Wonderful Wonderful Ella!
Ella has all the best parts of Sri Lanka rolled into one: beautiful jungle mountains, rolling tea plantations, and epic waterfalls.
You'll never get tired of Ella.
We've been to Ella more often than Sri Lanka complains about it's government (that's a lot!), and like typical Sri Lankans, we keep going back for more. The bright-side? Ella never disappoints. Ella is full of amazing things to do, from hiking the green mountain peaks to jumping in refreshing waterfalls. The town itself has a bustling atmosphere, with plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy after a day in nature. Here are some of the things we get up to in Ella, Sri Lanka.
1. Climb Little Adam's Peak
Little Adam’s Peak may be smaller than its bigger sibling Adam’s Peak, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. The stunning ridge is made up of three green peaks that tower above the valley below. Hike through incredible nature, passing through local villages, tea plantations, and long grass fields. Reaching the top is a feeling like no other; it’s a chance to take in the sensational, panoramic views and feel as if you’re on top of the world!
From Ella Town to the foot of the mountain, it is around a 45-minute walk. From the base to the top, it takes approximately 15 minutes.
2. Walk along the Nine-Arch bridge.
Nine Arch Bridge is iconic in Ella and famous worldwide for its beauty. The impressive bridge is 25 meters high and a mammoth 91 meters long! Located just outside Ella Town and on the same route as Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll find it hidden up in the dense green hills among low-lying clouds. Walk through the beautiful bamboo forest before reaching the postcard-worthy setting, spending time admiring the stone arches and waving at the people passing by on the historic blue train.
3. Climb Ella Rock.
Wherever you are in Ella, you’ll always feel the magnificent presence of the towering Ella Rock. The beautiful green mountain is one of the most popular hikes and one of the best things to do in Ella. What’s unique about this hike is that the trail is incredibly natural and overgrown, giving you a real adventurous feeling.
The hike takes around 2 hours from Ella town to the summit, passing along train tracks through long grass fields and dense forest. Reaching the top is an incredible feeling, dangling your legs off the rock and looking down at the valley below. It’s a good idea to start the hike as early as possible in the morning so that you can avoid the hot sun. Make sure also to pack layers as it will be cold in the early hours and much hotter as you descend.
4. Enjoy the town.
The town of Ella has to be one of the most picturesque settings in Sri Lanka. Aside from the incredible nature that draws travelers from all over the world, the town has an entertaining atmosphere with great cafes and restaurants. If you’re also looking for lively nightlife, head for one of the bars on the main street. For example, Cafe Chill serves tasty cocktails, smoothies, and a variety of cuisines and plays music into the early hours.
Best time to visit?
With its warm days and cool nights, the weather in Ella is always perfect. However, the green lusciousness of the area does mean there’s plenty of rain too, although it never lasts for long! The wet season is from September to December, so we recommend visiting in the drier months of January to May. During this time, it is busier in Ella, and the waterfalls have less water. However, it’s excellent for hiking!