Ella has all the best parts of Sri Lanka rolled into one: beautiful jungle mountains, rolling tea plantations, and epic waterfalls. As one of the biggest tea producers, travelers can look forward to spending their days among the greenest surroundings, enjoying the views from hilltop houses and adventurous hiking trails. Even the train ride to Ella is one of life’s most remarkable experiences, as you travel by iconic blue train through bamboo forests and tropical mist.
From scaling the heady heights of Ella Rock to laying eyes on the mystical Nine Arch Bridge for the very first time; standing on the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls (the second tallest in the country), and winding through the tea plantations and mountains passes on the famous Kandy to Ella train; many of our favourite Sri Lankan adventures can be found right here.
At its heart, Ella is a charming and laid-back village perfect for relaxing, hiking and escaping the searing temperatures of the southern coast.
It's a place where Sri Lanka's colonial heritage coexists with its rich Sinhalese and Tamil culture, and where abundant natural experiences can be found alongside plentiful cultural ones. And it's a place where learning to cook delicious Sri Lankan cuisine is an absolute must.