Ella, Sri Lanka: A Scenic Retreat in the Heart of the Hill Country
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ella is a small village that has quickly become one of the country’s most coveted destinations. Located in the Badulla District of the Uva Province, Ella is about 1,041 meters (3,415 feet) in elevation, surrounded by rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls, and rolling tea plantations. Ella, although not too big in size, is replete with natural beauty, plenty of cultural experience, and entertainment for the young and the old. If you are an adventurous traveler looking for hiking and panoramic views, or a person seeking relaxation and quietness in the serene surroundings of the highlands, Ella has something to satisfy everyone.
The Scenic Beauty of Ella
The beauty of Ella lies in its stunning landscape, ranging from misty hills to tea plantations. The town follows the Colombo-Badulla railway line, one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Train riders taking the route to and from Ella are able to view awe-inspiring scenes of the green tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountains that characterize Sri Lanka’s hill country.
The comfortable climate, a relief from the tropical heat that lower elevations provide, makes Ella an ideal retreat for nature lovers. The misty mornings and cool nights enhance the town’s otherworldly beauty, especially in the early morning hours when the sun peeks over the hills and lights up the mist, transforming the landscape into something almost magical.
Popular Places to Visit in Ella
- Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge will be Ella’s most iconic landmark. Built during the early 20th century during British colonial rule, this stunning bridge is an engineering marvel with bricks and cement without the use of steel. Spanning across a deep gorge, the bridge has on both sides green fields and tea estates, thereby making it a sight to see. The Nine Arches Bridge is also a favorite of the photographers, even more so if a train passes over it, producing an awesome background of the natural scenery against the train.
Travelers have the option to walk to the bridge from Ella town, and the surrounding area is ideal for trekking and touring the surrounding area. The trek to the bridge itself is over beautiful tea fields and rural countryside, so it is a pleasant and calming trek.
- Ella Rock
For the nature enthusiast and the trekker, Ella Rock is a definite must-see. This hill offers some of Sri Lanka’s best panoramic vistas, with vistas stretching over the rolling hills, valleys, and tea plantations of the Uva Province. The trek up to the top is quite rigorous, requiring some stamina, but the view from the top is well worth the effort.
The Ella Rock trail originates from the town of Ella and entails hiking through dense forest, tea plantations, and open grasslands. Throughout the route, hikers are rewarded with scenes of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, including local wildlife and vibrant plants. The views from the top of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and plains are simply stunning. The scenery of Sri Lankan Highlands from Ella Rock is often said to be among the most breathtaking landscapes in Sri Lanka.
- Ravana Falls
No trip to Ella would be incomplete without visiting the Ravana Falls, the island’s most reported and most scenic waterfall. The waterfall is located approximately 6 kilometers from Ella and drops from a height of some 25 meters, forming a picturesque beauty that has been a perennial favorite among photographers and nature lovers for decades. The falls are also named in honor of the legendary king Ravana of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
The tourists can reach near the bottom of the falls, where the water is cold and soothing and can be utilized for taking a plunge or simply viewing the landscape. The area around the waterfall is filled with tropical blooms and plants that add to the beauty of nature. It’s also an excellent place to relax and enjoy the peace of nature.
- Diyaluma Falls
Although somewhat nearer to Ella, Diyaluma Falls is a stunning waterfall not to be ignored. Diyaluma, 220 meters in height, is the nation’s second-highest waterfall. The falls are reachable around 30 minutes by road from Ella, and the drive itself is worth it. Water tumbles downwards in various steps, the spectacle being all the greater whether viewed from below or from the numerous spots on the path.
The hike up Diyaluma Falls is a popular activity for adventure tourists who are in search of scenery. The mountain trek is moderately strenuous but pays off for the visitor through outstanding views of the area. From the summit, tourists can have a splash at the natural pools formed by the waterfall.
- Ella Spice Garden
For a unique cultural experience, the Ella Spice Garden is a great place to learn about the rich farming heritage of the region. The spice garden offers guided tours in which tourists can learn about the various spices grown in the region, including cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and turmeric. The tour also offers information on the traditional methods of spice cultivation and how these spices have been used in Sri Lankan cuisine and medicine for centuries.
Tourists also get to experience a variety of spices and fruits, and the tour provides an interesting look into the methods used by the farmers that have made the history of the area so rich.
Ella’s Peaceful Atmosphere
Another major attraction of Ella is its relaxed and serene atmosphere. Compared to the busy cities of Kandy or Colombo, Ella offers a serene haven where tourists can unwind and enjoy the leisurely pace of life. The town itself is peaceful and small, with some restaurants, cafes, and local stores. Most of the accommodations in the area are eco-lodges, guesthouses, and boutique hotels, which give tourists an opportunity to stay close to nature but still enjoy modern amenities.
The nice weather, fresh air, and stunning view make Ella the perfect destination for tourists seeking to relax. If you want to drink a calm cup of tea watching the valley, take a leisurely walk along the tea plantations, or simply sit and think beside a waterfall, Ella is the perfect destination for relaxing.
How to Reach Ella
Ella is also well connected to the rest of Sri Lanka. The following are the most common ways of entering the town:
By Train: Train is one of the most suitable means of transport to visit Ella. The Colombo to Badulla train line passes through Ella, and the train ride is famous for its scenic views. The train ride offers scenic beauty with magnificent views of mountains, tea plantations, and valleys. The train ride from Colombo to Ella is about 7 hours, and the ride itself is a delight.
By Bus: Alternatively, Ella is also accessible by bus from large cities like Colombo and Kandy. The ride by bus is a beautiful one along the mountains, though a bit bumpy due to the road being curvy.
By Car: You can also travel to Ella by car or taxi. The Colombo trip is 5-6 hours, and from Kandy 3-4 hours.
Ella is a hidden gem that boasts Sri Lanka’s hill country beauty. With its stunning waterfalls to its peaceful surroundings, the town has something for every kind of traveler, whether adventure or relaxation. Due to its pleasant climate, scenic landscapes, and friendly locals, Ella is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you are hiking to Ella Rock, drinking Ceylon tea, or simply taking in the views from the Nine Arches Bridge, Ella will give you memories to treasure of Sri Lanka’s interior.
