Boost Your Sri Lanka Vacation in 2023 with These 15 Activities in Ella

By / October 5, 2023

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Boost Your Sri Lanka Vacation in 2023 with These 15 Activities in Ella

Would you like to be immersed in nature? Do you, like the characters in movies, fantasise about strolling through misty tea plantations nestled in the folds of beautiful hills? Then you should definitely go to Ella in Sri Lanka. The town may be smaller than Nuwara Eliya, but it won’t leave you bored. Caves, waterfalls, pleasant train rides, a laid-back vibe, and stunning scenery—Ella has it all. Both nature lovers and self-indulgent vacationers will find something to do in this charming community. Ella, Sri Lanka has so much to offer that you will want to extend your trip indefinitely.

When to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka

Although March through June is prime time for a summer trip, December through February is prime time for a winter getaway in Ella. The monsoons are slow in Ella because of the travel restrictions that are put in place during a heavy downpour.

Ella’s Best Attractions

Here are some of the best things to do in Ella, which will make it clear why this hill town is so popular with visitors.

  • Ella Rock, Have Yourself a Picnic
  • Visit Ravana Falls and Cool Off
  • Climb Little Adam’s peak Mountain and You’ll See the Top
  • Behold The Rising Sun From The Nine-Arch Bridge
  • Visit the Ella Tea Factory to learn how Ceylon tea is produced.
  • Learn the Secrets of Ravana
  • Experience an Ayurvedic Massage
  • Come to a local cafe and sample Ella’s native dishes.
  • Get Blessings That Last Forever at Dhowa Rock Temple
  • Ellawala Waterfall: A Rare and Beautiful Find
  • Check out the Ella Town Tour!
  • Ella Railway offers train rides through tea plantations.
  • Take in the panoramic views at Diyaluma Falls.
  • Learn Where Your Favourite Iced Tea Comes From at Lipton’s Original Location
  • Learn to cook Traditional Sri Lankan Dishes at Ella’s Spice Garden.
  • First. Read Ella Rock’s “A Picnic.”

Ella rock hike

If you like taking morning walks in the cool of the day, Ella Rock is a must-visit. The walk ends at Ella Rock and will take you between two and three hours to complete. The best part is that this is a totally free thing to do in Ella. It’s no surprise that many tourists lose track of time while marvelling at the magnificent scenery along the 8-kilometer trail. We also recommend bringing a picnic lunch if the weather permits, as there are numerous photo-worthy stops along the way. There are no signs along this trail, so it’s best to go with a guide or a helpful local who is familiar with the area.

It is on the Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Permanently available at all times.

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Visit Ravana Falls and Cool Off

Do you enjoy swimming more when beautiful scenery is all around you? Well, Ella’s Ravana Falls is where you should go to have a dip and cool yourself. Take in the stunning scenery as you watch the water rush over the edge. Taking a swim in the Ravana Falls is one of the most fun free activities that Ella has to offer, especially for couples and adventurers. You should be careful around these rocks because they can easily turn slick when wet.

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, on the Beragala-Hali Ela Highway (zip code: 90122)
Permanently available at all times.
250 LKR is the entry fee.

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Climb Little Adam’s Mountain

As the name suggests, this is a miniature version of Adam’s Peak in Nuwara Eliya. This particular ascent of 2,243 metres requires two to three hours to complete. Therefore, make sure you stop frequently to relax and take in the sights. Near the peak, there’s a rock feature that resembles a huge footprint. Since this is one of Ella’s most popular tours, you should expect to share the path with other visitors. Along the way, you’ll see lovely tea estates and tea pickers, who could make for some great Instagram content. If you’re looking for something fun to do in Ella without breaking the bank, this is it.

Address: 90090 Ella-Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
The business is open from 5 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
It is free to participate.

Behold The Rising Sun From The Nine-Arch Bridge

During their colonial rule of Sri Lanka, the British constructed the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella. The British could not furnish and deliver the steel that was required to complete the construction of the bridge. The talented workers of Ella, however, were not deterred, and they went on to build the impressive bridge out of cement and stone bricks. Take a cab to the bridge to meet up with Ella. Don’t miss the tranquil sunrise across the bridge. Since this area sees fewer visitors first thing in the morning, you can enjoy the peaceful sunrise and wide vistas in peace.

The ascent to the peak can be made on foot in under half an hour, or a taxi can be hailed for LKR 200.
Permanently available at all times.
It is free to participate.

