17 Best Things to Do in Ella Itinerary (3-Days)
Are you looking for the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka? In this article, we will share the very best activities and locations that we experienced during our 3-day Ella itinerary. From iconic landmarks to stunning natural scenery and more – every type of traveller will find something to love in the things to do in Ella. Continue reading to find out more!
Ella is located in the central highland region of Sri Lanka. The forests are thick and lush along the undulating landscape. Ella is a place that feels peaceful, where you can find zen. To us, it is most reminiscent of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia.
Ella is one of the most popular destinations in all of Sri Lanka. We have actually been to Ella twice now, four years apart, and we were astonished by how much development this little town has experienced. It is transforming into Sri Lanka’s tourist hub, where we imagine travellers can spend anywhere between days or months.
If you are looking for some of the most famous sights in all of Sri Lanka, Ella is where you want to be. Amongst the best things to do in Ella are the famous train ride, the Nine Arch Bridge, and some of the country’s best hikes.
We recommend spending at least three days in Ella to enjoy the region’s highlights. Continue reading our Ella itinerary to find out more!
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Contents
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get to And Around
- Where to Stay
- Map
- Itinerary
- Additional Things To Do in Ella
- Day Trips from Ella
- Where to Eat
- Conclusion
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Best Time to Visit Ella
Ella is in the central mountain region of Sri Lanka. Consequently, it is slightly cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka. It is also a very lush, green area that sees a decent amount of rainfall.
January – Early April is the dry season making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the fabulous viewpoints around Ella. We visited Ella in late April and whilst it did rain every day, this tended to happen around 3 pm each day which gave us the mornings to hike.
We suggest avoiding September – December as this is the wet season. Although, this would be the best time to see the amazing waterfalls in and around Ella.
How to Get to & Around Ella
Train
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world is found in Sri Lanka. The Kandy-Ella/ Ella-Kandy train takes around 8 hours and provides travellers with incredible landscapes throughout. Our favourite part of the journey was between Ella and Nanu-Oya but none of it is disappointing. Most people choose to travel in second (240 LKR/£0.60) or third (130 LKR/£0.33) class so they can also hang out of the doorways to capture the perfect shot.
This train kills two birds with one stone by transporting people along one of the best attractions in Sri Lanka.
Bus
Sri Lanka has a surprisingly good bus network. We feel there isn’t anywhere on the island the bus doesn’t go. Be warned though, the drivers are fearless and tackle those tight, hilly bends at speed.
Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks are so common in Sri Lanka that there always seems to be one available. Whether you are using them for long distances, or just travelling about locally, we love them for getting around.
In fact, we loved them so much that we actually rented a tuk-tuk for our entire Sri Lanka itinerary and drove ourselves around this amazing country.
Where to Stay in Ella
Deciding where to stay in Ella is a tricky one. You could stay in the busy town where everything is more accessible. Alternatively, you might like to stay just on the outskirts, up the surrounding hills. This way you will benefit from splendid views but have to walk (or tuk-tuk) your way into town for all your meals.
🏨 Ella Hotels
Luxury: 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Mid-Range: Brisk Ella Retreat
Budget: Ella 100 View Cottage
…find more accommodation options here.
Map of The Best Things to Do in Ella
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Best Things To Do In Ella Itinerary
1. Kandy to Ella Train
Rated as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Kandy to Ella/Ella to Kandy train is an experience you do not want to miss. This is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Our favourite section of the journey was between Haputale and Ella, where the landscapes were jaw-dropping. Jostle for a seat with the locals or sit with your legs dangling out of the carriage doors. You won’t be able to put your camera away for this one as you pass through Sri Lanka’s picturesque countryside.
Ella Itinerary – Day 1
The first day of our Ella itinerary tours the most iconic things to do in Ella. From hiking to Instagram- famous landmarks and waterfalls, this day highlights the best of what Ella has to offer.
2. Little Adam’s Peak
Price: Free
Start day one of your Ella itinerary by undertaking the town’s most remarkable hike. Little Adam’s Peak was our favourite hike in Ella as it rewards you with magnificent views across to Ella’s Gap and the valley below.
The hike should take you about 40 minutes from the trailhead to the top and has a moderate incline throughout. Don’t worry though, you’ll keep stopping anyway to take in the fabulous views, particularly as you walk along Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations.
Once at the summit, you can continue to walk along the ridge to find the perfect spot to sit and admire the landscape. This is the ideal place to enjoy the gorgeous Sri Lankan sunrise or sunset. No wonder Little Adam’s Peak is one of the best things to do in Ella.
3. Nine Arch Bridge
Price: Free
One of the most iconic things to do in Ella is see the Nine Arch Bridge. This grand stone viaduct bursting out from the lush tea fields below is now an Instagram hot spot. Here you will find many people trying to capture the perfect pose.
Give yourself plenty of time to explore the bridge from all angles. Our favourite photo spots are amongst the tea plantation which best captures those arches, and from one of the restaurants on the hillside for the best view of the train disappearing into the tunnel.
