Ella - holidays in Sri Lanka's scenic hillcountry
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Ella is a small town in the Badulla District situated at an elevation of roughly 1,000 metres above sea level. That‘s just high enough for refreshing holidays on the otherwise topical island of Sri Lanka, on the other hand, it‘s never as cold as Nuwara Eliya can be. Ella is a very pleasant location surrounded by hills covered with dark cloud forests or light green tea plantations of the Uva region. Ella has a railway station at the Colombo-Badulla line crossing the central tea highlands of Sri Lanka. Actually, the section between hatton and Ella is the most amazing part of this rail line, which can claim to be among the most scenic tracks of the world.
Content of our Ella page:
Accommodations with best views
Hikes: Little Adam's Peak - Nine Arches Bridge and Asanka Cafe viewpoint - Ella Rock
Ella Gap attractions: Ravana Cave - Ravana Waterfalls - Caving to underground pond Nildiya Pokuna
Uva Halpewaththa Tea Factory
Cooking Classes & Affordable Accommodation directly at the starting point of two beloved hiking trails
Accommodations with best views
Hikes: Little Adam's Peak - Nine Arches Bridge and Asanka Cafe viewpoint - Ella Rock
Ella Gap attractions: Ravana Cave - Ravana Waterfalls - Caving to underground pond Nildiya Pokuna
Uva Halpewaththa Tea Factory
Cooking Classes & Affordable Accommodation directly at the starting point of two beloved hiking trails
“Ella“ is a Sinhala word simply meaning “waterfall“. Indeed there is more than one waterfall in the vicinity of Ella. But the waterfall shown on the picture can be seen from many places on the hills of Ella. It‘s called Kithal Ella. Visitors who arriving in Ella by train from Colombo, Kandy or Nuwara Eliya can spot the waterfall on the right side just when passing or leaving the small railway station also called „Kithal Ella“. It‘s located 2.5 km west of Ella town‘s railway station.
Ella can claim to be a perfect place for a relaxing day during your sightseeing tour in Sri Lanka or even for an entire holiday week in the hill country. A wide range of one-day excursions to heritage sites can be started from Ella. In the first place, Ella‘s immediate surroundings are a main attraction in itself. Actually, Ella is the best choice for a variety of rewarding hiking tours in Sri Lanka, not as exhausting as trekking tours in Knuckles Range or Peak Wilderness.
However, most tourists passing through this area use Ella only as a stopover or spend just one night here on their way from Nuwara Eliya to the south coast. Of course, all kind of guests want to enjoy the famous view to the Ella gap. But there are dozens of guesthoses with sometimes very promising names that don`t offer good views.
A favourite place of backpackers is the Tea Garden Inn. Indeed, it has views to different directions, and most rooms have their own verandas. It’s a delightful place, no doubt. But due to a huge tree in front of it there is no view to the Ella Gap. Lots of the former tea garden area was sold and has been used for construction of other guest houses, therefore the Tea Garden Inn has lost its charme a little bit, although it‘s still a recommendable place.
Here is a list of those accommodation facilities in Ella where you really can enjoy perfect panoramas to the Ella Gap.
However, most tourists passing through this area use Ella only as a stopover or spend just one night here on their way from Nuwara Eliya to the south coast. Of course, all kind of guests want to enjoy the famous view to the Ella gap. But there are dozens of guesthoses with sometimes very promising names that don`t offer good views.
A favourite place of backpackers is the Tea Garden Inn. Indeed, it has views to different directions, and most rooms have their own verandas. It’s a delightful place, no doubt. But due to a huge tree in front of it there is no view to the Ella Gap. Lots of the former tea garden area was sold and has been used for construction of other guest houses, therefore the Tea Garden Inn has lost its charme a little bit, although it‘s still a recommendable place.
Here is a list of those accommodation facilities in Ella where you really can enjoy perfect panoramas to the Ella Gap.
Hotels and guesthouses in Ella for best panoramic views
The “Grand Ella Motel” is the best hotel in town. It is the former colonial resthouse and still also called “The Rest House Grand Ella”. The hotel garden invites you to enjoy your meals or enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks when taking only a short break in Ella. This garden is the place with the classic post card view of the Ella Gap. Nonetheless, little things may be disturbing photographers are those spending a night here, viz. power supply lines in front of the garden and the noise of the nearby mainroad.
