Our favorite tips for your stay in the mountain village of Ella
Ella is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka and for good reason. This charming mountain village in the south of the country is the perfect place to escape the coastal heat. You'll find breathtaking views, beautiful hiking trails, and cozy cafés. The legendary train ride to Ella is perhaps the most scenic in the country, making the town worth a visit in itself. In this blog, we share 9 fun things to do in Ella, including hikes, waterfalls, hotspots, and our favorite places to eat and stay.
1. Nine Arch Bridge: Ella’s Iconic Landmark
2. Rawana Falls
3. Kuda Rawana Falls: Ella’s Hidden Waterfall
4. Ella Rock: The Famous Hike in Ella
5. Little Adam’s Peak
6. Cooking Classes: Taste the Flavors of Sri Lanka
7. The Train Ride to Ella: A Highlight in Itself
8. Great Cafés and Restaurants in Ella
9. Hotels and Homestays in Ella
How to Get to Ella
How Many Days Do You Need in Ella?
Is Ella Worth Visiting?
Ella vs. Nuwara Eliya
1. Nine Arch Bridge: Ella’s Iconic Landmark
The Nine Arch Bridge is without a doubt Ella’s most famous attraction. This impressive colonial-style bridge is nestled between tea fields and lush jungle, giving it a magical vibe. As the name suggests, the bridge features nine elegant stone arches and was built entirely without steel or concrete, making it a unique structure.
It’s a popular photo spot, so it’s rarely quiet. However, you can beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning or around sunset when the light is softer—perfect for photos.
You can reach the bridge via a 10-15 minute walk from the main road or take a tuk-tuk close to the trail. Once there, you can walk across the bridge and wait for a train to pass for the ultimate Ella moment. As soon as you hear the whistle, step aside and get your camera ready.
Caution: Large beehives hang under the bridge. When we visited, the bees became active, and several people were stung. While this doesn’t happen often, be extra careful—especially with children or if you’re allergic.
Tip: On one side of the bridge, you’ll find Soul Cafe: great for coffee with a view after your photo session.
2. Rawana Falls
Rawana Falls are located about a 10-minute drive from Ella and can be admired directly from the roadside. There’s a nearby parking spot for about 100 rupees. The waterfall flows right by the road, making it a convenient stop. Watch out for the monkeys—they’re a bit shy but will grab food right out of your hand if you're not careful.
We visited during bad weather, which made the waterfall flow even more dramatically—and the area was quieter than usual. Climbing or swimming in the falls is strictly prohibited, with 36 fatal accidents to date. So enjoy the view safely from dry ground.
3. Kuda Rawana Falls: Ella’s Hidden Waterfall
Kuda Rawana Falls is a hidden gem near Ella. Unlike the popular Rawana Falls, you reach this one via a scenic hike starting at the train tracks in Ella. The trail winds through lush forests and tea plantations, ending with a short, steeper climb that’s totally worth it.
Because it’s less known, you’ll likely have the place to yourself. The waterfall is impressive and offers a peaceful spot to cool off or relax. Don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan to take a dip!
Save time in Sri Lanka: all hotspots on one map
Geen tijd kwijt aan zelf uitzoeken welke plekken de moeite waard zijn. Onze Google Maps-kaart bevat al onze Sri Lanka-hotspots, van de bekende bestemmingen tot verborgen pareltjes door het hele land. Open ‘m in je Google Maps-app en je hebt alles wat je nodig hebt binnen handbereik.
4. Ella Rock: The Famous Hike in Ella
Ella Rock is one of the most popular hikes in the region, drawing trekkers who love a challenge. The hike takes about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down, through jungle, tea fields, and small villages. At the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding mountains.
Tip: Go early and bring plenty of water. The path can get muddy after rain, so wear proper shoes.
Our experience? We weren’t lucky—it rained non-stop. Others told us the path turned into a river of mud and the summit was covered in clouds. We decided to skip it—just another reason to return to Ella!
5. Little Adam’s Peak
Short on time or prefer an easier hike? Then Little Adam’s Peak is perfect. From the parking lot, it’s about a 15-minute walk up a stairway—very doable even for beginners.
