Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella is where travellers stop moving for a few days. It sits in a gap in the hills with a long view down to the southern plains, and everything worth doing is a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away: Little Adam's Peak for an easy sunrise, Ella Rock for a harder one, the Nine Arch Bridge where the blue train curves through the jungle, and Ravana Falls on the road out.

The Kandy to Ella train that brings you here is regularly called one of the world's great rail journeys, and the last two hours through the tea estates are the reason why.

Getting there and when to go: Ella is about 200 km from Colombo, five to six hours by road, but most travellers arrive on the famous hill-country train from Kandy, a six to seven hour ride through tea estates that is one of the most scenic railway journeys anywhere. Mornings are usually clear and afternoons cloudy, so start the Little Adam's Peak or Ella Rock walks early. January to April is the driest stretch; the rest of the year brings showers but also the greenest scenery.

Highlights of Ella

Nine Arches Bridge
Little Adam’s Peak
Ravana Falls
Ella Scenic Train Journey
Tea Plantations & Tea Factories
Ella Rock

Things to do

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks surrounded by tea plantations and jungle scenery
A popular hiking spot offering stunning panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and tea estates
A beautiful waterfall located near Ella, famous for its natural beauty and connection to the Ramayana legend
Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides through mountains, tea plantations, tunnels, and waterfalls
Visit traditional tea estates and learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea production while enjoying scenic landscapes
A famous hiking destination offering incredible views of the surrounding hill country and forests

Plan your visit

Build a trip around Ella

Tell us roughly when you are coming and how long you have. We will put Ella into a private itinerary with your own vehicle and chauffeur guide, and send back a firm price.