Oct 14, 20183 min read

7 Awesome Things To Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella in Sri Lanka is a small laid-back town surrounded by the beautiful greens of tea. There are a lot of things to do in Ella. Take one of the most beautiful train rides from Nuwara Eliyato Ella and fall in love with the surroundings. You will probably end up staying longer than you actually planned to.

Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka:

1. Climb up Little Adam’s peak

Little Adam’s peak is the nephew of Adam’s Peak. From the top enjoy the view over the valley, relax and connect with other travelers. From Ella Town to the foot of mountain takes 45 minutes, and to get to the top around 15 minutes. The first 45 minutes are very pleasing as well when you pass a local village and tea plantations.

Getting a more quiet spot is possible when you walk down and up (5 minutes) to the next hill. There is no actual path but you can get there with a bit of hiking.On your way back, stop at 98 Acres Resort for a coffee or tea with a view.

2.Walk along the rails on the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

This now world-famous bridge is located just outside of Ella Town and on the same way as Little Adam’s Peak. With a small 30 minute walk through the woods, you will reach a piece of beautiful architecture hidden between lush green tea fields. This is one of the things you must do in Sri Lanka!

Get a drink up in the hills at one of the cafes and wait for the train to pass. The Nine Arch Bridge is 30 meters high and is open to being visited during the whole day. The guards will just keep an eye on the safety.

3. Endless Tea Field Views at Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s Seat in Haputale is a great morning or afternoon trip from Ella. In the morning, take a short train ride to Haputale. Once you reach the station, get a tuk-tuk which takes you up to the top where, back in 1890, mister Lipton, planted the first seeds of what now is Sri Lanka’s biggest export product, Lipton Tea.

The route to the top is jaw-dropping when you see the endless stretched fields of tea. All those smiling, hard-working woman picking the best tea leaves for your tea. The tea leaf plants give the entire hillside a unique look.

4. Swim at Diyaluma Falls, 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka

To visit the Diyaluma falls you will probably need the whole day, or at least if you are planning to visit it from the top. About an hour drive out of Ella is the foot of the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Once you have explored the foot, drive 30 minutes more to the top. Hike about 45 minutes and reach a waterfall with many natural pools on different levels.

5. Join a cooking class at Ella Spice Garden

Learn about the ingredients and create some delicious Sri Lankan food with super tasty flavors. Make sure to book in advance because the Ella Spice Garden class seem to be full every day.

6. Get a fresh shower at the Ravana Fall

Ready to escape a bit of the heat of the afternoon? A quick 10-minute drive from town is the Ravana Fall. It is located next to the main road so you can easily take a dip. Much easier than Diyaluma Falls.

Ravana Falls has become a very popular site with both locals and foreigners stopping by to enjoy this piece of nature and a cooldown in the water.

7. Hike up to the top of Ella Rock

If you are up to a bigger challenge, hike to the top of Ella Rock. Little Adam’s peak is a laugh compared to this one. It takes 2 hours to hike from bottom to top. It can be done with a guide or on your own but please make sure you asked the directions from someone you trust, like your guesthouse manager.