Visit Ella Tea Factory to learn how Ceylon tea is produced.

Located 9 km northeast of Haputale in Dambatenne, the famous Halpewatte Tea Factory in Ella town may be found just outside the little town of Ella. The Amba Estate Ecological Tea Plantation and the Dambatenne Tea Plant now own the tea factory that was originally constructed in the 19th century by Scottish tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton. Stop by for a tea tasting after you buy some freshly brewed tea and find out about the history of Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka. One of Ella’s most memorable adventures was a trip to this factory and information centre because of its historical significance.

How to get there: Taking the bus from Haptuale just takes about 20 minutes.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
500 LKR for entry.

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Learn the Secrets of Ravana’s Lair

Some say that this is the cave where Ravana hid Sita. Ravana’s Cave, located close to a cliff with a view of the valley, is only 2 kilometres from the quaint village of Ella. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist spots because of its rich historical heritage. The trail leading to Ravana Cave is rather steep; therefore, it is important to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes to ensure your safety and comfort.

The Ella Valley in Sri Lanka
The cave’s entrance is located at the bottom of 700 steps.

Beginning at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Try Ayurvedic Massage

You should know that Ayurvedic massages originated in Sri Lanka. Get a massage after you’ve seen the attractions in Ella. The spa at hotels are often regarded as some of the best in the Sri Lanka, so head there if you’re thinking about treating yourself to a massage. After all that walking and commuting, you deserve to give yourself the royal treatment at one of the many massage parlours in the region.

Greenland Estate, Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
Starting at 6 a.m. and ending at 10:30 p.m. daily
Starting at just LKR 5,000

Try Ella’s Regional Cuisine

Little cafes and restaurants in Ella are perfect places to relax and enjoy the flavours of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. This little cafe is one of the most popular spots in Ella, frequented by the city’s residents and virtually all tourists. Dream Cafe, Matey Hut, Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant, AK Ristoro, Curd Shop, 360 Ella, Downtown Rotti Hut, Little Folly Restaurant, and Cafe Guru are just a few of the many well-known cafes and restaurants that visitors visiting Ella just must sample.

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Pray for Eternal Blessings at the Dhowa Rock Temple

Dhowa is a tiny settlement in Ella that can be found on the main road between Badulla and Bandarawela. There is also a temple there, Rajamaha Viharaya, which has been there for at least two thousand years. There is a large annual influx of tourists and pilgrims to this location because of its historical significance. The Dhowa Rock Temple attracts history buffs and art enthusiasts alike with its old murals and sculptures.

Bandarawela, Sri Lanka, on the Beragala-Hali Ela Highway (zip code: 90122)
Permanently available at all times.
It is free to participate.

Ellawala Waterfall

After visiting Ravana Falls, continue your walk to the equally stunning Ellawala Waterfall. Getting there is as easy as going to Ravana Waterfall. A short drive down the same road will bring you to this spot of spectacular natural, cascading splendour. The best part about this place is that, unlike Ravana Waterfall, hardly many people know about it, so it hasn’t been spoiled by too much tourism. Peace and quiet can be found here because it is set back from the main road. It’s a fantastic spot that’s easy to overlook. One of the most fun things to do in Ella is to dive into the waterfall pool.

Place: in the town of Alikote Ara, Sri Lanka
Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
It is free to participate.

Check out the Ella Town Tour!

If you’re seeking fun things to do after dark, Ella, the main town, is the place to be. Since it has a more laid-back vibe than bustling Nuwara Eliya, it it ideal for unwinding. Many visitors come to this region because they expect to see young travellers and adventurers congregating at fashionable hangouts. One of the nicest things to do in Ella, despite the town’s tiny size, is to hang out with friends at one of the many great restaurants, bars, or cafes. The best part is that the fantastic deals are accessible right up until midnight.

Specifically, you’ll be in Badulla, Uva Province, Sri Lanka.

Ella Railway offers train rides through tea plantations.

If you don’t take the train around Ella, you won’t get the whole experience of what the town has to offer. Actually, this city’s original fame was due to the exciting train ride that took visitors past picturesque tea plantations and lush hills. The most famous train tour in Sri Lanka, from Kandy to Ella, takes you through vast, open tea plantations and wealthy rural communities as you enjoy the cool mountain breeze. Among the best Ella things to do, it offers tourists the most photogenic scenery for social media.

