Our most recommended things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka

From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

1. From Kandy: Scenic Train Ride to Ella

The Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Your train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant green carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Hill Country. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows. Kandy to Ella (trave time 6 to 7 hours)

From Ella: Yala National Park Safari Tour in a 4x4

2. From Ella: Yala National Park Safari Tour in a 4x4

Your experience begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Ella. From there, relax on your drive to Yala National Park, home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. Meet your private guide and climb into a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy sunrise at the park — the ‘Golden Hours’ of the day — and explore the light forests, scrubs, grasslands, lagoons, and magnificent range of animals. After the safari, journey back to your point of origin to be dropped off back to your accommodation.

From Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

3. From Galle/Weligama/Mirissa: Day Trip to Ella Highlands

Start Ella tour at 7.00 a.m, Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now. On the way to Ella our first visit is Buduruwagala rock temple. Buduruwagala is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. Next stop is Ravana waterfall, a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. After that we will reach Ella City, a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, it is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. Then next we will go to Nine Arch Bridge. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. Then time to climb little Adams peak, Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. While climbing the Adams peak take lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa. It is an elegant, chic hotel that stands on a scenic 98-acre tea estate, surrounded by a stunning landscape. After having lunch you can experience Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line South Asia's longest and Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. Finally, visit Halpewaththa Tea factory. Drink a cup while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the area. It is the final destination of our tour. Finally, back to the hotel.

Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer

4. Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer

Enjoy the convenience of being picked from your accommodations in either Ella, Bandarawella, Haputale, or Wellawaya via tuk-tuk. Begin your tour with an early morning hike to the famous cliff, Ella Rock. Along the way, you’ll journey through tranquil woodlands and tea plantations. Walk alongside the iconic Sri Lankan railroad. Once you’ve reached Ella Rock, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing panoramic views. Hike down from Ella Rock to Nine Arches Bridge, a picturesque bridge which connects the Ella and Demodara railway stations. The bridge consists of 9 arches, which offer a harmonious sense of geometry against the lush green growth of the countryside. The bridge is made exclusively from rock, brick, and cement, and doesn’t use any steel. Stand underneath the bridge and look out into the beautiful “9 skies” framed by the 9 arches. Walk across the bridge and learn about its history from your knowledgable guide as you take in the surroundings. Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant before going for an afternoon hike to Little Adam’s Peak, Ella’s most well-known attraction. Enjoy an easy and gradual climb to the peak. Once there, take in a spectacular view of the Ella Gap. Walk through lush green tea plantations and paddy fields. See local people plucking and collecting tea leaves. Gaze over the valley into the island’s central highlands. Take a refreshing swig of complimentary bottled water. Your tour ends as you are returned to your hotel via tuk-tuk.

From Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle with Udawalawe Safari

5. From Ella: Shuttle to Mirissa/Galle with Udawalawe Safari

After pick-up from your hotel in Ella, Haputale or Bandarawela, head for Udawalawe National Park, where you'll switch to an open concept safari jeep in order to have the best views. An early morning start ensures you'll see the animals during one of their most active times of day. See herds of elephants for sure and have fun watching for crocodiles, monkeys, water buffaloes, various endemic birds species and much more. Along the way, you'll learn about and observe the natural habitats of the local wildlife while you snap some amazing photos. Then, at the end of your 3-hour safari adventure, switch back to the comfortable, air-conditioned car for the ride on to Mirissa/Weligama/Unawatuna or Galle where you'll be dropped off at your hotel.

From Ella: Transfer to Mirissa/Galle with Yala Safari Tour

6. From Ella: Transfer to Mirissa/Galle with Yala Safari Tour

Combine a transfer from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela to Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna or Galle area with a thrilling day trip to Yala National Park. Experience the immense biodiversity of this park on this Sri Lankan animal safari. Be picked up from your accommodation in Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela. Relax and take in the local scenery on the drive to Yala National Park. Board an open-topped safari jeep to get the best views and photo angles. See the animals during the day when they are the most active. Watch for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffalos, and a large variety of bird species. Get some great shots of these magnificent creatures. Hear about wildlife and get photography tips from your local guide. Let your guide show you the spots where the animals are likely to congregate. Then, head back to your air-conditioned car for the ride to your accommodation in Matara, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, or Galle.

Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine arch Day Tour with Pickup

7. Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine arch Day Tour with Pickup

Explore surging waterfalls and breathtaking vistas on a day trip to Ella from pickup locations including Colombo, Kalutara, Negombo, and more. Visit Ravana Waterfall, Nine Arch Bridge, and Ravana Pool Club. Hike to Little Adam's Peak and soar through the sky on a zip line. Arrive at the Ravana Waterfall, an iconic sight ranked among the country's most popular attractions. Witness cascading water amidst lush surroundings, then arrive in Ella, a charming town nestled amidst one-of-a-kind scenery. Next, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel dating back to colonial times. Travel to a bygone era as you stroll along the bridge's elegant arches surrounded by greenery. For awe-inspiring panoramic views, ascend Little Adams Peak on a 45-minute hike. The journey may be a bit of a challenge, but the reward of the views that await is worthwhile. As hunger beckons, indulge in a lunch at the renowned 98 Acres Resort & Spa (costs not included). Nestled among scenic tea estates, this elegant retreat offers not only delightful cuisine but also a moment of tranquility amid nature's embrace. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Flying Ravana Mega Ziplinne. Feel an unparalleled sense of adventure coursing through your veins as you fly through the sky. The journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Halpewaththa Tea Factory. Savor freshly brewed tea while taking in the beauty of the area, feeling a deep connection to Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage. To add a touch of relaxation, end your day with time to unwind at the Ravana Pool Club.

