We spent 3 days exploring Ella as part of our tuktuk road trip in 2025, and it was a welcome break from the oppressive heat on the coast and at lower elevations. The air is cooler and crisper up here, and the fresh mountain breeze makes hiking and mid-day exploring much more pleasant.
Also, the misty hillsides and tea plantations are a scenic change from palm trees and beaches. Whether you're here for Instagram shots, serious hiking, or just to escape the coastal heat for a few days, here's how to make the most of your time in Ella.
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Key Tips for Visiting Ella
- Getting There. Most people arrive by train from Kandy. It's one of the most scenic train rides in the world, winding through tea country with massive views. Book your tickets in advance if you can, especially for first or second class.
- If you're driving a tuktuk, you can still ride the train. Companies like Tuktuk Rentals offer a driver who'll take your tuktuk from Kandy to Ella while you ride the train. You meet them in the morning, hop on the train, and when you arrive in Ella, your tuktuk is waiting at your guesthouse. It's a perfect solution.
- How Long to Stay. Two to three days is ideal. One day for Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak, another for the Diyaluma Falls day trip, and a third if you want to take things slow or explore more trails.
- Parking. If you're driving, parking at Little Adam's Peak can be a bit pricey. The hike starts right next to Ravana Pool Club, and the lots nearby know they've got you cornered.
- The Heat is Real. Ella's up in the mountains, so it's cooler than the coast, but the hikes still get hot. Bring water, start early if you can, and don't underestimate how much the sun will drain you on those steep climbs.
- Stay Connected. Power outages are common, so pick up an e-SIM before you go to stay online.
- Train Schedules Aren't Always Accurate. If you're timing your visit to Nine Arch Bridge around the train, just know the schedule is more of a guideline. Ask locals or cafe staff for the latest info, and build in some buffer time.
- Laundry Time! On most Sri Lanka trips, Ella is around the midpoint. It's not fun, but that means laundry is probably on the to-do list. Obey Laundry is a trustworthy service walking distance from the main street. They are a great, family-run place where you can drop off a big bag of stinky clothes and come back the next day for the clean ones. They were great about air drying some of our delicate items, and their prices were super fair considering the care they provide.
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
Location Map
All locations mentioned in this blog are pinned here so you can visualize your trip!8 Best Things to Do in Ella
1. Nine Arch Bridge
This is one of the best views near Ella (in my opinion). It's a massive stone bridge that arches over a lush valley of tea plants, and when the trains roll through, they stop right on the bridge so passengers can soak in the views.
Getting There: Head to the path near this juice stand. We parked our tuktuk on the road and walked in. You'll see tuktuk drivers further down the smaller roads, but they're pros and we are not. Walk down the small road, and right after a little pond, the road will fork. Left takes you down the hill, right takes you up. Go right. It leads straight to Cafe Soul, which is the best place to wait for the next train.
Cafe Soul. This spot has a perfect view of the bridge, looking down at the train. The breeze up there is amazing, the lime soda is to die for, and the staff are super friendly. They'll help you figure out when the next train is coming, even though the schedule isn't always right.
Getting Your Photos. If you're here for the pics (and let's be honest, we were), start at the cafe for that elevated angle looking down at the train. If you have time to wait for another train, head down to the track level. On the right side of the bridge, there are trails weaving through the tea plants. This is where you get those lower-angle shots that really show off the arches. It works with or without a train.
2. Diyaluma Falls
This was by far the coolest thing we did in Ella. It's an easy day trip, but it was a bit confusing figuring out how to get there. Some locals add to that confusion by trying to get you to hire them as a guide. You don't need one. Once you've found the trail, it's straightforward.
Getting There. Don't use the Google Maps pin called "Diyaluma Falls." Instead, head to the pin called "Easy Diyaluma Falls Hiking Trail." You can find free parking past the first few shops. Keep walking up the road. There are lots of families selling coconuts who'll help point you in the right direction. Some guides hang out here too, trying to get you to go with them. They'll show you around the falls and help you get your pics, but you can definitely do it alone.
At the end of the road, there are steps leading up to the trail. Follow it until you reach a ticket booth. When we went in 2025, it was 350 Rupees per person ($1.20 USD). Keep going, and you'll hit a fork. Left takes you to the upper falls, right takes you to the lower. Either way, you'll loop back to the fork, so you can't go wrong.
- The Lower Falls. It's the largest waterfall but the smallest swimming area. You can swim right up to the edge where the water falls off a 700-foot cliff. It's wild.
