Ella, Sri Lanka: A Guide

Ella is a gem tucked away in the lush greenery of Sri Lanka‘s hill country. I got to spend 5 amazing nights in Ella and have written up the best things I did during my time. With its beautiful landscapes, rich history and lively atmosphere, Ella offers a plethora of experiences for everyone.

Getting the Train to Ella

Reaching Ella is an experience in itself, with the scenic train journey from Kandy often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Winding through lush tea plantations, misty mountains and quaint villages, the journey offers breathtaking views at every turn. This iconic train ride is not just a mode of transport, but also a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka. It does take a while (7 hours on average!!) but it’s absolutely worth it!

Hike to Ella Rock

Ella Rock is an iconic landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations. Without doubt, hiking Ella Rock was my favourite thing to do in Ella. So much so, that I did it twice! The hike begins near the Ella Railway Station and takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach the summit. It’s not the most obvious trail route, so if like me you have no sense of direction, I’d go with people. I became close with some girls from my hostel, and even as a group, we got a bit lost at times.

During the hike, you’ll encounter lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and friendly locals who are always ready to offer a helping hand. Trust me, the breathtaking view from the top is well worth the effort. Both times I went, there were a group of people at the top selling cold drinks and snacks. We bought some refreshments and enjoyed the view at the top for a while.

Visit the Nine Arch Bridge

No trip to Ella is complete without marvelling at the Nine Arch Bridge. To note, it can get very crowded with tourists, so go early! We met organised people who had worked out exactly what time the train would be coming through. However, we just bought some snacks and chatted whilst waiting for the trains.

We walked over the bridge to get pictures from both sides and get a better view into the valley below. The photos honestly don’t do it justice and it was such a nice place to just hang out regardless of the trains.

There were some ladies selling mangos and coconuts on one side too which were so fresh!

Try Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea, and Ella is no exception. I went on a Tea Tasting Experience in Ella at one of the local plantations and got to learn about the art of tea cultivation and production. We got to try a variety of flavours, ranging from strong black teas to light green teas. The green surroundings here were stunning too! I booked my tea tour through my hostel, but through researching, I believe it’s the Halpewatte Tea Factory Tour.

If you’re getting the Kandy to Ella train, you’ll spend hours travelling through the tea plantations and be treated to incredible smells!!

Explore the Ravana Falls

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Ella and its surrounding area. I went with some new friends to visit the Ravana Falls, one of Ella’s most iconic waterfalls. Located just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the town centre, you will be treated to breathtaking 25m waterfalls. Some people were swimming in the base of the falls, but we just sat on the nearby rocks and enjoyed the atmosphere. As with many places in Ella, it was quite crowded here. I expect if you go early in the morning, you could have a quieter experience.

Little Adam’s Peak

Another brilliant hike to do in Ella is Little Adam’s Peak. This is much less strenuous than Ella Rock but still provides rewarding views. A relatively easy trek from the town centre, this miniature peak offers sweeping vistas of Ella’s lush landscapes and distant mountain ranges. We took some food with us and enjoyed a small lunch at the end of the route. Alternatively, you can here for a while and wait for the epic sunsets over the valley below.

All The Food!!

No visit to Ella would be complete without indulging in the all the mouthwatering flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine. From fragrant curries to spicy sambols, Ella has some great places to try particularly all the roti!

For an even better taste of the Sri Lankan food, visit the Ella Spice Garden! Here you can take cooking classes and learn how to make authentic, tasty Sri Lankan dishes. They also provide guided tours of their gardens where you can learn about how they use a variety of spices for cooking and medicinal properties. The big ones being cinnamon, cardamom and cloves! We also got to sample a few freshly brewed spice tea. The whole experience definitely exceeded my expectations and i’d highly recommend visiting if you’re a foodie.

Watch the Sunset at Ella Gap

Spend one of your evenings watching the sunset over Ella Gap. This gap in the mountain range offers incredible views of the valley below. In the evenings, At sunset, you’ll find groups of people gathered together to marvel over the colourful skies. You’ll be able to get here from Little Adam’s Peak, so if you’re short on time, do the hike in the afternoon and wait for sunset.

Bicycle Around Ella Village

One of my biggest regrets was not renting a bike or doing a cycling tour around Ella. On my last day, I met people who raved about cycling tours that went past emerald green fields, quaint cottages, local markets and eateries. I wasn’t aware this was something on offer, but I’d do it if I go back to Ella.

After my incredible trip in Ella, I caught a shuttle bus down to Mirissa for the next part of my trip in Sri Lanka. Read more on my favourite beaches in Sri Lanka, visiting Galle and why Sigiriya is a must-do!