Located in the mountains of central Sri Lanka, Ella is a town that offers a unique experience. Known for its spectacular scenery, verdant tea plantations and train, Ella has become a must-see destination for those looking to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
It’s probably our favorite town in Sri Lanka, even if it’s not the easiest to get to, as it’s located in the mountains. It’s a 6-hour drive from Negombo airport.
We’ve been lucky enough to visit several times, and have enjoyed it so much that our daughter is named after it.
What to do in Ella
Little Adam’s Peak
Among the attractions, the hike to the “summit” of Little Adam’s Peak is a well-known experience. Accessible to all abilities, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
From the road, you can take a tuk-tuk to the start of the hike (+/- 1,500 LKR – €4.50).
For some years now, you can also go zip-lining (zipline) (+/- 9995 LKR – 30€/person). This is Sri Lanka’s first certified mega-zipline, located in the middle of Ella’s verdant estates.
Price: the ride is free
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge is a historic bridge near Ella. It is an impressive brick viaduct built in 1921. Measuring 91 meters long, it is famous for its arched architecture and picturesque views over the surrounding valley. The bridge is a popular (too popular) spot for tourists and photographers, not least because of the trains that pass over it several times a day. Here, it’s even “normal” to walk on the tracks.
From the main road, you can take a tuk-tuk to get close to the bridge (+/- 1,500 LKR – €4.50). You can also walk to the bridge from Little Adam’s Peak, for example, which is an easy descent (address 1). When you’re at the Nine Arch Bridge, we recommend you also take a walk under the tunnel towards Ella, which is full of bats. There are several ways to reach the Nine Arch Bridge, three of which we’ve already tried out.
- Address 1: You arrive at the top of the bridge.
- Address 2: You’ll have to walk a little on the tracks between Demodora and the bridge.
- Address 3: You’ll arrive at a nearby parking lot, where you can take a tuk-tuk to the edge of the bridge.
Price: access to the bridge is free
Tea factory
The Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, nestled in the green hills of Sri Lanka, is a veritable jewel of tea-making heritage. Founded in the 19th century and still in operation, it produces black teas renowned for their rich aroma and unique character. Visitors can discover the traditional manufacturing process, from freshly harvested leaves to packaging. An experience that combines culture, nature and craftsmanship. After the tour, you can sample different types of tea. There’s also an observatory with a terrace (the view is sublime).
Tour price: +/- 3,296 LKR – €10 per person
Ella rock
This mountain offers breathtaking views of the lush valleys and surrounding tea plantations. The hike to the summit of Ella Rock is an adventure through picturesque trails, eucalyptus forests and breathtaking scenery. The climb, which takes around four hours, is ideal for experienced hikers or adventurers looking for a challenge. As a reward, hikers will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. As we are not experienced hikers, we have not yet tested this hike.
Ravana’s cave
Ravana cave is about 2 km from the town. It lies at an altitude of 1,370 metres and is relatively small. According to legend, King Ravana used this cave to hide Princess Sita. To get there, you have to climb a long staircase. We have not yet visited this site.
Price: +/- 200 LKR/person – 0,60€/person
Ella station and taking the train
A must-see experience if you’re traveling in Sri Lanka. Ella station, located in the heart of the Sri Lankan hills, is an architectural gem and an ideal starting point for exploring the region. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this picturesque station is famous for its tranquil ambience and retro charm. Trains passing through offer spectacular views of tea plantations and verdant valleys. Travelers flock to immortalize this magical place, where time seems to stand still. A visit to Ella station is an experience not to be missed, combining natural beauty with the nostalgia of train travel. You can take the train to Haputale (approx. 1h30 journey) or Nanu Oya (approx. 3h30 journey) or, if you have more time, to Kandy (approx. 8h journey).
This is Sri Lanka’s Instagram train. Many tourists focus on taking photos, capturing the breathtaking scenery as it passes by. Others also like to open the windows to feel the wind and admire the panoramas. Last but not least, some adventurers lean out of the train doors to see what’s outside. It’s important to be careful, however, as this is a very dangerous and sometimes fatal practice.
How to book your train journey
A few years ago, it was quite simple to pick up your ticket at the station just before boarding the train. But with the rise of tourism, it’s almost impossible to book in this way.
You may read on various websites or social networks that it’s better to use partner platforms and exchange your ticket on the spot. This is not what we are going to recommend.
We recently tested (September 2024) the official government website, Railway.
- Search for your trip;
- Choose the timetable (you can see directly what is still available and the price);
- Choose your seat type (1st class air-conditioned, 2nd and 3rd class non-air-conditioned, so you can open the windows and admire the view – a great feature);
- Fill in your travel details (passport number, etc.);
- Payment: there is an additional charge of 400 LKR for online bookings: you receive a pdf file directly with your ticket (it’s the same ticket as if you had booked at the station, but it says on it that you booked online).
Things to do near Ella
Ravana Waterfall
The Ravana waterfall, a few kilometers from Ella, is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls and is easily accessible (visible from the road). At a height of 25 metres, it cascades down several levels in an enchanting natural setting, surrounded by lush greenery, rock formations and monkeys. Legend has it that it is named after King Ravana, a mythological character from the Ramayana, who is said to have hidden Sita here, too. Visitors can approach the waterfall to admire its beauty and bathe in its refreshing waters.
