Places to Visit in Ella: A Complete Insight of Ella

 In Adventure, Best Time to Visit, National Park, Places To Visit, Sri Lanka, Travel, Travel Journal

Introduction

Ella, located in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka, is a heaven for every traveller as it has the most magnificent beauty of nature, landmarks, history and feels. This small hill station is known for its stunning scenery, tea plantation and outdoor activities. Next time when you plan your Sri Lanka Tour Package don’t forget to include Ella in your itinerary. There are plenty of places to visit in Ella and each of those places is wonderful on its own. 

Best Time to Visit

ella-town

Ella is a small hill station in Sri Lanka but it has a variety of fun and adventurous activities to engage oneself. The temperature in Ella is warm throughout the year. The best time to visit Sri Lanka, especially Ella is during the winter season which is from January to March. The temperature is warm and the skies are clear, allowing the best weather conditions for outdoor activities. 

How to Reach

how-to-reach

The district of Ella is located at a distance of 120 miles east of Columbo. Ella has some of the best varieties of flora and fauna, tea plantations, and misty forests. To reach Ella here are some ways:

By Air:

The nearest airport is the Colombo airport which has flights from major cities of India. Ella is 323 kilometres from the Bandaranaike Airport you can easily take a can and 87 kilometres from the Rajapaksa International Airport. From the airport, you can easily take a car to reach your destination.

By Train:

One of the best ways to travel to Ella is by train. The train ride from Ella to Kandy is the most beautiful ever, with lush green tea plantations on either side of the tracks. The train from Colombo takes about 11 hours. 

By Road:

The distance from Bandaranaike Airport to Ella is about 323 kilometres. From the airport, you can easily take a taxi or bus to reach your destination. Road trips are great as you can halt mid-way to explore places to visit in Ella. 

Places to Visit in Ella

Nine Arch Bridge

nine-arc-bridge

Of all the places to visit in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge is a perfect blend of beauty and craftsmanship. The bridge is constructed near the lush green tea plantation and plays a significant crossing point between Sri Lanka’s main rail line. The bridge has 9 significant arches that stretch up to 300 ft across the valley. The height of the bridge is 80ft and is made up just rocks, cement and brick  – showcasing colonial period engineering. 

The main attraction of the bridge is the picturesque landscape as you cross the bridge. The bridge is best viewed from below or from the tunnel.

Ravana Falls

There are some great waterfalls in Sri Lanka of which, The Ravana Falls is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is located on the city’s outskirts. It is believed that the demon King Ravana hid goddess Sita in the cave behind the fall on his way back to Lanka.

The Ravana Falls is a 10-minute drive from the Ella main road and is one the most spectacular places to visit in Ella. The best time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoon as the waterfall swells up and gives a magnificent view.

Little Adam’s Peak

little-adams-peak

This little peak is named after Adam’s Peak due to its resemblance. Hike your way to the top to enjoy a truly magnificent view. The trek path is easy but it is advisable to wear a pair of walking shoes. 

It is advisable to trek to the top before sunset as it can get harder to climb when it gets dark. The view from the top can be a prop for some great photography so don’t forget to add it to your “Places to Visit in Ella” list.

Ella Rock

The Ella Rock of Sri Lanka is a must out of all places to visit in Ella. The whole hike will take about 4 hours but it is worth every struggle. 

As you hike your way up, you will walk past tea estates, railway lines and eucalyptus forest. From the top, you can get a panoramic view of Ella Gap and Little Adam Peak. You can capture the best view from the rock during sunrise as the whole sky turns pink.

Lipton’s Seat

lipton-farming

When in Sri Lanka, Lipton’s Seat is located in the Haputale mountain range, on the top of Dambatenne Tea Estate is a must out of all places to visit in Ella. It is located at a height of 1970 metres above sea level and offers a great 360-degree view of the tea estate. To capture the best view try reaching the top before 7. 00 AM before the fog clears out. 

The Lipton Seat got its name after the founder of Lipton Tea – Sir Thomas Lipton. Sir Lipton was often seen walking around in these tea estates. As you enter the Lipton Seat you will be greeted by a giant statue of Sir Lipton. 

