21 Incredible Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella is a small hill town in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, surrounded by tea plantations, misty cliffs, and train tracks that seem to disappear into the green. Almost every Sri Lanka itinerary includes it, and for good reason. It’s beautiful, easy to love, and just slow enough to make you want to stay a bit longer.

I’ve been to Ella twice. Once with my girlfriends, once with two other friends. Very different people, very different dynamics – but both times, it felt like the kind of trip you remember in detail. Where you ate, what you laughed about, the shortcut you found through the trees. It became one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka, not just because of what’s there, but because of who I shared it with.

In this guide, I’ll share 17 things to do in Ella – some I’ve done myself, some I’ve kept on my list, all of them worth knowing about. Whether you’re hiking, eating, lounging in a café, or hopping on a zipline, Ella leaves room for both stillness and surprise, which is probably why people keep going back.

1. Visit the Nine Arch Bridge

This is probably Ella’s most photographed spot – and yes, it lives up to the hype. The Nine Arch Bridge, built during British colonial rule, is a stone viaduct that cuts across the forest between Ella and Demodara. It’s best known for the bright blue train that passes through a few times a day, framed by dense jungle and tea-covered hills.

I first visited in 2019, when walking there meant quiet tracks, green hills, and the sound of birds. That might have changed post-Instagram boom, but it’s still one of the most striking sights in Sri Lanka. The bridge was built in the early 1900s, supposedly using only stone and cement – no steel – due to wartime shortages. It’s 91 meters long and about 24 meters high, and trains still run over it today.

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2. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

If you only do one hike in Ella, this is the one. Little Adam’s Peak is the easiest trail to access and offers a clear panoramic view over tea plantations, villages, and distant mountains. The name comes from its resemblance to the more famous Adam’s Peak – though they’re not the same thing. That one’s a pilgrimage site; this one is a short, rewarding walk.

It’s well-marked, not too steep, and you’ll see plenty of other travelers on the way up. You don’t need a guide, and the path starts right near 98 Acres Resort.

If you’re curious about climbing the real Adam’s Peak, I have a post here’s what it’s like. It’s a much tougher hike, but worth it if you’re headed deeper into the highlands.

3. Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is one of the easiest spots to visit near Ella – it’s right off the main highway, about 15 minutes out of town. We rented a scooter and rode up ourselves. You’ll hear the water before you see it: a tall cascade tumbling down layered rock, with corn stalls lining the roadside and monkeys hanging around the highway nearby.

It’s not a hidden or quiet place, but that’s part of the charm. Locals stop here, families cool off, and you can even wade in or climb up the lower parts of the waterfall if the flow isn’t too strong. Just a short walk away is Ravana Cave, which you reach by climbing about 650 steps. The cave itself is small, but the views on the way up are solid, and if you’re already at the falls, it makes for an easy add-on.

4. Cafe Chill

Cafe Chill deserves its own spot on this list. It was a constant across both my trips to Ella. It’s laid-back in the daytime, lively at night, and has somehow managed to hold onto its charm even as more cafés have popped up around town.

We went one morning for breakfast and ended up staying for hours, just reading and lounging around. Another night, we dropped by late and found music playing, people dancing, and a mix of locals and travelers filling up the space.

The food is consistent, the seating is spread out, and it’s central enough that you’ll probably end up passing by more than once.

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5. Hike Ella Rock

Ella Rock is the tougher, less-marked counterpart to Little Adam’s Peak – longer, steeper, and quieter. The views from the top are wide open, with mist rolling through the valley and tea plantations spread out below.

The trail isn’t as clearly marked, and a few sections can get confusing. Some locals might try to guide you for a fee (or mislead you and then offer help), so it’s best to use a GPS app or follow a reliable map if you’re doing it solo.

I haven’t done this hike myself, but I’ve heard from friends and travelers that it’s worth the effort – especially if you enjoy a bit of a challenge and want a less crowded trail.

6. Browse Ella Bazaar

Ella’s main street isn’t long, but it packs in a mix of small shops, juice bars, bakeries, and places selling loose tea or elephant-print pants. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up last-minute souvenirs or just walk around without needing a plan.

You’ll find everything from Ayurvedic oils to Sri Lankan snacks, and a few shops carry handicrafts and locally made products – though not all are handmade, so check if that matters to you. It’s worth spending some time here between hikes or meals, especially in the late afternoon when things start to feel buzzy but not too crowded.

