15 Things to Do in Ella in 2023 to Enhance Your Sri Lanka Vacation

Do you yearn to be immersed in the natural world? As depicted in films, do you image yourself meandering through misty tea plantations nestled among verdant hills? Then Ella, Sri Lanka is the best place for you to visit. It is a lesser hill station than Nuwara Eliya, but it will not allow you to become bored! Ella has everything: caverns, waterfalls, joyful Sri Lankan train journeys, a relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful scenery. This small town offers attractions for both outdoor enthusiasts and sybarites, or those who enjoy lavishing themselves. These incredible activities in Ella, Sri Lanka will compel you to remain for a very long time.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka and Ella

Ella is a year-round destination, although the best time to visit in the summer is between March and June, and the best time to visit in the winter is between December and February. During the Monsoons, Ella experiences a low season due to the travel restrictions imposed by heavy rainfall.

Amusing Attractions in Ella

These Ella activities will demonstrate why it is one of the world’s most popular hill towns for visitors.

Enjoy a Picnic, Miss Ella Rock
Take a Splash in Ravana Falls
Little Adam’s Peak must be climbed to reach the summit.
Nine Arch Bridge: Behold The Sunrise
Learn How Ceylon Tea Is Made at Ella Tea Factory
Discover the Secrets Hidden Within Ravana’s Cave
98 Acres Resort – Ayurvedic Massage
Cafe Chill serves local dishes prepared by Ella
At the Dhowa Rock Temple, seek Eternal Blessings.
Ellawala Waterfall: Explore This Unknown Treasure
Take a Tour of Ella Town!
Take the Ella Railway Train Through Tea Plantations!
At Diyaluma Falls, take in the expansive views.
Discover the Origin of Your Favourite Iced Tea at Lipton’s Seat
Learn How To Prepare Sri Lankan Cuisine at Ella Spice Garden.

Visiting Ella Rock.

You must visit Ella Rock if you appreciate morning strolls in the cool air. The hike’s ultimate destination is Ella Rock, which can be reached in two to three hours. Best of all, participation in this Ella activity is free. Visitors frequently lose track of time while taking in the magnificent vistas along their 8-kilometer walk. Additionally, as the voyage offers numerous breathtaking vistas, we recommend bringing picnic supplies if the weather is nice. This trail is not adequately marked, so it is recommended that you go with a guide or a knowledgeable local.

Location: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway in Ella, Sri Lanka
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Entry is free.

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Take a Splash in Ravana Falls

Do you enjoy swimming in areas of water surrounded by gorgeous scenery? Ella’s Ravana Falls is the ideal location for you to swim and chill off. As you watch the water cascade over the edge, take in the breathtaking vistas all around you. A dip in the Ravana Falls is one of the most pleasant free activities Ella has to offer for couples and adventurers. It is essential to employ caution around these rocks, as they can become quite slippery.

Location: 90122, Beragala-Hali Ela Highway, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Admission cost: 250 LKR

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Little Adam’s Peak must be climbed to reach the summit.

As the name implies, this is a miniature version of Nuwara Eliya’s well-known Adam’s Peak. At a height of 2,243 metres, this particular journey takes two to three hours. Be sure to take frequent breaks to recover and take in the scenery. On the summit, there is a rock formation that resembles an enormous footprint. Due to the fact that this is one of Ella’s most popular excursions, you may encounter other tourists along the way. On the walk, you will pass picturesque tea estates and tea pickers, which may make for intriguing Instagram photos. This is one of the many free activities to do in Ella, so those with limited funds are in for a treat.

90090 Ella – Passara Road, Ella, Sri Lanka
The store is open from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Entry is free.

Authentic Sri Lankan Experience

Nine Arch Bridge: Behold The Sunrise

During the British colonial period in Sri Lanka, the Nine Arch Bridge was built in Ella. The British transported the steel required to complete the bridge’s construction. However, this did not diminish the spirits of Ella’s skilled artisans, who proceeded to build this incredible bridge out of cement and stone bricks. To reach Ella, take a taxi to the bridge. Do not miss the tranquil dawn on the bridge. As there are not many people here in the early morning, you will have unobstructed views of the peaceful sunrise and expansive vistas.

Sri Lanka, Gotuwala, Ella 90090 is the location.
You can walk the entire distance to the summit in approximately thirty minutes, or you can hire a taxi for 200 LKR.
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Entry is free.

