Known as the ‘Resplendent Isle’, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for travellers. Among its many beautiful destinations is the small town of Ella, the jewel in the crown of the island’s Hill Country. Surrounded by verdant mountainsides cloaked in tea plantations and dotted with waterfalls, there are magnificent views everywhere you turn in Ella.
The Teardrop of India made such an impact on me on my first trip that I found myself drawn back there mere months later and Ella was the setting for many of my most memorable moments travelling the country. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, don’t miss these highlights of a visit to Ella.
Climb Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is the smaller brother of the more famous Adam’s Peak, a mountain and pilgrimage site near Hatton. Thankfully, Little Adam’s Peak in Ella is a much more manageable climb.
The hike is moderate and it takes around 45 minutes from the town to reach the peak. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the surrounding hills and tea plantations.
The best time to make the climb is in the morning, that way you will avoid the heat of the midday sun in the dry season and the afternoon rains in the wet season.
Learn About Tea
The tea industry is an integral aspect of Sri Lanka’s identity and the Hill Country is at the heart of the production process. The lofty climate creates perfect conditions for growing tea bushes and the hills around Ella are blanketed in the plants. Visit a tea factory to discover exactly what it takes to grow and brew the perfect cup of tea!
One of the most popular options is a tour of the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, which opens its doors to everyone from the curious to the connoisseurs. At the other end of the scale, Ella Organic Tea Garden is a small independent business that offers tours and tastings in their tea garden.
I took both tours during my time in Ella and each offers a fascinating insight into the business, from the industrial to the intimate.
Admire Nine Arches Bridge
A testament to the ingenuity of early 20th-century engineering, the Nine Arches Bridge is Sri Lanka’s best example of colonial-era railway construction. Standing 25 metres high and spanning more than 90 metres, this famous railway bridge is a giant hidden among the jungle and the clouds. The beautiful architecture and picturesque setting have made the bridge an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka.
It’s possible to walk along the tracks or you can admire the structure from a distance, from either above or below, which is arguably better as the vantage point allows you to take in the whole scene.
Like most people, I timed my visit to witness the passing of a train. It’s advisable to check the train schedule before you visit but be prepared to be patient as delays do happen. It’s worth the wait!
Ride the Train
One of the best ways to travel through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is by rail. The lush rolling hills and seemingly infinite fields of tea create a stunning landscape that’s best enjoyed from the window of a train carriage.
The journey between Ella and Kandy is widely regarded as the most beautiful in the country and a must-have experience in Sri Lanka. At seven to eight hours, this is a long journey, but there is plenty to see along the way – I wasn’t bored for a single minute!
If you don’t fancy an entire day on the train, consider travelling to Nuwara Eliya instead, which is around halfway (and well worth a visit in its own right). Along with absorbing the views, the train ride is a great place to enjoy local life.
Hawkers sell their wares through the windows at train stations, families share meals and conversations with strangers and you may even witness the entire carriage break out in a spontaneous sing-along!
Cool off at Ravana Waterfall
The majestic Ravana Waterfall is likely to be the first attraction you see in Ella. Situated around 6 kilometres outside of town, the falls are clearly visible from the main road to Ella and you can’t miss the thundering water feature as you drive by.
If you don’t stop on the way, it’s worth taking a tuk-tuk back to admire the waterfall at leisure. (The tuk-tuk ride along the scenic mountainous roads is an adventure in itself.) Ravana is one of the widest waterfalls on the island and its cool pools are perfect for taking a refreshing dip.
Hike Up Ella Rock
Standing tall among the surrounding peaks, Ella Rock dominates the landscape around the town. If climbing Little Adam’s Peak whets your appetite for hiking in the hills, the trek up Ella Rock provides the perfect next step.
A longer and much more challenging route, the trail takes around two hours from town to the top of the rock. The route is not well marked so you might want to consider hiring a local guide. At the very least, make sure to ask for directions before setting out.
Get an Adrenaline Rush at Flying Ravana
Thrill-seekers can enjoy the scenery around Ella from a different perspective from the Flying Ravana – the fastest and longest zip-line in Sri Lanka. The experience offers a unique vantage point as you whizz above tea plantations with bird’s-eye views over the surrounding countryside. The zip-line is over half a kilometre long and riders reach speeds of 80km per hour!
Join a Cooking Class
Sri Lankan cuisine is held in high regard around the globe. The combination of fresh and spicy ingredients, tasty vegetables, exotic fruits and sweet coconut are just a few of the flavours that tantalise the tastebuds.
I fell in love with the food in Sri Lanka and my only regret is not learning how to cook it so I could take it with me!
Don’t make the same mistake as me and be sure to join a cooking class. Ella has a number of good cookery schools where you can try your hand at crafting the perfect roti or string hopper. Ella Spice Garden is one of the most popular.
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