After arrival in Sri Lanka we will stay probably in Negombo for couple of nights then we plane to move to Anuradhapura. Since we are traveling with small child we would prefer to take a train from Colombo - probably sleeper. I wonder if it is possible to make a reservation/buy a ticked in Negombo railway station or should I go to Colombo to arrange for that? Is it a busy destination - shoul the ticket be arranged well before planned trip?
What about the bus travel - are there any direct buses from Negombo? What do you recomend train or bus?
Or maybe it will be better to stay in Colombo rather than Negombo and go directly from there to Anuradhapura?
Thanks,
pimozid
1
wadiwadiman
Hi
I am pretty sure there are direct buses from Negombo to Anuradhapura - that would be easiest. Try to find the A/C buses whic are much more conmfy and more or less non-stop.
Alternatively get a bus from Negombo to Kurenagela which is to the NE, about 1.5 hours. From there you will have many buses to Anaradhapura.
If I was doing this trip I would not go via Colombo but then I have no kids - if you want the extra comfort I can see that but it will be a long journey. I love the trains but buses (A/C or Inter City) are quicker and more direct in most cases.
2
rod_b
Hi,
Like wadiwadiman, I wouldn't want to head south into Colombo to then go north to Anuradhapura.
I'd also check out the intercity buses from Negombo.
There is another alternative, you can get a train from Negombo, north as far as Putalam , a fraction over half way, and then a bus from there to Anuradhapura.If you go with your original thoughts, ie, train from Colombo, I have a time table here which tells me that train times from Colombo are,
1545 from Colombo, arrive, Anuradhapura 1940 ( this one is listed as having 1st class , air con carriage.)
0430 " " " " 0825
1040 " " " " 1455
0545 " " " " 1020
1405 " " " " 1900
When you get into your hotel in Negombo, I'd have a chat with the reception staff there to make sure of train times , Direct inter city buses, from Negombo, etc. I also thought there was an overnight sleeper but perhaps I'm getting mixed up with the Polonorua/ Trinco direction.
Of course, if you're feeling flush, then a car and driver would be the easiest with a young child. Plenty of those for hire around Negombo and should cost you about 6000 rupees. Bit more than a normal days hire but the driver has to do the return trip as well.
Rod.
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