Nestled in the misty hills in Sri Lanka’s highlands, Ella is a delightful little town that feels like a hidden paradise. With a cool climate, stunning green tea estates, and breathtaking mountain views, Ella is the perfect place that mixes adventure, relaxation, and nature in a beautiful way. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Ella will share an unforgettable experience.

A Picturesque Paradise in the Hills

Ella’s beauty is all in the landscapes endless rolling green tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Whether you’re admiring the view from Ella Rock or watching the sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak, every moment feels like a dream. With the valleys and forests surrounding Ella, there is a serene atmosphere that cultivates peace in your soul.

The Most Beautiful Train Ride in the World

The train ride from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to Ella is one of the highlights of any visit to Sri lanka. Recognised around the world, this train journey is one of the most scenic train rides. The train ride is beautifully picturesque as you weave in and through green tea gardens, tunnels, and charming mountain village locations. The pace of the journey is just right allowing you to take in every bit of the beauty of the hill country.

Adventure and Exploration

Ella is a great base for adventure seekers. Whether you hike to Ella Rock for superb panoramic views, explore Little Adam’s Peak for an easy and rewarding hike, or visit Ravana Falls for a refreshing swim, each adventure allows you to connect with nature while indulging your adventurous spirit.

 Home of the World-Renowned Ceylon Tea

Being surrounded by some of Sri Lanka’s most renowned tea estates and factories, Ella allows you to tour a tea plantation, learn about tea processing, then sit back and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea overlooking the misty hills. This is a true taste of Sri Lankan hospitality and culture.

Cozy Cafes and Mountain Comfort

With its rooftop cafes or hidden garden restaurants, Ella has as much to offer with food venues as it does with scenery. You can enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan meal, a variety of international cuisine or even a great cup of coffee while the iconic Nine Arches Bridge let trains pass by below. Friendly locals make every meal that much better.

Things to Do in Ella

1. Hike Little Adam’s Peak — Easy trail, panoramic valley and tea-field views.
2. Nine Arches Bridge walk — Iconic colonial railway viaduct and scenic photo spot.
3. Ella Rock trek — Longer hike with rewarding sunrise/sunset vistas.
4. Ravana Falls — Impressive multi-tiered waterfall, great for pictures and quick swims.
5. Tea factory & plantation visit — Learn tea processing and taste fresh Ceylon tea.
6. Demodara Loop & Train Ride — Experience the famous rail loop and mountain railway charm.
7. Nine Villages viewpoint — Quiet viewpoint above the town for wide landscape views.
8. Local food & market sampling — Try kottu, hoppers and local bakeries in town.
9. Cooking class with local family — Hands-on Sri Lankan home-cooking experience.
10. Spa / Ayurveda treatment — Relax with traditional massages after trekking.

    
    Excursions Near Ella

11. Upper Diyaluma Falls – A short drive from Ella, this is Lara’s second tallest waterfall and one of the country’s most beautiful natural sights. You can hike to the top then swim in natural infinity pools that overlook the valley – a bucket list experience.
12. Liptons’s Seat (Haputale) – A beautiful viewpoint near Haputale where Sir Thomas Lipton overseeing his tea plantation. The view is over tea field after tea field, and on a clear day you can see the southern coast.
13. Adisham Bungalow (Haputale) -This stunning stone mansion is set in beautiful gardens, along with the many pine trees nearby. Once a British country house, it now operates as a beautiful monastery that is open to the public.

14. Dambatenne Tea Factory (Haputale) – One of the oldest tea factories on the island, constructed by Sir Thomas Lipton himself. Come for a guided tour and a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea made right in front of you.

15. Bambarakanda Falls – The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, these falls are located nearby Haputale and just off the road to Diyaluma. The sight of cascading water with the beautiful pine forest backdrop just makes you feel mountain happiness.