Listly by Joanna James
Sri Lanka is home to world-famous tourist spots, and one such place is Ella. It would be fair to say that the famous Ella Train Ride was what made Ella so popular with both locals and foreigners. Located about 200 km from Colombo, Ella is an upcountry town with a temperate climate. In the morning, the town completely gets immersed in mist. And the flora and fauna that populate the nooks and crannies of Ella invite those who want to witness Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.
This is the emblem of Ella. Pictures of the Nine Arch Bridge circulate on Instagram depicting a misty background of exotic greens. The bridge isn’t exactly located in Ella; it’s found in Demodara, just 10 minutes from the town of Ella. This is one of the best places to visit in Ella.
Hike up Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking views of the area. The hike will take about 15 minutes, and it isn’t as challenging as some of the other hikes you find in Sri Lanka. However, the incline is quite steep, so you might want to make a few stops along the way. You’ll need your camera to take pictures, and don’t forget to take plenty of water and snacks with you.
If Little Adam’s Peak got you in the mood for doing some real hiking, visit Ella Rock. This is one of the places that bring you the most enchanting panoramic views. There are guided tours available, but you can do the hike yourself – stay away from Ella Rock during rainy days as the area gets foggy and slippery.
Hailed as one of the most beautiful spots in Sri Lanka’s upcountry, the legendary Ravana Falls is a must-visit attraction during your holiday in Ella. Getting to the top involves a difficult yet rewarding hike; you’ll encounter a range of local flora and fauna along the way. Locals swim in the pool, but it’s quite dangerous here.
Once you are done basking in the beauty of Ravana Falls, you should visit Ravana Cave. You have to climb 600 steps to get to the cave. The significance of the cave comes from a local legend; according to folklore, this is where King Ravana hid Princess Sita. Most locals who are fascinated by the legend travel to Ella to see the cave.
This is another scenic spot you must visit if you are in the area of Ravana Falls. Ella Wala Waterfall is located in a secluded spot, meaning this is an ideal place for those who don’t like crowds. The region is steeped in tropical beauty that can only be witnessed in Sri Lanka. You can swim here as well. To find the place, however, you’ll have to rely on a local guide.
Another waterfall you must visit, Diyaluma Falls is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. On your way to the falls, you’ll find several small shops selling snacks and drinks. You can climb up to the top and swim in the natural infinity pool you find there. The best time to visit the falls is the dry season; the wet season isn’t recommended.
Sri Lanka’s history is suffused with colonialism, and the country’s many tea plantations are evidence of the country’s colonial past. Sir Thomas Lipton was one of the planters during the British colonial era. He amassed a massive tea empire, which he admired from Lipton’s Seat; he used to sit here and watch over the tea plantations. You, too, now can appreciate the beauty of these verdant tea plantations from up the Lipton’s Seat.
The region is dotted with tea factories. So, visit one of the factories to witness the process of producing tea while enjoying a delicious cup of hot Ceylon tea!
Kandy to Ella train ride is one of the most popular train journeys in the world. You’ll have to make an advance booking as the seats get sold out pretty fast. The misty mountains, the massive tea plantations, and the quintessential overcast sky of the upcountry are a few delightful details of the Ella Train Ride.
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.