10 Things To Do in Ella

Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for travelers enjoying nature and adventure. If Sri Lanka is on your travel list, Ella is a town that you have to visit. Here are 10 Things to do in Ella that will give you a memorable trip.

Situated in the Sri Lankan highlands, Ella is full of greenery. There are so many trekking options for all the adventurous people out there. The dense forests and tea plantations make Ella a natural gateway to tranquility.

1. Nine Arches Bridge

 

Sri Lanka’s history has a few chapters on foreign-rule. The British presence in Sri Lanka has left its mark, like all other countries under their rule. Nine Arches Bridge is an architectural marvel by the British. It shows the finest engineering techniques of the British.

The view, even in the images, leaves you awestruck. This bridge passes through the dense forests. You can take a walk here or catch a train passing by. The dense vegetation makes the bridge look beautiful.

Make sure to visit here during the day. Visiting here during the darker hours won’t give you the best look. For the best photos, visit here either during sunrise or sunset.

2. Little Adam’s Peak

 

Adam’s and Little Adam’s are two parts of the same peak. The former one being greater is difficult to trek. Little Adam’s Peak, as per the name, is the smaller counterpart and favorite of trekkers.

If you want to see how the local Sri Lankan’s farm, this peak will show that to you. The surrounding valleys, hills, and tea plantations are beautiful. Once you reach the hill-top, you will get to witness it all.

For photographers who love capturing nature, you will have the best of your time here. It will take you up to 45 minutes to reach the top. You can try the zipline ride here, which costs LKR 2500.

3. Flying Ravana Mega Zipline

 

Have you ever wished to see the world from a bird-s eye view? Now, you can view the world from the top through the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline. This zipline offers you a view of dense forests, tea plantations, and various hills.

There are two parallel ziplines. These are safe and are one of the best things to do in Ella. The view will leave you mesmerized. The company offers ATV licenses and training for LKR 15,000. You can buy the merchandise like t-shirts, wearable phone pouch, etc. under LKR 2,500.

There are various other activities to try out, like archery, abseiling, air rifling, mega jump, and climbing towers. All the ticket rates are under LKR 10,000. At this one zipline, you can take part in multiple activities.

This is a great place to spend a day with your friends and family. For an adventurous person, this is going to be an unforgettable experience.

Timing- Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ticket cost- Between LKR 4000-9600

4. Ravana’s Cave

 

Sri Lanka is the country of Ravana. Most places are named after this iconic mythical character. The storyline takes us back to the days of the Ramayana, an epic. It is believed that Ravana used this cave to hide from Lord Rama.

Consider this place a site of heritage in Sri Lanka. The cave is near the Ravana Falls that we will discuss ahead. Most places in Ella are just a trek away. So is this cave. A short trek will take you to Ravana Cave. The entrance is interesting.

The stone carvings tell us that they belong to an ancient or medieval period. The fascinating carvings are detailed. The cave of the king is deep and high. Visit here during the day-time. It will be easier for you to see the cave properly.

The caves are at a distance of two kilometers from Ella. You can take a bus ride or tuktuk to reach the hiking area.

5. Diyaluma Falls

 

None of your trips to Sri Lanka are accomplished without seeing a waterfall. Each city and town here has water falls. But let us tell you that each of these water falls is beautiful. The views are stunning and take your breath away.

Diyaluma Falls is the second highest water fall in the nation. With water pouring down from 220 meters, the place is a go-to-choice for tourists. It will take you around an hour to reach Diyaluma Falls. You can book a private car to visit here.

You can also climb to the top, which is an easy trek. The best time to visit here is post the rainy season. Non-slippery track and sound of the heavy waterfall will make it a better trip for you.

6. Ravana Falls

 

Another eye-catching waterfall here is Ravana Falls. These are named after the legendary Hindu king, Ravana of Sri Lanka. It is popular for its wideness. The Ravana Cave is very close to the Ravana Falls.

The rocks and streams around Ravana Falls make it a beautiful sight to watch. The thicker forests surround the waterfall. The colors white and green add coolness to the eyes of the viewer. You can visit here between January and May. The temperature is normal, and the water flow is good, too.

The forest here has multiple species of snakes and mammals. Orchids, ebony, silkwood, and teak are common here. You will get local buses that run through Ella. If you want, you can also book a private cab.

7. Lipton Seat

 

For those who have studied or heard history, they definitely know about Lipton tea. It is believed to be the first tea company in the world. When Britishers came to Asia, they brought with them the company as well.

Sir Thomas Lipton, a British, used this spot to cultivate the tea plants here. If you are a tea lover, this spot is your heaven. The best time to visit here is during sunrise or sunset. The orange rays and green tea leaves together make a stunning view.

Lipton’s seat visiting hours are 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The seat is at the top, where you will find a statue of Sir Lipton. You can overview the tea plantations from the top.

8. Ella Tea Factory

 

The name is enough for you to understand. But to learn better, you will have to visit here. Ella Tea Factory will give you an experience of a life-time to see how tea is made. You will get to learn how to prepare Ceylon tea.

This tea factory is amidst the tea plantations. So, you can pluck fresh leaves and prepare tea for yourself. You can also collect some of these as samples. Isn’t that so cool?

From plucking to rolling and drying the leaves, they teach it all. You will also get to learn how tea is made into pieces that we buy from the shops. The tea that we make at home may not take time. But the tea that we actually buy from shops goes through a long process.

9. Ella Town

Along with its surroundings, Ella, the town is pretty. It has many cafes and restaurants for all the foodie-travelers. This should be your next destination to try authentic Sri Lankan food. The town is simple yet attractive.

The shops here are vibrant. You can shop for a lot of traditional items in the shops. Ella has a wide range of shops that sell handicrafts. If you enjoy collecting unique hand-made items, keep shopping.

The atmosphere in the town is cool, silent, and captivating. At least, this is what we often hear from travelers. You can spend a day here exploring the town and its delicacies.

10. Ella Spice Garden

 

Apart from tea, the spices here taste good, too. Do you know that Asian spices were the reason for colonial rule? If you do not know, this is actually the truth. The search for India led to the discovery of Sri Lanka as well.

The foreigners came to this side of the ocean for the trade of spices. And the rest is indeed history. Spices from South-Asian countries are popular world-wide. The Ella Spice Garden is a great place for guided tours.

You will enjoy watching the process by which spices are cultivated. You can buy aromatic spices here. Pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and other common spices are available here in a huge variety.

It is always open, and you can have a masterclass here. Take lessons of using the spices to make tasty meals.

These are the top 10 places to visit in Ella. Whether you decide to trek or visit the tea factory, you will have fun. These are also some of the best spots to get your pictures clicked. Spend a day experiencing adventure at the zipline or exploring the ancient caves.

Ella has great spots for all types of tourists. Whether you come here with your family or a group of friends, everyone will have something to do. There are nearby places close to Ella if you want to visit. You can learn more about such places on our website.

Have a peaceful time with nature at Ella.