Exquisitely picturesque at every turn, the serene hilltop town of Ella has nature-kissed hidden gems in store for every calibre of adventure seeker. Here are some panoramic elevations you can’t miss!
1. Little Adam’s Peak
Whether you crave sipping a perfectly brewed cup of tea overlooking lush, emerald terraces, walking through enchanting streets lined with quaint shops and cafes, chasing tropical waterfalls and seeking hidden caves, or dreaming in fragrant spice gardens, Ella is a potpourri of authentic allurements. If you’re there for the spellbinding hikes that this rustic backpacker’s paradise has to offer, start with Little Adam’s Peak for an easy trek and views that will leave you breathless. Set out on your sunrise hike at 5:30 AM at the latest, to reach the peak by 6:30 AM, when you can soak in the light golden hues shimmering in the air and across the undulating hills, in their varying shades of green, silvery-blue mists, and dusky valleys that make a vibrant tableau beneath you.
2. Nine Arch Bridge
For a majestic heritage monument that serves as the perfect vantage for sublime views of misty mountains and painted skies, while also providing an arresting backdrop for photos if you’re wading through the tea plantations below, head to Ella’s iconic Victorian-era bridge. Riding the vintage blue train from Kandy to Ella isn’t the only way to experience this looming colonial-style masterpiece shrouded in velvety tropical greenery. After your relaxing mini-mountain climb, follow the demarcated path to Nine Arch Bridge, which is just a 20-minute walk from the Adam’s Peak trailhead or a 40-minute hike if you’re cutting across the woodlands with your guide. After filling your camera roll with the breathtaking scenes along this antique viaduct, approximately 100 feet above ground, continue your hike along the railroad to the Demodara Railway Station, another unique timestamp from a bygone era.
3. Ella Rock
After you’ve warmed up at Adam’s Peak, it’s time for the more deliciously challenging exertion of climbing Ella Rock! This dreamy, tea-steeped trek is classed as a moderate hike, with the last leg being more strenuous. However, the spellbinding tableau of forests, plantations, and magical vistas comprising melting greens, misty blues, and golden browns that unfurls as you climb, makes it well worth the effort! The best time to start this 2-4-hour hike is early morning, as you don’t want to have the midday heat beating down on you, and it’s not the kind of trek you can make in the dark. If you’re attempting it without a guide, research up-to-date instructions regarding the route and be extra careful to listen for trains during the first part of your expedition, which involves walking along train tracks. In case you’re eager to fly over gorgeous Sri Lanka, domestic flights don’t get more convenient and comfortable than those offered by the likes of Cinnamon Air.
4. Ravana Falls
Ella has no shortage of intriguing waterfalls imbued with their own unique charm, from the dramatic cascade of Bambarakanda Waterfall down rugged, jungle-clad cliffs to the secluded Ellawalla waterfall for uninterrupted swimming and sunbathing. However, you can’t miss the stunning spectacle of Ravana Falls, and the rock-cut trek to the storied Ravana Cave, where legend has it that the notorious King Ravana held the Indian princess Sita captive.
5. Diyaluma Falls
While a scenic hour’s drive away from Ella, Diyaluma is one of those pinch-me-I’m-dreaming destinations of unsurpassed beauty and tranquility. Here you can soak in majestic elevated rock pools connected by natural water slides with a staggering clifftop view of verdant mountains spanning below you.
