If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, I’m sure you’ve come across Ella during your research. This small, picturesque town with a chilled-out vibe is nestled among lush tea plantations and is easily the most beautiful place we visited in Sri Lanka.
We spent four nights here and I’d best describe Ella as a charming little village that serves up the perfect mix of stunning nature, rich culture, and a dash of adventure. We came for the jaw-dropping views – think rolling green hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a travel brochure. And left with a full heart, thanks to the friendly locals.
Below, you’ll read more about our favorite things to do in Ella that will make you want to add this hidden gem town to your bucket list.
Is it worth going to Ella?
Yes, Ella is 100% worth seeing. Ella is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but it also has an amazing, chilled-out vibe and a surprising amount of cool things to do for such a small place.
We spent our four days here hiking up to Adam’s Peak, visiting the super-famous Nine Arches Bridge, doing a tour of a tea factory, and so much more.
BEST Things to Do in Ella
1. Get the train from Kandy to Ella
Getting to Ella is an experience in itself!
Regularly dubbed as the ‘most beautiful train journey in the world’ by the media. The Kandy to Ella train is certainly a train ride that is not to be missed. As a result of its famed status, this train is typically packed to the rafters. The best spots on board are the public areas between carriages. Here you can hang out of the doorways (be cautious, though) to get that all-important Instagram photo!
My only advice is to book first-class or second-class tickets to avoid the sweaty, jam-packed journey in third class, like we did. It’s a 6-hour journey on average, so it’s best to be comfortable.
BOOK your reserved seats on the train from Kandy to Ella here (we highly advise advance booking this)!
2. Hike to Adams Peak
It’s a steep 7 km climb to Adam’s Peak that involves no less than 1,500 steps, but the views from the top are so worth it. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the country because there’s a rock that looks like a footprint at the summit, which is very important to many religions. Buddhists believe the footprint belongs to Buddha, while Hindu’s believe it is from the god Shiva. And many Christian’s say the footprint is that of Adam, hence the name.
This hike is best climbed early in the morning when you can see the first light of the day catching the surrounding mountain ranges from the top.
3. Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge just outside of Ella is one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka. It’s on this glorious colonial-era viaduct bridge that the train from Kandy to Ella chugs across a couple of times a day, and most people come here to the viewpoint, which overlooks the bridge, to snap a photo!
There are two options for you to get to the Nine Arches Bridge – you can walk or get a tuk-tuk. A tuk-tuk from Ella town costs approx. 300 LKR, ask them to drop you at the tunnel and walk a little way to the bridge itself. Luckily, there are a few walking routes from Ella town to the bridge. But the quickest way is to walk the main ‘Nine Arches track’ towards the tunnel. Note – this is the busiest walking route.
4. Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory
As you may know, Sri Lanka, which used to be called Ceylon, is famous all over the world for its awesome tea. Thanks to the country’s perfect mix of warm weather, humidity, and rain, it’s a tea-growing paradise. The tea story in Sri Lanka goes way back to the 1800s, when the British set up tea plantations after the coffee farms didn’t work out.
Nowadays, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top exporters of tea, and as you can imagine, it’s super important for the country’s economy, giving jobs to loads of people and bringing in a lot of money from exports.
And during our stay in Ella, we visited the Uva Halpewatte factory hidden high in the hills surrounding Ella. A tuk-tuk from Ella town costs just $7 USD one-way. You can also pay your driver a little extra for him to wait for you & bring you back to Ella. We learned so much about the tea-making process. The views from the balcony are crazy-beautiful.
5. Ella Rock
The hike up to Ella Rock typically takes 2-3 hours, and it’s so scenic (although it is a tough slog). The trail meanders through lush tea plantations, verdant forests, and rocky terrain. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys shrouded in mist.
The starting point of this hike is at Ella’s train station, and as long as you have a reasonable fitness level and follow the signposted paths, then you should have no trouble reaching the summit.
6. Explore the town
As I said above, Ella is a picturesque small town with a chilled-out, sort-of bohemian vibe. However, it has changed a lot since our first visit in 2018 and our most recent visit in 2024. We noticed a lot more cool coffee shops and buzzy bars on our last visit.
Main Street is where you’ll find the majority of the stores, cafes, and restaurants. And it’s here that the super-popular Cafe Chill can be found. You’ll likely hear it before you can see it, they bang out some great tunes, and they also serve up a decent Western Menu (burgers, etc.) – ideal if you’re craving something other than curry.
We also liked Starbeans Cafe (it’s modeled a little on Starbucks), but the coffee here is better.
And one of our favorite restaurants in Ella is AK Ristoro, an Italian Restaurant off the main path on Passara Road. Honestly, the food here is delicious – they do woodfired pizzas if you’re craving something different.
7. Go Ziplining
Now, you can go ziplining right here in Ella – thanks to Sri Lanka’s first-ever zipline, which opened here recently.
The two-wire zip-line at Flying Ravana stretches for over half a kilometer and gains speeds of up to 80 km/h. Plus, along the ride you’ll get to take in the stunning views (when you’re going slower, that is).
