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. Rock enthusiasts and 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 and will lead one through such 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 on the island. Visitors love taking photos of the bridge overlooking the tea plantations. You can also watch the train crossing the bridge twice a day!
When you browse through websites like Travel to Ella, you may come across another fun hike to do, such as the one to Little Adams Peak. It 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 enjoy other activities like zip-lining, abseiling, ATV/quad bike rides, archery, and air rifling nearby.
Don't miss out on the little-visited 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 and 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 underground tunnels built during the times of the quasi-mythical King of Lanka, Ravana.
Named after the famed King of Lanka from 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.
This waterfall is the second-highest in Sri Lanka. It is about an hour's drive from Ella and allows one to hike to the waterfall summit. There are many natural pools around the falls at different levels, and you can enjoy a refreshing swim in crisp, cold mountainous air.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
