Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

This seven-hour journey takes passengers through remote villages, waterfalls, lush green hills, and the country's most famous tea plantations. Sri Lanka's rail system, which was built by the British in the late 1800s, was originally used to transport tea and coffee for export. The train is now a popular way to travel around the country, seeing the varied scenery and observing villages and local people along the way.

The train makes stops at places where passengers can buy local snacks and fresh fruit from sellers eager to sell their goods. Hill country village Ella is worth visiting when you get there or before you board. Kandy, which is larger and has beautiful Kandy Lake, is in the center of Sri Lanka. The majority of the trains have air-conditioned first-class observation cars, and some even have reserved seats and sleeping berths. The views from Kandy are best on the right side. Tickets are sold at all of the nation's train stations, and the schedule is available online.

The seven-hour ride is very cheap and a great way to see the Sri Lankan countryside. Just make sure to book a second-class ticket so you can gaze out the window and take in the scenery.

Country: Sri Lanka