11 Best things to do in Ella
Hey everyone, in this article we will share with you the best things to do in Ella. In April 2024, we spent 2 weeks travelling in Sri Lanka. Out of which we spent 2 nights in Ella which gave us enough time to visit the main things to do in Ella. However, a third night would also have been nice to have.
From one of the most beautiful train rides in the world to get there, breathtaking hikings at Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak, lovely encounters with the local wildlife, stunning location in the jungle with Nine Arch bridges, delicious food to try and restaurants to visits and so much more.
In this article, we will tell our story going around all the best things to do in Ella. So, if you too are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and to Ella, then let ‘s dive in these best things to do in Ella.
Here is our complete video from this trip :
Table of Contents
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Getting there
Depending on where you are coming from there are multiple solutions. If you are coming from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya than you must take the train to Ella. This is most probably the best things to do in Ella.
If you are coming from Tissamaharama, then you can consider hiring a driver for a more comfortable ride. Your accommodation can easily find one at the last minutes. Or take a bus. There are normally direct buses that runs to Ella from Tissamaharama. The bus will stop at Thanamalwila and Wellawaya.
Moving Around
The best way to move around Ella is by tuktuk. Always ask your accommodation to organize it for us as you will be able to know the rate before taking it and won’t need to negotiate.
Also, the tuktuk that drives your somewhere, will always come and pick you up to drive you back at the same rate.
In Ella, you can also consider renting a scooter. It can quickly be cheaper than taking tuktuks and is much more flexible.
When to Visit
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination thanks to its combination of weather systems ensuring that one or several regions has a good weather. Meaning that each side of the island has its own best time to visit.
The dry seasons by month and destination are:
- North – May to September
- Center – January to April
- South – December – March
If like us you plan a trip around the country, the best time to visit to Sri Lanka will be between January and mid-April.
Temperatures are constant year-round, with coastal regions enjoying average temperatures of 25-30°C and the highlands 15-18°C on average.
We visited it beginning of April and got quite a good weather with only some rain on our final days there. However, it was hot and humid.
Where to Stay
Our favourite accommodation in Ella
What to Eat
The best things to try in Sri Lanka are:
- Dhal curries
- Vegetable curry
- Vegetable Kotu
- Egg Hoppers
- Coconut Sambals
Regarding alcohol, the Lion beer is quite nice, and you can also try the coconut spirit.
Our favorite places to eat in Ella are:
- The Barn
- Café Chill
- Rainbow Café
- Isle of Gellato
- La Mensa
Best things to do in Ella
Train to Ella
The blue train to Ella is one if not the most famous attractions to do in Ella and even Sri Lanka. You can take it from Kandy, but we would recommend shortening it to the best part from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
The train offers such stunning views, and the best part is that in 2nd and 3rd class you can pop out of the windows and the doors. That’s so much fun! But be careful.
Nine Arch bridge
Now that we are talking about train, the Nine arch Bridge is the most iconic location in Ella to see the blue train passing. The old bridge itself is stunning but be sure to wait for the train to pass.
We would recommend that you go on both side of the bridge as well as on its foot.
Ella Rock
Without a doubt, our favorite things to do in Ella was to hike to Ella Rock. It takes a good 4h back and forth but is so worth it. The views are breathtaking, the landscapes stunning, and it isn’t crowded at all.
It is something everyone can do, as most of the hike is pretty easy, apart for the last push toward the viewpoints.
A cool thing too, is that to get there from Ella, you are walking along the rail track! Be careful there are active tracks.
And on your way back stop for a fresh coconut! You deserved it!
Little Adams Peak
To continue with the hiking, Little Adams Peak offers a more moderate and more touristy hike. The view at the top is also quite nice but the whole location is more modern than Ella Rock.
While you are there, you could combine this nice 1h30min hike with some relaxing time at the pool bar at the entrance of the hike.
Or even spice things up with some ziplines or swings.
Nature
We would also recommend enjoying the nature surrounding your accommodation. Ella is fresher than the rest of Sri Lanka, yet in the afternoon it can get hot, if you can have some chill time at your accommodation and even by the pool that would be a game changer in your experience.
Plus, most of them are in such idyllic settings.
And be sure to take time to spot and admire the wildlife. We are so fan of chipmucks. There are so nice and fun to see. But you can also see big lizards and peacocks quite easily.
Shopping
Another thing that you can do is visit the cute little shop in Ella. There aren’t that many, but it is worth a visit. Ella also has small supermarket if you need to resupply.
Ravana Falls
And finally on your way out of Ella, be sure to stop at the Ravana Falls, it is right on the side of the road. Even if it isn’t recommended to swim there, some do.
Cooking Class
If you have more time in Ella, you can also consider taking a cooking class. What better way to learn the basics of the local cuisine.
More things to do in Ella
If you want more things to do in Ella, you can consider:
- Lipton’s seat
- Diyaluma Falls
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
Get our full map
Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once? With this map, you get all our pins, destinations, things to see, where to eat and sleep, and so much more in one time.
4 thoughts on “11 Best things to do in Ella”
What a beautiful description about our country…welcome to Sri Lanka..
Love your YouTube vlogs and this blog
🇱🇰❤
What a beautiful description about our country…welcome to Sri Lanka..🙏🏻
Love your YouTube vlogs and this blog
🇱🇰❤
What a beautiful description about our country…welcome to Sri Lanka..Love your YouTube vlogs and this blog
Thank you very much. We had such a great time in Sri-Lanka 😉