The Ella Train Station may be found in this city. This station serves as a transfer point between Clombo and Kandy, and vice versa.
Total time: 4 hours

Take in the panoramic views at Diyaluma Falls.

The views of Ella and the surrounding area are stunning from the top of this waterfall, the second-highest in Sri Lanka. Diyaluma Falls is arguably as beautiful as Sri Lanka’s more famous Ravana Falls, although it receives fewer visitors because it is less accessible from the highway and has fewer places to dine. To get there, just keep going straight for a while on the main road that leads to Ravana Falls. Following that, you can stop by these spectacular waterfalls that are conveniently located next to the main road. Taking stunning pictures of Ella with the waterfalls in the background is a must if you visit. You won’t find another combination like this anywhere else in Sri Lanka.

Ella, Sri Lanka, on the highway between Colombo and Batticaloa
It is free to participate.

Lipton’s Seat

Fans of the ubiquitous Lipton Iced Tea will have no trouble following along with “Lipton’s Seat: Discover the Origin of Your Favourite Iced Tea.” The origins of this renowned iced tea company may be traced back to this same building. This area, now called Lipton’s Seat, was once home to Sir Thomas Lipton, who utilised the surrounding acres of tea trees to create an enormous tea empire and provide us with our favourite tastes of iced tea. Getting here is as simple as boarding a bus from Ella or Haputale, or hiking the 7 miles from the nearest large town. This spot not only showcases the full procedure for brewing tea but also offers spectacular 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding hamlet.

Dambethenna Estate, Haputale, Lipton Seat Road, Sri Lanka
Open Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 5 PM

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Learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes at Ella’s Spice Garden.

If you want to impress your friends and family with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, you can’t afford to miss Ella’s Spice Garden’s thrilling cooking class. One of the best things to do in Ella is to take a cooking class and learn how to prepare the delicious and varied Sri Lankan cuisine rather than just consuming it. You will not only learn about all the different parts, but you will also be able to hand-pick the spices from this garden. Make sure you get a reservation in early so you don’t miss out!

It is on the Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Permanently available at all times.

Planning Your Trip to Ella, Sri Lanka

Distance from Colombo International Airport to Ella is 235 km.

A direct train from Colombo Fort Train Station to Ella is a time-saving alternative to using the bus. The train ride through the mountains of Sri Lanka is an unforgettable experience.

Even more conveniently, you can fly into Colombo and take a taxi straight to Ella. The journey from the airport to the hill station will take approximately 5.5 hours.

Getting to Badulla from Colombo is easy if you take a bus to Colombo Fort and change buses there. Stop for a rest at the Kumbalwela crossroads, located around 10 km from Bandarawela. The distance between Kumbalwela and Ella is about 8 kilometres (5 miles), making it easily accessible by tuk-tuk or even a minibus. To avoid the weariness of taking the bus, you should use the train or a taxi to Ella.

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Ella has a plethora of options, many of which are free, including some that are more indulgent. Plan ahead for everything you want to see and do in the cities of your choice on this beautiful island in Sri Lanka.

Questions Frequently Asked About Ella-Related Activities

Where can I go for some fun after dark in Ella?
Ella is particularly luminous after dark. Spend an enjoyable evening roaming the streets to sample the many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs the city has to offer.

How do you get around Ella?
Ella is a small town that can easily navigated on two wheels. If you have time to spare, you may perhaps go for a stroll around the neighbourhood.

Where should I go in Ella that won’t disappoint?
Ravana Falls, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Dhowa Rock Temple, and Ravana’s Cave are just a few of Ella’s many amazing landmarks.

How long does it take to get to the top of Ella Rock?
It takes about two hours to reach the top of Ella’s Rock. You should start your climb while the sun is still low in the sky, so early in the morning is ideal. This will ensure that you have daylight to return the ascent.

How long would you recommend taking to get to know Ella?
Plan your trip to Ella over the course of at least two or three days to get the most out of your time there. Activities, shopping, and sightseeing are just some of the things you can do during your trip.

How long is the train journey from Kandy to Ella?
From Kandy, it takes about three to four hours to reach Ella via train. The time it takes to travel by train from Colombo to Ella is about the same as driving.

Where should I stay in Sri Lanka?
Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara, Arugam Bay, Kandy, and Colombo are among the finest places to stay in all of Sri Lanka. Bentota, Pasikudah, and Kalkudah beach are just a few of the fantastic beach towns where you can stay at world-class resorts.

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