Ella – The Place for Relaxed Adventure

Ella is a little village that has turned into somewhat of an iconic tourist hub. Visitors come from far and wide, locals and foreigners alike, to savor the natural beauty of lush greenery, mountains, waterfalls, and tea plantations, and to take part in adventurous hikes, train rides, and sightseeing tours. The town area comprising of one street and a few roadways leading from there is studded with cafes, restaurants, hotels, and a few shops. The atmosphere is that of a busy marketplace minus the accompanying noise. There are numerous activities for everyone who visits here. Hikes, long treks through jungles and tea estates, sightseeing, and other interactive activities are available to suit any age or activity level. You make the rules here; you can either relax or have the most adventure-filled vacation of your lifetime.

The best thing about Ella is that is unspoiled and still retains the charm of a village. It has also developed into a full-service tourist hub. From sunrise to sunset you will experience both relaxation and adventure at every corner. The breathtaking beauty of the natural jungles, the lush greenery of the tea estates, cascading waterfalls, and quaint sights to be visited all make this an exciting place to visit. We have listed out the main things that one can do in Ella without going too far. Some people like to make this their base camp from where they visit other places on the island which may comprise day trips or time away for a few days.

1. The Nine Arch Bridge

This fascinating bridge was constructed in 1921 when it was commissioned under the British Government. During the construction of the Colombo-Badulla railway two mountains needed to be connected in a curved railroad. However, due to the constraints of WWI steel was in short supply. The building of the bridge was completed by Sri Lankan engineers and builders using blocks of stone and cement without using any steel support. The bridge has nine arches, is 25m high, and is 91m long. It is set amid green tea plantations, tree-covered hills, and low-lying clouds. This picturesque bridge is reached by taking a long walk (1.8km) or a short drive to the base of the bridge from the center of the town. You can sit in one of the tea kiosks nearby and watch the trains go by.

2. Ravana Falls

This is a many-tiered gushing waterfall that winds its way down through the rocky mountainside and jungle. During the dry season, you can hike to the top of the mountain and view the surrounding panoramic vistas. This is not recommended during the rainy season. The tame-looking waterfall transforms into a roaring body of milky water during the rainy season covering all the rocks in its path with its wide swathe of water. Bathing at this spot is not recommended during this time as the force of the water can be very dangerous. At other times, people dip in the small pools at the bottom of the falls. There are many vendors of fruit, boiled corn, and curios by the roadside. Some monkeys have become part of the landscape. The drive down to this waterfall will take 10 to 15 minutes from Ella.

3. Riding the train to Haputale or Kandy

A train ride through the never-ending lush greenery of tea estates, passing waterfalls, spotting all types of vegetation like wild orchids and tropical rainforests, and villages are said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The best part of this journey is the stretch between Ella and Nanu Oya which runs through the dense forest of the Horton Plains National Park. The deep green vegetation endemic to this part of the island is a wonderful sight. The train is the best mode of transport as the scenery you are presented with is much more beautiful than when traveling by road. The trip to Kandy from Ella takes around 7-8 hours and the trip from Ella to Haputale

4. Trek to Little Adam’s Peak

This trek ranks in the medium range when it comes to how strenuous the hike is. The name is perhaps used as the mountain crag shape is similar to its older brother, Adam’s Peak. The entire hike will take around two hours of energetic walking starting from Ella town. The best time for the hike is in the early morning or later in the afternoon. If you can catch the sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak it will be something to remember. The views from the first, second, and third peaks are simply stunning. The last peak can be very narrow and with steep sides. It is best not to take children to this last peak. For those who are up for a more strenuous and adventurous trek, the hike to Ella Rock can be recommended. This will take around 3-4 hours and you will be well rewarded by the vast panorama that comes into view across soothing and calm tea plantations and green-covered mountains.

