0 km
from city center 1 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

One of the best hiking and trekking sites in Sri Lanka, the Ella Rocks provide the most picturesque views from the top. The trek starts from Ella railway station to Kithal Ella railway station or Heel Oya railway track. Kithal Ella is the closest to the rock. It takes around 4 hours to trek up and down. One can sit and enjoy some coconut water and fruits sold on the top while embracing the wind and admiring the spectacular view.

3 km
from city center 2 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The Ravana cave and Ravana Falls are just 2 km from Ella city, perched at an altitude of 82 feet. The history of Sri Lanka dates back to over 2000 years, and it finds itself in the iconic Ramayana. It is believed that Ravana was a fervent Sri Lankan by origin and stood as a villain in the lives of Ram – Sita. He captured Sita and kept her hostage in his custody in the famous Ravana caves and the Ravana Falls. Landscapes around the Ravana Falls comprise slopes, valleys, hills, and streams that ornament the rocks.

2 km
from city center 3 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Nine Arches Bridge, also known as The Bridge in the Sky, is an iconic architectural structure in Ella's mountainous region. It is a magnificent stone bridge built amidst lush green tea plantations, with stunning mountains in the backdrop. It can be accessed from the Ella station and is a short trek along the railway tracks to the bridge.

4 km
from city center 4 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Only a 10-minute drive out of Ella, adrenaline junkies can zipline 82 metres above land for over half a kilometre from Ravana Falls. Reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour, the zipline offers incredible views of Ella’s lush green scenery, the valley below, and tea gardens.

10 km
from city center 5 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Lipton's Seat is a viewpoint situated in the Haputale mountain range, atop the Dambatenne Tea Estate. Located at a height of 1970 metres above sea level, Lipton's Seat offers spectacular 360-degree views of the verdant hills and tea plantations. It is best to arrive here before 7:00 AM before the fog starts rolling in.

2 km
from city center 6 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Little Adam's Peak is the mini version of the pilgrimage mountain site of central Sri Lanka called Adam's Peak. It is just a short tuk-tuk ride away from Ella town. The trails pass through lush tea plantations, gradually becoming steeper, but the hike is easy and offers stunning panoramic views. The hike is popular for both sunrise and sunset.

1 km
from city center 7 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Kinellan Tea Factory & Tea Centre is a tea manufacturing factory known for producing the world-famous Ceylon tea. It has been operating for over a thousand years and is a great place to see the manufacturing process. A 30-minute guided tour is available, which includes tea tasting.

15 km
from city center 8 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

An hour away from Ella, the Diyaluma Falls are Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfalls. There are several natural pools along its 220-meter fall, and trekkers can take refreshing baths in their cool water and have a cliff-jumping experience. The upper part of Diyaluma Falls has deep pools at different levels, while the lower part features dramatic drop-offs that are a sight to behold.

0 km
from city center 9 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Ella has some world-famous tea gardens which are breathtakingly beautiful, but the specialty is the chance to, do taste some delicious home cooking in the Ella spice garden. With more than 4000 trees in the Ella spice garden, the primary purpose of the spice garden is to encourage the production of spices in Sri Lanka.

1 km
from city center 10 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The Main Street at Ella has multiple cafes and restaurants on both sides, such as Centre Point, Aurora Restaurant, Cafe Chill and the like. The eateries offer views of the street, usually lined with tuk-tuks waiting to pick up passengers.

1 km
from city center 11 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Serving a variety of local and Western dishes, smoothies, and cocktails, Cafe Chill is a cafe during the day and a lively bar at night. The cafe has a newly built upper deck with a wave-inspired wooden roof, and the background music is well-selected. Visitors must try the lamprais, a local delicacy.

26 km
from city center 12 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

At 263 metres high, Bambarakanda Falls are Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, and is located in a forest of pine trees. Water falls down an almost vertical rock face, and trekkers can climb to the top of the falls and enjoy a miniature waterfall, a large natural pool, and stunning, uninterrupted views of lush green plains. The base of Bambarakanda Falls is a great picnic spot, with a natural pool complex for visitors to bathe in before their picnic meal.

0 km
from city center 13 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Travellers can choose to visit one of the several popular spas in Ella and enjoy a completely rejuvenating and relaxing experience while looking across the gorgeous valley at Ella. There are multiple spas across the town, and some also have a souvenir and gift shops as well.

0 km
from city center 14 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Riding on the Ella Kandy Train is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka and one of the most picturesque train rides in the world. It is an 8-hour journey through winding, misty forests, tea plantations, gushing waterfalls, and charming towns. The most scenic part is from Nanu Oya to Ella through Horton Plains National Park. Make sure to book in advance.