- The Mid Falls. Follow the trail along the water to the mid-falls. These are smaller falls but a bigger swimming area. Lots of shaded spots to set up your towels for a snack or a drink.
- The Upper Falls. Continue up the trail to the tallest falls. This is where people cliff jump. Be careful here. There are safe spots and dangerous spots, and water levels change throughout the year. When we were there, locals who knew the falls were telling people where it's best to jump.
3. Hike Little Adam's Peak
This is a small hike, but the heat makes it a bit of a challenge. It starts right next to Ravana Pool Club, which looks super fun. It's a modern-looking pool overlooking the views (which are already amazing because the hike starts pretty high up). Lots of people were swimming, lounging on couches, and drinking pitchers of beer. It could be a great way to cool down after the hike if you have time.
The Trail:
From the pool bar, you'll pass through a pretty developed area with ziplines and trampoline park-type attractions. Then you'll reach a more worn-down staircase. The hike is really just one big push up the hill to the first viewpoint, where some sweet older ladies sell cold coconuts to help you cool down.
You can continue the trail down a super steep section, then back up to the next viewpoint, then down and up one more time to the third. The views are worth it, but pace yourself. The heat will get you.
There isn't anything at the top aside from the coconuts and the views, but that's more than enough for me. We spent about an hour at the top sipping our coconuts and taking photos.
4. Ravana Waterfall
This is a massive waterfall just a 10-minute drive south of Ella. If you're driving and passing by, you can pull over and take a look. It's a big roadside attraction-type waterfall. It's impressive, but if you've seen your share of waterfalls, you can skip it.
In all honesty, I wasn't that impressed. Waterfalls aren't rare where we're from (Squamish, BC), and we've seen so many waterfalls throughout our travels that they've started to lose some of their awe-factor. This is kind of just a decent waterfall, but nothing shocking.
It is always busy, and lots of people love it. So don't let me discourage you entirely, but keep this in mind if you only have limited time here.
5. Hike Up Ella Rock
If you want a good workout and one of the best views in Sri Lanka, this is it. It's a longer and steeper hike than Little Adam's Peak, but the trail winds through tea fields, forest, and local farms before opening up to a wide ridge overlooking the valley. It's a bit confusing at the start, but once you're on the trail, it's straightforward.
Getting There. Start early. Aim to reach the top before 9 a.m. to beat the heat and the clouds. The trail starts near Kithal Ella train station, about a 10-minute drive or tuktuk ride from town. You can park nearby or take the train there if you're feeling adventurous. From the station, follow the tracks south (same direction the train goes toward Badulla) for about 1 km. You'll see some small food stalls, and there will be plenty of locals who can point you towards the trail.
Ignore the Guides. Locals sometimes hang out near the first turnoff, pretending the route is confusing and trying to offer their guide services. You don't need one. Stay friendly but firm. Keep walking until you see a small bridge and a trail heading up through the tea fields.
The Hike. From there, it's about an hour and a half to the top if you're moving at a steady pace. The trail winds through tea plantations and forest before getting steep near the end. There are a few forks, but they usually reconnect. Just keep heading uphill. Bring water and maybe a snack; it's exposed and humid. At the Top. The view is unreal; you can see Ella town, Little Adam's Peak, and all the surrounding ridges. There's a small hut where locals sell coconuts and tea if you need a breather. If you brought a drone, this is a perfect spot (and safe to fly). The light is best in the morning before the mist rolls in.
6. Day Trip to Udawalle For a Safari
If you want to see elephants in the wild, this is the spot. Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see herds up close, and it's small enough that you can cover it in a few hours without feeling rushed. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Ella, so it's doable as a day trip, just plan for an early start.
Getting There. Leave around 5:30 or 6 a.m. so you can reach the park gate for the morning safari (the best time to see animals). Most guesthouses in Ella can arrange a driver and park guide for you, or you can organize it yourself. Expect to pay around $75 to $100 USD per person, including entry, jeep, and driver; prices vary depending on how many people share the vehicle.
The Safari. You'll ride in an open 4x4 jeep with a guide who knows where to spot the animals. You'll definitely see elephants, sometimes entire families bathing together or walking across the dirt roads right in front of you. You can also spot buffalo, crocodiles, peacocks, and a ton of birdlife. The landscape itself is beautiful, dry grasslands with misty mountains in the distance.
Timing. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but early morning or late afternoon are the best windows for light and animal activity. If you can swing it, go for the morning safari and head back to Ella in time for lunch or a slow afternoon at a cafe.
If you're driving yourself, there is a part of the road where you can usually see quite a few elephants from the road. Between the 13th mile post junction and the main town, there are several spots where Elephants will hang out.
