Sri Lanka - 1

Mainline railway is supposed to be the most beautiful line in the railway. It has such a scenic beauty - you cannot get this type of scenic beauty anywhere in the world. Be it the Pearl of the Indian Ocean or the teardrop in the sea, both are true on Sri Lanka.The entire island nation, including its capital Colombo, is caught up in an atmosphere of change. The civil war that lasted more than a quarter of a century, ended in 2009.At the beginning of 2015, the people of Sri Lanka voted for more democracy,in the form of a new President.The island formerly known as Ceylon is an idyllic holiday destination for tourists.It's best explored by train.A train journey here is always also a journey into the country's past.That much becomes clear before we start our journey at Colombo Fort,in the heart of the city.We buy our ticket at a counter that has a nostalgic air.They can then be checked by a friendly conductor.This station building was modelled on Victoria Station in Manchester.The traces of the British colonial rulers are everywhere.The British ruled between 1796 and 1948. Things were different back then. There are many problems we have. The drivers and guards problems, there In time they are not, into the ... for their jobs. And other ways... The workshop peoples, also...not working...at time. Not they are doing their work, properly...We are in luck. Our train, bound for Badulla, is waiting already. We set off at half past eight. We're about to go on a train journey that's been described as one of the most picturesque in Asia. It will take us from Colombo to Ella in the highlands, via Kandy - a journey of around 270 kilometers. A special trip on special tracks. It was the island's first railway route - and it's still known as 'Mainline’. The first 54-kilometer stretch to Ambitus is celebrating its 150th birthday this year: maybe that's where this train journey gets its charm and atmosphere. It's a train journey that's always been significant to the people of Sri Lanka. Originally, it was for transport of goods. But they add a minimum passenger carriages as well. Very few passengers travelled but of course with the building of the railways, very many up-country areas, they only like to travel by train to go and see the sea! Sea beach! First time in life for them to go and see the sea beach, they travel by train to Colombo.