Ella, situated in the highlands of Sri Lanka, boasts a delightful cool climate and offers plenty of enjoyable activities. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger for about three days. Every country has that one village where every traveler instantly falls in love with the laid-back atmosphere and the stunning green surroundings. In Thailand, you have Pai, in Indonesia, it’s Ubud, and in Sri Lanka, it’s Ella. Surrounding Ella, you’ll find numerous tea plantations, waterfalls, and fantastic viewpoints. So, during the day, you’ll be quite active, hiking a lot, and come evening, you can reward yourself with a drink at one of the cozy bars. Curious about what there is to do in Ella? The following tips will easily keep you entertained for three to four days.
What to do in Ella?
Most of the attractions in Ella are easily accessible on foot. But if you have less time or inclination, you can also rent a scooter or take a tuk-tuk.
Tip: Looking for a reliable tuk-tuk driver? I highly recommend Nalaka. This friendly man took me to all the places during my days in Ella, showed me hidden waterfalls, waited for me, and sometimes even walked with me, helping with taking photos. You can WhatsApp him at +94 77 533 4044.
Climb Ella Rock
From Ella, you have a view of Ella Gap, a valley with Ella Rock on one side and Little Adam’s Peak on the other. Both peaks are climbable, with Ella Rock being the most challenging. The hike to the top of Ella Rock takes about 2.5 hours (one way). Along the way, you’ll encounter several viewpoints, and once at the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view. The first part of the hike follows the train tracks, and then you have a steep climb ahead. Don’t forget to bring some tasty snacks and plenty of water. Use the app maps.me to find the right path up. It’s a bit of a maze of trails, and there are many different routes, but it all becomes clear as you go. If you want to skip the first part along the tracks, you can also take a tuk-tuk (or ride a scooter) to Kithalella train station. This saves you about 45 minutes of walking, but you’ll miss out on a nice walk along the tracks.
Tip: The chance of taking a wrong turn at some point is high, but you’ll always find your way eventually. Along the way, you’ll encounter many ‘guides’ who are eager to accompany you to the top. If you decide to follow one, be prepared for them to ask for money sooner or later. If you haven’t agreed on a price beforehand, you can expect some outrageous amounts. So, it’s better to try to navigate yourself with maps.me or agree on a price beforehand and be clear when you don’t want them to accompany you.
Visit Ravana Waterfall
On the way to Ella Rock, about a 15-minute drive from Ella, you’ll come across a huge waterfall by the roadside that attracts a lot of attention. Ravana Waterfall is a 100-meter-high waterfall (360 feet) with different levels. You can walk a bit on the rocks towards the waterfall, but it’s not recommended to swim there or climb further up. Most people admire this high waterfall from the platform by the road. There are various stalls at the waterfall selling BBQ corn, souvenirs, fresh fruit, and more.
Attention: At the waterfall, there are men who give you crystals for free and then ask if you have coins from your country. Don’t accept these crystals because then they expect you to give them something too, whether it’s dollars, euros or rupees. If you come by scooter, park it at a distance so they don’t see it. We met people who had only given these men 20 rupees, and when they returned from the waterfall, their entire scooter was scratched, the mirrors were smashed, and there were holes in the seat. According to the men, monkeys had done it, but it was clear that it wasn’t the work of monkeys.
Train Watching at Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
Likely the most photographed spot in all of Sri Lanka is the stunning Nine Arch Bridge. Built during the British colonial period, the bridge stands amidst lush green tea plantations and banana trees. What makes this bridge unique is that it was entirely constructed with stones, bricks, and cement in 1921, without a single piece of steel. It’s undoubtedly the most beautiful spot to photograph the Sri Lankan train. Almost every hour, a train passes by, which you can hear approaching from afar. Even though you won’t be the only one here for a nice photo, you can’t leave Sri Lanka without seeing this picturesque spot in person. Can’t get enough of the view? At The Cabin Ella, you can stay in a bungalow with a balcony overlooking the famous bridge.
Tip: Take a stroll up for a drink at Cafe Soul Ella, which has a nice terrace overlooking Nine Arch Bridge. And to Asanka Cafe, a few steps higher. This small spot belongs to an incredibly friendly man and his son. Nandana will happily prepare a fresh smoothie or a plate of food for you. From here, you have an amazing view of Nine Arch Bridge.
Swimming at Diyaluma Falls
Can’t get enough of waterfalls? Then you can’t miss Sri Lanka’s third-highest waterfall. With an impressive height of 220 meters (720 feet), water cascades down abundantly. Both above and below, there are pools where you can take a refreshing dip. The foot of the waterfall is about an hour’s drive from Ella. You can easily view and access it from the road. But the real adventure begins when you want to explore the upper part of the waterfall. For this, you drive a bit further to this point. Here, the path to the upper part of the Diyaluma Falls begins.
Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be asked if you want a guide or if you prefer to figure it out with Google Maps. A guide is somewhat unnecessary for the path to the waterfall, as it’s quite easy to follow with Google Maps. The advantage of a guide is that once at the waterfall, they know exactly how to get to the various spots and levels of the waterfall, sometimes involving climbing over rocks and through water. Although you could figure it out yourself or follow other people walking around.
