10 Exciting Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

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From rolling green tea fields and epic mountains to climb, there are many exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka’s most beautiful small town.

Ella is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. With miles and miles of rolling green tea fields, stunning mountain hikes, lovely waterfalls, and other incredible things to do, Sri Lanka is unlike anywhere in the world. There’s truly no shortage of amazing things to do and places to visit in Ella, Sri Lanka!

Because Ella is so stunning, it’s one of the most touristy places I visited in Sri Lanka and with construction on the rise, I think in a few years it’ll be even more so! With that said, hurry up and backpack Ella while the crowds are low. And before you depart, I recommend checking over some of the best travel tips for Sri Lanka for smooth travels.

Read more: The Complete Guide To Solo Travel in Sri Lanka

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Ella
How Many Days in Ella
Is Ella Safe?
Where to Stay in Ella
How to Get to Ella
Best Things to Do in Ella

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When is the Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka?

January to April are usually the best months to visit Ella. The weather tends to be dryer and much more pleasant than the summer. But Ella is located up in the mountains where the weather is generally a tad bit cooler than other destinations around the country. You may want a light sweater or a jacket.

The “worst” time to vista Ella would be during the rainy season which typically falls between October to December, but rainy season isn’t too terrible as long as you’re prepared for the weather. Many backpackers visit Ella year round – weather be darned!

Is Ella worth visiting? How many days do you need?

Ella is absolutely worth visiting and by far one of my favorite places that I visited in Sri Lanka. To fully see and do the best things in Ella, you need at the very least 2 days.

But I recommend 3 or 4 days in Ella if you have time. Many backpackers come to Ella with the intention of staying only a couple of days, and then fall in love and extend their time there – that’s what I did at least!

Is Ella safe?

Sri Lanka has been in the news recently for civil unrest, so it’s reasonable if you’re worried about safety.

When I backpacked Sri Lanka back in 2018, I went solo and felt at ease. I wasn’t harassed, used public transportation to get around everywhere, and was able to make friends everywhere I went. And Ella is no exception. It’s largely a backpacker friendly destination.

However, I recommend checking current events and travel warnings before planning your trip to see what you may be up against while visiting Ella.

Where to Stay in Ella, Sri Lanka

When deciding where to stay in Ella, Sri Lanka, you have a few options to choose from such as guesthouses, hostels, and nice resorts and hotels. I recommended booking your accommodation to Ella in advance to ensure you are able to book the best place to stay in Ella! It’s a popular place!

Social Hostel in Ella: Hangover Hostels

When I visited Ella, I stayed in Hangover Hostels and greatly enjoyed my time there. The location was fantastic and right in the city center making it easy to walk everywhere. They serve a cheap breakfast and have a friendly and social vibe.

Most Popular Hostel: Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland is one of the most popular hostels in Ella and I heard so much about it while I was there. It’s a bit out of the city center but has killer views of the lush mountains and is super social. A great place to meet other travelers and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Best Guesthouse in Ella: Adam’s Apple Homestay

A great way to learn more about Sri Lankan culture is to stay in a guesthouse or homestay with a local family. They often cook the most amazing local food and have great insights into the place places to visit in Ella and how to get there. Adam’s Apple has some of the best reviews on booking.com.

Best Resort in Ella: 98 Acres Resort & Spa

98 Acres is a gorgeous resort that has villas set into the mountain with amazing views. It’s swanky and pricey considering other places to stay in Sri Lanka, but it’s actually not that crazy expensive. If you don’t have the budget for it, at least stop by for their all you can eat breakfast buffet overlooking Litte Adam’s Peak – amazing.

How to Get to Ella

There are two main ways people travel to Ella. While it’s possible to travel from Colombo to Ella, it’s not a convenient journey (9 hour train ride with changes, 5 hour drive). You’re better off following a circular route that sandwiches a visit to Ella between Kandy and the southern coast. Here’s what you should know about how to get to Ella.

From Kandy

By far the most popular way and best way to get to Ella is the famous train route that travels between Kandy and Ella. The ride takes about 7 hours in total, and passes through stunning tea plantations and landscapes. It’s such a popular thing to do, that it’s even on this list for things to do in Ella! More details below 🙂

From Yara National Park / The South

Some travelers do a reverse route, heading along the south coast of Sri Lanka and north, which means you might be traveling from the south or Yara National Park to Ella. There are many local buses that travel between major cities so I always recommend asking someone local or going to the nearest bus stop.

Hiring a private driver or a taxi is also a convenient option, especially from the rural region of Yara National Park. Depending on how far away, taxis or tuktuks in Sri Lanka tend to cost $20-$40+ for long trips.

10 Best Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Ella!

1. A Tea Plantation Tour.

Entrance fee – ​450 rupees / $3 USD
Tours run every 30 minutes, Open 8 am – 5 pm, last tour at 4:30 pm.
Map.

While in tea country, you should definitely go on a tour of a processing factory. The tea from Sri Lanka is world-famous and there are many plantations you can visit in the area. You can take a day trip from Ella to Nuwara Eliya to visit one of the many tea factories there. I’ve heard good things about Bluefield Factory and Bluefield Tea Gardens.

