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Ella is a mountain town located in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. It sits 1,041 meters high above sea level. If you are looking to enjoy mist floating around the peaks, huge tea gardens covering the hills, all in a peaceful and calm environment, Ella is the place you have been looking for. Visitors can enjoy something that the busy coastal areas cannot in this highland town. Ella Sri Lanka does not just offer visitors emerald valleys and waterfalls; there are colonial-era landmarks, trails for hikers, and real mountain life experiences with tea picking and more.
Ella gives unforgettable experiences to every type of traveler. Whether you want adventure and do exciting activities, or you are looking for a calm exploration to discover your own perfect moments, Ella Sri Lanka got your back. Let’s look at the top 10 places to visit in Ella.
This bridge is a colonial engineering marvel. It was built in 1919 with nine elegant stone arches stretching across a green valley. People call it the "Bridge in the Sky" because of its height. Visitors can watch trains cross this bridge several times every day on the Badulla to Kandy/Colombo route. They head in both directions between Badulla and Kandy/Colombo. The bridge is surrounded by beautiful tea gardens and the jungle. Looking to take some photos? Check out these best photographic vantage points at Nine Arch Bridge.
Stand on the main viewing platform near the tunnel and get the classic view of trains crossing all nine arches.
Go down to the tea field below the bridge and get dramatic photos looking up, but be careful of leeches after it rains.
Visit hillside cafés like Asanka Café or Café Soul and get great views and photos while refreshing with drinks and snacks.
What to bring? Wear strong, comfortable shoes because the jungle paths are uneven and can be tricky to walk on. You can usually buy fresh coconut water here.
This 1,141-meter-high mountain peak is a perfect spot for hiking beginners. From the top of the Little Adam's Peak, visitors can get panoramic views of Ella Gap and multiple peaks. The hike is 2.7 kilometers round trip. It usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours to go up and come back down. You will meet gentle slopes and stone steps as you walk through beautiful tea estates on the trails. Best times to visit? Start very early before sunrise or go late in the afternoon so you can catch the colorful sky and capture some perfect Instagram-worthy shots.
Wear strong shoes, especially if you want to continue to the second peak. Its paths are worn down and can be slippery.
Bring 1.5 liters of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Bring a headlamp if you start in the dark.
The trails have clear signs showing you the way, so you do not need a guide.
This 25-meter-tall legendary waterfall is located right next to the main road from Ella to Wellawaya. The falls are named after King Ravana. In the Ramayana legend, it is said that Princess Sita used to bathe in a pool of water at the base of this waterfall. The waterfall's three-tier cascading rock face is its highlight. Visitors usually swim in nice pools at the bottom of the Ravana Falls. You can swim in the lower pool during the dry season, but be very careful if you are swimming during rainy months. Always wear water shoes with a good grip.
This 1,340-meter summit is the best hiking spot in Ella. Here, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of highlands, tea estates, and waterfalls in the distance. Ella Rock got a 4-5 kilometer round-trip trail. Visitors start near Ella railway station and follow the train tracks for 1.5 kilometers, then turn left at a small bridge. Through the trail climb, you pass eucalyptus forests, tea plantations, and rocky paths with a 300-meter elevation gain. Hikers rate this trail as moderate to challenging. It will take about 3 to 4 hours to complete it, adding the time at the summit.
Wear good shoes and bring sun protection when you are visiting Ella Rock. Downloading offline GPS maps is a better idea because people still get confused near the tea plantations. Then at the final summit, you can enjoy fantastic views over Ella Gap, the railway, and nearby peaks. Try the second viewpoint just beyond the summit. It is even better for quiet time and photos. Bring 1-2 liters of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent to take on this bucket-list hike.
Diyaluma Falls is Sri Lanka's second-tallest waterfall at 220 meters. You can find this beautiful destination about 40 kilometers south of Ella. Through a 1-2 hour moderate hike, you can get to incredible infinity pools here and start swimming. Bring towels and non-slip shoes. Between 6:00 and 10:00 AM is the perfect time for swimming while there are fewer crowds. From the lower viewpoint, you can see the waterfall's full height and take some classic photos. At the upper pools, there is a series of cascading basins like a natural waterpark. You can swim there while looking out over the valley. This is the best reward for hikers.
