creating an ethereal landscape. Visitors are advised to prepare for hiking and to be mindful of the weather, which can change rapidly. The proximity of the station to the park makes it an ideal base for those looking to explore the natural wonders of Sri Lanka's central highlands. InstagramReddit

Beyond Horton Plains, the area surrounding Pattipola itself offers opportunities for gentle exploration. The station's elevated location provides scenic vistas, and short walks can lead to tranquil spots amidst the highland scenery. The emphasis on preserving these natural areas is strong, with visitors encouraged to practice responsible tourism and avoid littering to protect the pristine environment. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2