Joanna James
Ella is a captivating hillside town in the Badulla District and a favourite destination for many travellers because of its cool weather, spectacular scenery and attractions. Hikers will love Ella and all that it has to offer its visitors.
One of the best things to do in Ella is to climb the Ella Rock. It is one of the star attractions in Ella and among the most popular trails in the area. The hike will take about three hours to finish. It will lead one through lush, mist-laden mountainous landscapes and green tea plantations that you will barely feel the time going. The view from the rock's summit is magical, especially at sunrise and should not be missed!
The Nine Arches Bridge is perhaps the most famous landmark in Ella. It was constructed during the British colonial period to transport tea to Colombo. During the height of World War I, the engineers ran out of steel, forcing the local builders to use stone and bricks to complete the project. The ingenuity of the locals has stood the test of time, as the bridge remains one of the most impressive and durable bridges on the island. Visitors will love taking photos of the bridge overlooking the tea plantations. You can also watch the train crossing the bridge twice a day!
The trek to Little Adams Peak is much shorter than Ella Rock and may take around 50 to 60 minutes. This hike offers another opportunity to explore the lush tea plantations and exquisite mountain terrain of the Ella region. Its summit is marked with a little shrine for the Lord Buddha. Here, you will be treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and villages. With the break of dawn, the area illuminates in the magical glow of the sun's rays. Visitors can further enjoy other activities like zip-lining, abseiling, ATV/quad bike rides, archery, and air rifling nearby.
Don't miss out on Dhowa Rock Temple while you are in Ella. It's over 2,000 years old and has a massive 39-foot unfinished statue of the Buddha, as well as several murals of rock art. The temple lies in a tranquil environment, surrounded by green hills, enhancing its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The temple monks will be happy to share their stories of this ancient temple and the history behind it. Some believe that this temple is among sites connected via a secret network of subterranean tunnels built during the times of the quasi-mythical King of Lanka, Ravana. Check out websites like Travel to Ella for more tips and inspiration to enhance your Ella experience.
Named after the famed King featured in the epic Ramayana, this stunning waterfall lies 10-15 minutes from Ella by car or tuk-tuk. According to local legend, King Ravana, having abducted Sita, hid her behind the many caves of the waterfall. He then built her a magnificent underground palace! The waterfall, at 82 feet, offers a worthy climb up to its third tier, but visitors should be cautious of the slippery rocks beneath.
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.