The “Zion View Guest House” is a little bit hidden but a quiet place and less expensive. It offers a perfect Ella Gap sight, too. It‘s located at Waterfall Road, which branches off the thoroughfare at Ella‘s main junction, leading westwards.
A little bit farther away from the town centre, but also at Waterfall Road, are two hotels the terraces of which are perfect vantage points, namely the elegant and very clean „Mountain Heaven“ and the cozy „Laura Hotel”. Both of them are situated in peaceful surroundings and offer wonderful panoramic views.
The “Zion View Guest House” is a little bit hidden but a quiet place and less expensive. It offers a perfect Ella Gap sight, too. It‘s located at Waterfall Road, which branches off the thoroughfare at Ella‘s main junction, leading westwards.
A little bit farther away from the town centre, but also at Waterfall Road, are two hotels the terraces of which are perfect vantage points, namely the elegant and very clean „Mountain Heaven“ and the cozy „Laura Hotel”. Both of them are situated in peaceful surroundings and offer wonderful panoramic views.
The “Ella Gap Panorama Guest House” and the neighbouring “Ambiente”, „Sky Green“ and „Heaven‘s Edge“ are further uphill, more than 2 km outside the centre of Ella. All of them are at Kitelella Road, which is on the other side of the railway line. All four places have views to the Ella Gap, too, though each from a slightly different angle. Their panoramic view is much wider than the vistas from the guesthouses closer to Ella's center, all four places have 180 degree panoramas. From this uphill location, you can also see Namunukula, which is the highest mountain in the south-eastern highlands, to the left and the Kital Ella waterfalls to the right. Altogether, this panoramic views are indeed among the loveliest sights in Sri Lanka. „Ella Gap Panorama“ and „Ambiente“ are smaller guesthouses with a familiar, private atmosphere. „Sky Green“ is larger. „Heaven‘s Edge“, by far the most expensive of them, is a very modern hotel and has a pool with best panoramic views. However, customer reviews say a hotel of this price category could have cleaner bathrooms.
Regrettably, all the hotels and guesthouses mentioned above do not pay for our recommendation, as we forgot to ask them to do so. This is to say: We are honestly convinced, they are the best choice for those who are looking for the best panoramic views in Ella. The three title photos of this webpage is taken from the terrace of the „Ella Gap Panorama Guesthouse“.
Those holiday makers, who spend more than a break or a single night in Ella, might be interested to know where to go, in order to enjoy the lovely scenery Ella has to offer. Thus, what follows is a list of hiking destinations around Ella.
Regrettably, all the hotels and guesthouses mentioned above do not pay for our recommendation, as we forgot to ask them to do so. This is to say: We are honestly convinced, they are the best choice for those who are looking for the best panoramic views in Ella. The three title photos of this webpage is taken from the terrace of the „Ella Gap Panorama Guesthouse“.
Those holiday makers, who spend more than a break or a single night in Ella, might be interested to know where to go, in order to enjoy the lovely scenery Ella has to offer. Thus, what follows is a list of hiking destinations around Ella.
Hiking to Ella's "Little Adam's Peak"
Enjoying the view through the Ella Gap to the lowlands of Sri Lanka, you will easily recognize the contrasting shapes of the mountains flanking the gap. The mountain to the right, called „Ella Rock“, is very steep and stony, partly overgrown by wood, whereas the slopes of the mountain to the left are covered with wide grasslands and tea. Nontheless, this smaller peak is not less prominent. Due to its conical shape – only when seen from Ella – it‘s called „Little Adam‘s Peak“. The Sinhala name of what Westerners call „Adam‘s Peak“ is „Siri Pada“, which translates to „sacred foot“. Thus not surprisingly, Little Adam‘s Pek is also called Punchi Siri Pada by locals. In fact, those are nickname sof other conical hills in Sri Lanka, too, this one is of course the most well-known of Adam‘s Peak‘s smaller brothers. Don‘t be confused. Concerning the efforts required to reach the summit, Little Adam‘s Peak in Ella is not at all comparable to the big Adam‘s Peak near Ratnapura. Actually, it‘s a quite relaxing walk to the top. Only the last part is a stairway, but of a few hundred steps – not a few thosand as in the case of the genuine Adam‘s Peak. Alternatively, a pleasent serpentine path is leading to the top of Little Adam‘s Peak.
