Joanna James
As one of the most breathtaking mountainous regions of the island, Ella is not only a great place to chase waterfalls but also enjoy all manner of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best highlights to discover on your next trip to this hill station.
While it may not be the first point of interest that tourists think of when they think of Ella, the Ceylon Tea Factory is an attraction that should be on every travel itinerary. Open from 10:30 am to 10 pm, the venue is one of the many tea estates and factories you can tour in Ella. Ceylon Tea Factory is a colonial-era factory that has been producing tea for centuries, and visitors can learn the complex steps of processing tea leaves until it is ready for your morning cuppa. A tour of an Ella tea factory also affords ample opportunities to enjoy tea-tasting sessions as most local factories will specialise in certain tea blends.
Adam's Peak is a holy mountain that attracts thousands of visitors each year but Ella's Little Adam's Peak is no less impressive as a hiking destination for those based in Ella. According to [Travel to Ella and other online resources, the venue affords some of the best views of the city from its vaulted location. Travellers without much hiking experience can also embark on this 45-minute trek to the top that not only brings one face to face with tea plantations but also pastoral local villages.
Trekking fanatics will also find that hiking to the summit of Ella Rock is one of the most rewarding things to do in Ella. As a more challenging hike, the journey to the top takes at least two hours but the views are more than worth the extra effort. The best time to head up the mountain is in the wee hours of the morning as there are fewer hikers and the temperatures are cooler than at midday. It is best not to head up Ella Rock without at least 4 hours to spare before sundown.
Ravana Waterfall is an iconic waterfall with a rich historic legacy, and no Ella sightseeing tour would be complete without a pit stop at the Ravana Waterfall. Located on the A23 Highway in Ella, this mammoth cascade is just 10 minutes away from the heart of the city centre. Visitors who desire to camp near the waterfall are invited to do so, with snack vendors and souvenir shops conveniently lining the path leading to the cascade. Although tourists can visit the waterfall around the clock, the best time to stop by the Ravana Waterfall is in the morning hours and then again in the afternoon.
Featured on many an Instagram post from Ella, the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge is not only a locomotive attraction but an architectural landmark in the hills. Travellers will need to walk for 30 minutes through a local wood to reach the main viewing area near the bridge.
The location of Secret Waterfall is hardly a secret anymore, and this is another captivating waterfall to visit in Ella. Ideal for those who wish to swim or splash around at the base of a stunning waterfall, this waterfall is also a romantic point of interest for picnicking couples.
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.