Diyaluma Falls

An hour from Ella, the Diyaluma Falls is the second-largest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The upper part of the Diyaluma Falls has deep pools while the lower part has a dramatic fall. The waterfall is a sight to behold. You can also trek your way to the Upper Diyaluma Falls from the Makaldenya Junction to have the best experience. 

Day Trip to Udawalawe National Park

udawalawe-national-park

The Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka is the perfect spot for nature lovers of all places to visit in Ella and to witness the elephants in their natural habitat. You get to spend the whole day in the while spotting Elephants, crocodiles and birds. Book your safari hop onto your jeep and wander around the forest in the golden hours to experience something surreal.

Kinellan Tea Factory 

Tea from Sri Lanka is great to taste. The Kinellan Tea Factory is known for producing the world-famous Ceylon tea. You can opt for it. 30-minute guided tour of the factory and witness the whole process of tea production from tea leaf picking to packaging. You also get the opportunity to do the testing during the tour.  

Yala National Park

yala-national-park

The Yala National Park is a huge forest bordering the Indian Ocean, which is home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles. The national park is known for the wide variety of wildlife, most importantly for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. 

Pocket Pinch: ₹5000 to ₹10000

Bambarakanda Falls

The Bambarakanda Falls is a must out of all places to visit in Ella, it is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and has the most spectacular view during the monsoon season. Hike your way up to experience the best view of the landscape. 

Dhowa Rock Temple

dhowa-rock-temple

The Dhowa Rock Temple is famous for its unfinished large Buddha statue carved on the rock. This temple dates back to 2000 years ago and is a well-preserved heritage site. 

Timing: 8 am to 5 pm

Pocket Pinch: Free

Ella Spice Garden

The Ella Spice Garden is a private household in the highland of the village that offers cooking classes to learn about authentic Sri Lankan food. You can also take a tour of the premises to see the spice cultivation. 

Mahamevnawa Monastery

mahamevnawa-monastery

The Mahamevnawa Monastery is one of the most important places to visit in Ella. This Buddhist temple was founded by Ven Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero and serves as an educational institution for young people and adults who want to become a monk. The monastery has some great carvings, murals and paintings that speak of Biddha’s teachings and history.

Timings: 8 am to 9 pm

Pocket Pinch: Free

Fun Activities

fun-activities
  • Join Sri Lankan Cooking Class

The best way to learn about Sri Lankan Cuisine and its flavours is by cooking them. Join traditional Sri Lankan cooking classes to learn in detail about their flavours, ingredients and evolution with time. 

  • Flying Ravana Mega Zipline

Just a 10-minute drive from Ella, this 82 metres zipline is perfect for adventure junkies. The speed of zipline can go up to 80 kilometres per hour and is a must-place to visit in Ella. 

  • Train Tours

The train tours in Sri Lanka are really cheap and highly recommended. The train journey has great scenery, they are cheap, and you get the opportunity to hang out on those old trains and click some amazing pictures. It’s an experience that you can never forget so when discovering Paro don’t forget to include it in bucket list. 

  • Kandy Ella Train Ride

The train from Kandy to Ella offers the most scenic train journey in the world. The train passes through multiple tunnels as it emerges from those tunnels, you will be mesmerised by the beautiful view of the surroundings. The travel isn’t that comfortable but it’s worth every penny. 

Conclusion 

Ella is a great place to visit because of its laid-back atmosphere, highlands, forests, tea plantation and cool climate. Visit Ella and discover the beauty of nature and have a closer glimpse, an experience like never before.

What are some local dishes or foods to try in Ella?

The authentic Sri Lankan food has lots of coconut flavour. The must-try dishes in Ella are Kottu Roti, Sambals, Watalappam, Seafood and Curries. 

Are there any activities for adventure seekers in Ella?

If you are an adventure junkie you must try the Ravana Zip Lining. Ella has some great places for trekking, so don’t forget to pack some decent shoes. 

How can I get to Ella and what's the best way to explore the area?

Ella is very well connected by airways, roadways and railways. The best way to explore the city is by Tuk-Tuks. You can also hire motorbikes for sightseeing.

What are the must-see attractions in Ella?

There are some great places to visit in  Ella such as Ravana Waterfalls, Ella Rock, Lipton’s Seat, Little Adams Peak, Dhowa Rock Temple, Ella Spice Garden, Mahamevnawa Monastery, etc. 

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