Information
City: EllaCountry: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Ella, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Ella, a quaint village tucked into Sri Lanka’s misty central highlands, draws nature lovers and hikers alike with its winding trails and sweeping views of emerald tea fields.Ella, with its rolling tea fields, misty hills, and quiet charm, draws countless travelers eager to explore Sri Lanka’s hill country.Ella sits in Sri Lanka’s Badulla District, about 200 kilometers east of Colombo and 100 from Kandy, perched 1,041 meters above sea level where the air stays cool and crisp, usually between 20 and 28°C. From December to April, the dry season makes it perfect for hiking and sightseeing, while October and November bring the monsoon’s mist and rain.Rolling hills, thick forests, emerald tea estates, and silver waterfalls spread out like a painted backdrop.Shaped by British colonialists who planted tea here in the 19th century, the town also carries older tales-myths from the Ramayana and local folklore still echo in its valleys.In Ella, you can stroll across the Nine Arches Bridge-built in 1921 from stone and cement, without a scrap of steel-and watch trains glide through its nine sweeping arches high above the valley.Hike the steep trail to Ella Rock for sweeping views of Ella Gap, misty forests, and endless tea fields, or take the gentler 45‑minute climb up Little Adam’s Peak for a panorama of emerald hills.Cool off at Ravana Falls, a roaring 25‑meter cascade tied to the Ramayana legend, then duck into the nearby Ravana Cave after a short climb up worn stone steps.At Demodara Loop, marvel as the railway curls back under itself, best seen from the station platform.Wander tea plantations like Halpewatte to see leaves picked by hand and taste fresh Ceylon tea, or join a cooking class at Ella Spice Garden to grind cinnamon and cardamom by mortar and pestle.A short drive away, Diyaluma Falls-Sri Lanka’s second tallest-offers natural rock pools and sweeping views, all in a region steeped in the myths of the Ramayana.From the misty drop of Ravana Falls to the shadowy depths of Ravana Cave, the town hums with legend; tea estates stretch across the hills, a living reminder of British colonial days; hikers trace rugged trails up Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and through Ella Gap, while the slow blue train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya winds past emerald tea fields and deep valleys; visitors roll cinnamon between their fingers in cooking classes, frame waterfalls and trains in their lenses, and sink into eco-lodge balconies with a view; you can arrive by that famous train, by bus, or by car along the A16, then explore by tuk-tuk, bike, or simply on foot; come between December and April for clear skies, or from May to November for rain-fed green and roaring falls; nearby, Bandarawela offers colonial quiet, Haputale greets you with Lipton’s Seat, and Udawalawe teems with elephants; expect crowds at Nine Arches Bridge, little in the way of nightlife, and slippery trails in the wet, but know the bridge was built entirely with Sri Lankan materials during British rule, the sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak will take your breath, and somewhere between yoga mats and mountain air, Ella weaves together nature, adventure, and culture.Whether you love hiking, savoring a hot cup of tea, or just want to sit back and breathe in the quiet mountain air, Ella offers a little something for everyone.
Landmarks in ella