The 1141 m high peak is situated only 3 km outside Ella town. The first kilometre of the walk will lead along the road to Passara. As this is a paved road and a less scenic part of the hike, it‘s recommendable to take a tuktuk to a the starting point of the more attractive path winding 2 km through tea plantation. The starting point is in a bend of the road, where a white seated Buddha is placed. This path to Little Adam`s Peak is really easy to find, as it‘s marked by signboards near the 98 Acres Resort. From here, it will tahe about 40 minutes to get to the top, although it‘s in only 2 km distance. The first part of the path goes through a lush green tea plantation. With a little luck, you can observe tea pickers in this area. The last part is steeper, although not too exhausting, as already mentioned.
The 1141 m high peak is situated only 3 km outside Ella town. The first kilometre of the walk will lead along the road to Passara. As this is a paved road and a less scenic part of the hike, it‘s recommendable to take a tuktuk to a the starting point of the more attractive path winding 2 km through tea plantation. The starting point is in a bend of the road, where a white seated Buddha is placed. This path to Little Adam`s Peak is really easy to find, as it‘s marked by signboards near the 98 Acres Resort. From here, it will tahe about 40 minutes to get to the top, although it‘s in only 2 km distance. The first part of the path goes through a lush green tea plantation. With a little luck, you can observe tea pickers in this area. The last part is steeper, although not too exhausting, as already mentioned.
view to Ella Rock
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tea plantation on the way
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summits of Little Adam's Peak
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Standing on the summit, you will find that Little Adam‘s Peak has a handful of adjacent summits, all of them inviting to sit down and to enyoy the spectacular views to the lowlands in the south, the steep Ella Rock in the west and Ella town in the northwest. Returning from the summit, you can spot the white building of Newburgh Green Tea Factory to the northeast.
As the hike to Little Adam‘s Peak is not very long, you can also continue by walking to the tea factory. The Newburg Estate was established as early as 1884, and the factory started to be operated in 1903. But you should be aware, that it cannot be visited any more. Currently, it‘s closed due to a trend to centralize tea production of incresingly larger areas. Once, Newburgh had the reputation of being one of the best green tea factories of Sri Lanka.
Nine Arches Bridge between Ella and Demodara
Newburgh Green Tea Factory is one of the starting points to another hike, which, as already mentioned can easily be combined with climbing Little Adam‘s Peak. Just 100 m behind the tea factory, a side road branches of from the Passara road, leading downwards to the left. At the next gable, turn left. After 500 m, you will reach a perfect viewpoint to see one of Sri Lanka‘s most iconic railway bridges. The Nine Arches Bridge, also called "Nine Arch Bridge" or „Bridge in the Sky“ or known as “Aarukku Namaye Palama” in Sinhala, is located between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The eye-catching bridge was commisioned in 1921. The engineering of this bridge was a challenge for the British constructors because of the instable underground conditions. The breakthrough idea was finally provided by a local engineer.
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A second option to reach Nine Arches Bridge is to start at the Nine Arch Bridge car park. The road to this car park branches off in a bend of the Passara road (B 113) just halfway between the Samadhi Nature Resort and the 98 Acres Resort & Spa.
The nicest trail, however, runs through the forest, starting just at the bend near Ella Flower Garden Resort, where the shortest path to Little Adam's Peak and to the Ravana Zipline starts at the other side of the road. Another option to reach the Nine Arches Bridge has become quite popular, viz. to walk 4 km along the rail from Ella railways station and to cross the 300 m long tunnel. But you should do this only after a train has just passed and another train is not scheduled. Be aware, trains are often late. So do not rely on the timetables alone, but make sure that you really saw the train passing. |
Nine Arches Timetable
Trains pass over the bridge at the following times:
* Trains to Badulla come out of the tunnel |
Best viewpoint to see Nine Arches Bridge: Asanka Cafe
There are several good viewpoints to take pictures of Nine Arches Bridge. One is at the hill just above the tunnel. Another one is at the same western end of the bridge, just below the footpath that is the shortest route to Little Adam's Peak. Sometimes drinks are on offer at this viewpoint. This point offers a side view of the bridge, so the arches can be seen much better from here than from the point just above the rail.
However, the classic view to Nine Arches Bridge between Ella and Demodara are from the opposite side, at the eastern end of the bridge, because only from this side you have the view to the tunnel entrance just behind the bridge. One viewpoint is directly beside the rail, on the concave side of the bridge. This viewpoint is the one closest to the train, but on the same level as the rail. On the opposite convex side of the bridge is a good footpath. After only 50 meteres you will find another nice viewpoint there.
