Where is Ella? Ella is a mountain resort in Sri Lanka among tea plantations. When is the season? When is the best time to go

A visit to this magnificent island will leave you feeling positive for months to come. Popular cities for tourists to visit include: the capital Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Gaddi, Tangalle. However, there is another equally wonderful place that is worth visiting - Ella.

Ella- a small picturesque town, lost in the southern part of the hospitable island of Sri Lanka. The city can be reached within an hour by train from Badulla or through a well-developed public transport network. Created here all conditions for relaxation: hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, post office, bank. The local climate is slightly cool, so it is worth stocking up on a jacket and insect repellent.

If you are looking for privacy, silence, fresh air, impressions - this place is created for you. It is ideal for hiking in the mountainous areas, contemplating the majestic nature, exploring local attractions such as tea plantations, Ella Rock, Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls. We will now introduce you to these attractions:

1. Adam's Peak

"Mountain of Butterflies"- this is what Europeans call the peak. For those who profess Buddhism, the mountain is sacred. At its top there is a temple, and below it, on the rock, you can see the “Sacred Footprint” (Sripada). This is a man-made creation in the shape of a Buddha's foot, framed around the edges with a gold frame and precious stones.

In Islam many believe that this Adam's trail. Hence the name of the mountain - Adam's Peak. The climb to the top is quite difficult, but it is worth it. Breathtaking views from a 2243-meter height of dense endless forests, ringing silence, an extraordinary beauty of sunrise and a feeling of peace - for this it is worth visiting the mystical Adam’s Peak. It is mystical because of the belief that the water accumulating in the Buddha’s foot has healing powers. Visit this peak and check for yourself the veracity of local rumors!

Adam's Peak, Ella, Sri Lanka

2. Ella rock

The starting point for the journey to Ella Rock is the rock of the same name. Ella station. You will have to walk several kilometers along the railway tracks. The walk promises to be exciting, as this section of the route is considered one of the most picturesque in the world. Along the way you can meet good-natured local residents, their everyday life. You will come across a small but very beautiful waterfall, a small roadside temple with offerings, and dense thickets of bamboo.

Myself climb to the top rocks takes about an hour and a half. But when you get to the top, the fatigue will disappear! They will open before you extraordinary beauty local flora, endless green mountains, blue skies and Adam's Peak not far away.

Ella Rock, Ella, Sri Lanka

3. Ravana Falls

A visit to Sri Lanka's widest waterfall is a must-do. You can get to it by almost any bus, which, winding along the mountain serpentine, will reveal to you the extraordinary beauty of the local nature and add a thrill to your trip. Ten minutes later, the roaring waters of the multi-cascade Ravana waterfall will open to your eyes. And at an altitude of 1370 meters you can visit the Ravana Ella cave, glorified in many legends.

According to legend, one of the episodes of the Ramayana took place here. This cave is named after Ravana, who wanted to avenge his sister and kidnapped Rama's wife and hid her in these places.

Ravana Falls, Ella, Sri Lanka

4. Tea plantations

Sri Lanka is famous with its tea plantations, which can be found in any part of the country. A small village called Ella is no exception. Wherever you go, there is a very high probability of stumbling upon a tea bush.

The best option for accommodation in the city would be a house overlooking endless tea plantations, exuding the divine aroma of the future drink. Many tea plantations belong to factories. There you can visit the tea fields, learn how the leaves are collected for the most popular drink in the world, taste it, and also buy yourself several packs of tea.

Tea plantation, Ella, Sri Lanka

5. Nine-arch Demodara Bridge

Built between the two stations of Ella and Demoda, the bridge is the largest in Sri Lanka. It is truly huge, more than 30 meters in height, which is why it was nicknamed “Bridge to Heaven”. And its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is made entirely of rocks, cement and brick, without the use of any steel in the structure. From the city of Ella you can get to the bridge by another tourist attraction - a tuk.

9 Arches Demodara Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka

6. Dowa Cave Temple and Giant Buddha Statue

Just six kilometers from the town is located Dova Monastery, where you can see an 11.5-meter rock statue of Buddha and wander around a small cave temple. Along the road there is a Bodhi tree, the main symbol of Buddhism. Such trees are planted in every monastery and carefully looked after. Inside the temple itself, you can leisurely examine the lobby, skillfully painted with traditional Buddhist motifs. In the cave of the temple itself there are numerous statues of Buddha. The only national park Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. You can get there by train, sitting at Ella station. The park is home to unique evergreen subtropical forests, and rare birds and animals that live only in this area graze on the pastures. This park is not just an attraction for tourists, but an invaluable place for naturalists and explorers.

