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Things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Our most recommended things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka

From Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

1. From Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

Start Ella tour at 7.00 a.m, Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now. On the way to Ella our first visit is Buduruwagala rock temple. Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. Next stop is Ravana waterfall, a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. After that we will reach Ella City, a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, it is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. Then next we will go to Nine Arch Bridge. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. Then time to climb little Adams peak, Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. While climbing the Adams peak take lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. It is an elegant, chic hotel that stands on a scenic 98-acre tea estate, surrounded by a stunning landscape. After having lunch you can experience Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line South Asia's longest and Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. Finally, visit Halpewaththa Tea factory. Drink a cup while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the area. It is the final destination of our tour. Finally, back to the hotel.

From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

2. From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

The Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Your train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant green carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Hill Country. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows. Kandy to Ella (trave time 6 to 7 hours)

From Ella: Yala National Park Safari Tour in a 4x4

3. From Ella: Yala National Park Safari Tour in a 4x4

Your experience begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Ella. From there, relax on your drive to Yala National Park, home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. Meet your private guide and climb into a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy sunrise at the park — the ‘Golden Hours’ of the day — and explore the light forests, scrubs, grasslands, lagoons, and magnificent range of animals. After the safari, journey back to your point of origin to be dropped off back to your accommodation.

Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer

4. Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer

Enjoy the convenience of being picked from your accommodations in either Ella, Bandarawella, Haputale, or Wellawaya via tuk-tuk. Begin your tour with an early morning hike to the famous cliff, Ella Rock. Along the way, you’ll journey through tranquil woodlands and tea plantations. Walk alongside the iconic Sri Lankan railroad. Once you’ve reached Ella Rock, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing panoramic views. Hike down from Ella Rock to Nine Arches Bridge, a picturesque bridge which connects the Ella and Demodara railway stations. The bridge consists of 9 arches, which offer a harmonious sense of geometry against the lush green growth of the countryside. The bridge is made exclusively from rock, brick, and cement, and doesn’t use any steel. Stand underneath the bridge and look out into the beautiful “9 skies” framed by the 9 arches. Walk across the bridge and learn about its history from your knowledgable guide as you take in the surroundings. Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant before going for an afternoon hike to Little Adam’s Peak, Ella’s most well-known attraction. Enjoy an easy and gradual climb to the peak. Once there, take in a spectacular view of the Ella Gap. Walk through lush green tea plantations and paddy fields. See local people plucking and collecting tea leaves. Gaze over the valley into the island’s central highlands. Take a refreshing swig of complimentary bottled water. Your tour ends as you are returned to your hotel via tuk-tuk.

From Ella: Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour

5. From Ella: Udawalawe National Park Safari Tour

Start the day with a convenient pickup at your hotel and head for the Udawalawe National Park. Situated on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, this will be around a 2-hour drive from Ella. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals, particularly those displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River. After arriving at the park, get on board a private jeep to begin the safari with your guide. Get you up close to the amazing attractions at the national park, including elephants, spotted deer, monitor lizards, and sambar deer. Also found are wild boar, the common langur, jackal, toddy cat, and the endemic Toque macaque monkeys. The Udawalawe National Park safari is ideal for all elephant and animal lovers. The wildlife has great diversity and many spectacular animals can be seen while on the safari tour: The Sri Lankan leopard has even been know to roam here.

From Colombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip & Train Ride

6. From Colombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip & Train Ride

Discover the natural beauty and inspiring culture of Sri Lanka on a 3-day trip departing from Negombo. Visit landmarks such as Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Udawalawe National Park. Enjoy a hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, and some meals included Day 1 : COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA – KANDY Sigiriya Museum This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Overnight Stay at Royal Kandyan or Similar Hotel Day 2 KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA- ELLA Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. Glenloch Tea Factory Glenloch Tea Factory situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula are been maintain using all the correct method of planting, Soil conversation and Maneuvering. Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature Ramboda Waterfall Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. If intrested can be do an Train Ride from Nanu Oya - Ella Overnight Stay Day 3 Ella City Tour – Udawalawe National Park - Colombo Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak Nine Arches Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting Udawalawe National Park This park is home to several hundred elephants and other rare plants and wildlife We can arrange Drop Colombo Or Negombo or Airport

Ella: Private Ella Rock Sunrise Hike

7. Ella: Private Ella Rock Sunrise Hike

Begin your day with a hike up Ella Rock. Reach the viewpoint and be rewarded by stunning scenes of the rolling mountain landscape and mesmerizing clouds or sun rays. Meet your guide at your hotel or pre-arranged meeting point in the early morning. Hop in the tuk tuk and head towards the starting point of the hike. Climb up Ella Rock and by the time the first light appears in the sky, you will be at its top. Make your way to various points to see the surrounding landscape of the city, mountains, and valleys from different angles, each providing a memorable view on its own. Admire the lush greenery amongst the light of the rising sun or feel at peace with the blanketing clouds depending on the weather conditions for that day. After embracing and capturing your time spent at the top of Ella Rock, hike back down and return to your drop-off location.

Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

8. Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Ella on this half day tour. Your personal guide will take you to the famous Nine Arch Bridge before you witness the stunning views of Ella's natural beauty from Little Adam's Peak. Stroll along the unique attraction of the Nine Arch Bridge railway, spanning 91 meters alongside dense jungle and agricultural settings. Stop for photos of the nine arches. With the forest booming behind the railway and the tea leaves cultivated below from the plantations, the beautiful bridge stands out from the epic scenery as a picturesque masterpiece. The bridge is built entirely from rocks and bricks, without metal or steel. Next, your guide will take you on a small hike to Little Adam's Peak to see the greenery of Ella, surrounded by tea fields and rural beauty. The moderate trail winds through tea plantations, where you may see locals working and picking the tea leaves. The trail offers multiple platforms, rocks and viewpoints perfect for photos, with the view getting more spectacular as you walk along the ridge to the summit. Take in the unbelievable views across the mountain highlands of Sri Lanka, before you walk back down to finish the tour. Transfers are included to bring you to and from your hotel for the half day tour via tuk tuk. Water is provided for you, to keep you hydrated throughout the walk. Chose from a morning or afternoon start time. 

From Ella: Transfer to Mirissa/Galle with Yala Safari Tour

9. From Ella: Transfer to Mirissa/Galle with Yala Safari Tour

Combine a transfer from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela to Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna or Galle area with a thrilling day trip to Yala National Park. Experience the immense biodiversity of this park on this Sri Lankan animal safari. Be picked up from your accommodation in Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela. Relax and take in the local scenery on the drive to Yala National Park. Board an open-topped safari jeep to get the best views and photo angles. See the animals during the day when they are the most active. Watch for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffalos, and a large variety of bird species. Get some great shots of these magnificent creatures. Hear about wildlife and get photography tips from your local guide. Let your guide show you the spots where the animals are likely to congregate. Then, head back to your air-conditioned car for the ride to your accommodation in Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, or Galle.

From Western Province: 2-Day Hill Country Highlights Trip

10. From Western Province: 2-Day Hill Country Highlights Trip

This 2 days Sri Lanka tour is planned with some of the most interesting activities such as the hill country blue train ride, wildlife safari of Udawalawe national park, watching sea turtles in the sea off Hikkaduwa, visiting the hill country resort of Ella, guided walking tour to explore the Galle fort, Visiting scenic tea plantations, Visiting tea factory in Nuwara Eliya and watching beautiful waterfalls. The tour covers the most scenic Sri Lanka hill country, west coast beaches, and south coast wildlife park and you will be able to see the highest peak of Sri Lanka, Pidurutalagala and the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya. Start your trip from the beach and travel to the highest city in Sri Lanka which sits 2800 meters above sea level. Day 1 The 2 days tour kicks off from your hotel on the west coast and you travel along the scenic west coast beach of Sri Lanka. First, stop at Hikkaduwa beach to see the sea turtles coming to the shores of Hikkaduwa. later proceed to Galle fort and take part in a guided walk within the fort to see the well-preserved building and monuments built during the medieval time. After visiting Galle fort drive to Udawalawe national park, where yuo will do a safari to see a large herd of wild elephants and many other animals such as crocodiles, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, mungo, monitors, monkeys and many species of birds. Dinner and overnight stay in Ella Day 2 After breakfast at 08.45 AM, leave for Ella railway station. You will be guided to your seats in the hill country train by your guide. The hill country train journey lasts about 2 hor 30 minutes and covers the most scenic part of the hill country train ride in Sri Lanka. You will be collected by your guide upon reaching the Nanu Oya railway station. Later drive to a scenic tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya, en-route stop at Gregory lake esplanade. The tea factory visit lasts about 1 hour and afterwards proceed to your hotel on the west coast. End of the tour

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What people are saying about Ella, Sri Lanka

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 63 reviews

This tour was INCREDIBLE!!! I cannot say enough good things. I had regretted signing up for a hard sunrise hike but it quickly turned into the best day of my vacation. Sanju, my guide, was so kind and patient and knowledgeable about Everything! Thank you so much for an incredible day, I will always remember it!

Tolle Tour und sehr empfehlenswert für Teeliebhaber! Deen hat immer wieder Stops für Fotos eingelegt und uns alles gezeigt. Wir durften auch selbst Tee pflücken. Sehr interessant war die Führung durch die alte Teefabrik (leider darf man hier keine Bilder machen).

Very nice trip, quite tiring Ella rock. This is ideal for people who like to hike! I myself had a very nice guide who told me a lot about the nature there, took me to very local eating places. The guide's name was Jeewa.

Great tour, guides and service. Everything was on time and smooth. The national park was beautiful. The only complaint we have is that it's more expensive than if we'd have just arranged with local tour operators.

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.