Little Adam’s Peak: Ella’s most iconic hike

Introduction

Little Adam’s Peak is one of Ella’s most iconic hikes — and the best part is, it’s also one of the easiest. With its panoramic mountain views, a scenic walk through tea plantations, and a rewarding summit that doesn’t require too much effort, it’s no surprise this short hike is a favorite among travelers in Sri Lanka.

We did this one right after climbing Ella Rock, and the contrast is immediate. Everything about Little Adam’s Peak feels more developed and accessible — from the well-marked path to the presence of cafes and stairs almost all the way to the top. It’s far less wild, but also more beginner-friendly.

If you’re short on time or simply not in the mood for another challenging hike, Little Adam’s Peak is the perfect choice. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ella.

Why visit?

Little Adam’s Peak offers one of the best views in Ella without the effort of a long or difficult hike. It’s the perfect blend of stunning scenery and easy access — ideal if you’re short on time or just looking for a gentle walk with a big payoff. The trail winds through peaceful tea plantations before leading you up to breathtaking views over Ella Gap and the surrounding hills.

We actually did this hike just after climbing Ella Rock, and the contrast was obvious. Little Adam’s Peak is much more developed: there’s a clearly marked trail, a popular zipline, a giant swing, and even the nearby Ravana Pool Club if you feel like cooling off with a drink and a view.

It’s definitely busier and more touristy, but also better suited for families or anyone looking for a more relaxed, fun vibe — think photo ops, fresh coconuts, and a playful atmosphere rather than a rugged adventure.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

How to get there

Little Adam’s Peak is just a short distance from the center of Ella and can be easily reached on foot or by tuk-tuk. If you’re staying in town, it’s a 15–20 minute walk to the entrance, located near 98 Acres Resort & Spa — a great landmark to plug into Google Maps.

If you’re coming from a bit further away or prefer to save your legs for the hike, a tuk-tuk from Ella town costs around 300–500 LKR (€0.85–1.40 / $0.90–1.50), depending on where you’re starting from.

From the 98 Acres parking area, follow the clearly marked path that winds through tea plantations and up into the hills. The trailhead is very easy to find, and you’ll see signs — and likely other travelers — leading the way.

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When to visit

Like most hikes around Ella, the best time to visit Little Adam’s Peak is in the morning. Temperatures are cooler, the light is softer for photos, and you’ll avoid the mid-day heat. We did the hike after completing Ella Rock, and even in the late morning it was already getting warm — so aim to get there by 8–9 AM if possible.

Sunrise and sunset are also popular times. If you’re into photography, sunrise offers a golden glow over the hills, while sunset can be magical with panoramic views. Just be cautious with footing if you’re descending in the dark.

Dry season (December to April) is the best time overall, with clear skies and little rainfall. Avoid rainy days if you can — the path gets muddy and visibility is limited.

Tip: This trail is popular and much more developed than Ella Rock, so expect more people, especially in the late morning and at sunset.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

How to Visit

Hiking Little Adam’s Peak is simple and rewarding. The trail begins just next to 98 Acres Resort and is clearly marked. Most people take 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top, making it one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in Ella.

The path takes you through lush tea plantations and then up a staircase to the first viewpoint. From here, you get a beautiful panoramic view of Ella, the surrounding hills, and sometimes even paragliders in the sky.

But don’t stop just yet. You can venture further along the ridge for even better views and a more tranquil experience. If you continue hiking south along the path, you’ll eventually reach another peak. This section is often empty and feels more like a mini-adventure — perfect for those who enjoy escaping the crowd.

Along the way, you’ll also pass:

• The Flying Ravana zipline (great fun if you want an adrenaline kick).
• A giant swing for that dramatic photo.
• And the Ravana Pool Club at the base, where you can cool off with a drink and a view.

We combined Little Adam’s Peak with Ella Rock on the same day. While the contrast was obvious (Little Adam’s Peak is much more touristy and busy), it’s a good second hike for the afternoon if you still have some energy. Families and casual hikers will enjoy it more than the rougher path to Ella Rock.

Tickets & Opening Hours

One of the best things about Little Adam’s Peak is that it’s completely free to visit. There’s no entrance fee, and the trail is accessible at any time of day. However, we recommend hiking during daylight hours only, ideally early morning or late afternoon, when the light is beautiful and the heat is more bearable.

Suppose you’re planning to enjoy the nearby activities like the Flying Ravana Zipline or the Ravana Pool Club. In that case, those have separate entry costs and opening times (generally 9 AM – 5 PM, but it’s worth checking locally or online as it can vary).

Is it Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you’re after a quick, rewarding hike with little effort. Compared to Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak is shorter, more developed, and much easier to access, making it perfect for families, casual travelers, or anyone who’s short on time.

The infrastructure is better too — you’ll find cafes, ziplines, swings, and even a pool club nearby, so it’s also ideal if you’re in the mood for a mix of nature and fun.

While it does get more crowded than Ella Rock, especially around midday, the panoramic views, easy access, and extra attractions make it one of Ella’s must-do experiences. And if you head to the second peak, you’ll find a quieter spot to soak it all in.

Where to stay

We recommend staying in Ella for at least 2 nights — it gives you enough time to explore the highlights without rushing. But if you can, 3 nights is even better. It allows for a slower pace, with time to unwind, enjoy the nature around, and maybe sneak in an extra hike or a lazy afternoon by the pool.

For the best experience, look for accommodation just outside of Ella town. It’s quieter, the views are better (think jungle hills and bird songs), and you’ll still be just a short tuk-tuk ride from the restaurants and main sights.

Our picks for where to stay in Ella:

• (€) Lavendra Paradise: Budget-friendly with warm hospitality and a peaceful garden setting.
• (€€) Chill Ville: Mid-range comfort with beautiful views of Ella Rock and a small pool.
• (€€€) Tea Cabins: A more luxurious option with elevated cabins tucked into the hills and stunning sunrise views.

Here are all your accommodation options in Ella.