Exploring Ella, Sri Lanka’s Most Vibrant Village

All aboard, next stop Ella! This mountainside refuge is just begging to be explored, offering an array of unbeatable landscapes and exciting excursions. This Eden should appeal to adrenaline junkies, avid hikers, and party hounds alike, so let’s jump into the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.

Named for the abundance of surrounding waterfalls, Ella is probably better known for its famous train, which cuts through the rolling scenery, so hang out of the doors for some epic photos set to a lush backdrop. Then set course for the journey of a lifetime, from hiking to hidden temples to zip-lining over the forest canopy, and top it off with some time at the spa. Come for the train ride, stay for adventure sports and spirited nightlife. Who knows, you may never want to leave!

1. Ride the Iconic Ella Train from Kandy

Most travelers in Sri Lanka have undoubtedly heard of the famous train line between Ella and Kandy, so no trip is complete without hopping aboard. You’ve probably seen social media posts of the iconic blue trains curving their way through rolling hills and misty valleys – a truly unforgettable journey with a stunning backdrop. 

However, keep in mind that the trip takes at least 6 hours, and Sri Lankan trains are notorious for their frequent delays and can get quickly overcrowded. If already in the country, buy your tickets in person at the local train station at least one day before. For guaranteed seats and peace of mind, book online through the official website since you can reserve tickets a month ahead (don’t be like me and have to bribe your way on). 

There are three main classes for seating: 1st class with AC and reserved seating, 2nd class with reserved seating, or 3rd class without reserved seating. As Sri Lanka boasts tropical weather nearly year-round, 1st class will be the most comfortable option for most, but the windows are sealed, meaning you’ll have to make your way back through the train to get pictures with open-air views. For travelers like me who prefer rubbing shoulders with the locals, 2nd class is a great compromise since 3rd class is best for those sticking to a tight budget. Either way, make sure you’ve got your camera ready!

PRO TIP: If heading north from Kandy, sit on the right side of the train to snap the most spectacular shots.

2. Cross the Nine Arches Bridge

Framed by lush jungle and tea terraces, the Nine Arches Bridge has been one of Ella’s picture-perfect spots since it was erected in 1921 during Britain’s colonial era. This viaduct bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, spans 24 meters high and makes up the last leg of the journey for all travelers arriving in Ella by railway. 

Still, there’s nothing like seeing this bridge from above. For travelers who don’t mind a bit of hiking through red clay, head to Asanka Cafe for the best views overlooking the area (and get yourself a well-earned refreshment). If you time your climb right, you might just get the perfect shot as the afternoon train glides over its arches – an incredibly soothing moment, although it only lasts a few seconds. Afterwards, mosey down to cross the bridge on foot and take in the view of the sweeping valley. Just don’t be surprised if there are a lot more crowds at the bottom.

PRO TIP: Check the local train schedule so you arrive 15–20 minutes before one passes for the most ideal photos.

 
 

3. Stroll Down Main Street (AKA Ella Road)

Ella’s compact center is far more charming than chaotic, especially compared to Colombo, so you can easily walk around to most places in town. As you walk down the main vein, Ella Road, you’ll pass a plethora of quirky stores, adventure-tour booths, and rental shops. My favorite souvenirs from my 2-week trip to Sri Lanka nearly all came from Ella, so you never know what you’ll stumble across. 

Hungry? Stop by One Love Café for hearty local or international dishes (and their swing chairs!) or The White Rabbit for relaxed vibes with earthy decor. Need a place for sunset cocktails? The Barn by Starbeans, Rainbow Café, and Café Chill offer great views from their terraced rooftops. While prices tend to be higher in Ella than throughout the rest of the country, there are also many affordable eateries for budget-conscious travelers, such as Raha Ella Sri Lanka and Matey Hut Ella Sri Lanka serve authentic flavor without sky-high prices. If you really want to keep your finger on the town’s pulse, there’s no better place to be than right at its heart. 

PRO TIP: Many restaurants turn into bars with live music after 7 PM, so wander around to find the perfect vibes come nightfall.

