Can I take the scenic coastal train to Galle?

Yes, you can hop on that well-known coastal rail run from Colombo Fort straight through to Galle, and yes, the whole trip is usually about two to three hours. Along the way, you get these stunning, pretty much unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean, because the rails are literally just a few metres from the beach, like every time the track curves.

If you want any chance of a decent spot, especially in the air-conditioned first-class or that reserved second-class carriage setup, it is a good idea to book your tickets a few weeks ahead through the Sri Lanka Railways website. If you instead grab an unreserved ticket on the day, plan for serious jostling and lots of bodies packed in; even so, being perched in the open doorways of those carriages is still one of those classic, idiosyncratic Sri Lankan travel moments.