We had mixed feelings about this. On one hand, it was so cool to see the elephants from just the side of the road, and it was completely safe because there is an electric fence around the park boundary. The darker side of it is that the reason the elephants hang out along the border so consistently is that some locals have started feeding them and selling corn to tourists to feed them as well, which is no good.
If you don't have your own vehicle booking a transfer that includes a safari is a great option. This tour takes you from Ella to Tangalle (near Hiriketiya), but stops in Udawalawe for a safari on the way. If Hiriketiya is your next stop anyways, this is an excellent option.
7. Visit Lipton's Seat
This is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Sri Lanka and is totally worth the early morning wake-up. It's named after Sir Thomas Lipton (yeah, the tea guy), who used to sit up here and admire his empire of tea fields below. On a clear morning, you get a panoramic view of rolling hills covered in green tea leaves stretching as far as you can see.
- Getting There. It's about a 1.5-hour drive from Ella, near the town of Haputale. The last part of the road winds through the Dambatenne Tea Estate, one of the most beautiful drives in the country. You can either drive your tuktuk all the way up or park near the factory and hire a local driver to take you the rest of the way if the road looks too rough for your comfort level. Entry to the viewpoint costs around 500 LKR ($1.50 USD). You can also book onto a tour that leaves from Ella.
- When to Go. Go early and aim to be there around 6:30-7 a.m. The clouds usually roll in mid-morning, and once they do, you won't see much. Sunrise is incredible if you're up for the drive in the dark. On clear days, you can see all the way to the southern coast.
- What to Do. There's a small cafe at the top serving tea, snacks, and the best seat in the house. Grab a cup and just sit back for a bit. It's peaceful up there before the tour groups arrive. On the way down, stop at the Dambatenne Tea Factory. They offer short tours showing how Ceylon tea is made, which makes for a great stop before heading back toward Ella.
- Bring a jacket. It's chilly in the morning and windy at the top. Also, the road is narrow and steep, so take it slow if you're driving your own tuktuk.
8. Take a Cooking Class
Several restaurants around town offer cooking lessons. You can go with a small group and they will teach you how to make some traditional Sri Lankan dishes, and then you get to eat what you made. If you're in Ella for a few nights, we suggest you have a meal at a few of the restaurants that offer lessons (you will see signs on their windows). Then sign up for a lesson at whichever restaurant you enjoyed the most.
Where to Stay in Ella
Best options centrally located:
Royal Vantage
Royal Vantage in Ella offers a guest house with balconies with mountain views. The family-friendly restaurant serves local cuisine, including vegetarian options for lunch and dinner. Breakfast features juice, pancakes, and fruits. Facilities include a sun terrace, outdoor seating, free parking, minibar, work desk, and free toiletries. Located a short walk from Ella Railway Station, close to Ella Spice Garden, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam's Peak. Check Availability
Downtown Hostels Ella
Downtown Hostels Ella offers a sun terrace, garden, free WiFi, and private check-in/out. Features include a lounge, concierge, entertainment staff, shared kitchen, outdoor seating, air-conditioning, balcony, and garden views. Continental and American breakfast with pancakes served in the dining area. Located 3 minutes' walk from Ella Railway Station and 400m from Ella Spice Garden. Highly rated for convenient location, cleanliness, and attentive staff. Check Availability
Eminence Ella
Eminence Ella offers a spacious guest house with a garden and terrace. Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies with mountain views, work desks, seating areas, and free toiletries. Facilities include paid shuttle service, laundry, room service, and parking. Located 7 minutes' walk from Ella Railway Station, less than 1 km from Ella Spice Garden, 4.4 km from Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and 3 km from Little Adam's Peak. Check AvailabilityEpic stays a bit further from town:
You will need a tuktuk or a scooter for these stays, and you will be driving home from dinner in the dark.
Be careful booking accommodations here. This is a backpacker/hostel town, so you can find some great deals, but the cheapest places here are a bit rough (even by backpacker standards). If you're a veteran backpacker, you should be fine, but if you're not used to these lower standards, look for something 8.5 and up on Booking.com with at least 50 reviews. Even the nicest places here aren't too pricey, so we recommend spending a bit more on a nicer place.