You can also go abseiling, ride an ATV, and try your hand at archery here. You’ll find this adventure park near Little Adam’s Peak.
8. Do a Cooking Class
I don’t know about you, but I just love Sri Lankan food. Yes, I know it can be spicy (although I do love spice), so why not learn some cooking skills and be able to recreate your favorite Sri Lankan dishes at home, thanks to a cooking class with a local?
The class is held in an outdoor, authentically local kitchen, and it prioritizes simple and quick dishes – so, nothing too complicated. Which is what I liked about it – anyone can do it. The class is two hours long and costs from $25 USD per person.
9. Little Adam’s Peak
Not to be confused with Adam’s Peak, although it is named after it due to its similar shape.
Thankfully, Little Adam’s Peak is an easier climb than its big brother. The trail to the summit is well-marked and winds through lush tea plantations, and then, as you get higher, the landscape unfolds with verdant hills and valleys. Eventually, when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the Ella Gap.
The hike is suitable for all fitness levels and takes around two hours all in.
10. Diyaluma Falls
The second-tallest waterfall in the country is located nearby in Koslanda in the Badulla District. Diyaluma Falls cascades down from a height of approximately 220 meters (720 feet). And the best way to get here from Ella is in a tuk-tuk.
The name “Diyaluma” is derived from the Sinhala language, meaning “rapid flow of water,” which perfectly encapsulates the waterfall’s dynamic beauty. You can hike around 30 minutes to the top of the falls, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding lush landscape. Or you can swim in the pools at the bottom if you like (the water can be quite cold, though!)
11. Ravana Falls
A waterfall, a little close to town, is Ravana Falls – this impressive 82-foot waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged rocks, is named after the legendary demon king Ravana. Who is said to have kidnapped a Princess and hidden her in the caves behind the falls as revenge for the Princess’s husband cutting off his sister’s nose.
Watching the mighty Ravana Falls is a mesmerizing spectacle, especially during the rainy season. However, you will have to be careful on the trail here as it can be very slippery.
Where to Stay in Ella
We spent 4 nights at Villa Nature Hights on the outskirts of town, it was around a 10-minute walk into the town, but we loved its hillside location because the views (as you can see from the photo above are lovely). Our room was cozy and traditional in style, the staff were helpful and friendly, and it was great value for money at around $35 USD per night.
If you want to splurge, then the stunning 98 Acres Resort & Spa is a good shout. This 5-star property is nestled in the lush green hills and boasts a wow-worthy outdoor pool, super-luxurious rooms ,and a fab on-site restaurant.
And if you’re on a budget, then consider the very social Downtown Hostels.
Search for hotels in Ella here –
How do I get to Ella?
Train:
The best way to get to Ella is on the train from Kandy, as I said, it’s known as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The journey is around 6 hours long, and I highly recommend booking First or Second Class tickets to ensure your comfort for the long journey.
You can also get a train to Ella from other large cities in Sri Lanka, such as Colombo; however, the journey is around 9 hours long.
Bus:
Buses are a more budget-friendly option, with services running from various cities, including Colombo and Kandy. Although the journey might be longer and less comfortable than the train, it offers a chance to interact with locals and experience everyday Sri Lankan life.
Car:
Hiring a private car or taxi is a convenient option, offering flexibility and comfort. The drive from Colombo to Ella takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You can also hire a driver for the trip, which can enhance the experience with local insights.
Flight:
For a faster option, you could fly into the nearest domestic airport in Mattala from Colombo and then take a car or taxi to Ella. However, flights are not that frequent and are quite expensive.
What is the best month to visit Ella?
The best months to visit Ella are typically from December to March. During these months, the weather is ideal (average highs of 26 Celsius / 79 Fahrenheit) and there’s minimal rainfall. However, this is also Sri Lanka’s peak tourist season, so you will likely need to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
How many days do I need in Ella?
I recommend allowing between 3 and 5 days in Ella. We spent 4 nights in Ella, and it was the perfect amount of time for us, as it meant we had some chill-out days to walk around the town, walk out to Nine Arches Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak. As well as do a tour of a tea factory and visit the waterfalls close to town.
Best travel insurance for Sri Lanka:
Travel insurance provides coverage for a range of situations, including flight delays, canceled flights, injuries, illnesses, etc. Depending on your policy, you could be reimbursed for hospital stays, meals, hotel stays, transportation, or even the entire cost of your trip.
This is how we find the best travel insurance for our trip, it helps us find the best travel insurance for our trip. On their site, you can compare the plans side by side so you can get the best insurance for your particular trip! As I always say, no trip is the same so your travel insurance shouldn’t be either!
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Ella. We had a blast here, and I’d say that, while here, you can’t miss the Nine Arches Bridge, and if you’re into hiking, there are plenty of trails leading to amazing spots like Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, where you can soak in some seriously epic views.
You may also enjoy reading –
How to Spend 3 Days in Bangkok
What to Do With 48 Hours in Hong Kong
How Many Days in Taipei? (3-Day Taipei, Taiwan Itinerary)
PIN THIS
Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by snaphappytravel