Ella is a beautiful small town in a hill country in Sri Lanka, located about 210 kilometers east of Colombo, and there are several options for visiting. The best way to travel to Ella is by train. It usually takes 6-7 hours, and you can enjoy the scenic views of beautiful tea gardens, waterfalls, and misty mountains on the way. But train delays as well as difficulty in booking can often be seen. Therefore, you can travel to Ella by bus or taxi. In this article, We will explain the seven best places to visit in Ella.

Ella, Sri Lanka (Nine Arch Bridge)

The best time to visit Ella is December to March. However, it is also a time when there is a wave of tourists, and hotel prices may be very high.

Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adam’s Peak is a popular hiking spot located near Ella town. The journey to the top offers fantastic views of the nearby hills and tea plantations. Going on foot to reach the trailhead from the city is also possible, with alternative options of a tuk-tuk. Walking may take you to Little Adam’s Peak for about 45-60 minutes when staying at Ella town.

Little Adam’s Peak

One can trek up to Little Adams Peak, which has a reasonably easy trail. The well-marked trail has several winding steps which wind up on the hill. At various points, you will see tea plantations, small communities, and green vegetation alongside the way, providing a fantastic backdrop to the scenery around you.

Rest stations and benches have been set up along the tracks for hikers to have a seat and pause to admire the surrounding beauty amidst the uphill trails. At the top of the Little Adam’s peak, you will appreciate views of various surrounding hills and valleys.

Walking during the monsoon season from May to October can make the trail slippery and swampy. Around 6–7 am is the best time to climb or descend to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds. You will have enough time to check the summit and take in the sights before falling.

There is no charge for entry at Little Adams Peak. Better to carry water, sunscreen, and a hat to keep safe from the harsh burning sun.

Ella Rock

Ella Rock is about two kilometers away from town, and it is possible to reach the trailhead on foot or take a tuk-tuk. Most tourists start to hike near Kital Ella railway station and go through tea plantations, forest areas, and small villages.

Ella Rock

It takes two to four hours to climb the hill, depending on how fit you are and how often you pause. It is better to go hiking in the morning when the day’s heat has not yet. You will also have ample time to finish the hike and return before dark. You can enjoy one of the best panoramic views in Sri Lanka at the top of the mountain.

The Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge is One of Ella’s most famous tourist attractions throughout the year. This place is situated about a 2.5 km walk into Ella town towards the east, accessible by foot or a tuk-tuk. One can access the bridge by using the road that links the Kithalella substation and then turning right.

Nine Arch Bridge

Reaching Nine Arch Bridge from Ella town will take about 30 to 40 minutes. When visitors get to the bridge, they may wander on it freely, capture some photos, and admire the surrounding landscape for any duration. Tourists also can take a railway journey and see the bridge from another angle.

Early morning and later afternoon, when the light is softer, and the crowds are absent, would be the most suitable for visiting. The bridge is often busy during the December to March peak season, and therefore, visitors should plan to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is about 6 kilometers from Ella town and easily reachable with a vehicle or tuk-tuk. Alternatively, one can rent a bicycle or walk, which takes 45-60 minutes.

After getting to the waterfall, the visitors can stay there for as long as they wish to explore the place more and take photographs, amongst other activities.

Ravana Falls

Apart from enjoying swimming, one can also undertake hiking to the other parts to explore in addition to taking a picnic. Tall trees surround the waterfall, making it an ideal location for a picnic.

Adventurous travelers can also trek high up to the top of the waterfall, providing breathtaking scenery.

However, there is no better time to visit Ravana Falls than during the rainy season between May and September. The waterfall is most impressive during this time, with an unlimited water flow plummeting in the rocks.

Nevertheless, visitors should take care during the rainy season because the roads surrounding the waterfall become slippery and dangerous due to the many stones in the area.

Rawana Cave

Rawana Cave is about 2 kilometers away from Ella town. It would take between 30 and 40 minutes to reach by taxi or tuk-tuk.

Some areas of this steep way to the cave will leave the visitors panting and thirsty. Therefore, they must wear proper shoes and drink lots of water before visiting it.

Rawana Cave

While the caves may be relatively small, the view at the cave entrance is spectacular; people can even capture photographs there and relish the landscape before them.

The best time to visit Rawana Cave is January to May because of good weather. If you travel in rainy time to Rawana cave, be careful about the slippery pathway.

Ella Spice Garden

Ella Spice Garden is about three kilometers away from Ella town, which can be reached through a tuk-tuk or a taxi. The Ella Spice Garden is open daily from 8 am to 6:00 pm. Anyone can visit anytime within this period.

Ella Spice Garden

An hour spent at Ella Spice Garden is common, but it may vary according to the individual interests of the visitors. The tour is conducted by a knowledgeable guide who describes some locally used spices and herbs in the garden and their uses in local cuisines and traditional treatments such as Ayurveda.

Guided tours of Ella Spice Garden will help visitors understand the type of spices and plants grown at the garden center. Visitors will get opportunities to smell and taste different seasonings, plants, and their medicinal uses. You can taste hot herbal tea made with flowers and leaves from the garden.

Demodara Loop

Uniquely, the Demodara Loop is a rail construction found in Ella, Sri Lanka. The railway loop is among the attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. A taxi takes about 15 to 20 minutes and five kilometers from Ella town to the Demodara Loop. Demodara station is between Ella and Badulla stations.

It is a marvelous engineering feats that attract many photography lovers who want to take pictures of the stunning scene.

Demodara Loop

It is also possible for travelers in Demodara Loop to gaze on the original form of artistry that was employed to create this railway structure. It is a round line encircling the hill such that no excessive gradient is required to climb the train to increased levels. It is usually interesting for visitors to see how the train goes around through the loop.

We can tell you more information about Ella, Sri Lanka, and if there are any other areas you would like to know. Our door is open for sharing and giving all possible advice to make the trip pleasant. Contact Us.