Service type Inter-city rail Last service present | Status In service First service 23 April 1956 | |
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Udarata Menike (Sinhalese: උඩරට මැණිකේ, Hill Country Maiden) is a daytime passenger train that runs between Colombo and Badulla in Sri Lanka.
Contents
The Udarata Menike made its maiden journey on 23 April 1956. The Badulla-bound train departs from Colombo at 9.30 a.m., while the Colombo-bound train leaves Badulla at 5.55 a.m. The trip takes about 10 hours.
Services
The train offers three classes,
The train also includes a buffet car.
The observation saloon has been removed since the introduction of Class S12 DMUs.
Route
The Udarata Menike travels the length of Sri Lanka Railways' Main Line through the hill country.
The Udarata Menike begins its eastbound service at Colombo Fort Station and runs east and north past the rapidly developing centers of Ragama, Gampaha, Veyangoda, and Polgahawela. At Rambukkana, the Main Line begins its steep climb into the hills of the upcountry. Between Balana and Kadugannawa, the track clings to the side of sheer cliffs, offering passengers spectacular views of Batalegala ('Bible' Rock). The train then continues its climb through the scenic tea country, connecting busy local market centers at Gampola, Nawalapitiya, and Hatton before reaching Nanu-Oya. This is the connection to the former colonial resort of Nuwara Eliya, still popular for its temperate climate, classic hotels, and British-style gardens. The Udarata Menika continues its ascent to the summit at Pattipola, 1,898 m (6,227 ft) above sea level, before descending past Bandarawela to Badulla railway station. In the upcountry, passengers are rewarded with views of tea gardens, mountains and valleys, cascading torrents and waterfalls.
Rolling Stock
The service was run by M6 locomotives pulling Romanian-built ASTRA passenger coaches.
In Operation
This service is now carried out by Class S12 DMUs.