Learn How Ceylon Tea Is Made at Ella Tea Factory

The well-known Halpewatte Tea Factory is located just outside of Ella, which is 9 kilometres northeast of Haputale in Dambatenne. Built by Scottish tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton in the nineteenth century, the tea plant is presently owned by Amba Estate Ecological Tea Plantation and Dambatenne Tea plant. After purchasing freshly brewed tea and learning more about local Ceylon tea, you can enjoy a tea tasting at this establishment. Due to its historical significance, Ella’s visit to this factory and information centre is among her most memorable experiences.

How to Get There: The bus ride from Haptuale will take only 20 minutes.
The business is open from 8 AM to 6 PM
Admission cost is 500 LKR

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Discover the Secrets Hidden Within Ravana’s Cave

According to legend, Ravana hid Sita in this grotto. The small village of Ella is only two kilometres away from Ravana’s Cave, which is located next to a precipice that overlooks the valley. As a result of its rich historical context, it is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. As the path leading to the Ravana Cave is quite steep, we recommend that you wear appropriate attire and robust footwear to ensure your safety and comfort during your visit.

Location: Ella, Sri Lanka
A distance of 700 steps separates the entrance to the grotto.

Beginning at 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Ayurvedic Massage

Sri Lanka is famous for its Ayurvedic massages, in case you were oblivious. Following your Ella excursion, indulge in a much-needed massage. If you are interested in receiving a massage, there are many places in Ella. Even though there are other massage parlours in the area, after all of your walking and commuting, you deserve a regal treatment.

Delight in Ella’s Regional Cuisine

Restaurants and cafes in Ella are perfect places to decompress while savouring Sri Lankan and Western cuisines. This cosy little cafés are popular local hangouts, frequented by virtually all tourists. Dream Cafe, Matey Hut, Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant, AK Ristoro, Curd Shop, 360 Ella, Downtown Rotti Hut, Little Folly Restaurant, and Cafe Guru are among the numerous well-known cafes and restaurants that one must experience in Ella.

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Pray at the Dhowa Rock Temple for Eternal Blessings.

Dhowa is a minor village in Ella located on the main road between Badulla and Bandarawela. It also has a temple called Rajamaha Viharaya that dates back two millennia. Due to its historical significance, this location attracts a large number of travellers and pilgrims each year. The ancient paintings and sculptures that adorn the walls of the Dhowa Rock Temple attract history and art lovers.

Location: 90122, Beragala-Hali Ela Highway, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Entry is free.

Ellawala Waterfall

Ravana Falls is a must-see, but Ellawala Waterfall is a must-see afterward. Ravana Waterfall is incredibly straightforward to reach. You only need to travel a short distance further along the same road to reach this magnificent natural waterfall. The best thing about this location is that, unlike Ravana Waterfall, relatively few people know about it, so it has remained pristine and unspoiled. It is located away from the main road and therefore offers peace and silence. It is an excellent location that is easy to overlook. One of the most enjoyable activities in Ella is swimming in the pool located at the base of the cascade.

Alikote Ara in Sri Lanka is the location.
The business is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry is free.

Take a Tour of Ella Town!

If you’re looking for exciting nighttime activities, you should certainly visit Ella’s main town. As a result of its more laid-back ambiance and vibe than Nuwara Eliya. In fact, a large number of youthful travellers and adventurers congregate in some of the trendiest locales, which is what attracts so many tourists to this region. Even though Ella is a small town, there are an abundance of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafés for you and your companions to explore, making this one of the best things to do in Ella. The best aspect is that incredible deals are available until late at night.

The specified location is within the Badulla District of Sri Lanka, which falls within the Uva Province.

Take the Ella Railway Train Through Tea Plantations!

If you do not appreciate the pleasure of taking the train around Ella, you will miss out on the best experience this city has to offer. In fact, this town’s initial popularity was due to the exhilarating Sri Lanka train journey that provided passengers with breathtaking views of the rolling tea farms and verdant hills! The most well-known train journey in the country, the Kandy to Ella train ride transports passengers through expansive, open tea plantations and affluent rural areas while the fresh mountain breeze tantalises their sensibilities. It is one of the best Ella activities to ensure a wonderful trip because it offers the most Instagrammable views.

