Ella, Sri Lanka is a small mountain village wrapped in tea fields and misty peaks. Backpackers come for the views, the hikes and the famous train ride. Meanwhile, the relaxed cafes make it easy to stay longer than planned. So, this guide covers the best things to do, plus how to get there and when to go.
Quick Facts About Ella, Sri Lanka
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Region | Badulla District, Uva Province, in the central highlands |
| Known For | Nine Arches Bridge, mountain hikes, tea estates and the scenic train |
| UNESCO Status | Not a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Founded | Grew as a hill station village during the British colonial era |
| Best Time to Visit | January to April, with July to September also pleasant |
| Getting There | Take the train from Kandy, about seven hours |
| Time Needed | Two to three days |
| Continent | Asia |
Where Is Ella, Sri Lanka?
Ella sits in the hill country of Sri Lanka, in the Uva Province. The village lies at about 1,000 metres above sea level. As a result, the air feels cool and fresh compared with the coast. To the south, the land drops away through the dramatic Ella Gap toward the plains.
In addition, the village is a stop on the main railway line from Colombo and Kandy. That makes it a natural break on a loop around the island. For example, many travellers combine Ella with Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the southern beaches.
Why Visit Ella, Sri Lanka?
First, the scenery is spectacular. Green tea bushes cover the slopes, and waterfalls tumble down the cliffs. Second, the hikes are short and rewarding. Even beginners can reach a summit before breakfast. Third, the village has a friendly, laid back mood. Small guesthouses, yoga classes and cooking schools line the main road.
Above all, Ella in Sri Lanka offers a slower pace. After busy cities, many visitors simply sit on a balcony and watch the clouds roll through the gap. If you loved the colonial charm of our Galle Fort, Sri Lanka guide, the hill country makes a perfect contrast.
Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka
Most sights are a short walk or tuk tuk ride from the village. However, start early, since the midday sun is strong and clouds often build in the afternoon.
Watch a Train Cross the Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge is the most famous sight near the village. It curves across a jungle valley at Demodara, about 2 km from the centre. Built in the early 1920s, the bridge is made of stone, brick and cement. Check the train times and arrive a little early. Then, find a spot on the hillside and wait for the blue carriages to roll across.
Hike Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is the easiest hike in the area. The trail passes through tea gardens before climbing to a ridge. From the top, you can see the Ella Gap and the distant plains. Overall, the walk takes about 45 minutes each way. Sunrise is especially beautiful here.
Climb Ella Rock
Ella Rock is a harder hike, at roughly 1,350 metres. The path follows the railway line before heading uphill through forest. Because some junctions are unmarked, many hikers hire a local guide. In return, the summit gives wide views over the hill country.
Ride the Scenic Train
The train between Kandy and Ella is often called one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. It winds past waterfalls, tea estates and tiny stations. For the best views, book a reserved seat in advance. Alternatively, ride a shorter stretch, such as Haputale to Ella.
Visit Ravana Falls and a Tea Factory
Ravana Falls lies about 6 km from the village, right beside the main road. The water drops roughly 25 metres over rock ledges. According to legend, the falls are linked to the king Ravana from the Ramayana epic. Afterwards, tour a local tea factory to see how leaves become black tea.
Take a Cooking Class
Sri Lankan food is a highlight of any stay. Several family kitchens in the village run cooking classes. Typically, you learn to make rice and curry with five or six side dishes. For example, you might cook dhal, pumpkin curry and a fresh coconut sambol. Best of all, you get to eat everything at the end.
Relax at the Village Cafes
After a hike, the main street is a good place to rest. Many cafes serve fresh fruit juices, roti and strong Ceylon tea. In the evening, some places play live music. Likewise, a few spas offer Ayurvedic massages to soothe tired legs.
Here are a few tips for your visit:
- Pack a light rain jacket, as showers can arrive quickly.
- Carry cash, since some cafes and drivers do not take cards.
- Wear shoes with grip for Ella Rock and the bridge path.
- Never walk on the tracks when a train is due.
Day Trips From Ella
The hill country has much more to see. For instance, Haputale is about an hour away by train. From there, a short ride leads to Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton once looked over his tea estates. Meanwhile, Diyaluma Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. In contrast, Yala National Park offers leopards and elephants, about two and a half hours south by road.
One Historical Fact About Ella, Sri Lanka
According to local stories, the Nine Arches Bridge was built without steel. Supplies were supposedly diverted to the First World War. As a result, builders used stone blocks, bricks and cement instead. Whether or not the story is fully true, the bridge has stood for over a century.
How to Get to Ella, Sri Lanka
Ella in Sri Lanka is well connected by rail and road. Choose the option that fits your route:
- Flying in: most visitors arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo.
- Train: services from Kandy take about seven hours, while trains from Colombo take nine or more.
- Bus: public buses link the village with Colombo, Kandy and the south coast.
- Private driver: a car from the coast or Kandy is faster and more flexible.
Best Time to Visit
The driest months are usually January to April. During this time, mornings are clear and hikes are pleasant. In addition, July to September is often fine, with fresh green landscapes. However, October to December can bring heavier rain. Even so, showers rarely last all day. Keep in mind that Ella in Sri Lanka gets busy in peak season, so book trains and rooms early.
Is Ella, Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ella in Sri Lanka is worth visiting. It packs hikes, waterfalls, tea estates and a legendary train ride into one small village. For another relaxed town in Asia, read our guide to Luang Prabang, Laos.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Ella is a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. You can watch the sunrise from a peak, see a train cross a historic bridge and sip fresh tea in the same day. So, slow down, book an extra night and enjoy the mountain air.
Image Credits
Unsplash
- Hendrik Cornelissen: A blue train crosses the Nine Arches Bridge, Unsplash License
- Yves Alarie: Blue trains wind through the hill country, Unsplash License
Wikimedia Commons
- Vyacheslav Argenberg: Ella Gap (Valley), Sri Lanka.jpg, CC BY 4.0
- Gayan Perera: Little adams peak, Ella Sri Lanka.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0
- A.Savin: SL Ella asv2020-01 img02 Ravana Falls.jpg, FAL
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