7. Zip Line Over the Tea Fields

If you want a quick shot of adrenaline between all the hikes and café time, the zipline in Ella is a solid pick. It runs right past Little Adam’s Peak and stretches for over half a kilometre through the hills, hitting speeds of up to 80 km/h.

You’re basically flying across the valley with nothing but green below you – tea estates, trees, and open space. It’s well-run, fully certified, and feels like one of those things that looks a bit wild from the side, but is surprisingly smooth once you’re strapped in.

>>> Book the Ella zipline tour here

8. Take a Sri Lankan Cooking Class

Cooking classes are touristy, sure – but this one’s worth it. It’s held in an open-air kitchen just outside town, surrounded by greenery and fresh air, which makes a difference when you’re working over a stove.

You’ll learn how to make a full Sri Lankan meal from scratch – rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, maybe even honey roti if it’s on the menu that day. The ingredients are local, the setting is laid-back, and the pace is relaxed enough that even if you’ve never cooked before, you won’t feel out of your depth.

At the end, you sit down and eat what you made, usually off a banana leaf. It’s a simple way to spend a few hours and come away with a skill you can actually take home.

>>> Book the Sri Lankan cooking class here

9. Visit Lipton’s Seat 

Lipton’s Seat is a viewpoint in Haputale where Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and look over his tea plantations. It’s high up in the hills, and on a clear day, you can supposedly see across seven districts.

It’s a bit out of the way from Ella, but most people combine it with a tea plantation visit or on their way to the south coast. That’s why I did below, I’ve linked the tour in the next section. 

10. Sample Fresh Tea at a Local Plantation

This was one of my favourite half-days in Ella. We booked a tuk-tuk tour that covered tea estates, a short hike, a tea factory visit, and a stop at Lipton’s Seat. The landscape was green and quiet, and seeing the full process – from leaf to cup – made it all the more worth it.

The tour included a walk through estate paths, a visit to the Dambatenne Tea Factory, and a breakdown of how Ceylon tea is made – fermentation, rolling, drying, and so on. At the end, you get to taste the tea and ask questions, without feeling rushed.

>>> This is the tuk-tuk tea tour I did

11. Have a Massage After a Hike

After a few days of hiking, a massage in Ella is well worth it. There are a handful of local spots – nothing ultra luxe, but clean, friendly, and reasonably priced.

A few worth checking out:

• Helena Spa – known for strong massages and friendly staff.
• Nildiya Wellness – more Ayurvedic, with herbal oils and steam options.
• 98 Acres Spa – pricier, but with great views if you want something scenic.

12. Do a Sunrise Yoga Class

There’s something about Ella that makes you slow down – maybe it’s the mist, the hills, or just how easy the days feel. Sunrise yoga fits right into that rhythm.

A few studios and hostels around town offer early morning classes, some with views over the valley. One of the more consistent spots is Gaia Yoga, but even if you’re not staying somewhere with a yoga deck, you’ll likely find flyers or boards advertising drop-in sessions.

13. Visit Dhowa Rock Temple

Just outside Ella, Dhowa Rock Temple is one of those places that doesn’t try to impress – and that’s kind of the point. It’s small, calm, and old. There’s a large unfinished Buddha carved into the rock, a few caves with faded murals, and barely any foot traffic.

It’s not far from town and makes for a good quick stop if you’ve got a tuk-tuk for a few hours. You won’t need more than 30–45 minutes, but it’s a nice change from the hikes and cafés.

14. Take the Ella to Badulla Train (Just for the Ride)

Most people get off the train at Ella – but if you’re staying longer, consider hopping back on and riding it further to Badulla. It’s a short leg, about an hour, but the scenery doesn’t stop. You’ll get more curves through the tea hills, smaller stations, and far fewer tourists.

It’s not something you need to plan a whole day around, but if you’ve got an open afternoon, it’s an easy way to extend the ride everyone talks about – and see a bit more of the hill country.

15. Watch the Sunrise Over Ella Gap

Ella Gap is the natural break between Ella’s mountains that offers sweeping views of the valley below. On clear mornings, the sunrise here is magical as the light spills over the misty peaks. A great spot to catch this view is from a roadside stop along the Ella-Kumbalwela road—simple and easy to reach. Another option is the viewpoint near the turnoff to the Nine Arch Bridge.

If you’re an early riser, don’t miss this. The combination of golden light and layers of mountains stretching into the horizon is unbeatable for photos and peaceful moments.

