The Seethawaka Odyssey train is the latest addition to the tourist train services offered by Sri Lanka Railways. Running along the picturesque Kelani Valley line, the train travels from Colombo Fort to Waga, providing a new option for weekend travelers. Following the success of other tourist trains like the Ella Odyssey and Kandy Odyssey, the Seethawaka Odyssey is expected to attract many passengers eager to explore the historical and natural wonders of the Seethawaka Kingdom.
The ancient Seethawaka Kingdom is rich in historical and cultural landmarks, including traditional arts and archaeological sites. This new service allows people from Colombo and nearby areas to explore these treasures more easily and enjoyably.
Train Name: Seethawaka Odyssey
Service Days: Every Sunday
Journey Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
Available Classes: 1st Class A/C, 2nd Class Seats, 3rd Class Seats
Ticketing: Reservations required
Seethawaka Odyssey Train Schedule
- Colombo to Waga: Every Saturday and Sunday, departing Colombo Fort at 7:15 AM and arriving at Waga by 9:35 AM.
- Waga to Colombo: Every Saturday and Sunday, departing Waga at 5:25 PM and reaching Colombo Fort by 8:05 PM.
Ticket Prices
- 1st Class A/C: LKR 500 (One-way) / LKR 800 (Return)
- 2nd Class: LKR 300 (One-way) / LKR 500 (Return)
- 3rd Class: LKR 200 (One-way) / LKR 350 (Return)
Seating Availability
- 1st Class: 44 seats
- 2nd Class: 44 seats
- 3rd Class: 66 seats
Bus Tour from Waga Railway Station
After reaching Waga, travelers can embark on a bus tour that covers several attractions. Both A/C and non-A/C buses are available for passengers, who can purchase tickets and reserve seats for the tour. The first stop is the Labugama Reservoir, followed by a visit to Ranmudu Ella, where visitors can spend an hour by the waterfall. The next stop is the Seethawaka Botanical Garden for lunch and sightseeing, before concluding the trip at Kumari Ella.
Bus Fares:
- A/C: LKR 600
- Non-A/C: LKR 450
Attractions on the Seethawaka Odyssey Bus Tour
- Ranmudu Ella: 12:15 PM – Free of Charge
- Kalatuwawa Reservoir
- Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden: 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM – Requires ticket
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden
Opened in 2014, the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden spans 106 acres and was designed to preserve Sri Lanka’s wet zone flora. The lower portion of the garden is centered around a natural pond, and the garden features a boardwalk, bird-watching tower, cobblestone paths, and paddleboats. It has become a popular destination for local tourists and photographers.
Entrance Fees:
- Local Adults: LKR 100
- Foreign Adults: LKR 2,000
- Children under 12: LKR 30
- Senior Citizens: LKR 30
Ranmudu Ella
Ranmudu Ella is another must-see stop on the tour. This 4-meter waterfall is a tributary of the Kelani River and, while beautiful, its deep plunge pool makes it unsuitable for swimming.
Kalatuwawa Reservoir
A key engineering feat, the Kalatuwawa Reservoir was created in 1955 by damming a tributary of the Kelani River. Covering 320 acres, the reservoir provides water to Colombo and its surroundings. The forest around the reservoir is home to many bird species, making it an excellent stop for nature lovers.
How to Book Seats on the Seethawaka Odyssey
- From Train Stations: Tickets can be purchased directly from Colombo Fort, Maradana, Gampaha, and Kandy stations between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Mobitel M-Ticketing Service: Call 365 on Mobitel 14 days before the travel date to reserve a seat.
- SLT Landline: Call 1265 to book tickets through a Sri Lanka Telecom landline.
- Sri Lanka Railway Department Website: Tickets can also be booked online through the official website. It is advisable to book seats 30 days in advance.
