9 Best Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka? The mountain town of Ella is the best destination in Sri Lanka, so you can’t miss it on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Ella has become famous for its beautiful tea plantations, impressive mountains, and exciting activities.

Wondering what to do in Ella, Sri Lanka? Visit Nine Arch Bridge, hike up Little Adam’s Peak, go ziplining, take a day trip to Yala National Park, and explore Ella town.

This ultimate guide to visiting Ella includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.

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Where is Ella, Sri Lanka?

Ella is a quiet small town located in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka, about 4 hours from Kandy.

Is Ella Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Ella is the perfect base for visiting nearby waterfalls, stunning tea plantations, the best national parks, and iconic sights like the Nine Arch Bridge.

Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Ella is between January and May. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for hiking and exploring the nearby attractions.

Ella has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity, and the average temperature is 25°C all year round. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

The rainy season in Ella runs from September to December. The hottest months are June, July, and August.

Here are all your hotel options in Ella.

How to Get to Ella, Sri Lanka

The best way to reach Ella is by train. Most people come to Ella from Kandy or Colombo. The stunning journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, so don’t miss it.

The distance between Kandy and Ella is about 140 km, which can take 6-7 hours, depending on the type of train. Although the train journey from Kandy to Ella usually takes 9-10 hours due to long stops and frequent delays.

The trains run only 3 times a day between Kandy and Ella, so we recommend buying your train ticket in advance.

Get Train Tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

Kandy to Ella by tuk tuk

We decided to skip the long train journey from Kandy to Ella and travel by tuk tuk instead. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea plantations and see the impressive waterfalls along the way.

Our journey started from Kandy, then we made a short detour at Ambuluwawa Tower and drove through Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Depending on the photo stops and road conditions (some parts of the road were potholed), you can reach Ella from Kandy in about 5-6 hours.

Recommended post → Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

How to Get Around Ella

Wondering how to visit Ella, Sri Lanka? It’s easy to get around Ella.

You can walk to most of the attractions in Ella. But the best way to get around Ella is to rent a tuk tuk driver or join an organized tour which includes transport.

We arrived in Ella from Kandy by tuk tuk and easily explored the sights in the area.

Where to Stay in Ella

Although the town is a popular destination, accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka

Luxury: EKHO Ella
Mid-Range: Mountain Heavens or 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Budget: Ella Mount View Guest Inn

more hotels in Ella

Best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka

1. Visit Nine Arch Bridge Ella

One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella. You can walk on this beautiful viaduct bridge, meet locals, and watch the famous Kandy to Ella train pass through.

You can easily get to the Nine Arch Bridge by walking through the jungle, which is 1.5 km long and takes about 30 minutes. Be careful, as the trail can be slippery, especially after heavy rain.

Spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the best photo spots at Nine Arch Bridge. There are small cafes and restaurants where you can eat delicious Sri Lankan food or take a break.

TIP
The most beautiful viewpoint is at the Asanka Cafe, so even if you don’t have a drone, you can still enjoy the stunning views.

Read the full post → How to Visit Nine Arch Bridge

2. Hike to the Ella Rock

The most popular thing to do in Ella is hike to Ella Rock, which is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Although the hike to Ella Rock is much longer and more difficult than the hike to Little Adam’s Peak.

Ella Rock is a moderate hike. The entire Ella Rock hike is 10 km, and the round trip takes about 4 hours.

From the town of Ella to the summit, walk on the railway tracks for about 40 minutes, then you will arrive at Kithalella railway station, where signs mark the path where you should turn left towards Ella Rock. Although trains usually pass slowly, when you hear the horn or see the train, leave the railway track immediately!

The entrance fee to Ella Rock for adults is 930 LKR (3,20 USD) and 470 LKR (1,60 USD) for children.

During the rainy season or after heavy rainfall, hiking is not recommended, as the trail can be slippery and dangerous. We suggest you check the weather before your visit.

3. Hike up Little Adam’s Peak

One of the best places to visit in Ella is the Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam’s Peak is an easy to moderate hike, a perfect alternative to the Ella Rock hike, which takes 4 hours.

The climb up Little Adam’s Peak takes about 20-30 minutes from the parking lot, depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take. The summit is located at 1141 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

For the best experience, join a guided hike that includes a visit to Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak with lunch and transfers.

Good to know
The entire hike takes 1.5-2 hours at Little Adam’s Peak.

Recommended post → How to Hike Little Adam’s Peak

4. Ella Train Ride

Are you looking for an alternative option because you have limited time in Sri Lanka and don’t want to spend 9-10 hours on the Kandy to Ella train?

We recommend traveling from Ella to Badulla and back. Although this part of the journey is not as picturesque as the train ride from Kandy to Ella, it is a great way to experience the train ride and see the Nine Arch Bridge.

The journey from Ella to Badulla takes 45-60 minutes, and second-class tickets cost 150 LKR (0.50 USD) per person without seat reservation. Train timetable between Ella and Badulla HERE.

On the train from Badulla to Ella, you can take the iconic photo hanging out of a train. But be careful when hanging out the door, as trees can be too close and may cause injury.

Read our → Sri Lanka Itinerary

5. See Diyaluma Falls

If you plan to visit Diyaluma Falls, take a short stop at Ravana Falls. The journey from Ella takes 1-1.5 hours by tuk tuk. Diyaluma Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 220 meters. The Diyaluma Waterfall consists of two parts: Upper Diyaluma Falls and Lower Diyaluma Falls. You can reach the Lower Diyaluma Falls in a 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot, and the Upper Diyaluma Falls is a 2-hour hike from the bottom.