Horton Plains, Ella, Sri Lanka

I didn't think the story was about Sri Lanka It's going to be so long. However, once you have started a business, you need to see it through to the end. We continue to travel through the mountainous landscape of Sri Lanka, and today we will go exploring Uva district (Uva). It is in this district that the most picturesque and no less touristic cities than on the coast are located: Ella, Bandaravella, Haputale, etc.

Today we will explore in more detail the surroundings of the village of Ella and the attractions of its surroundings: we will swim in one of the widest in this country – Ravana Falls and visit Temple of Dova (DovaTemple) with a 4-meter tall Buddha statue. However, we will also take a look at other cities with one eye.

We managed to slip past the guards unnoticed to take a couple of photos of the stone Buddha. Although this was not necessary. As far as I know, the entrance fee to the temple is a small donation (for example, rupees 20).

Night in Haputale.

Ella's program is over for today, we can move on. No matter how hard we tried to descend from the mountainous area before dark, we were unable to do so. Stuck in another town of Haputale, located at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level. The only thing that made me happy at that moment was the unimaginable landscapes, which, perhaps, even Nuwara Eliya cannot compare with.

We no longer had time to explore the city, so we immediately started looking for accommodation for the night, namely some church or temple where we could hide during the cold mountain night. Two options appeared on the map Catholic churches. One was the closest, so we went straight to it.

The small church stood at the very top of the hill, and when we got to it, it was closed. We had to go back down and follow the main road to the next “cross” indicated on the map.

After getting lost in the narrow alleys, we managed to get to the church, which appearance more reminiscent of our Soviet cultural clubs, where on weekends they held discos and some local concerts.

The entrance to the “father’s” house was on the other side. A little girl about 10 years old opened the door, and 5 minutes later her mother appeared behind her. They also had problems with English, although there was no need to explain much, and it was clear who we came to. Father was not at home, and we were asked to wait.

Holy Father Joshua crossed the threshold of the house after dark.

And before helping us, he decided to arrange a whole interrogation with passion, although we did not ask to come home to him, but asked permission to put up a tent outside. Somehow we made it to the time when we needed to go to bed, for which we were given a separate room, where instead of a door there was a large piece of cloth hanging.

The last days in Sri Lanka were too active even for me, so the question of a couple of days of relaxation somewhere by the sea was brought up for general discussion. It is advisable, of course, to choose a beach that is not too touristy. And the next morning it was decided to go to the side.

Ella (Sri Lanka) is a picturesque town located in the southern part of the island between two mountains. Ella is characterized by the lifestyle of a rural settlement with small vegetable gardens, green valleys and tea plantations. Here you can enjoy wonderful nature in all its glory - the city of Ella is full of forest trees, mountain plants and rare species of animals.

How to get to Ella

Due to its location in the mountainous area, planes do not fly here. Nearest international Airport is located in Colombo (the largest city and unofficial capital Sri Lanka), it receives airlines from all over the world.

Not far from Ella there is another airport, which is intended for rare and charter flights. Ticket prices are much higher, but this city is only three hours away from your destination.

You can also get to Ella by several types of ground transport.

How to get there by train

Most tourists reach the city by train, since this method is the most convenient and inexpensive. Sri Lanka has good rail connectivity, with new trains bringing tourists to the area along the Colombo-Badulla route.

It is important to take into account that the road from Colombo to Ella takes as much as 9 hours. The climate of the island and the seats in the transport can tire you even before you reach the final stop, so it is better to break the journey into segments. For example, you can walk around Nuwara Eliya or Hatton for several hours (before the next train arrives) - beautiful cities of the island, which are considered to be its main attractions.

There are 4 trains departing on this route every day; ticket prices depend on the class you want to travel in and the distance you want to travel.

Price travel tickets and Colombo-Ella train schedule for December 2017.

You can check the relevance of the information on the official website railway Sri Lanka (eservices.railway.gov.lk)

Important: first class tickets are the most popular. It is better to take them the day before the trip. There are always empty seats in second and third class, even a few hours before departure.

The station in Ella is located within walking distance from the city center.

