Ella
Tea-covered hills, a famous railway viaduct and the best short hikes on the island
Ella is a small hill-country town at around 1,040m that has become the backpacking and honeymoon centre of the island in equal measure. The draw is straightforward: a cluster of genuinely good short walks, a photogenic colonial-era railway viaduct, waterfalls within driving distance, and a gap in the hills through which - on a clear morning - you can see all the way to the south coast.
Nine Arch Bridge
A 91-metre stone viaduct built during the British period, curving through dense jungle between Ella and Demodara. It was reportedly built without steel during wartime shortages, using brick, stone and cement instead - hence its local name, the Bridge in the Sky.
Trains cross roughly every 1-2 hours; check the current timetable locally, because the photograph everyone wants is the blue train mid-span. The walk in from Ella town takes 20-30 minutes along the track and through a tea estate.
The walks
Little Adam's Peak is the easy one: about 45 minutes each way on a clear path through tea fields, best at sunrise. Ella Rock is the serious one: 2-4 hours return, poorly signed, and much easier with someone who knows the route - the reward is a cliff-edge view over the Ella Gap.
Ravana Falls is a 25-metre cascade right beside the Wellawaya road, so it needs no walking at all. It is at its most dramatic just after rain and can slow to a trickle in the dry season.
The train to Ella
The Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella leg is regularly called one of the world's great train journeys - roughly 3-4 hours through tea plantations, past Pattipola, the highest station on the network, with the doors open the whole way.
We commonly drive guests to the departure station, put them on the train, and meet them at Ella with their luggage - so you get the ride without carrying bags or losing the vehicle. Reserved seats sell out well in advance in high season.
Highlights of Ella
- Nine Arch Bridge with a train crossing
- Little Adam's Peak at sunrise
- Ella Rock and the view through the Ella Gap
- Ravana Falls, roadside and 25 m high
- The Nanu Oya to Ella hill-country train
Tours that visit Ella
Cultural & Hill Country Adventure - 7 Days
Discover the perfect blend of ancient culture and scenic hill country landscapes on this comprehensive 7-day journey through Sri Lanka.
Complete Sri Lanka Explorer - 10 Days
Experience the best of Sri Lanka from ancient cities to wildlife safaris and hill country adventures on this comprehensive 10-day tour.
Grand Sri Lanka Adventure - 14 Days
The ultimate Sri Lankan experience combining ancient cities, Adam's Peak pilgrimage, hill country, wildlife, and beach relaxation.
Ella - frequently asked questions
Two nights is the sweet spot - one dawn for Little Adam's Peak or Nine Arch Bridge, one for Ella Rock, with time left for Ravana Falls and a tea factory. One night is enough only if you pick a single hike.
Roughly every one to two hours during daylight, but the timetable shifts. Check locally on the day - your driver can confirm the current times so you are on the bridge at the right moment rather than waiting an hour in the sun.
The scenic section is Nanu Oya to Ella and yes, it is worth doing. The Kandy to Nanu Oya leg is longer and less spectacular. Many of our guests are driven to Nanu Oya, ride the best 3-4 hours, and are met in Ella with their luggage.
January to March is driest and clearest in the hill country. The Ella Gap view is best early in the morning before cloud builds; afternoons are frequently misty year-round.