4. Visit a Tea Plantation

Fun fact: Did you know that Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top tea producers, coming second only to China? Then it should be no wonder that Ella’s surrounding tea plantations bring that heritage to life. Patronize famous estates such as Bluefield Tea Garden and Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory (my top pick), which both provide guided tours showing the full cultivation process from leaf to cup.

During the tour, wander among the endless emerald rows, breathe in the fragrant aromas, and sample freshly-brewed Ceylon tea straight where it’s grown – an ideal experience for nature lovers and tea aficionados alike. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you can even don traditional garb like a fieldhand to pick some tea leaves yourself. How’s that for cultural immersion?

PRO TIP: Many plantations give free tastings if you join a tour, so save your tea shopping until after your visit.

 
 

5. Take a Cooking Class

Do you love authentic cuisine? Simply craving for a few new recipes to take home? Then why not cook up a storm by trying hands-on culinary classes when in Ella? There are several classes on offer in town, like at Ella Spice Garden, where you can start by touring their spice garden filled with everything from cinnamon and clove to ginger and chili. At Priya’s Cooking School, you can recreate a variety of Sri Lankan curries using the freshest ingredients, while at Nanda Cookery Class, you’ll likewise learn to make traditional fare such as coconut roti and Sri Lankan omelette. 

Immerse yourself in all the flavors available during cooking demos before whipping up local dishes from scratch. Some of these experiences include trips to markets to purchase ingredients before wrapping up by sharing the meal you’ve just created. Not only are these experiences normally budget-friendly, but also culturally rich and a great way to connect with local food traditions. Any traveling foodies are sure to be delighted!

PRO TIP: Bring a notebook and writing utensil since many hosts share family recipes you won’t find in other cookbooks.

6. Spoil Yourself at the Spa

Ella may be small, but it’s bursting with serene spa retreats nestled among its verdant hills. If you’re looking for a way to kick back and relax while on holiday, there’s no better way to begin than with a foot massage. Indulge at places like Helena Spa & Organic Gifts, which specializes in herbal-based nourishment, or Deergayu Wellness Ayurvedic Spa for treatments inspired by traditional wellness philosophies. You can choose from a range of services, such as a full-body scrub, herbal steam bath, and facials. 

Prefer the princess treatment? Pop over to Princess Spa & Wellness for some much-needed pampering and a mani-pedi. Scared of breaking the bank? Most services are much cheaper than what you’d probably find back home, but both Spa Ceylon Ella and Hela Osu Suwapiyasa Ayurweda Spa cater to spendthrifts. Whether you’re after an affordable massage or sauna, these lush wellness centers make for a relaxing escape — ideal for recharging after a day of hiking or sightseeing.

PRO TIP: Book a treatment for your last day. That way, you’ll leave town while floating on Cloud 9.

 
 

7. Get lost in nature

Ella is a nature lover’s dream. From lots of hiking trails to rushing waterfalls, you won’t lack any green spaces in the mountainous retreat. Trek up to Little Adam’s Peak to marvel at views of the countryside or challenge yourself with the climb to Ella Rock. Dying to see a waterfall? The town is surrounded by them, so you can take your pick from the smaller Kuda Ravana Waterfall nearby to the towering Ravana Waterfall further south. If already in the vicinity of the latter, you can also stop by lesser-known gems, including the Secret Waterfall and the even more secluded Hidden Waterfall. Don’t mind paying a little extra for more privacy? Both Kombukara Nature Pool and Pallewela Waterfall in Ravana Adventure Park might just float your boat. 

Alternatively, hire a tuk-tuk to save yourself the effort of hopping between trailheads to get to farther majestic cascades like Dunhinda Waterfall or Ellewala Waterfall. You can use the same wheels to get to Victoria Park, a luscious gardenscape, or explore both Dowa Ancient Temple and Mahamevnawa Monastery, two of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the area. Fancy feeling like royalty –or at least a multi-millionaire? Visit Lipton’s Seat (yes, that Lipton) for panoramic mountainside views fit for a king. All you’re missing now is some refreshing iced tea.

PRO TIP: Start hikes early in the morning when the misty views are magical and the heat is gentler. Book an adventure tour if you’re too nervous to trek alone. 