Getting to Ella by bus

If you want to save money on the road, this method is the most suitable. Bus tickets are several times cheaper than train tickets, but you will have to travel for 6-7 hours sitting (there are also standing places). You should also take into account that not all roads on the island are paved, so this method is not suitable for those who suffer from motion sickness.

Let us immediately note that there are a number of cities where it is more rational and cheaper (in total) to travel by train. Among them: Colombo, Kandy, Dambula, Polonnaruwa. It is better to travel to Ella from Tangalla (direct flight), Nuwara Eliya (bus no. 31-1) and Tissamaharama (no. 335-1).

Another direct flight departs from Matara twice a day - at 8:00 and 14:00. The journey takes about 6 hours, there is only one stop - near a grocery store in the Sri Lankan wilderness. Also, bus number 31 leaves this city every 45 minutes and passes by Ella.

There are no bus stations in the city, but the bus stop where all the routes described above pass is located in the very heart of Ella, next to many hotels, cafes and restaurants. Plan your trip to catch the bus before 19:00 - if you are delayed, you can wait until the next day for your transport.

Prices and schedules on the page are for March 2018.

We overcome the journey by car

Renting a personal vehicle is a great, if slightly expensive, solution. You will not be tied to public transport schedules and will be able to visit all the sights of Sri Lanka, saving money on excursions.

Among the difficulties of traveling by car are the roads and the route. Since the region is mountainous, the road can go up sharply or, conversely, down, so if you have been driving recently, it is better not to push your luck. In addition, your route may pass through villages and small towns in Sri Lanka, where there are no paved roads at all, which is also very important for the driver.

Also remember that you are traveling in an unfamiliar area, so if the Internet and navigator fail, you may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Before traveling by private car, spend a few dollars on a map of the island - this will protect you from many problems.

The most convenient way to get to Ella is from Colombo or Maratha. The distance from the first city is only 200 km, but due to the difficult road, the trip can take 4-5 hours. The path lies through the colorful settlements of Sri Lanka, where you can stop and go to a cafe.

The journey from Matara to Ella takes about 5 hours. The road is quite convenient - first you can drive along the new highway, and then along the regular highway, where few cars travel.

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Sights of Ella (Sri Lanka)

The island is known for its green spaces and beautiful nature, so a trip here will greatly appeal to lovers of beautiful landscapes and have a relaxing holiday. Like any city, Ella has places that every tourist should see.

Little Adam's Peak or Little Adam's Peak

This is a mountain with tea plantations; if you go up there in the morning, you can meet girls who collect leaves of these plants. The climb is not difficult and does not take much effort - you can even go here with children. The journey to the top of the mountain from the city center will take 45-60 minutes. You can also get there by tuk-tuk.

The best time to climb to the top of the attraction is in the morning, a couple of hours after dawn. During this period, it is not too hot here (but in the heat there are fewer people), you can see with your own eyes the process of picking tea, and take pictures against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes. You should not climb the mountain in the fog. Be sure to take a bottle of water with you.

Please note: there is another Adam's Peak on the island - more high mountain, popular among pilgrims. Detailed information information about the attractions can be found at.

Ella rock (Sri Lanka)

A huge rock planted with various plants is included in the list of the most famous attractions of Sri Lanka. There is a waterfall, several cafes and houses of friendly locals, from whom you can ask for help or relax a little.

The climb to Ella Rock is more difficult than Adam's Peak, but also more interesting. The first 2 km lie through an abandoned railway, then you need to climb tea plantations and pass through eucalyptus forest. You can climb on your own (maps of this area are sold everywhere) or hire a guide.

Be sure to take warm clothes with you (there is a strong wind at the top of Ella Rock) and wear comfortable shoes, as in some places the climb is especially steep. It is best to go up in the morning; after lunch, clouds may appear and block your beautiful view. The climb to Ella Rock takes about 2 hours.

Nine Arch Bridge (Demodara Nine Arch Bridg)

An ancient 9-arch railway bridge connecting the cliff between two mountains. Trains rarely run here, and the place has become a favorite spot for all tourist photographers. There is a house of local residents on the rise; they are very friendly and always welcome guests.

The bridge is located near Little Adam's Peak. When walking to the attraction, it is better to wear long pants and closed shoes, as there are a lot of crawling insects here. You can visit the bridge in Ella at any time, but if you want to photograph a passing train, you need to go up in the morning or at night (you can check the exact schedule with one of the local residents or guides).

