The small, laid-back town of Ella is a favourite stop for most travellers in Sri Lanka. This dreamy place is nestled in the very heart of Sri Lanka’s stunning Hill Country and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and tea plantations. With rich biodiversity and some of the best viewpoints in the country, Ella is a must-visit if you’re a fan of the great outdoors! There are numerous hikes and treks in the area, with routes ranging from easy to moderately challenging. With waterfalls, tea factories and temples to explore, you’ll want to spend every minute enjoying the incredible natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Hiking, nature, tea, architecture | 147 miles | * ** | * ** | * | *** | ** | * | ** |
What’s Ella known for?
Ella is best known for its stunning location out in the heart of Hill Country. For hiking and trekking enthusiasts it’s the number one destination in Sri Lanka and is renowned for having some of the best viewpoints on the island. Spend a chilled out week exploring the stunning natural beauty of the area, where you can bathe in waterfalls, trek along train tracks and explore tea plantations.
When should you go to Ella?
For the best weather
Ella sits at an elevation of 10041 m above sea level and is, therefore, a little cooler than other places in Sri Lanka. The average temperature is a pleasant 22.5 C (72.5 F), and this is fairly stable throughout the year. Rainfall in the region varies a lot, however, with some months getting especially wet. If you want to spend most of your time outdoors in Ella, visit during the months of June, July, August or September, when the weather is likely to be dry and sunny.
To beat the crowds
The small town of Ella is pretty quiet compared to the cities and coastal resort towns of Sri Lanka. The area still sees a lot of tourism, however, and the town can become flooded with visitors during the busy months of July and August. You can avoid the rush by arriving in June or September or, if you want the place all to yourself, during the rainy season months of October and November.
Who should go to Ella?
If you’re all about the great outdoors then Ella is the place for you! The surrounding countryside is the perfect playground for adventurous travellers and hiking enthusiasts. Many of the treks are easy enough to be completed by any type of traveller, so it’s also a great spot for families with children.
Things to see and do in Ella
Take a dip at Ravana Falls
The Ravana waterfall is one of the widest and most beautiful in all of Sri Lanka, and a must-see in Ella! The 25 m high cascade (which was named after the legendary King Ravana) is an impressive example of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. The surrounding greenery creates the perfect backdrop for a soothing dip in the cool waters of the falls, making this the ideal place to escape the midday heat for a few hours.
If you want to continue exploring, check out the nearby Ravana Ella Cave while you’re here. This ancient cavern houses evidence of early human habitation dating back 25,000 years, making this an important archaeological site. This network of ancient tunnels is steeped in legend and well worth checking out, but brace yourself for a hike! The cave sits at the top of over 500 steep, narrow steps, but the scenic route through the jungle makes up for it.
The falls are at their most impressive during or just after the rainy season when the water levels are at their highest.
Take a tour of the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory
Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most famous exports, and the Hill Country around Ella is home to some picturesque plantations. If you want to learn more about the production and processing of Sri Lanka’s tea, make sure you take a tour of the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory! Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will be able to walk you through every step of the production process while showing you around the factory and its grounds. At the end of the tour, you can take part in a tea-tasting and buy some leaves to take away with your from their gift shop.
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Trek to the top of Ella Rock
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No trip to Ella is complete without a hike up to Ella Rock, a natural landmark known for its outstanding viewpoint. The hike is around 10 km in total and winds through Ella’s idyllic countryside, covering miles of scenic greenery. Once you reach the top of Ella Rock, explorers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is one of the best vantage points from which to view Sri Lanka’s spectacular Hill Country, and the perfect place to snap some holiday shots!
Stick around to soak in the dramatic scenery and perfect tranquillity of the viewpoint before starting your trek back to town. This easy hike is doable for almost every traveller, but make sure you wear proper shoes!
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise
Little Adam’s Peak is one of the most popular hiking routes in Sri Lanka and is a must-do in Ella. This short trek takes you through some beautiful scenery and concludes with spectacular views of the Ella countryside.
This easy hike is more relaxing than strenuous, and one that every type of traveller can enjoy. The start of the route is a walk in the park, beginning with a casual stroll through lush, green tea plantations. Once you leave the plantations the trail will become steeper, giving way to stairs when you get nearer the top.
The best time to arrive at Adam’s Peak is dawn when you can witness the rising sun illuminating the slopes and valleys of the surrounding mountains. Leave early to beat the heat and the crowds, for the ultimate excursion into the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
Climb Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)
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If you’re feeling adventurous in Ella, step up your hiking game with an early-morning excursion to Adam’s Peak. This conical mountain stands at 2243 m high, representing a stiffer challenge than other hiking routes in the area. The trek takes 5 – 7 hours total, and most people start in the middle of the night. This way, you can be sure you’ll arrive at the summit for sunrise! Views from the peak at this time are nothing short of magical when the first light of day bathes the surrounding mountains and valleys in a heavenly glow.
Adam’s Peak is an important pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka, so this route is popular among both locals and travellers. The site has religious importance for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, all of whom revere this holy mountain. One thing that unites every visitor, however, is their awe at the majesty of the surrounding scenery.
This hike is not for the faint of heart but is still easy enough that only a moderate degree of fitness is required to complete it. There’s no need to hire a guide, but make sure you wear sturdy shoes and prepare for plenty of stairs!
Check out the Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge can be found just outside of Ella, around a 30-minute walk from the town. This gentle trek takes you through lush jungle and verdant tea fields before delivering you at the 30 m high, stone bridge. The Nine Arches Bridge (AKA The Bridge in the Sky) is a perfect example of colonial-era railway construction. The surrounding greenery can be seen through each of the nine towering arches, making this a spectacular spot for photos!
You can walk along the tracks or, even better, ride the train from Kandy to Ella to get the best views.
Where to eat in Ella
Matey Hut
Matey Hut is one of the most popular dining spots in Ella, thanks to their sensational Sri Lankan cuisine. Not only is their food incredible, their service (and prices) are also unbeatable. This is the best place in town to try out some local dishes, from roti to rice and curry!
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Cafe Chill
Cafe Chill is a great option for family dining in Ella, as their menu includes both Western and Sri Lankan fare. Everyone can find something they like among this wide variety of delicious dishes, making this the perfect spot for dinner! Alternatively, drop by in the evening to drink, dance and mingle. Chill is open until the early hours and is a great place to meet people if you’re travelling solo.
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Jade Green
For a true taste of local food, try out the curry and rice at Jade Green in Ella. Their traditional Sri Lankan dishes are authentically prepared using the freshest of ingredients, all for highly affordable prices. Their menu includes all of the usual favourites, as well as some vegetarian options, and all come in big portions!
Where to stay in Ella
Escape the town
Ella is small, scenic and charming, but its the surrounding scenery that steals the show! Immerse yourself in the incomparable beauty of Hill Country by staying a few kilometres outside of town. This way, you can be as close as possible to the most popular hikes and viewpoints in the region.
Stay in the centre
If you want to be near the action, stay in the centre of Ella. Finding a room in the middle of town puts you near shops, bars, and restaurants, for maximum convenience during your stay.