08 Places to see in Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres (3,415 ft) above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, due to its elevation. The Ella Gap allows views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka.
Ella is located in the Uva province of Srilanka and 210 km from Katunayake international airport - 5 to 6 hours drive
Ella is a famous tourist destination specially for the tourist who come by train. Ella rail station is more famous for foreigners than Locals. The city is fully converted to facilitate foreigners and most of the people's way of life is combined with tourism in that area. Ella is popular for a relax holiday and enjoy montane city vibe with a chilled beer and music.
01. Nine arches bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky, is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers. The chief designer and project manager of the ‘upcountry railway line of Ceylon’ project was D. J. Wimalasurendra, a distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor. The designer of the viaduct was Harold Cuthbert Marwood of Railway Construction Department of Ceylon Government Railway. The 1923 report titled “Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon” published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon has details of all the records including the plans and drawings.
Note to remember
If you are using public transport, get the service of Tuk Tuk, they will take you to the bridge
02. Little Adam's Peak
The little adam’s peak mountain is one of the famous tourist hiking destination in ella. The hike includes 5,000-6,000 crumbling steps and incline trekking, but technical climbing is not required. Depending on the trail taken, the crowd and the climbers’ fitness level, the mountain can take approximately two to four hours to climb and one to two hours to descend
Note to remember
The hike usually takes 3 to 6 hours.
Scenic peak reachable by steps & a moderate hiking trail, offering picturesque sunrise views.
03. Ella Rock
Ella is a beautiful small town in the south of Sri Lanka in the Hill country located at an altitude of 1,041 metres (3,415 ft). It’s the ideal base to explore the surrounding hills and take in pretty breathtaking views of the Badulla green valleys. The weather is usually quite humid, with moderate air temperature, sunny mornings, and often rain showers in the afternoon. Ella Rock is a famous cliff, located high above Ella’s village, around 8km (5 miles) from the centre of town – around 4 hours total trekking there and back.
Note to remember
The Ella Rock hike is approximately a 10km round trip, which can take anywhere between 3-5 hours. The terrain itself isn’t particularly hard, but the challenge lies in following a route that isn’t marked correctly.
04. Ravana falls
This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and is located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.
Note to remember
You can have swim with caution. (only if recommended)
Avoid weekends for a better experience since weekends are usually crowded
05. Dhoowa Temple
lies few kilometers away from the Bandarawela town on the Bandarawela – Badulla Road. This temple is thought to be built by King Walagamba in the in first century BC. This is one of the many temples built by the king while taking refuge in the Uva province after an Indian invasion. The temple has gain popularity mainly due to its massive 38 feet Buddha Statue carved in the granite rock. But this temple also hides some secrets that time has forgotten.
Note to remember
This is a Buddhist temple be caution of your dress.
When we enter to Buddhist temples we need to remove our hats and shoes. you can use temple socks.
Donations accepted for the development of the temple
06. Ravana Cave
The Ravana Cave is located about 2 km from the Ella town and 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. History says that the cave is used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita.
The cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka with a historical value.
Note to remember
Must visit place if you are really interesting on Archeology and anthropology.
Hire a site guide or an Area guide for a better experience
There is an entrance fee
07. Visit Lipton's seat
Liptons Seat is located around an hour’s drive from Ella and is most commonly visited for sunrise. Once at Lipton Seat you can explore the many tea plantations or just enjoy a tea break at the Lipton Seat restaurant.
Once you’re done taking in the views you can visit the Dambatenne Tea Factory. The factory is located 7 km from Lipton Seat on your way back to Ella. You can either walk the 7 km through the tea fields or take a tuk-tuk.
Note to remember
From Ella, a tuk-tuk will cost around 2000 rupees for the return trip. If you want to make it up for sunrise be sure to leave at 5 am and book your tuk-tuk the day before
Best place to study about ceylon tea
08. Diyaluma falls
If you’re going to visit one waterfall in Sri Lanka then Diyaluma Falls is a great choice. It’s Sri Lanka’s second-largest waterfall and an epic place to explore.
The falls are 220m tall and you can both swim at the bottom of the falls or the top – with the top being the better option.
The top part of the waterfall is made up of small pools you can swim in. Here you can enjoy the breathtaking views. During the wet season, it becomes far too dangerous to swim in the pools closest to the edge due to the amount of water rushing down the falls.
Note to remember
Once you have explored the foot, drive 30 minutes more to the top. Hike about 45 minutes and reach a waterfall with many natural pools on different levels.
Do you like to see Ella?
Make you own trip plan with us
add any of these destinations and make your own trip with dear srilanka OR you can see the ready made Ella City Tour from our Day Tours as well.
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