Do agencies reserve seats for the famous Sri Lankan train rides in advance?

Travel agencies will often hold first-class and second-class seats on busy rail lines, like Kandy to Ella, as much as 30 days ahead. If you try to grab those tickets yourself, it can be notoriously hard, mainly because the global demand is extreme.

That scenic highland railway is one of the most desired experiences in the country, and tickets tend to disappear within hours after they are released. Agencies also have dedicated ticketing staff who handle the booking the second the reservation window opens. This way, you receive a confirmed seat, not stuck in a crowded third-class carriage.