Cliff Edge Villa
Cliff Edge Villa in Ella offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or mountain views. Each room includes a balcony and terrace. Guests enjoy a hot tub, garden, outdoor dining area, and free parking. Breakfast served with vegetarian and Asian options, local specialties, pancakes, and fruits. Located 18 minutes' walk from Ella Railway Station, less than 1 km from Ella Spice Garden, and 4.8 km from the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge.Check Availability
Two Summit View Ella
Two Summit View Ella offers a serene garden, spacious terrace, and free WiFi. Each room features a private bathroom, balcony with mountain views, dining area, washing machine, tea and coffee maker, and minibar. Located 1.2 km from Ella Railway Station, and a 13-minute walk from Ella Spice Garden. Nearby attractions include Ella Rock (4.1 km) and Demodara Nine Arch Bridge (6 km). Highly rated for scenic location and comfortable rooms.Check Availability
Pepper Garden Resort
Pepper Garden Resort in Ella offers a serene garden and spacious terrace. Family rooms feature private bathrooms, balconies with mountain views, air-conditioning, hairdryers, and electric kettles. Facilities include a 24-hour front desk, outdoor seating, and bicycle parking. Located a short walk from Ella Railway Station, 1.3 km from Ella Spice Garden, 4.1 km from Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and 3.5 km from Little Adam's Peak. Couples rate it 9.4.Check AvailabilityHow to Get to Ella
Ella is tucked high in Sri Lanka’s hill country, surrounded by lush tea plantations and winding mountain roads. Getting there is one of the most scenic journeys you’ll take in the country.
- From Kandy: The Train. This is the classic route and easily one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. The journey from Kandy to Ella takes about 6 to 7 hours, winding through misty hills, jungle, and endless tea fields. Book your tickets a few days in advance (especially for first or second class) if you want a guaranteed seat. The open-door third-class experience is famous for a reason, but it’s best for those comfortable standing or sitting near the door for most of the ride.
- From Kandy: Tuk-Tuk with Driver Transfer. If you’re renting a tuk-tuk for your Sri Lanka trip, there’s a clever workaround so you don’t miss the train experience. Tuktuk Rental offers a “Train + Transfer” option, where you ride the train, and they send a driver to deliver your tuk-tuk to Ella. You meet them in the morning in Kandy, hand over your keys, enjoy the train ride, and when you arrive in Ella, your tuk-tuk is waiting at your guesthouse. It’s the best of both worlds.
- Driving Yourself. If you’re driving a car or tuk-tuk, the roads from Kandy to Ella are narrow and winding but in good condition. Expect around 5 to 6 hours of driving time. Take it slow, stop for photos, and enjoy the views. You’ll pass through Nuwara Eliya and the tea country, which makes a great stopover for lunch or an overnight stay.
- By Bus or Private Car - For a faster alternative, private drivers can make the trip in about 5 hours, depending on stops. It’s a comfortable option if you’re carrying luggage or travelling in a group.
- Buses are also available, though less comfortable. They’ll require transfers along the way and can take 7+ hours.
How to Get Around Ella
Ella is small and easy to navigate, with most cafes, shops, and guesthouses clustered along the main road. You won't need a car in town, but many of the sights and trailheads are a quick drive away, but pretty long, boring walks.
You will be best off renting a scooter or a tuktuk. You can also just hire tuktuks every time you need to go somewhere. It will probably end up being more expensive than renting your own, but it won't add up to much.
- By TukTuk - Tuktuks are the easiest way to get around town and to nearby attractions like Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, or Little Adam’s Peak. Short rides within town usually cost 200 to 400 LKR, while longer trips or day hires are negotiable. If you’re renting your own tuktuk for your Sri Lanka trip, Ella’s narrow mountain roads are perfect for it. They're scenic, quiet, and easy to handle.
- By Scooter - Renting a scooter gives you full freedom to explore at your own pace. Rentals usually cost around 2,500–3,500 LKR per day, and you’ll find plenty of shops or guesthouses offering them. The roads are steep but well-paved, and the views are incredible, especially around Demodara and the tea plantations.
- Private Drivers & Tours - For longer day trips (like Diyaluma Falls or Haputale), it’s worth hiring a driver or arranging a tuk-tuk for the day. Expect to pay around 6,000–8,000 LKR, depending on distance and waiting time.
When to Visit Ella
Ella’s good year-round, but the vibe changes with the seasons. Even the “bad” weather has its charm, with misty mornings, moody hills, and a fresh tea country smell after rain.
- Dry Season (December to March) - This is the sweet spot: sunny days, clear views, and perfect hiking weather. Waterfalls are still flowing but not roaring, and sunrise missions to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock are at their best. It’s also peak season, so expect higher prices and busier trails.
