Ella travel guide

About Ella

Ella is a small hill-country village with big views. Tea-covered slopes, easy hikes and a relaxed café scene make it one of the favourite stops on any Sri Lanka trip.

Most people arrive on the scenic train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, stay two nights to hike and explore, then drive down to Yala or the south coast beaches.

Best time to visit

January to April is usually driest. Rain is possible all year in the hills, but showers often pass quickly.

How long to stay

2 nights to hike, see the bridge and relax.

Getting there

About 5½–6 hours by private car from Colombo airport; many travellers arrive by train from Kandy instead.

Region

Hill Country

Things to do in Ella

1. 1

   Nine Arch Bridge

   The famous colonial-era railway viaduct in the jungle. Check the train times and wait for one to cross.

2. 2

   Little Adam’s Peak

   An easy hike of about an hour through tea gardens to a summit with wide views over the Ella Gap.

3. 3

   Ella Rock

   A longer, steeper hike for more adventurous walkers, best started early with a local guide.

4. 4

   Ravana Falls

   A tall roadside waterfall just below the village, easy to see on the drive in or out.

5. 5

   Scenic train ride

   The hill-country line between Kandy, Nanu Oya and Ella winds past tea estates, waterfalls and tunnels.

6. 6

   Lipton’s Seat

   A viewpoint near Haputale where Sir Thomas Lipton surveyed his tea empire, best reached early on a clear morning.

Local tips for Ella

• Train seats sell out, so reserve early or let us arrange a driver to meet you at the station.
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge early in the morning for fewer crowds.
• Ella is a natural stop between the tea country and Yala or the beaches.

Private transfers to Ella

• Colombo Airport to Ella: about 220 km, 5½–6 hours
• Kandy to Ella: about 140 km, 5 hours