Or you can check out one of the tea factories near Ella city. Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is about 3km from the main street and you can see the production of the tea, learn about the process of picking the leaves and even taste the tea afterward.

A heads up – during the dry season, there are only two production days during the week, Saturday and Sunday. This means if you actually want to see the tea leaves being processed on your tour, you’ll want to go on a Saturday or Sunday.

2. Little Adam’s Peak.

Little Adam’s peak is one of the most popular hikes in Ella. Not to be confused with the larger more difficult hike Adam’s Peak in the nearby city of Hatton, Little Adam’s is perfect for even beginner hikers.

About an hour each way plus time for photos, hiking Little Adam’s doesn’t require much time and effort. For more detailed information about how to hike it, check out Journey Era’s super informational post here. 

After enjoying the sunrise, we made our descent and headed to 98 Acres Resort & Spa to enjoy their breakfast buffet after our hike. For 2,000 rupees / $13 USD per person, it included unlimited buffet, coffee and beverages. It’s pretty expensive compared to other places in Sri Lanka, but we were happy to treat our selves to the delicious food and absolutely beautiful views and atmosphere.

You can see a map of its location here.

3. Ella Rock.

Ella Rock is the other must-do hike while visiting Ella. It’s a bit more difficult and complicated to visit compared to Little Adam’s, as the trail isn’t clearly marked, but once you find the trail, the hike is stunning.

Watch out for touts attempting to mislead you or trick you into going the wrong direction. It is common for there to be signs or locals purposefully giving wrong information in order to get tips from you for the correct path.

All that aside, it’s totally possible to hike Ella Rock without a guide and I actually recommend it over hiring someone! Just follow the advice online, keep your eyes peeled and you should be golden! Try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and to see clear views.

4. Ravana Waterfall.

Ravana Waterfall is one of the main waterfalls to see in Ella. A short 10-minute bus ride from the city center, it’s easy to get there and see. There are tents set up with snacks as well as souvenirs.

There isn’t much to do in the area other than enjoy the view, but for only 25 rupees / $0.16 USD, it’s worth it to see! Locals also bathe in the water of the falls which was a cool experience to witness.

5. Diyaluma Waterfall.

Visiting Diyaluma Waterfall was honestly the highlight of my trip. Not many people know or realize that you can actually hike to the very top of the falls and explore the smaller falls and infinity pools that lie at the top. It truly is a gorgeous sight and great way to spend the day!

6. Day trip to Nuwara Eliya.

Known as “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is a small city located in the center of tea country. About a 3-4 hour train ride from Ella, the area boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes, popular tea factories and things to do in the area. Many people opt to take a day trip to see it all while in Ella.

7. Sri Lankan Cooking Class.

If you enjoy the local food, consider taking a cooking class to learn the ins and outs of how to make it! There are many different places offering classes but the Ella Spice Garden and Matey Hut are the most popular. I believe both locations offer the class for dinner, and possibly lunch as well. It’s a good way to spend half a day and you get to enjoy your gourmet meal at the end.

8. Nine Arch Bridge.

The Nine Arch Bridge is probably the most iconic sight in all of Ella. The beautiful stone structure crosses tea fields and forest and offers spectacular views of the area. Come when the famous blue train crosses in the morning or for a fun photoshoot.

9. Lipton’s Seat / Haputale.

Actually located near the village of Haputale – an hour from Ella city – Lipton’s Seat is a beautiful lookout offering panoramic views of the surrounding tea fields. Named after the founder of Lipton Tea, you’ll feel on top of the world while relaxing and enjoying the sights. Come early for the sunrise as in the late morning and afternoon the day’s clouds begin to roll in blocking your view.

If you have the time or interest, Haputale is a cute little village you may want to explore while in the area! Much less touristy and an authentic glimpse into daily Sri Lankan life.

10. Famous Kandy to Ella Train Ride.

No trip to Ella would be complete without taking a ride on the famous 7 hour route between Kandy and Ella. The tracks wind through the hills and mountains of central Sri Lanka and provide stunning views of tea fields.

You’ll want to book in advance if you want a seat as they fill up fast! Otherwise you can book the day of, an hour before the train departs for an unreserved seat – but you risk standing for entire ride. You can check the timetable here.

Best Places to Eat in Ella, Sri Lanka

Cafe Chill

Cafe Chill is hands down the most popular place to eat in Ella and gets crowded early. They serve up spectacular local dishes, western meals, delicious cocktails and more. The interior is gorgeous and has beautiful decor. A must-visit while in Ella!

Matey Hut

Matey Hut is a great local joint that offers not only the finest Sri Lankan food around but also very popular cooking classes! The portions are huge, the food is amazing and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Ella. If you want to snag a spot in their famous cooking classes, you have to book far in advance. They fill up quick!

Dream Cafe Ella

Well known for its smoothies and international dishes, Dream Cafe is another popular cafe in the heart of Ella. Stop by for some pizza or pasta and a good juice on the side.

For more of the best places to eat in Ella, check out TripAdvisor – they cover it best!

What are your favorite things to do and places to visit in Ella? Share below!