Price: access to the waterfall is free of charge.
Haputale
A charming little town located 45 minutes from Ella by car, at an altitude of around 1,431 meters. It is surrounded by hills covered in forests, clouds and tea plantations, offering breathtaking scenery.
It’s the gateway to Lipton’s Seat.
Lipton’s Seat
Lipton’s Seat is a famous panoramic viewpoint from which Sir Thomas Lipton loved to admire his tea plantations. According to various readings and research, it’s advisable to get up early to get there and hope you’re not in the clouds.
In reality, there’s no such thing as a good time – luck will just have to be with you. We visited early in the morning and were in the clouds. We visited it in the middle of the afternoon and the view was clear and magnificent. Once you’ve admired the view (if it’s unobstructed), walk down to the plantations to enjoy the scenery to the full.
Price: +/- 500 LKR/person – €1.50/person + 250 LKR/car – €0.75/car
Where to eat in Haputale
You can eat in a small restaurant at Lipton’s Seat (not much choice), but we advise you to go into town. We’ve already tried “Lettuce & Cabbage” next to the station, and recommend it. It’s simple and good.
Price: An Egg Rice costs 600 LKR – 1,80€.
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple about 1 hour’s drive from Ella. However, it may be on your route if you’re coming from the south, for example. The name “Buduruwagala” means “the rock of Buddhist sculptures”, as the site is famous for its seven statues carved into a rock face. The central statue is a 15-meter-tall standing Buddha, making it the largest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.
It’s inadvisable and frowned upon to turn your back on Buddha when taking a photo or selfie.
Price: 660 LKR/person – €1.98
Hotels in Ella
Around the main road in the center of Ella, you’ll be able to find budget accommodation. But you’ll have to put up with the hustle and bustle and the noise at night. On the other hand, near Little Adam’s Peak, for example, you’ll find larger, modern, luxurious and pleasant hotel complexes, this time at a premium price.
However, you can find a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and styles on Booking and elsewhere. Below, we present the hotel where we stayed, on several occasions, during our visits to Ella. Also, a hotel we spotted that’s closer to the main activities and on a different budget.
The Planters Bungalow Ella
The Ella Planters Hotel, as we’ve come to call it, is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. It’s been our favorite for the past 6 years. Indeed, it offers a nice room size for our family (a kitchenette, a large bathroom, a large double bed, two single beds and the possibility of a free cot, a terrace overlooking the valley and the rice fields), a (rather cold) swimming pool for relaxing at the end of the day and the possibility of eating on site (excellent and inexpensive meals) in the quiet on a terrace lit in the evening by lanterns and moonlight. It’s a soothing, rejuvenating place, surrounded by palm and banana trees and enlivened by the monkeys who come to visit at any time of day.
The hotel is located on a former tea plantation established in the late 18th century during the colonial period. The extensive garden and grounds are home to a rare collection of tropical fruit trees and timber varieties. The property was originally built by a Scottish tea planter, Malcolm George. He left in 1948 when the newly independent government of Ceylon nationalized the tea industry.
98 Acres Resort & Spa
The 98 Acres Resort and Spa is an elegant, chic 5-star hotel (one of the few in Ella) set on a 36-hectare estate in the heart of a breathtaking landscape. This uniquely designed resort blends seamlessly into the natural environment and is made up of charming cottages, mainly made from recyclable materials. Discarded railroad sleepers are used to build the complex’s terraces and walls. Rough-cut granite lends a simple elegance to the cottages’ floors, which are adorned with “Illuq” straw thatch roofs that add to their rustic beauty.
The restaurants
As Ella has become a “trendy” city for backpackers and digital nomads alike, there are many charming places to eat, two of which we’ve tried out. Don’t hesitate to explore and ask for local recommendations, as there are often hidden gems.
Café One Love
Café One Love is a popular spot for travelers. Its warm, friendly atmosphere is ideal for relaxing after a day’s exploring. We recommend visiting the upper floors and chilling out if you have the time.
Price: Lamprais Chicken & Egg (local dish wrapped in a banana leaf – delicious) costs 2350 LKR – 7,05€.
Café UFO
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a good meal or simply have a coffee while taking in the view, Café UFO is an excellent choice. It’s located directly on the street, but you can also go upstairs. The welcome is very warm, and the food is simple and good.
Price: Kottu Cheese & Chicken costs 1950 LKR – €5.85
Ideal times to visit Ella
The best time to visit Ella is generally between December and March (high season), when the weather is dry and sunny. Temperatures are favorable (around 30 degrees) and the green landscapes magnificent (with few clouds to spoil visibility). This is also the period when the waterfalls are at their most impressive, as they are fed by the previous season’s rains.
We visited Ella twice between February and March, and again between September and October.
During the high season, Ella is “animated” by tourists, and a little too much so.
In the low season, however, there are fewer travelers. Temperatures are a little more pleasant (25 degrees), but clouds are a little more prevalent.
Ella is without doubt our favorite family town. Nestled in the heart of the green hills and surrounded by tea plantations, it offers an idyllic setting that appealed to young and old alike.
If you’ve had an experience in Ella, please share it with us and leave a comment.