The station at Ella is the location. This station provides transport to Clombo or Kandy, or vice versa.
Expenditure: 4 hours

Visiting Diyaluma Falls

This second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka offers breathtaking views of Ella and the neighbouring area from its summit. Even though Diyaluma Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, it is not as well-known as Ravana Falls due to its location somewhat off the main road and lack of adjacent restaurants. Continue on the main road that leads to Ravana Falls for a brief distance if you wish to get there. After that, you can see these magnificent waterfalls along the main road. From this location, one of the best things to do in Ella is to take breathtaking photographs of the town with the waterfalls in the background. This is an uncommon combination that cannot be found elsewhere in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka – Colombo – Batticaloa Highway, Ella
Entry is free.

Lipton’s Seat

Discover the Origin of Your Favourite Iced Tea Those who appreciate the well-known Lipton Iced Tea will immediately recognise the reference! This is the site where the history of this renowned iced tea company began! This location, formerly known as Lipton‘s Seat, was once home to Sir Thomas Lipton, who used the region’s acres of tea plants to create an enormous tea empire and provide us with our favourite iced tea flavours. Getting to this location is as simple as taking a bus from Ella or Haputale, or walking 7 kilometres from the main settlement. In addition to providing a demonstration of the complete tea-making process, this location offers panoramic views of the village below.

Sri Lanka, Haputale, Lipton Seat Road, Dambethenna Estate
The business is open from 6 AM to 5 PM
The expense of entry is 100 LKR

Learn How To Prepare Sri Lankan Cuisine at Ella Spice Garden.

This exciting culinary class at Ella’s Spice Garden will teach you how to prepare Sri Lankan dishes that will amaze your friends. Learning how to prepare Sri Lankan cuisine, as opposed to simply eating it, is regarded as one of the best things to do in Ella, due to the variety of techniques required to produce its spicy and flavorful dishes! In addition to learning about the many components, you will also be able to select the ingredients from this spice garden. Make sure you reserve a seat well in advance to avoid missing the opportunity!

Location: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway in Ella, Sri Lanka
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

How to Travel to Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella is 235 kilometres from Colombo Airport.

Taking the bus to Colombo Fort Train Station and then a direct train to Ella is a very convenient method of travel. The train journey, which will go down as a travel highlight, captures Sri Lanka’s hill country magnificently.

By Taxi: For even greater convenience, you can fly into Colombo airport and then take a taxi directly to Ella. There will be approximately five and a half hours between the airport and the hill station.

By Bus: Taking a bus to Colombo Fort and then transferring to a bus bound for Badulla is uncomplicated. Take a pause at the Kumbalwela crossroads, approximately 10 kilometres from Bandarawela. 5 miles separate Kumbalwela and Ella, so you can get there by tuk-tuk or even a small bus. We recommend taking the train or a taxi to get to Ella, as taking the bus can be exhausting.

Enticing Activities In Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s Heart

Ella offers an abundance of free activities in addition to a few self-indulgent options. Begin your search for the must-see and must-do activities in the locations of your choosing to guarantee a rewarding trip to this idyllic island in Sri Lanka.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ella Activities

What are the nighttime activities in Ella?
Ella shines vividly at night. Explore the town’s numerous cafés, clubs, pubs, and restaurants on foot for an enjoyable evening.

How do you navigate through Ella?
Explore the small municipality of Ella by renting a bicycle or scooty. If you have the opportunity, you could take a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood.

Which locations in Ella are especially worthy of a visit?
Ravana Falls, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Dhowa Rock Temple, and Ravana’s Cave are among the most notable sites in Ella.

How long does it take to ascend Ella Rock?
It takes approximately two hours to ascend Elli’s Rock. Therefore, it is recommended that you commence your ascent when the sun is rising early in the morning. By doing so, you can ensure that you can ascend back during the day.

How many days are required to explore Ella?
Spend at least two or three days planning your trip so you can enjoy Ella to the utmost. You can participate in various activities, go shopping, and experience sightseeing during your trip.

How long is the train journey from Kandy to Ella?
The train journey from Kandy to Ella takes between three and four hours. The same amount of time will be required to travel by train from Colombo to Ella.

Where should I reside while in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka’s best places to reside are Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara, Arugam Bay, Kandy, and Colombo. Other than this, you can stay at a number of incredible seaside resorts in beach towns, such as Bentota, Pasikuda, and Kalkudah.

15 Things to Do in Ella in 2023 to Enhance Your Sri Lanka Vacation

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