0 km
from city center 15 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The Demodara Loop is a spiral railway loop in Demodara and is a piece of cutting-edge civil engineering. The railway line runs underneath itself, snakes around the mountain, and appears from a tunnel below the Demodara Railway Station; this railway line is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. A trek along the loop is an opportunity to admire and photograph the rail line and beautiful landscape firsthand. Do check the train schedule before you plan a trek at this spot.

4 km
from city center 16 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Nil Diya Pokuna is an underground pond situated 80 meters deep inside a mountain cave in Karandagolla. It is believed to have been built by King Ravana. The cave is accessed through 15 minute forest walk after which you have to climb down through a narrow ladder to the pond. The water of the pond is crystal clear, giving a blue colour tinge which is why it is called Blue Water Pond.

0 km
from city center 17 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The variety of flavors in Sri Lankan cuisine is best experienced by cooking with the available ingredients. These classes generally take place in traditional cooking schools or family homes and you learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Popular cooking classes like Ella Spice Gardens and Matey Hut offer tourists a cooking class to help them learn about local ingredients and how to cook local dishes.

50 km
from city center 18 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Spread across 31,000 hectares, Udawalawe National Park is home to 184 species of birds, 33 reptile species, 43 mammal species and 135 species of butterflies. The grassland and bush-forest terrain park is home to more than 500 elephants, meaning tourists are definitely going to spot multiple elephants out on safari. In addition, tourists can spot monkeys, crocodiles, lizards and water buffaloes, among other animals. What is rare is spotting one of the approximately ten leopards inside this park.

62 km
from city center 19 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

A day trip to Yala National Park from Ella in Sri Lanka offers an exciting safari experience, conducted in open-top jeeps or safari vehicles. Yala National Park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including a significant population of leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. You can hire a private vehicle or join a guided tour that takes around 4-5 hours.

0 km
from city center 20 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

One will find many tea factories in Sri Lanka, especially in the Uva region of the beautiful town of Ella. The Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is the largest among all these tea factories. It was once a part of the British era, which dates back to the 1940s.

128 km
from city center 21 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Sigiriya, also known as the Lion Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable archaeological wonder. It is a popular day trip from Ella which takes around takes around 4 to 5 hours. The highlight of the day trip is ascending the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Many day tours include a break for lunch either within the Sigiriya area or in a nearby town.

1 km
from city center 22 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Cascading down from a height of 23 meters, flowing past the gaps within rocks, this small but picturesque waterfall is frequently visited during the hike towards Ella Rock. The shallow waters of Kithal Ella Falls are perfect for a swim.

27 km
from city center 23 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The Horton Plains National Park is spread over the mountains of Kirigalpotta and Totapola. Along with the waterfalls, lakes, rocky hills, and gorgeous ocean views, the park is home to 150 different species of animals, including the rhino-horned lizard, striped mongoose, and the Sri Lankan leopard.

30 km
from city center 24 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Duwili Ella Falls or Walawe Ganga East Falls is a milky flow of water that is suspended from a height of 40 metres. Nestled in Thanjantenna village, of Rathnapura district Duwili in Sinhalese translates to ‘dust’. The velocity at which the water pours makes the flow of water look like dust falling from the sky. Hence the name “Duwili”.

0 km
from city center 25 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

The Dhowa temple is located in the beautiful Uva province and is a popular tourist attraction. The Dhova rock temple is almost 2000 years old and was used as a sanctuary for King Walagamba. The king later converted the cave into a temple.

13 km
from city center 26 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya or Muthiyangana Temple is a Buddhist temple at the centre of Badulla, a town 22.7 km away from Ella. The stupa has a history dating back to the 5th century BC and has continued to be a popular attraction in the country for tourists and pilgrims alike.

75 km
from city center 27 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Bopath falls is located in Rathnapura district of Sri Lanka. The district by itself stands at an elevation of 130m. Water gushes forth from a mountain cliff, whose crevices appear so minute, it makes one wonder how the water flows at that velocity.

17 km
from city center 28 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Dunhinda Falls is at Badulla, approximately an hour away from Ella. The falls tumble down a narrow gap between rocks and expand to form a stunning smoky cascade—an appearance reminiscent of a bridal veil; no wonder it is also known as Bridal Falls. The falls finally crash into a pool at the bottom.

124 km
from city center 29 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Thudugala Ella waterfall is situated in the Thudugala village of Kalutara district. This western province is located 40 km away from Colombo at complete connectivity with the other coastal beaches. Unlike many waterfalls that are perched on a hilltop at massive heights, Thudugala stands apart. The waters flow on rocks that gradient at intermittent levels. The irregularity causes the waters to gush, making a soft thud. The waters are cold and they make a euphony as they hit the pools of water.

30 out of 30
Things To Do in Ella

Mahamevnama Monastery is part of the series of monasteries which originated from Sri Lanka but grew to nine other countries including Canada, United States of America and Australia. The primary purpose is to present the spiritual teachings of Gautama Buddha easily so that people can easily understand it.