Ella Town
Sri Lanka's Most Scenic Hill Station Paradise
Welcome to Ella: Where Mountains Meet Magic
Perched high in Sri Lanka's central highlands, Ella is a small town that has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. With its cool climate, stunning mountain vistas, emerald tea plantations, and laid-back atmosphere, Ella offers the perfect escape from the tropical heat and bustling cities below.
Whether you're seeking adventure on hiking trails, Instagram-worthy views from mountain peaks, or simply want to relax in cozy cafes overlooking tea gardens, Ella provides an unforgettable hill country experience that combines natural beauty with warm Sri Lankan hospitality.
Top Attractions in Ella
The most popular and accessible hike in Ella, Little Adam's Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views without the challenging climb of its bigger namesake. The trail winds through tea plantations and takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit.
- 45-60 minute easy hike
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- 360-degree mountain views
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Ella Rock is the highest point around Ella town. The trail follows railway tracks and jungle paths, offering incredible views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains.
- 3-4 hour challenging hike
- Highest viewpoint in Ella
- Requires good fitness level
Just a 15-minute walk from Ella town, this architectural marvel built during WWI without using any steel is now Sri Lanka's most photographed bridge. Time your visit with train schedules for the perfect shot.
- 15-minute walk from town
- Multiple viewpoints available
- Active railway with daily trains
Tea Picking & Plantation Experiences
Join local tea pluckers in the misty morning hours to learn the traditional "two leaves and a bud" picking technique. These authentic experiences offer insight into the lives of plantation workers and the meticulous process behind Ceylon tea production.
- Early morning sessions (6:00-9:00 AM)
- Learn traditional picking techniques
- Meet local tea pluckers
- Fresh tea tasting included
Visit nearby tea factories like Halpewatte or Newburgh Estate to see how freshly picked leaves are transformed into world-renowned Ceylon tea. Watch the withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying processes that create different tea grades.
- Guided factory tours available
- Learn about tea grading system
- Purchase fresh tea directly
- Multiple tea varieties to sample
Tip: Best factories to visit include Halpewatte Tea Factory (20 min drive) and Newburgh Estate (15 min drive from Ella town).
Spectacular Waterfalls Around Ella
Named after the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana epic, this 25-meter waterfall is one of Sri Lanka's widest. Located just 6km from Ella, it offers swimming opportunities in natural pools and spectacular photo opportunities year-round.
- 6km from Ella town center
- Swimming in natural pools
- Historical Ravana Cave nearby
- Can be crowded during peak season
Best time to visit: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for fewer crowds and better lighting.
At 220 meters, Diyaluma Falls is Sri Lanka's second-tallest waterfall. Located about 45 minutes from Ella, it requires a short hike but rewards visitors with stunning natural infinity pools and breathtaking mountain views.
- 45-minute drive from Ella
- Natural infinity pools for swimming
- 220-meter cascading waterfall
- Requires moderate hiking ability
Bambaragama Falls
A lesser-known gem perfect for those seeking solitude. 30-minute drive plus short walk through tea plantations.
Secret Falls
Local hidden waterfall accessible via guided hike. Ask locals for directions - it's worth the adventure!
Waterfall Safety Tips
- • Never swim alone
- • Check water flow conditions
- • Wear appropriate footwear
- • Respect local guidelines
- • Carry water and snacks
Where to Stay in Ella
- • Ella Flower Garden Resort
- • Dream Cafe & Hostel
- • Ella Mount Heaven
- • Various guesthouses
Basic but clean accommodations with mountain views and friendly service.
- • Ella Jungle Resort
- • Zion View Ella Green Retreat
- • Hill Safari Eco Lodge
- • Ambiente Ella
Comfortable rooms with great views, good restaurants, and helpful staff.
- • 98 Acres Resort & Spa
- • Ella Eco Lodge
- • Ravana Heights
- • Melheim Resort
Premium accommodations with spa services, fine dining, and spectacular views.
Best Restaurants & Cafes
Cafe Chill
Famous for views and Western food. Great breakfast spot.
Adam's Breeze
Rooftop dining with panoramic mountain views.
Ella Spice Garden
Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with fresh spices.
Dream Cafe
Popular backpacker spot with good food and atmosphere.
Ceylon Tea
Fresh from surrounding plantations - try different grades.
Kottu Roti
Chopped roti with vegetables, egg, and meat.
Rice & Curry
Traditional Sri Lankan meal with multiple curries.
Fresh Fruit Juices
Passion fruit, wood apple, and tropical blends.
Getting to & Around Ella
By Train (Recommended)
The scenic train journey from Kandy (6-7 hours) or Colombo (8-9 hours) is one of the world's most beautiful train rides.
- • Book reserved seats in advance
- • Observation car offers best views
- • Bring snacks and water
By Car/Bus
5-6 hours from Colombo, 3-4 hours from Kandy. Mountain roads can be winding.
Walking
Ella town is small and walkable. Most attractions are within walking distance.
Tuk-tuk
Available for longer distances or when you don't want to walk uphill.
Motorbike Rental
For experienced riders only - mountain roads can be challenging.
Best Time to Visit Ella
- • Dry weather, clear skies
- • Perfect for hiking
- • Best mountain views
- • Higher prices, more crowds
- • Occasional rain showers
- • Fewer tourists
- • Better accommodation rates
- • Still good for activities
- • Heavy rainfall
- • Misty, atmospheric views
- • Lowest prices
- • Limited outdoor activities
Ella is more than just a destination – it's a feeling. The cool mountain air, the endless tea gardens, the friendly smiles of locals, and the breathtaking views create an atmosphere that's hard to leave behind. Whether you're here for adventure, relaxation, or photography, Ella delivers experiences that will stay with you long after you've descended from the mountains.
Take your time to explore, don't rush between attractions, and remember that sometimes the best moments in Ella happen when you're simply sitting in a cafe, sipping Ceylon tea, and watching the mist roll over the mountains.
Welcome to Ella – where every sunrise is a masterpiece! 🏔️🌅