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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: LKR
- Languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
- Climate: Tropical rainforest
- Timezone: Asia/Colombo
- Population: Approximately 5,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, and UK can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa prior to travel. Visa-free entry is limited to a few countries. A valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds are generally required.
About Ella
Ella is a charming small town nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and cool climate. Surrounded by lush green hills, tea plantations, and misty mountains, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling cities. The town is famous for its scenic train rides, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints such as Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. Visitors are drawn to its laid-back vibe, friendly locals, and opportunities to explore traditional Sri Lankan culture. Ella is also a gateway to nearby attractions like the Nine Arches Bridge and Diyaluma Falls. Its combination of adventure, nature, and cultural experiences makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Top Attractions
1. Ella Rock - A popular hiking destination offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates. 2. Nine Arches Bridge - An iconic colonial-era railway bridge set amidst dense jungle and tea plantations. 3. Little Adam’s Peak - A relatively easy climb with panoramic views, ideal for sunrise or sunset. 4. Diyaluma Falls - Sri Lanka’s second highest waterfall, perfect for swimming and nature walks. 5. Ravana Falls - A scenic waterfall linked to local legends, easily accessible from the town center.
Popular Activities
Hiking and trekking are the main activities, with trails to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. Visitors can explore tea plantations, take scenic train rides, and visit local villages to experience Sri Lankan rural life. Birdwatching and photography are popular due to the rich biodiversity. Adventure seekers can try waterfall swimming and canyoning nearby. Cultural experiences include visiting temples and attending traditional festivals.
Ella Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Uva Province
- Duration Range: Hiking and trekking are the main activities, with trails to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. Visitors can explore tea plantations, take scenic train rides, and visit local villages to experience Sri Lankan rural life. Birdwatching and photography are popular due to the rich biodiversity. Adventure seekers can try waterfall swimming and canyoning nearby. Cultural experiences include visiting temples and attending traditional festivals.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March. Pack comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing for the day, and warmer layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Carry cash as ATMs may be limited. Stay hydrated and use insect repellent. Always negotiate tuk-tuk fares before starting your journey. Be mindful of wildlife and natural surroundings.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $180
215 Available Tour Excursions in Ella
Take a journey to paradise with Discover Ella, your personal guide to the natural wonders of Sri Lanka's hill country. This in-depth itinerary covers Ella's top 3 iconic destinations. Hike to the top of Ella Rock for stunning views and a thrilling climb Marvel at the Nine Arches Bridge, an incredible colonial-era viaduct Watch the sunset over the hills from the top of Little Adam's Peak Discover Ella takes you off the beaten path to Ella's most spectacular sights. Expert local guides lead small group tours and share insider knowledge about the area's history, culture, and nature. With Discover Ella, you'll experience the magic of Sri Lanka's hill country in an authentic, eco-friendly way. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. Discover Ella brings Ella's natural and cultural highlights to life.
Price: $57.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
We are a Private cooking class. So you can learn how to prepare your favorite Sri Lankan dishes once you are back in home. Upon booking our experience, we craft your tailor made menu Each experience is filled with unique content matching your tastes
Price: $35.00
Duration: 3 hours
Our cooking experience in Ella offers a taste of Sri Lanka with a unique twist—it’s designed to be simple, quick, and delicious! Using just a few key ingredients, I’ll share time-saving tips that make it easy to recreate these authentic curries back home. You’ll learn super-quick recipes that pack in rich flavors without complicated steps. Plus, you’ll cook in our outdoor, authentic kitchen, surrounded by the beauty of Ella’s hills. This experience is perfect for anyone looking to master Sri Lankan flavors effortlessly, even on a busy day!
Price: $25.00
Duration: 2 hours
If you love living green, then Ella is obviously a place to visit. Ella Rock is one of the place which proves it. Trekkers would love the place. It’s bit tiring to do the hiking. But it is definitely worth it. Once you got to the summit you will realize why we said so. The panoramic views it provides with mist and cloud covering the area, especially in the early mornings and the late evenings are something you should witness and that would suffice enough to say that you visited Ella. Total time for climbing up and down is 4 hours. Yes, sounds like a long journey. But the way up there is with full of diversity. If you are starting form Ella train station, you would enjoy the rail walk, and soon as you started climbing up, you will be passing a waterfall, the rubber tree forest and tea plantations. On a rainy day, it can be slippery, so better be cautious with what you wear for the journey. Wear something suitable for a hiking and towards the end of the hike,.still manageable.