Bring a guide during the wet season or if you are not sure about the trail. Local people here are friendly, and they know all the best pools for swimming and photos. Wear sturdy shoes because the trails are rocky and slippery after rain. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and watch out for sudden weather changes. Do not hike after heavy rain.
This small cave, tied to Ramayana myths, is located near Ella town. You need to hike uphill for 20 minutes, climbing about 650-700 steps (around 1 km each way) through the forest to reach it. It is a small cave with basic rock formations, but you get lovely valley views from there. The climb up is steep and rugged, so wear good shoes. This is a tough hike, unlike others. So, if you are having mobility or heart issues, it is better to avoid it. If you do, visit early morning or late afternoon so you can avoid the hot sun. Remember to bring in a headlamp or flashlight, as the cave interior is dark and home to bats.
You can find this beautiful garden on Lizzie Villa Road, just minutes from Ella town center. Ella Spice Garden offers visitors a fun 3-hour cooking class for $25 with a guided garden tour and cooking authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Here you can,
Take the spice garden guided tour and learn about, taste, and pick cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, curry leaves, and other spices.
Taste a welcome drink with spice tea.
Cook hands-on step-by-step to make 7-8 dishes like garlic curry, dhal curry, papadum, pickled eggplant, and kurakkan halapa.
Enjoy friendly cooking competitions and group activities.
Eat together at the end and get a recipe booklet or ebook to take home.
And you can also buy real spice packets grown in their garden at good prices.
Arrive a few minutes early at Ella Spice Garden and wear comfortable, breathable clothes. They provide all ingredients and tools, and people of all ages and cooking levels can join.
This is Sri Lanka's most amazing railway engineering wonder. Its spiral design is attracting visitors from all around the world to Ella. At this rare feat, visitors can witness the train track looping under itself and coming out of a tunnel directly below Demodara Station. What makes it special? You watch trains disappear into the hillside, then reappear beneath the station. There is nothing like this on railways around the world. You can see a model of the loop at Demodara Station and see how the system works. Walk around the loop or sit at Demodara's platform to see this amazing engineering without interruption. Always check for trains before stepping on the tracks.
Have you heard about natural windows? Ella Gap is Sri Lanka's incredible natural window. This huge opening in the mountains gives visitors dramatic, sweeping views across the southern plains. On clear days, visitors can even see all the way to the distant coastline. You have got a couple of great options to take it all in. You can head to the terrace near the Ella Gap Panorama hotel or check out the lookout at the Ravana Heights hotel. Both spots have parking and comfortable seating areas. So, you can really enjoy the scenery.
You can get amazing sunrise views around 6:00 AM or sunsets between 5:30 and 6:30 PM. Temperatures can drop pretty fast at night, so bring a light jacket. As for Ella Gap travel tips, bring binoculars to spot wildlife and see the distant views more clearly. Remember your water and sunblock, especially if you plan to walk around.
Are you a thrill-seeker? Want to go on a thrilling aerial ride over tea fields and valleys with safety? Then you must try the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline. This is one of the most exciting things you can do at Ella. Visitors can soar over tea estates at speeds up to 80 km/h on this 500-meter zipline. You will get incredible views of the Ella Gap, beautiful tea plantations, and waterfalls as you fly. It is not just exhilarating, it is also very safe.
The zipline is certified to ERCA (European Rope Course Association) standards, and every rider gets a double harness and a helmet. Just a quick heads-up: if you are intoxicated, pregnant, or have a medical condition that could be affected, you will not be allowed to go on the zip line. To make your experience the best, wear comfortable, close-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes. Take on morning rides as they are usually the best for both the weather and the views.
In Ella, the climate most of the time will be 20-28°C and 70-90% humidity. The dry season during January-March is the best time for hiking. You will only face about 5-10 rainy days per month during this time, and you get views with clear skies. April gets slightly warmer but has more showers.
