Joanna James
Allocate a few days of your Sri Lanka vacation to be spent in the hilly town of Ella, surrounded by the greenery and refreshing breeze. Ella is a truly irresistible destination, one that everyone grows fond of very quickly. Here’s a light of things for you to do when you’re there!
Ella is located 235 kilometres from the Colombo airport, and you can get there either by train, by taxi or by bus. If you choose to take the train, then you can take a direct train to Ella. In certain instances, you may have to book your ticket well in advance as tickets tend to get sold out soon. By road, the journey from Colombo to Ella is roughly 5 and a half hours long
The one site everyone visits when in Ella is the Ella rock, which is a fun trek for those who are interested. The hike takes around 2 to 3 hours, which is 8 kilometres long. However, the length is not felt throughout the journey because of the stunning views that surround the area. This is a nice change from the previous Sri Lanka wildlife tours you would have experienced!
The Nine Arch Bridge was built during the British rule and is an iconic spot to visit. This glorious bridge was built using stone bricks and cement. You can reach the bridge through a taxi ride or a tuk ride. The best time to enjoy the view of the bridge and take pictures would be in the early hours when there are only a few tourists.
A little outside of Ella town you’ll come across a popular tea factory that goes by the name of ‘Halpewatte Tea Factory’. The tea factory was built back in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Lipton, a Scottish tea baron. By visiting the tea factory, you can learn about the local Ceylon tea, experience a tea tasting session and purchase tea as well!
If you’re looking for a refreshing dip in the cool waters amidst stunning views – Ravana Falls is where you need to be. The cascading waters are the ideal place for you to cool off and enjoy a nice swim, it’s both fun and free! You may have to be attentive as the rocks tend to get very slippery here.
Ravana’s cave is located just 2 kilometres from the town of Ella and was supposedly used by Ravana to hide Sita. This site holds a high level of historical significance and is often visited by a large number of tourists. The walk to the caves tends to be quite steep, therefore remember to watch your step.
When planning your Sri Lanka itinerary in Ella with Steuart Holidays, make sure you allocate time for you to relax as well. Ella is home to a number of hip and cool cafes and restaurants that you can explore at your own pace!
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