Ella

Breathtaking Views

Ella is described as one of the most breathtaking locations in Sri Lanka. Ella is surrounded by high mountains in the central hills and through a gap in the mountains you can see all the way to the ocean off the Hambantota coast line. This special gap with breathtaking views is called Ella Gap.

Ella, Sri Lanka: The Hill Country’s Green Heart for Nature Lovers

Discover the Majestic Beauty of Ella – Sri Lanka’s Trekking Paradise

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush central highlands, Ella is a dreamy, laid-back town that serves as the ultimate retreat for anyone passionate about nature, trekking, and breathtaking scenery. Elevated over a kilometre above sea level, Ella offers a cooler, refreshing escape from the island’s heat and an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

This Hill Country gem is defined by its dramatic Ella Gap, where sheer cliffs drop into vast, emerald valleys, offering panoramic views that stretch all the way to the southern coast on a clear day.

Why Earth Trip Loves Ella: The Essential Experiences

• Trekker’s Delight: Little Adam’s Peak & Ella Rock Ella is the undisputed capital for hiking enthusiasts in Sri Lanka.
  • The relatively easy ascent of Little Adam’s Peak rewards you with stunning 360-degree views of the countryside, perfect for a sunrise hike.
  • For a more challenging and rewarding adventure, tackle the multi-hour hike to the summit of Ella Rock, a natural landmark offering some of the most phenomenal vistas over the Ella Gap.
• The Iconic Nine Arch Bridge No visit to Ella is complete without witnessing the engineering marvel of the Nine Arch Bridge. Tucked amidst verdant tea plantations and dense jungle, this famous colonial-era stone viaduct makes for a stunning photo opportunity, especially when a colourful train slowly rumbles across it.
• The World’s Most Scenic Train Journey Ella is the culminating point of the legendary Kandy-to-Ella train ride. This journey is celebrated globally as one of the most beautiful in the world, winding through misty mountains, over deep gorges, and past endless, cascading tea estates. It’s an unmissable cultural and visual experience.
• Tea, Waterfalls, and Local Charm Explore the vast, manicured tea estates and gain insight into the famous Ceylon tea at a local factory. Cool off and relax at the powerful Ravana Falls, one of the island’s widest waterfalls, or take a scenic detour to the nearby Lipton’s Seat for unparalleled views of Sir Thomas Lipton’s former empire. The town itself provides a charming, relaxed atmosphere with cosy cafes and local cooking classes for a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Ella is more than just a destination; it’s a place to slow down, breathe the cool mountain air, and reconnect with nature on an adventurous Earth Trip.