Price: $30.00
Duration: 5 hours
Welcome to Sri Lanka.Paradise Ella Day Tour/One Way Tourvisit or without(Udawalawe/Yala)Tours. Provide best taxi services island Wide when you are in Sri Lanka.. I am an experienced Tour operator who is working in my own business. As a First time I have introduced a various traveling experience for the guests who are joining with me. And also we are offering an enjoyable and remarkable traveling service to our clients...So Joining with us, We make your tour beautiful & unforgettable.
Price: $36.00
Duration: 8 hours
Book my tour if you are interested in seeing some of the sights around Ella. Even I can show you to unpopular places. And if you want customise your tour please don't hesitate to contact me a_dananjaya in IG.
Price: $90.00
Duration: 8-12 hours
Discover the true essence of Sri Lanka through a one-of-a-kind journey that's authentically local. Immerse yourself in a real Sri Lankan experience, guided by a national tourist guide lecturer. With a background in agriculture chemistry and expertise in Ceylon tea, your host ensures a unique perspective. This tour isn't just about the must-see sites; it's about unveiling hidden gems cherished by locals. Explore places that only insiders know, gaining insights that go beyond the surface. It's an opportunity to unravel the tapestry of Sri Lanka's history, culture, nature, politics, economy, and more. As you traverse through breathtaking landscapes, you'll find that this journey is about more than just sightseeing. It's about responsible tourism, benefiting local communities and preserving the beauty of the land. Delve into the heart of Sri Lanka's traditions and beliefs, particularly Buddhism and its coexistence with other religions. this tour is a blend of leisure and enjoyment too.
Price: $76.00
Duration: 11 hours
# We offer safe and comfortable vehicles for transportation # We will make sure to take the safari to its maximum duration # Safari does it according to your needs, and we make sure that you don't waste your precious money and time # Lowest price guarantee reserve now & pay later free cancellation. ##### PLEASE CONTACT US BY PHONE OR EMAIL BEFORE YOUR RESERVATION. WE MAY BE CONNECTED TO ANOTHER TOURON THE SAME DAY####
Price: $99.00
Duration: 8 hours
Your comfort and enjoyment of the trip at top concern. Discover the island of Sri Lanka from the comfort of a private vehicle while you're chauffeured by a personal experienced driver with service from the heart. Explore the island with family and friends while your driver assists you with customizing your own 8 or 10-hour itinerary with unlimited millage. Visit sites of interest at your own pace while optimizing your time. Pickup and drop-off is included from Sri Lanka airport or at most of Sri Lanka hotels area, and any fuel charges are taken care of. Here are the service area option to maximize your time:
Price: $85.50
Duration: 120-720 hours
Take a journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's luscious tea country with our Tea Plantation Tour. This immersive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at Ceylon tea from bush to brew. -Hike along winding trails through endless rows of tea bushes. -Tour a working tea factory to see how tea is processed and manufactured. -Taste different grades of tea during a guided tasting session. -Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at a charming local house. Spend a day enveloped in the sights, sounds, and aromas of a tea plantation. Learn about Sri Lanka's tea production while taking in panoramic views of the central highlands. The tour includes an authentic village lunch, showcasing local ingredients and flavors. Ideal for tea lovers looking to go beyond the cup, our Tea Plantation Tour provides a fascinating overview of Sri Lanka's iconic tea culture. Discover why Ceylon tea is renowned as the finest in the world.
Price: $60.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Ella is a peaceful small village in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The altitude of the area ranges from 1000m to 1100m, so there are lots of things to do in Ella. It is situated in the middle of stupendous beauty in the countryside with small vegetable plots in the valleys, green tea plantations on the hill slopes, and incredible peaks to hike. Take the train from the coast, or from Kandy to Badulla and fall in love with the surroundings. Therefore, Ella is one of the best places to visit if one wants to refresh the brain and feel the rich biodiversity that the island provides. Ella Round Tour is famous for Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Cave, and beautiful waterfall, and you can enjoy the hidden wonders of the Ella Mount range. Climb to the top of a mountain, walk a stunning tea plantation and trail track, enjoying views of vegetable plots in the valleys and rice fields.