- Monsoon Season (May to September) - It rains more often, but that’s what makes Ella so green and alive. Waterfalls are thunderous, the air is cool, and the morning fog gives the hills a cinematic look. You’ll deal with occasional downpours, but between showers, it’s beautiful and quiet. Prices drop, crowds thin, and it feels more local.
- Shoulder Season (April, October–November) - A bit of everything and a real gamble. Sunny mornings, light afternoon showers, and manageable crowds. It’s a great time to visit if you want a chance at good weather without the peak-season rush.
Suggested Itinerary for Ella
Here is an overview of how I would spend 3 days in Ella if I went back.
Day 1. Explore Town and Visit The Nine Arch Bridge
Arrive in Ella, drop your bags, and take it slow. The town itself is small but full of good coffee spots and local restaurants. In the afternoon, hike to Nine Arch Bridge. It's the perfect intro to Ella's mix of jungle, tea fields, and mountain air. Grab a lime soda at Cafe Soul and wait for the train to come through. If you've got time before sunset, walk down to track level for photos among the tea plants.
Day 2. Day Trip To Diyaluma Falls
Start early and head out for a day trip to Diyaluma Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Sri Lanka. It's about an hour and a half from Ella, and the trail is easy to follow once you're there. Spend the morning swimming at the mid or upper falls. Bring snacks and water, and take your time exploring the different levels. You'll be back in Ella by late afternoon, perfect for dinner and a beer at Chill Cafe or Matey Hut. This was my favourite thing we saw in Ella by far. It's a bit out of the way, but rent a scooter and head there if you can find the time: it's very worth the detour.
Day 3. Little Adam's Peak + Ravana Pool
Get up early to hike Little Adam's Peak before the heat kicks in. The trail's short but steep near the top. The views are totally worth it. Afterwards, reward yourself with a cold drink or a dip at Ravana Pool Club, which sits right at the base of the trail. If you've still got energy (or need to kill time before heading out), stop by Ravana Waterfall on your way south. It is right off the main road.
This was my personal favourite hike we did here, so if you only have time for one I would prioritize this one.
Extra Day (if you have one)
Use it for the Ella Rock hike, a safari in Udawalawe, or a trip to Lipton's Seat near Haputale. All are worth it depending on what you're into: hiking, wildlife, or views.
Flying a Drone In Ella
Nine Arch Bridge
You're not supposed to, but lots of people do. We asked the cafe workers about it after spotting a no-drone sign, and they said it's fine as long as you don't get too close to the bridge. If the police hear the drone, they'll follow the sound up to the cafe and confiscate it. But that's fine because you want a wide shot of the train anyway.
Also, don't try to fly through the arches. We saw one mangled drone being carried back up after someone's failed attempt.
Be aware, though, there are clear no-drone signs, and there are lots of police who hang out by the bridge all day. I don't want to advocate disrespecting local laws. I'm just saying that I went for a quick flight, kept it high, got some nice shots, and didn't bother anyone. What you decide to do is up to you.
Diyaluma Falls
This is an awesome spot to fly. Bring all of your batteries because you will want to fly at least once at each waterfall. The money shot is zooming out by the lower falls to reveal the dramatic vertical drop. This is one spot where there are 0 drone restrictions. I would just say, don't fly too low. There are lots of people coming out for a relaxing day swimming in the falls, and the drone noise can be a real buzz-kill.
Little Adam's Peak
We flew the drone here, but the wind made for some pretty wobbly content. With less wind, it would be a great (and legal) spot to fly.
If you get good conditions, try one of these shots: get ready with your whole group to hike along the narrow ridge at the very top, fly your drone over to the side and fly low so the drone is below you, then as you hike in profile, have the drone slowly rise. Flying up like this reveals the mountains behind you slowly and plays with your depth perception. If you get it right, it looks like a scene straight out of The Lord Of The Rings!
Where To Go Next
Typically, the next stop from Ella is the national parks or the south coast. During our trip, we had our rented tuktuk, so we headed down to Udawalawe and did some self-guided exploring on the day we arrived and then got up early for a safari the next day. Then we headed down to Hiriketiya.
If you don't have your own vehicle, the best way to move on is a tour that picks you up in Ella, takes you on a safari, then drops you in Tangalle. You can either start your south coast portion in Tangalle, or you can take the local bus down to Hiriketiya from there. There are several of these tours, and they go either to Udawalawe or Yala.
Yala is the larger and more popular safari, but because of that, the crowds are much bigger. Having dozens of jeeps surrounding a family of elephants ruins the 'natural habitat' factor of the safari a bit. Udawalawe is a bit less busy, but you will still be sharing the park with quite a few jeeps.
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