5. Visit a Tea Factory

Ella and its surrounding areas are covered almost exclusively by tea plantations. The tea bushes are about 3 ft in height and are grown in neat, closely knit rows. They are kept immaculately trimmed by the expert tea-pluckers. There are many tea factories in the area. However, Halpewatte Tea Factory is only a 15-minute drive from Ella and thus convenient to visit. The workings of the factory are truly amazing. The process the tea leaves undergo to be made into the finest tea ready to be used can be seen here. The guide will take you from one room to the next explaining each of the steps and the machinery. The dryer room, the sifting room, the rolling room, the color sorting room, the packing area, and the store room are seen at each step of the tour. The aroma of tea pervades the air and is soothing in itself. The tour of the factory end with a tasting session. There is also a store with packages of loose tea and tea bags ideal for gifts. Once you go on this tour of the tea factory you will come to appreciate your cup of tea even more knowing what a lot of work and care goes into its production.

6. Dhowa Rock Temple

Showa is an area located on the Badulla –Colombo Road that you encounter just 7km from the town of Bandarawela. The Dhowa Rock Temple was a place where King Walagamba sought refuge from foreign invasion in the 1^st Century BC. The temple has a history of more than 2000 years. The king transformed the cave with paintings on the walls and the ceiling. There is a 12m high unfinished Buddha statue carved into the vertical face of the rock. Although this is a small temple it showcases how rocks and caves had been used by people in the olden days. According to legend, there is a tunnel that connects this temple to the Ravana Guhava a little below Ella. This tunnel is not accessible as only the entrance is visible and no excavations have been done to ascertain the veracity of these legends.

7. Ravana Zipline

This is the first ziplining activity in Sri Lanka. This allows you to become part of the nature and scenic views at the Ella While literally flying past green tree tops and tea estates below. The zipline has a speed of 80kmph at a height of 82m. The length is about half a kilometer. The adventure hub of the zipline is located near Little Adam’s Peak about 2km from the town. This is a truly exhilarating activity and should not be missed.

8. Visiting Other Waterfalls in the Area

Sri Lanka has the highest density of waterfalls in the world. There are thousands of waterfalls with 382 recorded ones spread throughout the country. There are many close to Ella that are worth visiting that can be reached within an hour’s drive. Being in the mountainous region of the island, these waterfalls cascade beautifully through natural terrain that is interesting for their fauna and flora.

Baambarakanda waterfall is the highest on the island at 263m. It is about an hour’s drive away from Ella. Diyalum falls is another beautiful, misty cascade that is easy to get to within an hour from Ella. This can be reached by a drive through Poonagala Road and a short walk from there that takes you to the top of this 220m waterfall. Here you will find many small pools that you can swim in while enjoying the breathtaking views of lush vegetation and misty mountains. You can also reach the bottom of this fall by driving along Koslanda Road. Another small but interesting waterfall that is easy to reach from Ella is the Ellewala waterfall. This is located off the Ella-Wellawaya road about 5km inside the jungle. You have to walk the final part of the way to get there. You walk through the jungle and suddenly the small, beautiful cascade can be seen dropping down into a blue pool dappled with the sun coming through the trees surrounding it. This refreshing natural pool literally invites you to jump in. It is also very safe and child friendly.

9. Day Trips from Ella

There are also many day trips from Ella that will take you to different parts of the island and back within a few hours.

First, The Lipton Seat is a place where you can spend time getting to know the legacy of Thomas Lipton, the pioneer of Ceylon Tea. The viewpoint overlooks the vast acres filled with tea plantations ideally visited at sunrise. You can enjoy a cup of the best tea produced in Sri Lanka at the restaurant here. There are also ample opportunities to visit a nearby tea factory.

Second, on the list can be a tour of the Udawalawe National Park. The entire trip can be arranged

10. Take a Lesson in Sri Lankan Cuisine

This is a fun activity that you can do in Ella. Sri Lankan cuisine is based on lots of vegetables, fish, seafood, poultry, and other meats cooked with spices, aromatics, and herbs. This may sound similar to Indian cuisine. And yet, it is entirely different to anything you may find in the surrounding countries. Sri Lanka’s cosmopolitan background and colonial rule for more than 400 years has brought their own influences into the flavor palate of Sri Lankans. The meals that are prepared by you under the guidance of an expert cook can be eaten right there. The food is fresh, not oily, very tasty and healthy into the bargain. You can learn to make basic curries, simple salads, and mouth-watering sambals.