Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Chamara Perera
12/08/2025
Smitesh Parekh, Pexels
Nestled in Sri Lanka's cool highlands, Ella is a captivating town known for its dramatic landscapes, including lush tea plantations, towering mountains, and stunning waterfalls. It serves as a prime location for outdoor activities and offers a serene escape with beautiful vistas.
The town's main street forms a central hub, bustling with restaurants, cafes, and bars, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. Hostels in the area, particularly those like Hangover Hostels and Tomorrowland, foster a strong communal atmosphere with social events and dedicated spaces for interaction.
Top 6 Things to do in Ella
Ella offers a blend of accessible hikes with panoramic views, immersive cultural experiences centered around tea, and refreshing encounters with nature's waterfalls.
1. Nine Arch Bridge
Witness the colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge, an impressive architectural marvel nestled amidst lush tea plantations. It is particularly captivating when a train crosses, creating an iconic photo opportunity. Visiting early morning or late afternoon allows for better light and fewer crowds. Remember to be respectful of the local environment.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: The bridge is approximately 4 km from Ella town. One can walk through the jungle (around 1 hour) or take a tuk-tuk, which costs approximately LKR 300-500 one way, dropping you near the tunnel or a parking spot, followed by a short walk.
2. Little Adam's Peak Hike
Embark on a relatively easy hike to Little Adam's Peak, named for its resemblance to the larger Adam's Peak. The well-formed path winds through scenic tea plantations, offering stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Ella Rock, Ella Gap, and the surrounding mountains from its summit. It's an ideal spot for both sunrise and sunset.
Cost: Free.
Transport: This peak is within walking distance from Ella's main street (approx. 1.5 km to the trailhead) or a short tuk-tuk ride away.
3. Ella Rock Hike
Undertake a more challenging, yet highly rewarding, hike to Ella Rock. This trek leads through diverse natural landscapes, including railway tracks, rubber tree forests, and tea plantations, culminating in expansive views over the Ella Gap. Starting before sunrise is highly recommended for the best experience, as the mist lifts to reveal golden skies.
Cost: While historically free, some reports indicate a fee of LKR 930-980 might be payable at the viewpoint at the top. Guided tours typically range from $30-$45 USD per person, often including transport and snacks.
Transport: The trailhead is accessible by walking from Ella town or taking a short tuk-tuk ride to shorten the initial part of the journey.
4. Tea Plantation and Factory Tour (e.g., Halpewatte Tea Factory)
Delve into Sri Lanka's rich tea culture by visiting a local tea plantation and factory. A tour provides an immersive 'Tea Leaf to Teapot' experience, where you observe the entire tea-making process from plucking to grading. It concludes with a tasting session, allowing you to savour fresh Ceylon tea while enjoying panoramic views of the tea country.
Cost: A factory tour at Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory costs approximately LKR 1500 per person. Organized tours that combine a tea factory visit with Lipton's Seat can range from $33 to $90 USD per person and often include transport, entrance fees, and sometimes lunch.
Transport: Halpewatte Tea Factory is about a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Ella town, costing around LKR 700-2000 for a return trip, or you can take a local bus (approx. LKR 30-60) and walk the remaining uphill section.
5. Ravana Falls
Visit Ravana Falls, a popular cascading waterfall approximately 25 meters in height, spilling over an oval-shaped rock outcrop. It is surrounded by lush forests and offers natural pools suitable for a refreshing swim. This site is popular with both tourists and locals.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: Located about 7 km from Ella town center. You can easily reach it by local bus (LKR 30-50 for a 15-minute ride) or by tuk-tuk (approx. LKR 300-500 one way, but negotiate the price).
6. Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Engage in a hands-on cooking class to discover the vibrant flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. These classes typically involve learning to prepare traditional curries, sambols, and other local dishes, offering a deeper insight into the country's culinary traditions and local culture.
Cost: Costs vary depending on the provider, but expect a reasonable fee for a guided class. Specific costs for Ella cooking classes were not consistently found across recent reviews, but similar experiences in Sri Lanka often range from $20-$40 USD.
Transport: Cooking classes are generally located within Ella town or nearby, often within walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride from most accommodations.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
