Ella
Ella, located in the highlands of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque village known for its tea estates, majestic mountains and many waterfalls, offering a breath of fresh air. The village has become a top destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and exciting treks. This hidden gem has gained immense popularity among tourists in recent years. If you want a quiet night's sleep, avoid booking a hotel near the main restaurant street. Bars can be noisy until late at night.
To fully explore the main attractions in Ella, such as the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adams Peak, I would recommend a minimum of two days' stay. Tree or four is recommended, giving you the time to do some hikes and visit the many waterfalls nearby.
To reach Ella, you can take the iconic train between Ella and Kandy. Read more about this here. The train will take between 6 to 8 hours, by car it is about 4 hours.
From Tangala, in the very south of Sri Lanka, it will take 2,5 hours to get to Ella.
One hour from Yala, 2 hours from Udawalawe.
Colombo and the airport are almost 5 hours away.
Here are some pictures of Ella and it's surroundings.
Nine Arche Bridge
Constructed in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge is the most famous bridge in Sri Lanka. Build during the British colonial period without the use of steel, it has nine beautifully crafted arches made of solid brick and stone with a total length of 91 meters. It is surrounded by mist-covered hills, the bridge offers stunning scenery for visitors and photographers. The most popular times to visit the bridge are when a train passes over, adding a touch of nostalgia to the scene. Although train punctuality in Sri Lanka is variable, the bridge typically witnesses train crossings at approximate intervals: 9:30, 11:30, 15:30, 16:30, and 17:30.
If you go visit the bridge early in the morning, right after sunrise, there is no crowd yet and the scenery is just beautiful, as the nature around is still awakening. It is a fun hike from downtown Ella to the bridge, make sure to take the ‘Nine Arches Bridge Path’, it goes through the forest instead of walking on the main road.
Ella Rock Hike and viewpoint
For everyone who’s looking for a challenge and a spectacular view, the summit of Ella rock is the place to be! Most visitors hike to the summit to see the spectacular sunrise.
The hike starts in the downtown area of Ella on the corner of a small fruit shop, easy to find with Maps.me. (First photo)
Along the way, you'll walk the train tracks, pass the iconic Black Bridge, pass the impressive Kuda Ravana Waterfall, and navigate through different tea plantations.
When you arrive into the forest-part of the hike - at the end of the hike - the hardest part is yet to come, but it’s definitely worth the effort! To ensure a smooth hike, I highly recommend downloading the maps.me app for easy navigation.
Note: Visiting the summit/viewpoint is not free anymore. There is a small fee to be paid, helping the locals to keep the trail and viewpoint clean and safe!
Make sure to bring enough sunscreen, snacks and water. There are some small shops along the way, but they overcharge! Also, bring cash to pay at the entrance of the viewpoint.
Another very popular hike is Little Adams Peak, unfortunately I didn’t have the time to do this one.
Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory
Ella is home to two big tea factories: the Dambatenne Tea Factory and the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory. I visited the second one and was really impressed by the tour.
The tea factory, built in 1940 during British rule, is located 1,230 meters above sea level, 6 km from Ella. The small-scale factory was bought by the UHE Group in 1970 when it produced only 20,000 kg of tea per month.
By 2008, the factory had become the largest tea producer in Sri Lanka's Uva region. In just 35 years, it grew from a modest operation with 15 workers and 2 lorries to producing 150,000 kg of tea per month with over 300 workers and more than 40 lorries.
The Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, near the Halpé Temple, is known for being one of the best tea manufacturers in Sri Lanka and one of the largest producers of Ceylon tea. Surrounded by lush green tea fields, the factory offers various activities, including trekking through the tea gardens, tea picking, learning about tea manufacturing, and enjoying a cup of tea.
Did you know that tea plants cover 25% of Sri Lanka's land? The taste of tea varies because it's grown in different places with different soil and altitude. This tour guides you through the entire tea-making process, from picking to grading, and even the final auction where most of it goes to Colombo before being exported worldwide.
Diyaluma Falls
Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka's second tallest waterfall, is a hidden gem just an hour south of Ella, away from the usual tourist spots. It's famous for its breathtaking views and stunning natural pools.
While the waterfall is already impressive from the street below, the real magic happens when you climb up. You'll be amazed by the tranquility and beauty of the place.
I suggest visiting around noon for a refreshing swim, and don't miss the chance to catch the sunset from the top of the waterfall.
When you reach the parking area, you might encounter guides claiming you need their help. Don't fall for it—it's a scam. The path is new, clean, and easy to walk. You'll just need to pay a small fee at a stand along the path to access the waterfalls. It's about a 20-minute walk from the parking to the pools.
There are three different natural pools. Take a left when the path splits to visit the higher pools first, and go right for the lower ones.
I discovered this waterfall while traveling from Ella to Edawalawe. If I had known how amazing it was, I would've come here earlier and stayed longer!
Highly recommended!
