Ella is a highland settlement in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province that resembles a tropical paradise. Among hill after hill of tea plantations, the idyllic Ella town offers panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. The best view is provided by a rift in the lush hills known as Ella Gap. Ella gap provides a telescopic perspective over the Great Plains as far as the southern coast of Sri Lanka by descending nearly 1000m over the crest of the Central Highlands.
Ella is a trekker’s paradise, with plenty of chances for cycling, hiking, and trekking thanks to its waterfalls, rocky cliffs, caverns, plantations, and villages.
01. Little Adam’s Peak
Even though Little Adam’s Peak is smaller than its larger sibling Adam’s Peak, it is still rather spectacular. Three lush peaks that rise over the valley below make up the magnificent ridge. Trek across breathtaking scenery, passing past nearby communities, tea plantations, and fields of tall grass. As you take in the breathtaking, panoramic views and experience what it’s like to be on top of the globe, reaching the top is a feeling like no other.
02. Nine Arch Bridge's Rails
The thirty-meter-high Demodara Nine Arch Bridge is one of the attractions in the mountain resort of Ella. You may reach a stunning piece of architecture that is concealed between verdant green tea plantations with a short 30-minute stroll through the bush.
03. Flying Ravana
One of the best things to do in Ella for thrill-seekers and explorers is the Flying Ravana zip line. The amazing zip line is nearly half a kilometre long, 82m tall, and it can reach 80 km The closest you’ll come to flying is zipping high over the treetops while gazing down on the valley below. The best part is that it’s only a 10-minute drive from Ella town, making it the ideal Ella afternoon activity.
04. Hike to the top of Ella Rock
You can always feel the majestic presence of the imposing Ella Rock in Ella, no matter where you are. One of the best things to do in Ella is to trek the gorgeous green mountain, which is one of the most well-liked hikes. This climb stands out because it is particularly natural and overgrown, which gives you a sense of real adventure.
05. Lipton’s Seat
Sir Thomas Lipton, a Scottish tea tycoon, liked to look over his expanding empire from this location. Lipton’s Seat is a scenic vantage point in Sri Lanka. It is possible to see five provinces in Sri Lanka, as well as Handapanagala Lake, Chandrika Lake, Uda Walawe Lake, WediHiti Kanda Mountains, and Hambantota Harbor, which is situated in the southern coastline region.
06. Diyaluma Falls
The second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 619th-highest waterfall in the world, Diyaluma Falls, is 220m high.It’s the ideal chance to spend time in nature and take pleasure in the ascent of the waterfall.
07. Ravana Falls
This waterfall, which cascades from an oval-shaped concave granite outcrop, is about 25 metres (82 feet) tall. The waterfall transforms into what is supposed to resemble an areca flower with wilting petals during the local wet season. Yet, during the dry season, when the flow of water substantially decreases, this is not the case. The falls are a feature of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from Ella’s regional railway station.
08. Ravana's Cave
Ravana allegedly utilised this cave to conceal Sita. The tiny village of Ella is about 2 km away from Ravana’s Cave, which is close to a cliff that provides views of the valley. Due to its significant historical value, it is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist destinations. To ensure your comfort and safety while visiting the Ravana Cave, we urge you to dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. The pathway going to the cave is rather steep.
09. Ella Tea Factory
The prominent tea plant of Ella town known as the Halpewatte Tea Factory is located just outside the little town of Ella, located in Dambatenne 9 km northeast of Haputale. This tea business, which is owned by Amba Estate Ecological Tea Plantation and Dambatenne Tea Factory, was established by Scottish tea tycoon Sir Thomas Lipton back in the 19th century. Here, you may take advantage of the chance to discover more about the local Ceylon tea as well as to buy freshly-brewed tea and partake in a tea tasting session. One of the most distinctive things to do in Ella is to visit this factory and information centre, made even more special by its historical significance.
10. Cooking Class at Ella
The greatest way to taste the range of flavours in Sri Lankan cuisine is to prepare meals using the available ingredients. Interacting with locals and other like-minded tourists is possible while taking a culinary lesson in Ella. Tourists can take a cooking class at Ella Spice Gardens, a well-known cooking school, to learn about local products and how to prepare delicacies from that region. Following the courses, there are typically delectable lunches where visitors can sample a variety of treats.