16. Go on a Safari in Udawalawe

If you’re heading south from Ella – to Hiriketiya, Mirissa, or Galle – a stop at Udawalawe National Park makes for a good halfway break. We did it, and I thought it was worth it. You switch from your car into an open-top jeep and spend a few hours spotting elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, and a long list of birds.

That said, if you’ve done an African safari before, you might find this a bit underwhelming. It’s smaller, and the animal sightings are less dramatic – but seeing elephants in their own habitat, with space to roam, still makes for a solid experience.

>>> Book your transfer and safari to Udawalawe here

17. Rent a Scooter and Explore the Area

Sri Lanka was the first place I ever rented a scooter, and it quickly became my favorite way to explore. Scooter rentals in Ella cost around $10 a day, and it’s a game-changer for getting off the beaten path. With a scooter, you can easily visit nearby waterfalls, temples, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.

Make sure to have a valid international driver’s license, as some rental shops might ask for it. Always wear a helmet—it’s both a safety measure and a legal requirement here. For first-timers, don’t worry; the roads around Ella are relatively quiet and beginner-friendly.

18. Go to Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls is Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, standing at 220 meters, and it’s just an hour’s drive from Ella. While the base of the falls is stunning, the real magic lies at the top. Hike to the upper pools, where you’ll find natural rock formations that create infinity pools with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. It’s a favorite among Instagrammers for good reason.

Take a dip in the refreshing water, slide down smooth rock surfaces, or just relax by the edge and soak in the scenery. It’s worth the trek!

19. Visit Sri Lanka’s Tallest Waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, towers at an impressive 236 meters. While it’s less visited than Diyaluma or Ravana Falls, its sheer size makes it unforgettable. The cascading water is particularly stunning during the rainy season, creating a dramatic drop into the lush forest below.

The area is quieter, perfect for those who prefer to avoid crowds. You can enjoy the view from a distance or take a short hike to the base for a closer look. For waterfall enthusiasts, this one is a must-visit.

How to get there: Located about 1.5 hours from Ella, it’s best reached by tuk-tuk or private car. Combine it with a day trip to Horton Plains or Diyaluma Falls.

21. Do the Demodara Loop

The Demodara Loop is an engineering marvel and a must-see for train enthusiasts. This railway loop allows the train to pass over itself and emerge from a tunnel below, making it a fascinating sight. Watching the train complete the loop from the nearby viewing platform is a unique experience.

If you’d rather ride the loop, hop on the train between Ella and Demodara for a fun and incredibly cheap trip -tickets cost less than a dollar! It’s a quick but memorable activity that highlights Sri Lanka’s incredible railway system.

How To Get To Ella

1. Train to Ella (Recommended)

The train from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most scenic in the world. It winds through tea-covered hills, across stone bridges, and past villages you’d never see otherwise. You can also board from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) if you’re coming from there.

I took the train both times I visited, and it was worth planning around. Book a second or third class reserved seat if you want a window and a bit of space – or go unreserved if you want to stand in the open doorway for that classic photo (just be careful).

>>> Book train tickets via 12GoAsia

2. Private Transfer from Colombo or Other Cities

If you’re short on time or coming straight from the airport, a private car is your fastest and most comfortable option. It’s a long ride – around 5–6 hours from Colombo – but the roads are in good condition.

>>> Book a private transfer on GetTransfer

3. Local Buses

There are local and semi-luxury buses from cities like Colombo and Badulla, but they take longer and aren’t the most comfortable with luggage. Best for those on a tight budget.

Where to Stay in Ella

I stayed in hostels both times I visited – young, broke, and backpacking. Now I’m just broke and prefer a bit more comfort. Here are some places worth looking at, whether you want social energy or quiet views.

Budget:

• Hangover Hostel Ella – Right in town, easy to meet people, basic but reliable.

Mid-range:

• Tomorrowland Hostel – Bit outside the centre, more of a party vibe, but still surrounded by green.
• City Grand Ella – Walkable to town, clean, decent breakfast. Good in-between pick.

Luxury-ish:

• EKHO Ella – Bigger views, big beds, good for couples who still want to be near town.
• 98 Acres Resort – If you want to go all out – it’s on the expensive side but set in a tea estate and seriously pretty.

Best Time to Visit

Ella stays cooler than the coast year-round, but the best weather is between December and March. The shoulder months like April or July are still good – just expect a bit more rain and mist.
Avoid: October and November if possible – that’s when the rains hit hardest.

Writing this post made me realise why Ella stuck with me – not just because of the scenery, but because of when I went. It was the first trip I did with friends, without parents or a plan. Just trains, tuk-tuks, and figuring it out as we went.