Sri Lanka
Hill-country town ringed by tea fields, famous for its hiking trails and the Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella · Photo: Adam Vandermeer / Unsplash
Ella · Most-recommended spots
14 spots · 3 storytellers
Hike
Tougher hike of about two hours along old train tracks and forest to the summit.
The Common WandererClimbing Ella Rock is highlighted as one of the authors’ favourite adventures in Sri Lanka’s misty high country.
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Wandering UnicornsThe pick for more adventurous hikers.
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Salt in Our HairAbout two hours to reach the summit.
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25m-high railway viaduct just outside town; time your visit for a passing train.
Good to knowTo cross it by train, book beyond Ella towards Demodara and confirm that your service stops there.
The Common WandererThis striking bridge is one of the authors’ favourite sights around Ella and can also be experienced from the train.
Read The Common Wanderer's guideWandering UnicornsA short drive out of town and a must-do.
Read Wandering Unicorns's guideSalt in Our HairA world-famous must-see, 25m high and 91m long.
Read Salt in Our Hair's guideEat
Order cocktails and smoothies; international menu and a lively evening.
The Common WandererThe authors recommend this good-value hotel for its beautiful garden setting close to Nine Arch Bridge.
Read The Common Wanderer's guideSalt in Our HairA favourite for cocktails, smoothies and international food.
Read Salt in Our Hair's guideSwim
Hike to the top of the waterfall for natural cliff-edge pools you can swim in.
The Common WandererSri Lanka’s second-tallest waterfall offers a dramatic excursion from Ella, with roaring cascades that rank among the authors’ favourite local adventures.
Read The Common Wanderer's guideSalt in Our HairThey swam in three natural pools on the cliff edge.
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Zipline over the treetops about 10 minutes from town.
Wandering UnicornsTheir pick for a thrilling adventure.
Read Wandering Unicorns's guideSalt in Our HairThey loved zipping over the treetops, 10 minutes from town.
Read Salt in Our Hair's guideHike
Easy-to-moderate hike through tea plantations to panoramic ridge views.
Wandering UnicornsA rewarding climb with stunning views.
Read Wandering Unicorns's guideSalt in Our HairOne of their favourite hikes in Sri Lanka.
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Stop after Little Adam's Peak for coffee and locally brewed tea with big views.
Salt in Our HairOrder coffee or local tea after the hike, with big views.
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Best view of Nine Arch Bridge; order a fresh juice while waiting for the train.
Salt in Our HairOrder fresh juice and wait for the train; best bridge view.
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Picked for great coffee in town.
Salt in Our HairTheir pick for great coffee.
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Included as a Koslanda stay in the author's selection focused on mountains, valleys, and tea gardens.
Wandering UnicornsIncluded as a Koslanda stay in the author's selection focused on mountains, valleys, and tea gardens.
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Ella's hidden blue-water cave.
Wandering UnicornsElla's hidden blue-water cave.
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Five-bedroom colonial bungalow 15 minutes from Ella with Ella Rock views and an infinity pool.
Wandering UnicornsA charming five-bedroom boutique stay near Ella.
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Spacious loft-style cottages have terraces overlooking a jungle-covered valley and Ella Rock.
The Common WandererSpacious loft-style cottages have terraces overlooking a jungle-covered valley and Ella Rock.
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Set within a ten-acre tea estate in the hills, this tucked-away property overlooks Nine Arch Bridge.
The Common WandererSet within a ten-acre tea estate in the hills, this tucked-away property overlooks Nine Arch Bridge.
Read The Common Wanderer's guideNearby
