Explore Sightseeing & Hiking in Ella

A picturesque hill station

Explore Ella

An upbeat hilltown with panoramic views

Ella is perhaps best known for being the final destination of one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Over the last decade, this once - sleepy hill town has turned into a lively tourist hub with cafes and bars lining the streets set against a backdrop of forested mountainous ridges. Walk through the main town and you will find tourists posing for photos in front of iconic locations such as the Nine Arch Bridge or hike up to the town’s many panoramic viewpoints for a birds eye view of the lush valleys of Badulla.

There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Ella! Hiking and nature enthusiasts can enjoy climbing Ella rock, Mini Adam’s Peak or exploring the icy waters of Diyaluma or Ravana falls.

Stages of The Pekoe Trail accessible from Ella

Stage 14
Stage 15
Stage 16
Stage 17

The hiking trail map for the Ella region from the Pekoe Trail.

Attractions to explore along The Trail

Experience the very best of these unique attractions along the trail. Hike up to the iconic Ella rock, take a photo at the nine arches bridge or cool off in a refreshing waterfall.

Ella Rock

A moderate hike that traverses train tracks, tall grasses, tea plantations, and a small eucalyptus forest to reach a summit with epic views. From the top of Ella rock, you can expect views of the famous Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak, as well as Ella town.

Nine Arches Bridge Photo Point

Flanked by thick jungle and tea plantations; this stone bridge stands across a lush green gorge just outside Ella. The bridge is easily one of Ella's most popular tourist spots with large crowds gathering to take photos with the iconic blue train as it crosses over the bridge.

Makulella Rock forest monastery

A secluded forest monastery located within the Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary.

Eco Domes waterfall

A recently discovered waterfall in the village of Yahalewela nestled among banana trees, tall grasses and tea bushes. The cascading waterfall is a welcome mid-hike stopover to cool off, refresh yourself, and fill your water bottles.

Top Attractions in Ella

Experience the very best of these unique attractions in Ella. Go off the beaten path exploring waterfalls, ancient caves, kovil and panoramic viewpoints.

Ravana Falls

Ravana falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Badulla region. The falls feature an impressive 3 - tier cascading waterfall that gushes down a rock face, creating rock pools along its path.

Ravana’s Cave

Steeped in Ramayana folklore, the caves are located in a cleft in the mountain that rises to Ella Rock. The entrance to the cave is characterised by a unique shape and adorned with rocks covered in vibrant mosses and ferns. Archeological findings close to the cave have suggested that this site served as an ancient human habitation thousands of years ago.

Newburgh Kovil

A hindu temple located in the village of Newburgh.

Little Adam’s Peak viewpoint

This relatively easy and short trail cuts through tea plantations ending with a few steep slopes. At the top you get an impressive 360 - degree view overlooking the Ella gap, all the way to the glistening tanks in Udawalawe National Park.

Immersive experiences in Ella

Experience the very best of what Ella has to offer. Take a scenic train ride through the central highlands, learn how to cook authentic Sri Lankan food or zipline through the mountainous valleys of the region.

Train ride - Demodara Loop

The Demodara station is most notable for its spiral rail line known as the 'Demodara Loop', which passes under itself, going around the loop and emerging from a tunnel that runs directly beneath the railway station. According to local folklore, one of the engineers drew inspiration after observing a Kankany (supervisor) in a local tea estate undo his turban and re - tie it around his head.

Ella spice garden cooking lessons

Learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry by picking, sampling and tasting local spices. After this, you get to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making traditional curry.

Zipline in Ella

Starting at little Adam’s peak, you will fly over iconic tea estates and lush greenery on a two - wire zip - line that stretches for more than half a kilometre.

Nightlife in Ella

After a day of soaking in mountains, wind down at Ella’s main strip of chic cafes, restaurants and bars for good food, music and cocktails.

Other cities to Visit

Explore these charming hill country towns and cities which The Pekoe Trail passes through.

Kandy

Famed for sacred Buddhist sites like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Embekke Devalaya, Gadaladeniya Viharaya and more, this bustling city is also well - known for its botanical gardens which is home to some of the rarest flora and fauna in the island.

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Haputale

This small town is located in the Badulla district and is perched on the south - end of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Often shrouded in mist, this charming hill town boasts spectacular views that are not to be missed on a clear day.

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Hatton

Often referred to as the tea capital of the hill country, Hatton is a busy city with lots to see and experience. Get your hiking boots ready to explore the tea estates, waterfalls and colonial bungalows in this city.

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Nuwara Eliya

Often referred to as “Little England” of Sri Lanka, this charming hill town exudes colonial charm with well - manicured golf courses, colonial architecture, high teas and delicately flavored teas.

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