At the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the mountains and valley. You can continue to a second viewpoint, which adds another 15–20 minutes. Sunrise or late afternoon on a clear day are the best times to go. Unfortunately, rain also kept us from doing this hike, but it’s still high on our list!
Tip: Up for a real adventure? Hike the original Adam’s Peak near Hatton!
6. Cooking Classes: Taste the Flavors of Sri Lanka
Ella isn’t just for nature lovers—it’s also a great place to experience Sri Lankan culture and cuisine. Several places in the village offer cooking workshops where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes like sambol, curry, and other local specialties.
These classes are usually small and run by locals, offering an authentic experience. You'll learn about spices, cooking techniques, and the history behind the recipes. And of course—you get to eat what you cook!
7. The Train Ride to Ella: A Highlight in Itself
The train ride to Ella is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world—and that’s no exaggeration. The route winds through lush tea plantations, mountains, and jungle, offering spectacular views. Most travelers take the train from Kandy to Ella, but the most scenic part is between Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) and Ella. The highest railway station in Sri Lanka, Pattipola, is on this stretch, and you'll pass misty forests, deep valleys, and charming villages.
We did it the other way—from Ella to Nuwara Eliya—in the afternoon. Surprisingly, we had a nearly empty second-class carriage with just two other tourists. There was plenty of space by the open doors, perfect for taking photos and videos. It was a fantastic experience!
TipSit on the left side (from Nanu Oya to Ella) for the best views.
8. Great Cafés and Restaurants in Ella
Ella has a great mix of cafés and restaurants, offering everything from local specialties to international dishes and excellent coffee.
- The Barn: Great Wi-Fi, delicious coffee, good food, and cakes.
- MozzarElla: Tasty thin-crust wood-fired pizzas. It’s small, so you might need to wait.
- House of Kitchen: Amazing local food, one of the best in Sri Lanka and very affordable. Ask for spicy if you like heat—just be prepared, it’s really spicy!
- Kiri Kopi: Perfect for brunch with smoothie bowls, sandwiches, waffles, and great coffee.
- Rotty hut: The best rotty we had in Sri Lanka. Try the banana and Nutella one for dessert!
How to Get to Ella
Ella is easy to reach, especially by train—which is also one of the most fun ways to get there. The ride through Sri Lanka’s central highlands is not just practical but an experience in itself, with stunning landscapes along the way.
You can reach Ella from several directions:
- Tissamaharama → Ella: About 4 hours by bus and tuk-tuk (no direct train).
- Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) → Ella: About 3 hours by train.
- Kandy → Ella: About 6–7 hours by train.
Short on time or prefer more flexibility? You can also get to Ella by private car with a driver, by bus, or even by rental tuktuk Especially from southern destinations like Tissamaharama (Yala National Park) or Arugam Bay, this is often faster than the train. The scenery is stunning no matter how you get there.
Discover Sri Lanka at its best: rent your own tuktuk! Check the pickup locations here.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ella?
Ella is a place where you can easily spend several days without getting bored. We found that 2 to 3 days is perfect to explore the area. That gives you enough time for a few hikes, to visit waterfalls, and enjoy the village atmosphere. If you want to take your time, do a cooking class, and relax at some cafés, 3 days is ideal.
Only have one day? No problem—you can still check off major highlights like the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and Rawana Falls.
Is Ella Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. We loved Ella. It’s a refreshing change from the busy coastal towns, surrounded by greenery and with a relaxed vibe. The area invites both adventure and relaxation. The village atmosphere is friendly and chill, with great spots to eat and grab a coffee.
Plus, the train ride to Ella makes it a destination in its own right. The views on the way are so stunning, it feels like part of the adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, culture, or just beautiful nature—Ella has something for everyone.
Ella vs. Nuwara Eliya
If you're torn between Ella and Nuwara Eliya, it really comes down to the kind of experience you're looking for. Nuwara Eliya is quieter and has a more authentic feel, with a colonial vibe and beautiful parks. Ella, on the other hand, is livelier and a bit busier, with more tourist facilities and more activities. It feels slightly more adventurous thanks to the hikes and its location between the mountains. We'd say: if you love nature and adventure, Ella is the place to be. If you'd rather take it easy and enjoy a town with a special atmosphere among sprawling tea fields, Nuwara Eliya is the better choice.
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About us
Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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About us
Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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