Make sure you time your visit well to watch the train crossing over the bridge. Ask your hotel or guesthouse for the train timetable so you don’t miss it!
4. Relax at 98 Acres Ravana Pool Club
Price: from 2,750 LKR (£7 per person)
What better way to cool off and recuperate than at the Ravana Pool Club by the luxurious 98 Acres Resort?
Packages include 3-hour or all-day pool access, VIP hot tub areas, food and drink vouchers and poolside loungers. The best part is the packages are priced for up to 4 people so grab some friends and make the most of what Ravana Pool Club has to offer.
The club also runs a “Happy Hour” from 12 pm-2 pm so sip some cocktails and soak in the infinity pool with one of the best views in all of Ella.
5. Ravana’s Waterfall
Price: Free
Ravana’s Waterfall is one of the easiest attractions to see in Ella. The likelihood is you would drive past it on your way in and out of town. The falls stand 25m high and are made up of three tiers.
Most people explore the lower tier where there is a pool suitable for bathing if the conditions are right. You can also follow a dirt path up to the higher points of Ravana Falls but be careful and be safe as it can be steep and slippery.
You will also find monkeys and vendors on the roadside by the waterfall. Here you can buy snacks and souvenirs but keep an eye on your possessions in case the monkeys get grabby.
6. Ravana’s Cave
Price: 150 LKR per person (£0.40)
Not far from Ravana’s Waterfall, you will find Ravana’s Cave. The cave is of historical and cultural importance in Sri Lanka as it is believed that King Ravana used this cave to hide the Indian Princess Sita.
The story goes that King Ravana kidnapped Sita as an act of revenge for Sita’s husband (Rama) who had sliced the nose off of Ravana’s sister. Inside the caves, you can see the pools where Princess Sita is rumoured to have bathed.
There are roughly 650 steps to climb to access Ravana’s Cave which can be slippery and steep so be careful as you climb.
Ella Itinerary – Day 2
The second day of our Ella itinerary takes you on another iconic hike in the region before exploring some of the more cultural things to do in Ella.
7. Ella Rock
Price: Free
No Ella itinerary would be complete without hiking Ella Rock. We recommend starting your day by conquering the Ella Rock hike to beat the heat and the mist that can cover the landscape in the late afternoon.
The route up Ella Rock can be a bit confusing at first but it is worth the effort for the stunning views at the summit. The trail starts by walking along the train tracks before turning off, passing over a stream and walking through lush tea fields. You will also climb up through a eucalyptus forest and tall grass. This hike ticks all the boxes for one of the more adventurous things to do in Ella.
8. Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory Tour
Price: $5 per person
Sri Lanka is well known for its tea so obviously we needed to include a tea plantation on our Ella itinerary. We suggest visiting the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory where you can participate in a tour and tasting.
Tours include a guide through the tea manufacturing process and a tour of the breathtaking tea estate before finally bringing you to the tea shop for a tasting of five types of tea. All of the teas are also available to purchase in the shop which we thought made an excellent souvenir.
We believe visiting the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is one of the best things to do in Ella.
9. Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery – Bandarawela
Price: Free
It’s hard to miss the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Ella as it stands proudly on the hill overlooking the town. Especially at night when it is all lit up!
The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is home to over 30 monks and offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Ella. Opening hours are between 8 am and 9 pm with various activities for you to participate in. At 10:45 am each day there is the Monk’s meal offering, and at 6 pm there is the evening chanting. Also available are personal mediation sessions and blessings.
Visiting this monastery will be a cultural highlight of your Ella itinerary.
Ella Itinerary – Day 3
The final day of our Ella itinerary takes you further afield. Whilst a good part of your day involves sitting in a tuk-tuk, we firmly believe it is worth the journey to experience these Sri Lankan highlights.
10. Lipton Seat
Price: 500 LKR per person + extra for vehicles (£1.30)
We’re pretty sure everybody has heard of Lipton Tea. Sir Thomas Lipton bought his very first tea plantation in Sri Lanka and was well known to visit the viewpoint at the top of his estate to survey his lands, thus was the beginning of the famous “Lipton’s Seat”. It’s hard not to see why Sir Lipton would enjoy this spot, the views are remarkable.
The drive from Ella takes around 1.5 hours but the journey is all part of this experience as you wind your way up through the tea plantation to the very top. You’ll pass so many workers balancing bags of tea on their heads, expertly plucking only the best tea leaves. The scenery is enchanting.
That being said we didn’t have the best experience at Lipton’s Seat. As we were driving ourselves in a tuk-tuk we took the wrong road and spent 2 hours driving the worst, most potholey road ever. Secondly, because of our mistaken route, we arrived at the top just as the clouds were rolling in to obscure the view. Make sure you arrive early to avoid this yourself!
11. Diyaluma Falls
Price: Free
Diyaluma Falls took our breath away. With its natural infinity pool, 220m drop and incredible views, seeing the falls is one of the best things to do in Ella and deserves a feature on your Ella itinerary.