At the upper part of the waterfall, you can enjoy several levels with natural pools, created here by Mother Nature. You could easily spend some time here if you have the time, so bring plenty of water and snacks.
Watch the Sunset in Ella at Little Adam’s Peak
Perhaps even more beautiful than Ella Rock is the view from the top of Little Adam’s Peak. The actual climb takes only about 20 minutes, and with the walk from the center of Ella, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. So, if you don’t have much time, you might want to skip Ella Rock and climb Little Adam’s Peak instead. If you’re not keen on walking, you can cover most of the walk by scooter or tuk-tuk and only walk the last 20 minutes up the easy path. The last part of the road is extremely bad, but this way, you’ll save yourself an hour of walking. Once at the top, you’ll overlook Ella Gap and Ella Rock, with plenty of beautiful spots for photos. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic sunset here.
Visit a Tea Factory
A trip to Sri Lanka isn’t complete without visiting a tea factory. Besides admiring the green tea plantations, it’s also fascinating to take a tour inside the factory. Here, you’ll be guided through all the steps of the production process and, of course, get to taste various types of tea. Halpewatte Tea Factory comes highly recommended, and the best time to visit is in the morning when production is in full swing. In the afternoon, most of the harvested tea is already processed, so you’ll see less action in the factory. Tours run throughout the day, so you usually don’t have to wait long to join the next one.
Buy Postcards at Best Ceylon
Best Ceylon is the go-to place in Sri Lanka for picking out postcards. You’ll find picturesque designs featuring all the places and themes Sri Lanka has to offer. Choose a drawing of your favorite destination or one of the animal cards. And of course, you don’t have to send everything to others. They’re also great for displaying at home or framing, as a reminder of your beautiful journey through Sri Lanka.
Stay in Accommodation Overlooking Ella Gap
Ella is nestled in the highlands of Sri Lanka amidst green mountains with palm trees, banana trees, and tea plantations. It’s delightful to wake up surrounded by this beautiful nature in the morning. Having breakfast served on your balcony while squirrels hop through the trees will provide a delightful moment of enjoyment during your journey. Choose from one of the 5 most beautiful hotels with views in Ella for a special overnight stay.
Learn to Cook a Sri Lankan Curry at Ella Spice Garden
Once you arrive in Ella, you’ve probably already tasted some delicious local curries during your journey. Now it’s time to learn how to make them yourself! The cooking class at Ella Spice Garden is a fun and well-organized workshop where you’ll make your own dinner. After a tour of their own herb garden, you’ll get to work with the delicious fresh ingredients. You’ll learn how to open a coconut and grate the flesh to make coconut milk. You’ll smell, taste, and mix various herbs and spices that give the delicious flavor to the different curries. From dhal (lentil curry) to coconut rotis and papadums; You’ll make it all yourself and enjoy eating it. Yum!
Take the Train from Ella to Haputale
If you didn’t arrive in Ella by train, you shouldn’t miss this experience. Haputale is a small village near Ella. The train journey from Ella to Haputale is part of one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, namely the train journey between Kandy and Ella. The train travels slowly through the tea plantations to Haputale. Along the way, you’ll see women picking tea and enjoy amazing views.
Buduruwagala Temple
If you have some extra time and feel like scootering a bit, Buduruwagala Temple is worth a visit. This temple is about an hour’s drive from Ella. You can reach the temple by bus, tuk-tuk, or rent a scooter and make your own road trip. Here stands a huge rock where 7 large Buddha statues were carved around the 10th century. Few travelers come here, so chances are you’ll have this place all to yourself.
Tips for Good Restaurants in Ella
Cafe Chill – Here, you can choose from a good menu at any time of the day. Via the upstairs area, you have access to the club where good parties are regularly held.
Rainbow Cafe – For an all-day breakfast and more delicious options, you can visit one of the cozy seating areas here.
Kiri Kopi – At Kiri Kopi, you can enjoy a good coffee with your feet in the sand.
One Love Cafe – A nice place with swing benches and bean bags where you can enjoy good food. Also cozy for drinks in the evening.
The Clay Pot – Delicious local dishes at a reasonable price.
The Green Door Cafe – Hip cafe with not only a well-appointed interior but also a varied menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
AK Ristoro – Craving sushi, Italian, or tapas? Then this is the place to be.
Our Favorite Spots in Ella
You’ll make your stay in Ella unforgettable when you stay in a hotel overlooking Ella Gap. One of the most beautiful hotels in Ella is Country Homes. From this hotel, it’s only a short walk to the center, yet you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in the middle of the mountains. The rooms are beautiful, and there’s a large balcony to enjoy the impressive view. A romantic spot and the ideal base for a stay in Ella. Do you like to get a great deal? At Adam’s Apple Homestay, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Little Adam’s Peak from your bed for a very affordable price. The owner will happily take you anywhere and share his tips for Ella with you. Guest Inn Avendra is located just outside the town and is an oasis of peace with an incredibly hospitable host who will make you feel right at home. Here too, you can enjoy that spectacular view! This place is well worth taking a tuktuk to the town every now and then.
  Country Homes |
 Adam’s Apple Homestay |
 Guest Inn Avendra |