The wet season from May - September brings heavy rain. During October-November, there are 15-20 rainy days per month. Hiking trails can become very slippery during this time. In December, Ella goes back to drier weather with pleasant temperatures.
Ella Sri Lanka hotels range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. The best hotels in Ella Sri Lanka offer an amazing experience to visitors with hill or tea estate views, as most hotels are located near the town center or trails.
This 4-star eco-retreat on a 98-acre estate is located 2 km from Ella town. It offers visitors suites and villas, including Standard Chalets, Deluxe Chalets, Premium Villas, Grand Executive Suites, Premium Deluxe, Deluxe Rooms, and Honeymoon Deluxe rooms. 98 Acres Resort & Spa serves Sri Lankan, Continental, and Far Eastern cuisine along with a poolside bar. You can enjoy an infinity pool, an Ayurvedic spa, yoga sessions, a gym, and a helipad here. That is not all. The hotel offers guests free tours of the estate.
This 4-star boutique hotel overlooking Ella Gap is located 1 km from the center. It has 14 rooms, including Superior, Premier, and a Junior Suite (honeymoon suite). You can enjoy a restaurant, rooftop bar, morning yoga, heated outdoor jacuzzi, and famous breakfast spreads here. EKHO Ella is popular among international visitors because of its good accessibility, high hygiene standards, and multilingual staff. To get the best experience, reserve suites with a private terrace and a mountain-view jacuzzi.
This 4-star property is located 500 meters from the Ella railway station. It offers 26 rooms, including Double, Triple, Twin, Quad, and Family options. You can enjoy a rooftop pool with panoramic views, spa services, and child-friendly amenities here. Morning Dew runs a free shuttle to town and the railway station. Visitors praise the hotel’s relaxed vibe and helpful tour desk.
Visit Nine Skies to experience the ultimate luxury at Ella. This 5-star hotel is located in the Demodara Estate, a short drive from Ella. With its hillside location, visitors can enjoy the famous Demodara railway loop views from the hotel. The hotel features five individually designed, luxurious bedrooms, including three double rooms, one twin room, and a more spacious Ella Rock Suite with a separate sitting area. The all-inclusive rate covers all gourmet meals, snacks, afternoon tea, and house drinks. You can enjoy an infinity pool with spectacular views, lush gardens, a fine-dining restaurant, and a cozy lounge here. They arrange paid airport transfers and provide free Wi-Fi and parking.
It is primarily because of the beautiful mountain views. But misty hills are not the only thing that brings tourists to Ella, there are waterfalls like Ravana and Diyaluma, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Nature lovers enjoy Ella’s hiking trails, tea plantations, and relaxed vibe. Since it is easy to get to and has many activities, it is famous among backpackers and families.
You can,
Hike to Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak.
Take pictures of trains at Nine Arch Bridge.
Swim in Diyaluma Falls.
Visit tea estates.
Join cooking classes.
Relax at a café with a hill view.
Try the Flying Ravana Zip Line.
The main street is always busy with restaurants, cafés, and tourist shops. Next to the main attractions, you can find hidden gems like quiet nature trails, smaller waterfalls, and unique local experiences in Ella.
Stay 2-3 days in Sri Lanka Ella to see the main sights like the hikes and waterfalls. Stay 4-5 days if you want to take your time, do a tea tour, or have a buffer for bad weather.
Like we said before, Ella's cooler climate, great views, and unique spots like Nine Arch Bridge and Diyaluma Falls make it a special place to visit. It has a good combination of easy hikes, tea history, and a relaxed vibe, different from other parts of Sri Lanka.
Ella, Sri Lanka, gives visitors an unforgettable experience with its emerald hills, adventurous trails, and friendly locals. Whether you are visiting the famous Nine Arch Bridge or climbing the top of Ella Rock, Ella Sri Lanka tourist places guarantee you the best time you've ever had. The luxurious and affordable Ella Sri Lanka hotels, lively cafés, and affordable sights give all kinds of travelers something to do in Ella. For the best trip, visit during the dry season for clear trails, and remember to pack for cool evenings.
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