Price: $65.00
Duration: 8 hours
This tea tour offers a truly unique and enriching experience for travelers, combining technical insights, cultural immersion, and expert-led guidance. Here’s what sets it apart: 1)Deep Technical Insights: Delve into topics like plant biology, agronomy, and the economics of tea production, offering a level of depth rarely found in other tours. Learn the art and science of tea-making, from leaf to cup. 2)Extensive Tasting Experience: Enjoy a curated tasting of diverse teas, including black, green, and artisan varieties 3)Cultural and Historical Context: Beyond production, explore the rich history and cultural significance of tea in Sri Lanka 4)Run by Industry Experts: The tour is led by a National Tour Guide Lecturer and a team of professionals with extensive backgrounds in tea plantation management. This tour is perfect for tea enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, offering an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
Price: $33.00
Duration: 3 hours
Sri Lankan Yoga with Sunrise go to Ella Rock Hikking or Mini Adams peack tracking and enagized your body and mind .
Price: $60.00
Duration: 3 hours
This 5-hour hike gives you a chance to experience the Sri Lankan countryside in a hike up to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak and on a cross country hike across to Demodara Railway Station. See the great views from the summit of Little Adams Peak. Walk over the famous Nine Arches Bridge with its rampant history. Hike to the Demodara Railway Station and see the unique looping railroad, a piece of architecture that is only present at Demodara in Sri Lanka.
Price: $96.00
Duration: 5 hours
Are you looking for a convenient and hassle-free way to travel from Ella to Mirissa? Look no further! Our one-way shared shuttle service is the perfect solution for your travel needs. We understand that finding reliable transportation can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you're traveling alone or with a small group. That's why we have designed our shuttle service to provide you with a comfortable and efficient journey. Once onboard, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the route as we make our way towards the Southern coast. The fleet is comfy and well maintained while our experienced and professional drivers will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the entire trip.
Price: $35.00
Duration: 3 hours
This tour is organized by Bentota Travel Mart (BTM) for the tourists to enjoy two different Wild Safari experiences at two most rated National Parks (Yala & Udawalawe) in Sri Lanka Tour Plan Day 1 • Pick up at 8.00/9.00am, drive to Yala • Enjoy Yala Evening Safari • Overnight Stay at 3 star Hotel in Yala Day 2 • 8.30am leave to Udawalawe • Enjoy Udawalawe Morning Safari • Visit Elephant Transit Home (ETH) • Drive back to drop of location Inclusions • Private Transportation with an Well Experienced Driver-Guide • All Entry Fees & Charges • Safari Jeep • Accommodation at 3 star Hotel with Dinner & Breakfast • Lunch on Day 1 & 2 • Free Pick up & Drop off from anywhere in Negambo, Colombo, Mt Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Ahungalla, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Talpe,Koggala, Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa Dickwella, Tangalle, Hambantota & nearby areas.
Price: $375.00
Duration: 48 hours
The only place to get a typical village cooking experience with Sri Lankan yoga and to get to know people and their culture. Yoga brings you to mind relaxing.
Price: $150.00
Duration: 2 hours
Ziplining and the Little Adam's Peak Hike are two of the best activities to do in Ella, which has a lot of stunning backdrops. Ella allows both the laidback as well as the curious at heart to voyage through some of Sri Lanka’s most cherished destinations.
Price: $128.00
Duration: 4 hours
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2. Check Details
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Ella’s cuisine reflects traditional Sri Lankan flavors with an emphasis on rice, coconut, spices, and fresh vegetables. Signature dishes include rice and curry, hoppers (fermented rice pancakes), kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir-fry), and string hoppers. Local tea is a highlight, given the surrounding plantations. Popular restaurants serve authentic Sri Lankan meals alongside some international options, with cozy cafes offering fresh juices and baked goods.
Getting Around
Ella is accessible by train and bus from major cities like Colombo and Kandy. The train journey is scenic and highly recommended. Within Ella, tuk-tuks are the main mode of local transport, affordable and convenient for short distances. Walking is also common due to the town’s compact size. Taxi services and car rentals are available but less common. Costs are generally low compared to Western standards.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March. Pack comfortable hiking shoes, light clothing for the day, and warmer layers for cooler evenings. Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. Carry cash as ATMs may be limited. Stay hydrated and use insect repellent. Always negotiate tuk-tuk fares before starting your journey. Be mindful of wildlife and natural surroundings.
Culture & Customs
Ella’s culture is deeply influenced by Sri Lankan traditions, with Buddhism playing a significant role. Visitors should show respect when visiting temples by removing shoes and covering shoulders and knees. Festivals such as Vesak and Sinhala New Year are celebrated with rituals and community events. Hospitality is valued, and greeting locals with a smile is appreciated. Avoid public displays of affection and loud behavior.
