A laid back town, surrounded by hills formed of forest and tea fields sounds too good to be true right? Ella is exactly this.
Located in the hill country of Sri Lanka you’ll find a cozy town that is home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, charming Ravana Falls and marvelous hikes to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock.
And that’s not all. To reach Ella you’ll have to jump aboard the world-famous Kandy to Ella train. This journey reveals the first glimpse of beauty Ella has to offer. And there is more, believe me.
These are my favourite things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.
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WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA
98 Acres Resort & Spa | Luxurious hotel surrounded by lush tea fields at only 8 minutes from most of Ella’s best things to do, including the popular Nine Arch Bridge.
Mountain heavens | Comfortable rooms and an infinity pool overlooking Ella Gap.
Rawana Den | Excellent hotel, near Ella town and with spacious rooms for a decent price.
Alternatively, search for accommodations in Ella on booking.com.
8 IMPRESSIVE THINGS TO DO IN ELLA, SRI LANKA
1 | WALK ALONG THE RAILS OF THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE
Who would’ve thought, a bridge built in 1921, just outside of Ella, would one day single-handedly be responsible to attract travellers to Sri Lankan hill country.
The Nine Arch Bridge is hidden in a dense jungle that is formed by forest and tea fields. Early morning visits often bring mist which creates a moody but mystical vibe.
Try to plan your visit around 8 am, this gives you space to walk around and look at the bridge from various viewpoints without a huge crowd being around.
With trains passing the Nine Arch Bridge at the following times: 9:30, 11:30, 15:30, 16:30, and 17:30, an early morning visit is perfectly right to watch a train gently follow the track along the bridge. Keep in mind that train times in Sri Lanka are unpredictable and trains often pass the bridge later than planned.
Where | Nine Arch Bridge, Ella
How to get to the Nine Arch Bridge | The Nine Arch Bridge is located just outside of Ella in a town named Demodara. A 15-minute hike through the jungle will take you along several satisfying viewpoints before reaching the famous bridge. In my honest opinion, this is the most adventurous, authentic and pleasing way to experience your visit.
Tuk-tuk | If a small hike through nature isn’t for you, a 200 – 300 LKR ($1 – $1.5) tuk-tuk ride can bring you straight to the beginning of the Nine Arch Bridge.
2 | ADMIRE THE VIEWS OF ELLA GAP FROM LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK
The hill country of Sri Lanka and in particular Ella is well known for hiking. Little Adam’s Peak guarantees phenomenal views over Ella Gap and the endless mountain ranges in the distance, making it one of the absolute best things to do in Ella.
During the hike up Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll get introduced to the first viewpoints while crossing lush tea fields. The reward you’ll get for reaching the end of the trail is a panorama view over both Ella Rock and the breathtaking Ella Gap.
The best time to hike Little Adam’s Peak is during sunrise and sunset. Being at a height of 1141m above sea level while the sunrise stretches over the mountains is just miraculous.
Where | Little Adam’s Peak, Ella
How to get to Little Adam’s Peak | From Ella, it’s a 1.5km walk to reach the start of the Mini Adam’s Peak trail.
Tuk-tuk | You can take a tuk-tuk from the main street to the start of the trail for 200 LKR ($1).
3 | JUMP ABOARD THE FAMOUS TRAIN RIDE FROM ELLA TO KANDY
The train from Ella to Kandy is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. And surprisingly but true, it feels like the 7-hour journey is going by way too quickly.
Cruising along the tracks you’ll experience magnificent views over dense tea fields and green hills, not to mention the amazing authentic and vibrant atmosphere inside of the cabin.
3rd class in particular, is in my opinion the most authentic option. Kids playing a game, which means screaming down every tunnel, vendors walking around selling typical Sri Lankan snacks, while local people are always curious to make a chat.
A window seat on the right (left side if going from Kandy to Ella), a spot at an open door, is where you’ll want to be for the best views. Try grabbing a seat before reaching the most impressive part of the journey: Nanu Oya to Ella.
For me getting a ticket on the day of departing wasn’t that hard. During peak season it’s different. It’s wise to get your ticket 1-2 days in advance or by booking online here.
Where | Ella Railway Station
Cost | 2nd class: 250 LKR ($1,5), 3rd class: 180 LKR ($1,-).
Cost online | 1st class reserved AC: 3.200 LKR ($18), 2nd class reserved no AC: 3.000 LKR ($16).
Train times from Ella to Kandy | Daily 06:40, 09:24 and 11:57. More information on train times here.
4 | HIKE TO THE SUMMIT OF ELLA ROCK
The marvellous views when reaching the summit of Ella Rock are worth every bit of the somehow appealing but challenging trail.
The journey begins by following the train tracks in the direction of Kandy starting at the Ella Railway Station. Along the way, you’ll notice tea plantations, waterfalls and countless viewpoints.
The climb up to the summit of Ella Rock lasts around 2.5 hours and can be quite misleading. To get a more accurate insight about the directions, use the app maps.me. Don’t forget to fuel your activities with some snacks and water.
Where | Ella Rock
Hike to Ella Rock | To get a more detailed description of the trail use this step-by-step guide.
Train or Tuk-tuk | If you’re short in time, or not feeling like doing the full hike, this is a good alternative. By taking a train or tuk-tuk from Ella to the Kital Ella Railway Station you cut down the hike by 45 minutes.
5 | MARVEL AROUND AT RAVANA FALLS
Easily one of my favourite things to do in Ella is visiting the impressive multi-tiered Ravana Falls, which is considered Sri Lanka’s widest waterfall.