There are several good viewpoints to take pictures of Nine Arches Bridge. One is at the hill just above the tunnel. Another one is at the same western end of the bridge, just below the footpath that is the shortest route to Little Adam's Peak. Sometimes drinks are on offer at this viewpoint. This point offers a side view of the bridge, so the arches can be seen much better from here than from the point just above the rail.
However, the classic view to Nine Arches Bridge between Ella and Demodara are from the opposite side, at the eastern end of the bridge, because only from this side you have the view to the tunnel entrance just behind the bridge. One viewpoint is directly beside the rail, on the concave side of the bridge. This viewpoint is the one closest to the train, but on the same level as the rail. On the opposite convex side of the bridge is a good footpath. After only 50 meteres you will find another nice viewpoint there.
photo courtesy of Nandana, Asanka Cafe
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photo courtesy of Nandana, viewpoint Asanka Cafe
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However, to see Nine Arches from a higher angle, as shown on this webpage, you have to turn to the convex side of the bridge and the climb the steep footpath up to Asanka Cafe. The entrance to the terrace also has a signboard indicating the "viewpoint". The best time for photos from the Asanka Cafe viewpoint is in the morning. The staff is helpful to show you the perfect spot for your photos. Upright photos (portrait format) are best taken from a forestage constructed directly at the terrace of Asanka Cafe. However, when taking horizontal photos (landscape format), you will find it disturbing that parts of the neighbouring roofs are at the right edge of your photo. So for landscape format images without nearby roofs in the foreground, you better climb a little bit downhill. The owners of Asanka Cafe will allow you to do that and on request will personally show you the best viewpoint at the slope. Anyway, you should not miss to have a taste of their freshly prepared coconut rotis, when having your drinks in Asanka Cafe after your photo session.
To see the bridge in frontal view from a farer distance, the best options would be the terraces of the Nine Arches Lodge or the Nine Arches View Ella. However, on photos taken from their terraces the bridge will look very small and the arches are mostly covered by trees from this angle. This place is more perfect for enjoying the scenery around the bridge than for taking pictures of the trains.
To see the bridge in frontal view from a farer distance, the best options would be the terraces of the Nine Arches Lodge or the Nine Arches View Ella. However, on photos taken from their terraces the bridge will look very small and the arches are mostly covered by trees from this angle. This place is more perfect for enjoying the scenery around the bridge than for taking pictures of the trains.
Hiking to Ella Rock
A longer hike leads to the top of Ella Rock. It will take 4 to 5 hours up and down, though Ella Rock is in only 4 km distance. For the first 2.3 km you have to walk along the railway line and leave it just at the waterfalls. In case you don‘t like this part, you can go by tuktuk to Kithal Ella railway station, which is in only 200 m distance from the falls. Just behind the waterfalls, a detour to the grass-covered hill on the left is well worth an additional kilometre, as it‘s a perfect vantage point to Ella and surroundings. The path to the summit of Ella Rock crosses a small settllment area with vegetable fields. When reching the thick wood, the climb will turn out to be much more strenuous than that to Little Adam‘s Peak. From the top of Ella Rock, you have a view only to the eastern direction, behind Little Adam‘s Peak at the opposite site of Ella Gap, you can see the highest mountain range of Sri Lanka‘s southeastern hill country. The range and it‘s most prominent summit are called Namunukula.
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Ravana Cave and Ravana Maha Viharaya
According the Ramayana, the Indian national epic, King Ravana of Lanka had kidnapped the beautiful princess Sita, consort of Lord Rama, and brought her to his island a flying charriot. Local legends have ist, that Sita was held in captivity at several places in Sri Lanka. One of this places where she is believed to have been hidden is the Ravana Ella Cave. Sita is said to have bathed in the pools of the cascades of the waterfall furthr downhill, see below. The Ravana Cave is a prehistorical site indeed. Excavations unearthed evidence of human habitation in the period of the Balangoda culture 25,000 years ago.
The Ravana cave is at the foot of Ella Rock. The climb to the cave starts at a gate at a dead-end road that runs to the Ravana Maha Vihara. A stairway of around 600 steps leads up to the cave entrance. Most of the stairs are built of cement. Only a few stairs are cut in the rock and can be slippery after rainfall. On the way to the cave you can enjoy views to Ella town and Little-Adam's Peak.
The cave is about 200 m deep. To reach the farthest point you definitely need a torch. According to local tales, the Ravana Cave is just the beginning of a long artificial tunnel and connected to an entire network of underground passageways that was constructed by King Ravana 5000 years ago.