Ella: Private Ella Rock Sunrise Hike

8. Ella: Private Ella Rock Sunrise Hike

Begin your day with a hike up Ella Rock. Reach the viewpoint and be rewarded by stunning scenes of the rolling mountain landscape and mesmerizing clouds or sun rays. Meet your guide at your hotel or pre-arranged meeting point in the early morning. Hop in the tuk tuk and head towards the starting point of the hike. Climb up Ella Rock and by the time the first light appears in the sky, you will be at its top. Make your way to various points to see the surrounding landscape of the city, mountains, and valleys from different angles, each providing a memorable view on its own. Admire the lush greenery amongst the light of the rising sun or feel at peace with the blanketing clouds depending on the weather conditions for that day. After embracing and capturing your time spent at the top of Ella Rock, hike back down and return to your drop-off location.

Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

9. Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

Discover the natural beauty and inspiring culture of Sri Lanka on a 3-day trip departing from Negombo. Visit landmarks such as Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Udawalawe National Park. Enjoy a hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation, and some meals included. Day 1 : COLOMBO – SIGIRIYA – KANDY Sigiriya Museum This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 kilometers east of Colombo and 72 kilometers north of Kandy. Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilization, thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Overnight Stay at Royal Kandyan or Similar Hotel Day 2 KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA- ELLA Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja(offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums. Glenloch Tea Factory Glenloch Tea Factory situated in Nuwara Eliya District at Katukithula on the way to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy. Glenloch tea plantation at Katukithula are been maintain using all the correct method of planting, Soil conversation and Maneuvering. Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature Ramboda Waterfall Ramboda Falls is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. If intrested can be do an Train Ride from Nanu Oya - Ella Overnight Stay Day 3 Ella City Tour – Udawalawe National Park - Colombo Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak Nine Arches Bridge The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting Udawalawe National Park This park is home to several hundred elephants and other rare plants and wildlife We can arrange Drop Colombo Or Negombo or Airport

Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

10. Ella: Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge Half-Day Tour

Discover the beauty of Ella on this half day tour. Your personal guide will take you to the famous Nine Arch Bridge before you witness the stunning views of Ella's natural beauty from Little Adam's Peak. Stroll along the unique attraction of the Nine Arch Bridge railway, spanning 91 meters alongside dense jungle and agricultural settings. Stop for photos of the nine arches. With the forest booming behind the railway and the tea leaves cultivated below from the plantations, the beautiful bridge stands out from the epic scenery as a picturesque masterpiece. The bridge is built entirely from rocks and bricks, without metal or steel. Next, your guide will take you on a small hike to Little Adam's Peak to see the greenery of Ella, surrounded by tea fields and rural beauty. The moderate trail winds through tea plantations, where you may see locals working and picking the tea leaves. The trail offers multiple platforms, rocks and viewpoints perfect for photos, with the view getting more spectacular as you walk along the ridge to the summit. Take in the unbelievable views across the mountain highlands of Sri Lanka, before you walk back down to finish the tour. Transfers are included to bring you to and from your hotel for the half day tour via tuk tuk. Water is provided for you, to keep you hydrated throughout the walk. Chose from a morning or afternoon start time. 

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What people are saying about Ella, Sri Lanka

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 63 reviews

This tour was INCREDIBLE!!! I cannot say enough good things. I had regretted signing up for a hard sunrise hike but it quickly turned into the best day of my vacation. Sanju, my guide, was so kind and patient and knowledgeable about Everything! Thank you so much for an incredible day, I will always remember it!

Tolle Tour und sehr empfehlenswert für Teeliebhaber! Deen hat immer wieder Stops für Fotos eingelegt und uns alles gezeigt. Wir durften auch selbst Tee pflücken. Sehr interessant war die Führung durch die alte Teefabrik (leider darf man hier keine Bilder machen).

Very nice trip, quite tiring Ella rock. This is ideal for people who like to hike! I myself had a very nice guide who told me a lot about the nature there, took me to very local eating places. The guide's name was Jeewa.

Great tour, guides and service. Everything was on time and smooth. The national park was beautiful. The only complaint we have is that it's more expensive than if we'd have just arranged with local tour operators.

The tour was excellent. I liked a lot the hotel in Sigirya and in Colombo. Keerthe, the driver, was very nice, respectful and always on time.