Located only a 10-minute drive away from Ella town, the 25-metre high waterfall is positioned almost directly at the winding road that runs between Ella Rock and Mini Adam’s Peak.
With Ravana Falls being a three-tier waterfall, it is possible to climb all the way to the top. On the right side is a path that brings you along both second and third tier-falls. The way up is quite rough and surprisingly difficult. It is not recommended to climb up by yourself, so bringing a local guide is not a luxury.
Ravana Falls is a popular attraction among locals and foreigners. You do well to plan your visit early morning or late afternoon.
Where | Ravana Falls, Ella
Tuk-tuk | It’s quite a long and steep walk back to Ella from the Ravana Falls. Taking a tuk-tuk is your best option. Expect a price between 300 – 400 LKR ($1,5 – $2,-) one-way.
Bus | All bus journeys that leave Ella to go south will come along the Ravana Falls. The 10-minute bus ride will cost you only 50 LKR ($0,25).
6 | JOIN A TEA FACTORY TOUR
The circumstances found in the hill country of Sri Lanka are perfectly balanced to cultivate a superior quality of tea. With that being said, you’ll understand that finding a Tea Factory isn’t that hard of a challenge.
Leaving Sri Lanka without visiting a Tea Factory is a no-go. In Ella alone, you’ll find three factories where you can attend the tea-making process while tasting first-class tea. Halpewatte Tea Factory is one of them. Taking a tour here is interesting, educational and an enrichment for the senses.
The other two tea factories in Ella are the Kinnelan Tea Factory and the Ceylon Tea Factory.
Where | Halpewatte Tea Factory, Ella
Cost | 500 LKR ($2,75) per person, including a tasting of 6 different teas.
Opening hours | Daily 0800 – 1600
7 | HIKE TO THE TOP OF DIYALUMA FALLS
Looking for a full day adventure in Ella? The 2nd highest waterfall of Sri Lanka is located just outside of Ella. The 220-meter high Diyaluma Falls involves multiple natural infinity pools overlooking the Badulla region.
The easiest way to reach the hike to Diyaluma Falls is by taking a tuk-tuk from Ella to Poonagala. From here a 30-minute hike will bring you to the top of the waterfall.
The total time of this day trip from Ella is between 4-6 hours depending on how long you plan to stay at the waterfall. It is wise to bring some snacks and water to fuel the hike.
An alternative option is joining a day tour from Ella. This day tour includes a visit to the Diyaluma Falls and a lunch. For prices and availability check here.
Where | Diyaluma Falls
How to get to Diyaluma Falls | For a more detailed description of the trail, check this guide. You can also join a day tour of the Diyaluma Falls.
Cost | While the waterfall itself is free of entrance, getting there with a tuk-tuk will set you back between 3.000 – 5.000 LKR ($16 – $27) for a round trip.
Tip | It is widely known that elephants roam here, so be sure to keep an eye out. Also, avoid visiting after dark.
8 | JOIN A DAY TOUR TO LIPTON SEAT + DAMBATENNE TEA FACTORY
A day trip to Haputale is a great option when in Ella. Haputale is home to the world-famous Lipton Seat and Dambatenne tea factory, built by Sir Thomas Lipton himself.
The views over Lipton Seat are something else and walking among the tea fields feels like a fairytale. Down the hill, you can witness the tea making process during a Dambatenne Tea Factory tour.
To reach Haputale, jump on a train from Ella to Kandy with a stop in Haputale. Please note that a round trip is around 5 hours.
The easy way is by Joining a day tour from Ella. This tour includes a visit to Lipton Seat and a tour of the Dambatenne Tea Factory. For prices and availability check here.
Where | Lipton Seat
How to get to the Lipton Seat | Take a train from Ella to Kandy and get out at the Haputale Railway Station. At the station, you can get a tuk-tuk straight to Lipton Seat.
Cost | 2,500 – 3,000 LKR ($13 – 16) per person. Or included in this day tour.
Entrance fee | 250 LKR ($1.40) per person
Opening hours | Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Things to do in Ella | The essentials
WEATHER IN ELLA | BEST TIME TO VISIT ELLA
The temperature in Ella is good year-round averaging 25 degrees. However, there ain’t no such thing as green hills without rainfall. While September and December is the wet season, mornings are still good to go hiking. The best time to visit Ella is during the months from January till May.
HOW TO GET TO ELLA
FROM KANDY TO ELLA
Train | One of the most beautiful train rides in the world is between Kandy and Ella. A scenic 6 – 7 hour ride brings you along green hills and lush tea fields.
Travel time | This incredible journey takes 6 – 7 hours.
Cost | 2nd class: 250 LKR ($1.5) per person, 3rd class: 180 LKR ($1) per person.
FROM YALA NATIONAL PARK (TISSAMAHARAMA) TO ELLA
Bus | From Tissa take a direct bus to Bandarawela with a stop in Ella.
Cost | 200 – 250 LKR ($1 – 1.5)
Travel time | The journey should take around 2.5 – 3 hours
FROM ARUGAM BAY TO ELLA
Bus | Pottuvil – Monaragala – Wellawaya – Ella – This journey often requires bus switching.
Cost | 300 – 600 LKR ($2 – 3.5)
Travel time | The journey takes 3 – 3.5 hours
Tuk-tuk | A tuk-tuk from Ella to Arugam Bay takes around 3 hours. This journey gives you a perfect opportunity to get your first glimpse of the beauty that Ella has to offer.
Cost | 5,000 – 5,500 LKR ($27 – 30)
Travel time | The tuk-tuk journey takes around 2.5 – 3 hours
STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE
Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.
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