Ella Without the Hype: What’s Actually Worth Doing

This guide is meant to help you sort out what’s actually worth doing in Ella, Sri Lanka, and I’ll keep things as objective and practical as possible. First thing first, plan you visit around to the weather.

When To Visit Ella

Ella has its own little microclimate, which means it stays green year‑round and you can get light drizzles in almost any month. It’s rarely “bone‑dry,” but it’s also not a place where rain ruins your day. The wettest months are October and November, followed by December and April. These are the months I’d avoid if you want clear views and dry trails. I visited in June, and the weather was mostly great— warm days, some cloud cover, and the occasional short shower, but overall very pleasant for hiking and exploring.

° C ° F

Hill Country (Low-Mid)

jan 25°C 17°C

feb 26°C 17°C

mar 27°C 18°C

apr 27°C 19°C

may 26°C 20°C

jun 25°C 20°C

jul 25°C 20°C

aug 25°C 19°C

sep 25°C 19°C

oct 25°C 19°C

nov 25°C 18°C

dec 25°C 18°C

How Is Ella and Is It Worth Visiting

Ella is set in a naturally beautiful area, and it does earn a place in most itineraries. Just keep your expectations realistic — it’s scenic and enjoyable, but not overwhelmingly spectacular. Think of it as a pleasant, laid‑back hill town with some lovely viewpoints rather than a destination that will redefine your trip.

What stayed with me the most was the calm of waking up in the forest — starting the day with a cup of coffee while the sun slowly filtered through the trees and the sounds of the forest eased me into the morning.

Ella has become increasingly popular over the years, so you can expect prices for lodging and food to be higher than in many other parts of Sri Lanka. Still, if you avoid eating in the center, you can easily pick up a couple of chicken‑stuffed rotis and a coffee from a roadside stand for around $1 USD. Accommodation outside the center ranges from simple $10 USD rooms to high‑end luxury stays.

I stayed at Rivinu Holiday Resort, a bit outside town, and I’d recommend choosing a place slightly removed from the center if you want those peaceful, slow‑starting mornings too.

Things Actually Worth Doing in Ella

1. Taking the Scenic Train Ride from Kandy

This is hands down one of the best experiences in the Sri Lankan highlands.

You’ll roll slowly through vast stretches of tea plantations at different altitudes. Some sit right next to the tracks—close enough to almost touch the leaves—while others climb the surrounding hillsides in every direction. If you’re a tea‑lover, it’s a great introduction to Ceylon tea before visiting an actual tea factory.

During my ride from Nuwara Eliya, the weather was rainy and misty at times, which partly ruined the views. But in some sections, the landscape opened up more while the mist slowly disappeared, giving the journey a quiet, mysterious feel. Some people compare the scenery to Switzerland; I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s still very scenic.

Timing matters, though. Clear weather makes a big difference, especially if you want those wide, open valley views. The months with the least rain and mist are January to March, but December, April and May can be good too.

The most scenic stretch is between Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and it only takes about 3-4 hours, compared with the much longer 7-10 hours from Kandy.

There are three classes to choose from: 3rd class, 2nd class, and 1st class. I rode from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in 3rd class because 2nd and 1st were sold out—I hadn’t booked in advance. I still had a great time, but there weren’t seats for everyone, so I mostly stood or sat on bags of rice in the luggage cabin while the open doors offered one spectacular view after another.

If you want to sit in 2nd or 1st class, book early. You’ll be comfortable, and you can still wander into 3rd class if you’re curious—then return to your seat when you’ve had enough of the chaos. Or, if you are like me who actually enjoyes a bit of chaos and rustic charm, just opt for 3rd class as well.

• Cost: Depends on the class
• Where to Book: Tickets are released 30 days before departure and it’s best to book 1st and 2nd class tickets as early as possible through 12go.asia, especially during high season. If you’re opting for 3rd class, you can simply buy your ticket at the station instead.
• Duration: Kandy → Ella (7-10 hours) or Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) → Ella (3-4 hours)
• Worth it: Absolutely worth every rupee.

2. Hike Little Adam’s Peak

I wouldn’t really call this a hike — it took me less than 30 minutes to reach the top. Stroll might be a better word, and honestly, it’s the most beautiful stroll in Ella. The path is comfortable, well‑marked, and easy to follow, so getting lost is basically impossible. Good shoes or sandals are recommended, though; some sections are rocky, and slippers make it easy to twist an ankle.

At the top, you get a stunning 360‑degree view of layered green hills, with Ravana Falls peeking out in the distance. After the first viewpoint, there’s a second peak you can reach by going down briefly and then climbing up again. When I visited, the surface there was very rocky and a bit slippery with loose stones, but it was still worth the effort — the views from the second peak are even better.

At the entrance to Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll find a restaurant with an infinity pool where you can buy a day pass if you want to cool down afterward. There’s also a Bali swing if you’re after one of those classic Instagram shots.

• Cost: Free
• Worth it: Definitely
• When to Visit: Sunrise is the most impressive, but I went at midday — it was hot, but still very manageable
• Where: About 2.5 km from Ella train station — View Location on Google Maps

3. Visit Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is a stunning waterfall set against dramatic rocky cliffs, just a short drive outside Ella. The water cascades down in multiple tiers, surrounded by lush greenery, and the whole scene is visible right from the roadside.

If the roadside viewpoint feels crowded, follow the small trail leading toward the waterfall. It brings you to a rock pool where you can dip your feet and relax. Just be careful — the rocks can be slippery. You’ll also see plenty of monkeys around, so keep an eye on your belongings.