Alternatively, you can access it by tuk tuk on a different route. But it is not recommended if you are not an experienced driver. When arriving by tuk tuk, you can reach the upper waterfall in a 30-minute walk. After reaching the top, you can enjoy the epic views and take a dip in the natural infinity pools.

Make the most of your visit and book an Ella tour, which includes visits to Diyaluma Falls, Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and Lipton’s Seat.

Diyaluma Falls is free to visit. A local guide is not mandatory but is recommended for a safer hike.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit due to the weather, but if you have time, you should add it to your list of the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.

6. Explore Ravana Falls & Ravana Cave

Ravana Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, located only 6 km from Ella. It is an impressive 25-meter-high, three-tiered waterfall that creates rock pools on the way down. You can reach Ravana Falls from Ella in 15 minutes by tuk tuk, so don’t miss it.

Ravana Falls is free to visit, and parking costs just 150 LKR (0.50 USD). The parking lot and the waterfall are surrounded by many monkeys. So be careful of your valuables and don’t leave anything in the tuk tuk.

Join the All-Inclusive Ella Day Tour.

The waterfall can become extremely powerful during the rainy season, so we don’t recommend swimming there. You can climb over some rocks to get closer to the waterfall, but be careful as the rocks can be slippery. Climbing to the top of the falls is prohibited! Signs warn of the danger, and there were some guards at the falls at the time of our visit.

If you have time, hike up to Ravana Cave and learn about the history of the cave. According to the story of the Indian epic, King Ravana kidnapped Princess Sita and hid her in this cave.

There are over 600 steps leading up to Ravana Cave, and the entrance fee is 200 LKR (0.60 USD) for foreigners.

See also → Sri Lanka Waterfalls

7. Enjoy the View at Lipton’s Seat

One of the best places near Ella is the town of Haputale, a vast area of tea plantations and is famous for its Lipton tea.

Lipton’s Seat, located at a height of 1970 meters above sea level, provides impressive 360-degree views of endless mountains and tea plantations. Enjoy the stunning scenery from the panoramic viewpoint and have a cup of delicious tea.

The Lipton’s Seat viewpoint is named after the founder of the Scottish tea empire, Sir Thomas Lipton, who regularly sat there and surveyed its expansive plantations.

The journey from Ella to Haputale takes 1.5 hours by tuk tuk, but the last part of the road is unpaved.

The entrance fee to Lipton Seats is 500 LKR (1.5 USD) per person and an additional 100 LKR (0.30 USD) for tuk tuk access.

Alternatively, you can travel from Ella to Haputale by train, which takes 1-1.5 hours, and second-class tickets cost 150 LKR (0.50 USD) per person. When you arrive, hire a tuk tuk driver from Haputale railway station to take you to Lipton’s Seat and nearby tea factories. A round trip by tuk tuk costs 2500-3000 LKR (8-9 USD).

Ella to Haputale Train Timetable

06:42-07:39 (daily)
09:21-10:16 (daily)
10:25-11:15 (Friday & Sunday only)
11:12-12:13 (daily)
12:05-13:21 (daily)
19:01-20:12 (daily)

Haputale to Ella Train Timetable

05:31-06:38 (daily)
12:16-13:24 (daily)
12:26-13:28 (Saturday & Sunday only)
13:53-14:47 (Thursday & Saturday only)
14:44-15:38 (daily)
16:04-16:59 (daily)
17:33-18:26 (daily)

8. Take a Jeep Safari Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka has many stunning national parks that are perfect for spotting diverse wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and various bird species. You can easily join safari tours from Ella to Yala or Udawalawe National Park.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver/guide, and a jeep safari tour at the national park.

Alternatively, you can book a transfer from Ella to Mirissa/Galle/Hikkaduwa (any hotel), which includes the Yala Safari Tour.

Yala National Park is one of the best places to see elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka.

Recommended post → Best National Parks in Sri Lanka

9. Explore Ella Town

One of the must-do things to do in Ella is to wander around the town, meet the locals, and discover some hidden gems. Ella has many great restaurants where you can try delicious Sri Lankan food or enjoy the nightlife in the bustling bars.

You can also go ziplining in Ella, join a cooking class, or relax at the Ravana Cool Club.

Where to Eat in Ella

In Ella, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka

Rainbow Cafe (Vegan and vegetarian food, delicious smoothie bowls)
360 Ella (Perfect place for dinner with live music and tasty food)
Cafe Chill (International and local dishes, wonderful atmosphere)
Jade Green Tea Centre & Restaurant (Delicious local and vegetarian dishes)
Matey Hut Ella Sri Lanka (Best Sri Lankan rice and curry)
Café UFO Ella (Great atmosphere and good place for dinner)
Cafe Umbrella (Cheap food on the way to Nine Arch Bridge)
Rocky Ella Cafe (Perfect place for breakfast or lunch)
AK Ristoro (Great noodles and Japanese food)
98 Acres Resort & Spa (Tasty food & fantastic view, near the Little Adam’s Peak)

Is it Safe to Travel to Ella, Sri Lanka?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

There are monkeys, so always keep an eye on your bag and don’t leave anything in the tuk tuk.

If you’re walking through the jungle to the Nine Arch Bridge, keep your eyes open, as there may be snakes and leeches on the path.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How many Days do you Need in Ella, Sri Lanka?

Although Ella is a quiet town, there is no shortage of popular attractions, adventurous activities, and vibrant nightlife. So we recommend you spend at least 2-3 days and enjoy the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Ella will help you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

9 Best Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka