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Things to do in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Our most recommended things to do in Eastern Province, 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, The Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. After that we will reach to Ella city, Ella is 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 Adam speak, Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. While climb the Adam speak take lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. It is located on eye-catcher place. 98 Acres Resort and Spa 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. And next visit Halpewaththa Tea factory. Tea while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the area. It is the final destination of our tour. Finally, back to the hotel.

Udawalawe: Private Safari at Golden Hours

2. Udawalawe: Private Safari at Golden Hours

Your experience begins as you meet your friendly driver at your hotel or Park Entrance in Udawalawe. From there you will begin your adventure to the Udawalawe National Park. Covering an area of 230,821 hectares, you will explore Udawalawe National Park and its thriving elephant population of approximately 500 elephants. Discover the park's various other wildlife, with wild buffalo, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, sambar, hare, mongoose, crocodiles, and 30 species of snakes that have been recorded. 50 species of butterflies and many types of birds are also found in the park. Have a thrilling experience during your safari tour and take some time to enjoy a picnic lunch in the park. At the conclusion of your exciting safari trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel or original point.

From Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle with Udawalawe Safari

3. From Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle with Udawalawe Safari

After pick-up from your hotel in Ella, Haputale or Bandarawela, head for Udawalawe National Park, where you'll switch to an open concept safari jeep in order to have the best views. An early morning start ensures you'll see the animals during one of their most active times of day. See herds of elephants for sure and have fun watching for crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, various endemic birds species and much more. Along the way, you'll learn about and observe the natural habitats of the local wildlife while you snap some amazing photos. Then, at the end of your 3-hour safari adventure, switch back to the comfortable, air-conditioned car for the ride on to Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna or Galle where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

Galle/Mirissa: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe w/ Picnic

4. Galle/Mirissa: Safari Day Trip to Yala & Udawalawe w/ Picnic

Your experience begins with a pickup from your accommodation in either the Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama or Mirissa areas. 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. Following the safari, there will be a Picnic Lunch before the drive to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home. Next, stop at the Elephant Transit Home during feeding hours and take a closer look at hundreds of wild elephant babies. After enjoying the Elephant Transit Home Arriving Udawalawe National Park in the afternoon allows you to explore from 3 PM until sunset when the park closes at 6 PM. Search for the world’s most concentrated number of elephants, spotted deer, jackals, wild boar, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and many other animals as your knowledgeable guide and driver expertly navigates the vast area and roads. After the safari, journey back to your point of origin to be dropped off back to your accommodation.

Ella: Private Ella Rock Sunrise Hike

5. 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.

Udawalawe National Park Safari w Elephant Transit Home Visit

6. Udawalawe National Park Safari w Elephant Transit Home Visit

Explore one of Sri Lanka's best wildlife reserves on this 4x4 Jeep safari tour at Udawalawe National Park. Spot wild animals and interact with baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home. Enjoy a more convenient trip with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Enter the park via a 4-wheel drive Jeep to start your tour. Spend some time among the amazing wildlife of Sri Lanka and discover the beauty of Udawalawe National Park and its thriving elephant population. Get a chance to see wild buffalos, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boars, sambars, hares, mongoose, crocodiles, and 30 species of snakes. You can also find 50 species of butterflies and many species of birds in the park. Next, stop at the Elephant Transit Home during feeding hours and take a closer look at hundreds of wild elephant babies. The park sustains large numbers of elephants with its abundant water sources. After the thrill of your safari, finish your experience with a return transfer to your pickup location.

From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

7. 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: Shuttle to Tangalle with Udawalawe Safari

8. From Ella: Shuttle to Tangalle with Udawalawe Safari

After pick-up from your hotel in Ella, Haputale or Bandarawela, head for Udawalawe National Park, where you'll switch to an open concept safari jeep in order to have the best views. An early morning start ensures you'll see the animals during one of their most active times of day. See herds of elephants for sure and have fun watching for crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, various endemic birds species and much more. Along the way, you'll learn about and observe the natural habitats of the local wildlife while you snap some amazing photos. Then, at the end of your 3-hour safari adventure, switch back to the comfortable, air-conditioned car for the ride on to Tangalle/Hiriketiya where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

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

9. 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.

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

10. 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. 

Frequently asked questions about Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

What top attractions are a must-see in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka?

The must-see attractions in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

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What people are saying about Eastern Province, Sri Lanka

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 107 reviews

Punctual and reliable pick-up by our guide "Prasad". The entrance fee to the national park is €32 per person. However, this money is very worth it. The animals have a wonderful home there. We did this safari tour once in the afternoon and once in the morning. We saw many different animals thanks to our guide. We would do it again and again.

Great time with the biggies. Superb amazing guide. One of our highlights in Sri Lanka. Really worth the money. Highly recommended.

The safari was great. Our guide was very friendly and cheerful and a very good driver. We thoroughly enjoyed the safari.

Superb adventure, the landscapes are incredible. I recommend doing it if you are passing through Sri Lanka

Great experience meeting elephants and riding high on the Jeep.