There are a few simple roadside restaurants nearby selling snacks and drinks if you want to take a break.

Cost: Free
When to visit: It gets busy around lunchtime and in the afternoon, so going earlier gives you a quieter experience
Worth it: Yes
Where: Just outside Ella — View Location on Google Maps

4. Tour the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory

Uva Halpewatte is one of the largest producers of Ceylon tea and is considered among the best in Sri Lanka. The factory sits about 5 km north of Ella, surrounded by lush green tea fields.

Here, you can choose between three experiences:

• Factory tour with tea tasting — 3000 LKR (~$10 USD)
• Plantation tour with tea tasting — 3000 LKR (~$10 USD)
• Masterclass for tea fanatics — 9000 LKR (~$30 USD)

The plantation tour takes you through the fields and lets you pluck tea leaves yourself, while the factory tour focuses on the full production process. Both experiences end with a tea tasting. The masterclass includes both the plantation and factory components, and finishes with a session where you craft your own signature blend.

I did the factory tour and learned a lot about how their tea is made. It was genuinely interesting, but the highlight was the tasting session at their café, where we sampled teas with different roasting levels — the longer the roast, the more intense the flavor. I’m normally a coffee person, but I still enjoyed it and would recommend the experience.

• Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Arrive at least 2 hours before so you’ll be able to join a tour)
• Duration: About 1 hour
• Worth it: Definitely. Perfect for anyone who enjoys caffeine and wants to learn more about tea
• How to get there: A short tuk‑tuk ride from Ella — View on Google Maps

5. Visit Ravana’s Cave & Temple

If you’re into history or mythology, this place is worth a stop. According to the legend, King Ravana kidnapped Queen Sita — the wife of King Rama of India — and hid her in this cave. So in a way, you’re visiting an ancient crime scene.

Reaching the cave involves climbing about 650 steps, and it can be a bit tiring, so take your time. Inside, you can walk roughly 200 meters inside the cave before the passage is blocked by a large stone placed by the government for safety reasons. Expect to see plenty of bats once you’re inside.

Cost: 200 LKR (around $0.65 USD)
Worth it: Yes — but you can skip it if you’re short on time
When to Visit: Any time of the day since it’s a cave, just check the opening open on their Google Map Profile.
Where it is: About 2 km from Ella town — View Location on Google Maps

6. Admire the Nine Arch Bridge (Yes, it’s hyped up)

You’ve probably seen photos of the Nine Arch Bridge and though wow, that looks nice, But at the same time, you’re probably a bit sceptical, quietly wondering what all the fuzz is about — and honestly, you’re right to question it. It’s a little mind-boggling that this bridge has become such an iconic sight of Ella, even being showcased as one of the top sights in Sri Lanka. Truth to be told, it isn’t. But perhaps it represents the overall atmosphere of Ella more than the bridge itself.

What’s especially amusing is how the fear of missing out turns almost everyone into a temporary train-watcher — an activity most people wouldn’t normally care about. Yet here, people gather (me included of course), camera in hand, wait and eagerly listen at any distant clatter of the tracks, just to witness a train pass a century old bridge. And the train is just a normal train.

The bridge itself is a remnant from british colonial engineering. Built in 1919, it was considered a challenging project due to the nine-degree curve and the steep terrain. Consists of nine arches and is 91 m (300 ft) long.

Besides from waiting for the train, explore the area and get a coffee or refreshments from the small cafés around.

• Worth it: I’d still recommend having a peek, so you won’t feel like you missed out, but manage your expectations.
• Cost: Free
• Where it is: About 2 km from Ella Train Station. Just hop on a tuk-tuk and you’ll be there in no time — View Location on Google Maps

7. Hike Up to Ella Rock

A beautiful hike of around 5 km round‑trip from Kitha Ella Railway Station. If you prefer to start from central Ella, the full distance becomes roughly 10 km. From Kitha Ella, the trail begins with a short walk along the railway tracks before continuing through tea plantations.

Along the way, you’ll likely encounter locals trying to redirect you onto the wrong path, only to offer “help” later for a fee when you’re lost. Don’t follow anyone.

Just stick to the route on AllTrails and you’ll be completely fine: https://www.alltrails.com/sv-se/led/sri-lanka/badulla/ellas-rock

• Time: About 2 hours total, including roughly an hour at the top if you start from Kitha Ella Railway Station. If you start from Ella, add another hour.
• Cost: Foreigners: Adult Rs. 930 / Child Rs. 470 Locals: Adult Rs. 75 / Child Rs. 40. This is paid close to the top of Ella Rock.

How Many Days to Spend in Ella

You can visit the highlights in just one day, however two days will give you enough time to do it all with some breathing room. If you want to take things in a more relaxed tempo, just add another day. Anything beyond that would mean slowing down, hanging out in the cafés, and soaking in the atmosphere rather than ticking off sights.

Itineraries for Ella

I’m a big fan of planning my sightseeing so everything build up to one final cresendo whenever possible. For Ella, I’d recommend the following order if you’re staying one or two days. I assume the train has been ridden the day previously, and now you are waking in Ella.

1-day Itinerary

• Nine Arch Bridge
• Ravana Falls
• Lunch
• Tour the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory
• Little Adam’s Peak for sunset views

2-day Itinerary

The Easy Summary

Ella is more about the setting itself — tucked away in the hills — than the moment a train crosses the Nine Arch Bridge, though that certainly adds to the atmosphere. I wouldn’t advise skipping the bridge all together, just make sure to manage your expectations. To get the most out of Ella, I recommend following the 1-day itinerary, which gives you the best of the area in a compact and satisfying loop.

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