Ella, Sri Lanka – Best Things to Do (2025)
- Flo MBT
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Ella is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, largely due to its famous Nine Arches Bridge and stunning natural landscapes. Surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountains, Ella is a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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Getting to Ella
The most scenic way to reach Ella is by taking the train from Kandy to Ella. This famous train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, passing through breathtaking tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming local villages. (Read more here: The Iconic Kandy to Ella Train Ride – Everything you Need to Know.)
Best Time to Visit Ella
The ideal time to visit Ella is from December to April, during the dry season when the weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
How Long to Stay in Ella
We stayed two nights in Ella, and it felt like the perfect amount of time for our itinerary, however we could have easily stayed one more night to do the Ella Rock hike.
Best Things to Do in Ella
Ella has plenty to offer, from scenic hikes to cultural experiences. Here are some of the must-visit places:
#1 Nine Arches Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka, Nine Arches Bridge is a stunning colonial-era railway bridgesurrounded by lush greenery. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
You can reach the bridge with a short hike from Ella town or a quick tuk-tuk ride.
The best café to watch the train cross is Cafe Soul Ella, offering stunning views with a delicious drink or breakfast.
Train schedules vary, but around six trains cross daily, so you won’t have to wait long!
#2 Kandy to Ella Train Ride
Even if you’re already in Ella, it’s worth considering a short section of the Kandy to Ella train ride to experience the breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and local villages.
If you're short on time, you can take the train for just a portion of the route. For more information, you can read our article: The Iconic Kandy to Ella Train Ride – Everything you Need to Know.
#3 Little Adam’s Peak
A great alternative to the more challenging Adam’s Peak, Little Adam’s Peak is an easy and rewarding hike that takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the summit. The trail offers 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, tea plantations, and valleys.
The best time to hike is early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cooler, and you can catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset.
#4 Ravana Falls
Located just a 15-minute drive from Ella, Ravana Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. The cascading waters are especially impressive during the rainy season.
You can take a quick swim in the natural pools or simply admire the view from the roadside.
#5 Ella Organic Tea Garden (Highlight of our trip to Ella)
Our absolute favorite moment in Ella! Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Ella Organic Tea Garden is a fantastic place to learn about tea production. Unlike larger tea factories, this small garden offers a more personal and immersive experience, where you can taste different types of organic Ceylon tea and see how tea leaves are processed.
#6 Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
This monastery is perched atop a mountain, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can join one of three free daily meditation sessions at 5:45 AM, 9:00 AM, and 3:15 PM (as of February 2025).
Things We Didn’t Do But Seem Worth It
After extensive research, these are places we didn’t visit but definitely seem worth it if you have extra time:
Ella Rock
For those looking for a more challenging hike, Ella Rock is a must. The trek takes around 2–3 hours round trip and offers spectacular views from the summit.
The trail starts near the Ella railway station, and though it can be tricky to navigate, the effort is well worth it. Be sure to start early to avoid the midday heat.
Dhowa Rock Temple
A lesser-known but fascinating attraction, Dhowa Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple with a massive carved Buddha statue dating back over 2,000 years. This peaceful site is great for those interested in Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious history.
Lipton’s Seat (Day Trip from Ella)
If you have extra time, take a day trip to Lipton’s Seat, about an hour’s drive from Ella. This is where Sir Thomas Lipton, the founder of Lipton Tea, used to sit and admire his tea empire.
The viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of endless tea plantations, and you can combine the visit with a stop at the Dambatenne Tea Factory to see how tea is processed.
Diyaluma Falls (Day Trip from Ella)
For an unforgettable waterfall experience, visit Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall. Located 1.5 hours from Ella, this spot is known for its natural infinity pools at the top, where you can swim while enjoying jaw-dropping views.
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