Diyaluma Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and, in our opinion, the most spectacular. It is located not far from Ella so it is easy to flag down a tuk-tuk and make your way over there. Just make sure you ask the driver to wait for you whilst hiking to the top. After a short walk, you will reach the top of the falls where you can bathe in the pools if the current is calm. It is also worth following the river upstream for some more waterfalls that might give you a better chance to swim.
Visiting Diyaluma Falls was one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka and it won’t be something we will forget anytime soon.
Additional Things To Do In Ella
Whether you are looking to switch out any of our suggestions or have more time to spend in Ella, here are our recommended additional things to do in Ella.
12. Cooking Class
Price: around 4,500 LKR per person (£11.40)
We find one of the best ways to immerse ourselves in the culture is by participating in a cooking class. Not only do you learn about the country’s cuisine but it also provides you with wonderful memories and skills to take home with you.
Within Ella, there are a few cooking classes you could join including; Matey Hut’s Cookery School and Bee’s Honey Cookery & Restaurant. Here you will learn the ways of building your spices, roasting the seeds to give your delicious curries depth. Usually, you will be guided through making different curries, rice and even a dessert, concluding with a feast of your hard work.
13. Demodara Railway Loop Viewpoint
Price: Free
The Demodara Loop is one of the most impressive feats of engineering found in Sri Lanka. This spiralling railway loop is the only one in the world where a tunnel lies under a railway station.
It’s hard to explain why this is special but this is definitely a place train and engineering enthusiasts will enjoy!
14. Flying Ravana Mega ZipLine
Price: $32 per person
Our Ella itinerary wouldn’t be complete without throwing one in for the adrenaline seekers. The Flying Ravana Mega Zipline is the perfect thing to do in Ella for thrills. Zip above the valley at 80kmph with a bird’s eye view across the mountains around Ella.
There are a whole host of activities to do here including archery, ATV driving and abseiling so if ziplining isn’t for you, there’s bound to be something else you will love.
Day Trips from Ella
If you are planning to use Ella as a base during your Sri Lanka trip then here are some great day trip options from the area.
15. Horton Plains
Price: 22,100 LKR for 2 adults + vehicle (£56)
Located in the Central Highlands, Horton Plains is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka for those who love the outdoors.
Go on a hike around Horton Plains and let World’s End take your breath away. Just make sure you reach World’s End early in the morning before it becomes shrouded with mist and you miss the incredible views.
The whole circuit is a 9km hike but is worth it for the views from Little World’s End, World’s End and the beautiful Baker’s Falls. There are also leopards in Horton Plains amongst other wildlife, such as deer, so keep your wits about you.
16. Bambarakanda Falls
Price: 150 LKR per person (£0.40)
Another of the epic things to do in Ella is to day trip to Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls.
Bambarakanda Falls is 263m tall and cascades off the mountains from Horton Plains. Whilst the falls can be glimpsed from the road, you must walk through the forest to get to its base and trek a further hour uphill to reach the top.
17. Safari at Udawalawe
Price: 22,750 LKR national park fee + 12,000 LKR for private jeep safari + 3,500 LKR tip for guide (£96 total for 2 people)
One of the ultimate things to do in Ella, and even the whole of Sri Lanka, is to go on safari. The island is so full of incredible wildlife it is almost a requirement to go on safari during your Sri Lanka itinerary. We have been on two: one in Wilpattu where we saw leopards and the other in Udawalawe, where we had incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, experiences with elephants.
Our visit to Udawalawe was so quiet, only seeing other jeeps as we finished our tour, and we must have seen 100 elephants amongst other animals in the park.
Udawalawe was the best safari experience we have been on (although our Chitwan safari in Nepal was also fabulous.)
Where to Eat in Ella
- Matey Hut – popular restaurant in Ella town serving cheap Sri Lankan curries and rice
- Cafe Chill – popular restaurant with tourists selling decent local and international dishes
- The White Rabbit – newly opened in Ella town serving Sri Lankan classics with a twist
- Dosa Cafe – cheap restaurant in Ella serving freshly made, delicious dosas
- Rainbow Cafe – veggie restaurant serving international dishes
- Bees Honey Cookery & Restaurant – just outside of town, serving Sri Lankan dishes
- Ella Siyapatha Hut Restaurant – family-run restaurant serving the best curries
Ella Itinerary Conclusion
As you can see there are so many amazing things to do in Ella that it is hard to fit them all in. You could easily add more days to your Ella itinerary and soak in this amazing place.
Whether it is your first time visiting Sri Lanka or not, Ella is bound to feature on your itinerary. There is no escaping the pull of this captivating town. Not only can you experience those Instagram-famous locations, but you can also enjoy some of the best food in Sri Lanka.
Ella has this vibe that is hard to put into words. It thrills you with its abundance of nature and outdoor experiences but it also allows you to find peace. The air in Ella feels cleansing which is probably why it was one of our favourite places during our Sri Lanka trip. We used our time not only to tick off the top things to do in Ella but also to recuperate. We hope you feel the same during your own Ella adventure!
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