The cave is about 200 m deep. To reach the farthest point you definitely need a torch. According to local tales, the Ravana Cave is just the beginning of a long artificial tunnel and connected to an entire network of underground passageways that was constructed by King Ravana 5000 years ago.
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At the dead end of the side street leading to the ticket counter of Ravana Cave is a small cave temple decorated in the typical Sri Lankan style, with a recling Buddha and a dragon arch and painted ceilings in a natural rock shelter. The temple is called Ravana Maha Viharaya. It's quite rare that a Buddhist monastery is named after a person venerated by Hindus. Ravana plays no role in Sri Lanka's Theravada Buddhism.
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Ravana Falls in Ella Gap
Ravana Falls is not a hiking destination. It‘s situated at the main road close to the bottom end of the Ella Gap. Parking is permitted close to bridge, from where you have a perfect view to the cascades of this waterfall called Ravanna Ella. Altogether, the main cascade measures approximately 25 m in height. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into the shape of an areca flower with withering petals.
Ravana Ella waterfall is one of Sri Lanka’s many waterfalls veiled in legend. The falls are named after the abovementions legendary King of Lanka.
Ravana Ella waterfall is one of Sri Lanka’s many waterfalls veiled in legend. The falls are named after the abovementions legendary King of Lanka.
Nildiya Pokuna - Caving to an Underground Pond
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Nildiya Pokuna is definitely one of the most exciting attractions in the immidiate surroundings of Ella. Nildiya Pokuna is named after the blue ("nil") pond ("pokuna") at the bottom end of the cave. Nildiya Pokuna is one of the few deep caves in Sri Lanka that can be explored easily. However, you should be aware that this caving tour, taking 800m underground for one way, is not managable for persons scared by slippery slopes or very narrow tunnels or climbing ladders or who suffer from night blindness. A guide is mandatory and included in the ticket price (3,000 Rupies in 2023). The cave guide will assist and provide forehead torches. He also has a strong torch to lighten the main cave room at the blue water pond. Hindu pilgrims regard Nildiya Pokuna as created by Ravana. It was his favourite spot for his Tapas austerity practices, giving him supernatural powers. Hindu devotees take ritual bathes in the blue pond and meditate and chant Mantras. Westerrn tourists just enjoy a cool swim.
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Uva Halpewaththa Tea Factory near Ella
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The best tea factory to study tea production methods near Ella is Uva Halpewaththa, situated in 2 km distance to the northeast of Ella, as the crow flies, but it will take 6 km by road. The hike would be 4 km, using the Ella-Halpe road, starting at the back of the Ella railway station. After 2 km downhill, you will reach the Bandarawela-Badulla main road and have to turn left and follow the busy road for about 600 m. Then the serpentine road leading to Uva Halpewaththa Tea Factory will branch off to the right.It‘s in fact the largest tea factory in Sri Lanka’s Uva province and the best place to study the processes of tea production in Badulla District.
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Just compare the quality of information and images on this webpage with other Ella pages you find online...
... then you can imagine how Lanka Excursions Holidays can make a difference also concerning travel experiences
... then you can imagine how Lanka Excursions Holidays can make a difference also concerning travel experiences
Honey Bee Garden Homestay
Cooking Classes & Affordable Accommodation
halfway between Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arches Bridge
For Cooking Classes in Ella we recommend the clean and comfortable private kitchen of the Honey Bee Garden Homestay at the 3rd mile post of Passara Road in Ella. In an entertaining and enjoyable way you will learn all relevant details about the fresh ingredients and the spices and the preparation methods of typical Sri Lankan dishes, so that you can cook authentic Sri Lankan meals during and after your holidays.
For independent travelers, Honey Bee Garden Homestay offers two rooms, viz. one family room with two double beds and one triple room with one double and one single bed. The toilets are clean. The location in 1 km distance from the bars and restaurants in the center of Ella has the advantage of being quiet.
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Honey Bee Garden Homestay is located in the same bend as the 3-star hotel Ella Flower Garden Resort, just at the opposite side of the road. This means, the location is perfect for those holiday makers that like to start their hikes just at the door of their rooms, without any additional need of transport services. Both classic short trails of Ella start immediately at this bend between Flower Garden and Honey Bee Garden, namely the path to Little Adam's Peak and the Ravana Zipline and also the jungle path to Nine Arches Bridge.
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