Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

Kandy to Ella offers the world's best value scenic train ride at under $3 USD for a seven-hour journey through emerald tea plantations and over the Nine Arches Bridge. Waterfalls cascade close enough to spray through open windows, and the route's 190 curves provide 42 distinct vantage points for photography. At its highest point, the train reaches 1,891 meters above sea level, which is 400 meters lower than #7 Bernina Express's peak but costs 90% less than the Swiss equivalent, making it accessible to travelers on any budget.