8. Spend the Day at a National Park

Ever been on a safari? Even if you have, prepare yourself for an all-new adventure at Yala National Park, renowned for its dense leopard population and migrating elephants. Plenty of tourist agencies in town operate full-day 4×4 safari tours, including hotel pick-up and drop-off. Closer to the west, there’s also Horton Plains National Park, which boasts highland scenery along with the ‘World’s End,’ its most mesmerizing viewpoint. 

Any wildlife lover can turn time in Ella into an outdoor adventure, but bear in mind the high costs for parking and entrance (generally around $50 per person for tourists). Sometimes booking a guided tour is more economical for smaller groups, so aim for reputable tour operators such as Sanka Tuk Tuk or 4restlankatours. If money is no issue, then you’re in for a treat, so spend the day birdwatching or counting leopards’ spots while in paradise.

PRO TIP: Book with a reputable guide or drive there earlier to avoid what are sure to be massive queues later in the day. 

 
 

9. Get Your Blood Pumping with Adventure Sports

If seeking to add more excitement to your journey, you have various adventurous activities around Ella. You can explore the ancient Ravana Cave, rumored to have sheltered Princess Sita, a Hindu goddess of beauty and devotion. The climb consists of over 600 steep steps filled with craggy gaps and no railing, so it can be quite a challenge, especially the last few feet, where there aren’t even handholds.

Still, the view from the top is certainly worth the effort, although the cave is a bit small since you can only visit the first 200 meters (the rest has been blocked off due to safety concerns). Right behind the cave, you can find Ravana Falls, an 80-foot cascade, so make your way back down to stand beneath for dramatic effect before taking a dip in its inviting pools.

Prefer flying to swimming or hiking? Adrenaline junkies should head to the sprawling Flying Ravana Adventure Park, home to Sri Lanka’s first mega zip-line. Not only can you soar across the forest canopy at a whopping 80 kph, but the park also offers quad bike tours, archery, and air rifling lessons, as well as the chance to rappel off a cliff. Can you think of a better way to get your heart pumping?
PRO TIP: Make sure to bring along water and snacks since you’ll be pretty removed from any shops.

10. Party the Night Away

Are you a night owl on the hunt for some thrills? When night falls, Ella turns from a quaint retreat to a party hub bustling with activity. Whether you prefer a round of rooftop cocktails while watching the sunset or yearn to dance the night away to live music, you’ve got a multitude of choices. Most of the nightlife centers around Ella Road, with establishments like Hiking Bar & Restaurant hosting a DJ in the evening, and Mandala Café & Bar providing a lively atmosphere with bohemian touches. 

Starting from this sign at the train station, walk down Ella Road to find the best cafes and bars.

For more laidback vices, Cycle Pub Ella is worth a stop for its unique decor alone, while further down the road, you’ll come across Ella’s Chill Café, which turns into a communal hangout after dark that’s a favorite among backpackers. Share travel stories over a local brew or dance under string lights as Ella comes alive and you do, too!

PRO TIP: If you want to snag prime seats on the upper deck, arrive just before sunset for unbeatable views and happy hour specials.

 
 
 

Final Thoughts 

 

What makes Ella so special? Is it the mountain setting surrounded by natural gems? Is it the laidback hippy vibes? Is it the eclectic nightlife or the opportunity to partake in extreme sports? Maybe travelers just crave an escape from congested cities, and this hillside refuge more than delivers. Still, getting there isn’t easy since travelers arriving by train are bound to suffer delays; during my trip, the train was delayed 3 hours, so instead of taking 6-7 hours, it was closer to 8-9 hours. That might be too long for some visitors, but well worth the journey for its treasure trove of activities. 

Score one-of-a-kind souvenirs on Ella Road, book an adventure tour (Ravana Odyssey, and Catch Me Tours are good options), try a yoga class to refresh your spirit, or get a daily massage to rejuvenate sore muscles. If you have extra time, pay a visit to Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, inarguably the most beautiful temple in the area for its 360-degree views alone. No matter what brings you to Ella, rest assured that you’ll leave satisfied, mind, body, and soul.

Write me when you get there!

M