Why to visit Ella - Highland of Sri Lanka
Ella is situated in Sri Lanka's central highlands and is a picturesque hill town renowned for its breathtaking views, tea plantations, and thrilling trekking trails. It is a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure, and nature lovers must make sure they visit.
What's Special About Ella
- Breathtaking Train Ride: The train journey to Ella, and especially from Kandy, is one of the world's most breathtaking train rides, passing through tea-exploring hills and misty forests.
- Nine Arches Bridge: A British colonial-era railway bridge built entirely of stone and brick, providing a stunning backdrop to photographs.
- Little Adam's Peak: Short and simple trek with great views of Ella's green valleys and rolling hills.
- Ravana Falls & Cave: Gorgeous waterfall and mythological cave related to the ancient Ramayana epic.
Things to Do in Ella
- Hike Little Adam's Peak: Short 30–45-minute trek with decent views.
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge: Ride a train across this renowned bridge for a good photography opportunity.
- Visit Ravana Falls: Witness the splendor of these falls and the myth surrounding it.
- Tour a Tea Plantation: Visit a tea estate like Halpewatte Tea Factory to see Sri Lanka's world-renowned Ceylon tea.
Unknown Facts About Ella
- Nine Arches Bridge was built without steel but with bricks, cement, and stone alone.
- Ella is cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka, a welcome relief from the tropics.
- It is believed that Ravana Cave is where ancient king Ravana kept Princess Sita captive after abducting her in the Ramayana epic.
Entry Fee
Most of Ella's sights, like Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arches Bridge, are free to see. There may be a nominal charge for guided tours from some tea factories.
Timings
Ella's sights are typically open 24/7, though tea factories are open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Average Duration to Explore
1 to 2 Days: A minimum one-night stay in Ella is adequate to visit its major sights at leisure.
Distance
- From Colombo: 200 km (5-6 hour drive)
- From Kandy: 135 km (4-hour drive)
- From Nuwara Eliya: 55 km (2-hour drive)
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Diyaluma Falls (38 km)
- Horton Plains National Park (65 km)
- Lipton's Seat (32 km)
- Demodara Loop (6 km)
