Joanna James
Ella is a top attraction in the lush mountainous region of Sri Lanka. The area is now a favourite haunt for its salubrious climes and stunning environs. Following is a list of its popular attractions.
Before getting onto 'Little Adam's Peak' it must be clarified that the original Adam's Peak, highlighted on online travel blog sites such The Vacation Gateway, is located in central Sri Lanka; it is better known as Sri Pada and is a 2,243 metre high mountain. Little Adam's Peak is located in Ella and is so named since it resembles the same shape of the holy Sri Pada or Adam's Peak mountain. Little Adam's Peak though, is only 1,141 metres high and can be climbed within half an hour. The climb is quite pleasant, meandering through, lush tea estates, and past lookout points which reward you with bird's eye views of the surroundings; including the lush Ravana Falls and Ella Rock. It is noted that on clear and sunny days, one can see as far as the coast of Sri Lanka – making it well worth climbing this mini Adams Peak.
Tea fans should not miss a visit to this fabulous factory. There you will be taken through the process of how Ceylon tea is made; by visiting each process from tea leaf to the final product. Once done, you can relax and savour a cup of freshly brewed up-country tea, and even purchase a few packs of the freshly packed tea leaves. Little pleasures, such as a visit to a warm and aromatic tea factory on a misty morning are factors which make Ella one of Sri Lanka's top vacation destinations.
Once you taste Sri Lankan cuisine, you will realise, the rich spicy aromatic allures of island cooking are hard to resist. By visiting the Ella Spice Garden, you can learn about the various spices and herbs, used to create the exotic curries the nation is popular for. And although the garden tour is short, you can stay on and join the personal cooking class which takes place there. The best place in Ella, to learn about cooking traditional Sri Lankan dishes, these classes must be booked early as they tend to fill up quite fast.
Located just 2kms from Ella Town, this bridge is worth a visit. Constructed by the British in the early 20th century, the bridge featuring nine sky-bridges is built without the use of any steel, incorporating only rock, bricks and cement.
Climbing Ella Rock is more challenging than trekking up Little Adams Peak; hence, this is an activity for the adventure hungry tourist to enjoy some action. The trail up is not clearly marked, but not too difficult to navigate on your own; if you would like to take the shortest route to the summit, book yourself a local guide, who will make the journey more pleasant and interesting, by pointing out special tourist attractions nearby such as Ravana Falls. This is one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka, and flows on both sides of the road, by passing under a bridge. The falls measure a height of 25 metres and is steeped in ancient legend.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