Spice Garden (Ella Spice Garden)

The spice garden is one of the most popular types of attractions in Sri Lanka. Visiting it is free; here you can see with your own eyes how cinnamon, curry, aloe and other spices are grown. At the attraction you will be met by guides (you can refuse their services and walk through the garden alone) and sellers from whom you can buy not only the plants themselves, but also various cosmetics based on them.

Before you go to this garden and buy goods here, check if there are similar products in the regular markets of Ella. Often the prices in such places are inflated, and the goods are no different from what is sold in the city center. One 45-60 minute visit is enough.

Ravana Ella Falls

Ella's most beautiful, although not the only waterfall. This perfect place for photos and holidays in Sri Lanka. Here you can wash your face with crystal clear water, look at the monkeys, and try a mango. If dozens of tourists don’t bother you, you can swim in the waterfall, but be extremely careful, as there are a lot of large and sharp stones at the bottom.

Getting to the natural attraction is easy - just take any bus passing towards Vellavia. Travel time takes 15 minutes. It is better to arrive in the morning to avoid crowds.

What else to do in Ella?

Like throughout Sri Lanka, this city has several tea factories. Do you want to know what real tea is and try it? Then you need to visit one of the following places.

The largest tea factory in Ella. Every day in the city buses with tourists are collected, who are taken here on an excursion. The tour takes place throughout the factory, accompanied by a guide, and costs 500 rupees. The top floor offers panoramic views of the mountains and green valleys of Sri Lanka, where you can drink delicious Ceylon tea. The trip takes 3-4 hours. The factory sells green tea, but at a fairly high price.

At this factory, you can also book a tour with a guide, who in English or Russian (they don’t speak this language, but they were able to learn the text) will tell you everything about the local plants and technologies for growing/collecting tea leaves.

This place has its own peculiarity - here you can buy four types of delicious tea at a very low price. The factory is located near the road, you can get there by bus or moped. If you want to not only walk around the plantations, but also look inside, visit the attraction on a weekday.

The cost of the excursion is 400 rupees. There is a small pastry shop on site, where you can drink delicious tea and pastries on the terrace.

Climate in Ella: when to go

Almost all year round the weather in this city of Sri Lanka is favorable for tourists. Here, as in the tropical zone, there is no noticeable change of seasons, but the year can be divided into two periods:

1. Rain season. It lasts from late spring to mid-autumn. This time is considered unfavorable for visiting, so prices for housing, goods and excursions fall rapidly during this period. All summer long, plants in Ella grow green and vegetables grow, so food becomes tastier and cheaper. The rains are warm, but widespread, so it is better not to visit Ella at this time without rubber boots and an umbrella.
2. Dry season (November – March). If you decide to visit Ella during this period, you will need to book your accommodation a few weeks in advance. At the end of autumn and winter, many tourists gather in the city.

All year round, the average temperature in Ella is 29 degrees Celsius, even in the coldest time it does not fall below 15°C. It is worth taking warm clothes and closed shoes, even if the weather forecast shows +30°C, since in Ella, especially in the mountains, there is often a strong, sometimes cool wind.

Is it worth going to Ella with children?

To date, the city of Ella in Sri Lanka has not developed infrastructure for children; there are no cinemas, amusement parks or entertainment centers, but if your child loves nature, beautiful landscapes and walks in the fresh air, he will like a trip to Ella.

It is also worth paying attention to the age and physical condition of the child before climbing the plantations and mountains. Often all trips of this kind turn into difficult hour-long walks in 30-degree heat for little travelers. But if in your family such entertainment is an integral part of relaxation, then your child will be delighted.

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Restaurants and cafes

Despite the small size of the city itself, Ella has dozens of cafes and restaurants. Here you can try both local and European cuisine. Establishments with national dishes there is much more here, and besides, visiting them will cost you half the price.

If you are used to cooking yourself and want to buy from the market, you will have to switch to rice and vegetables. The rest of the products, including the pasta, sausages and cereals we are used to, are imported and therefore cost several times more than ours.

To try delicious national cuisine of Sri Lanka, you should visit:

1. Ella Village Inn. This is a cafe located in the heart of Ella. There is a varied menu and a large selection - you can order delicious food for a large family. Another advantage of this cafe is its prices - even foreign dishes (like burgers) are quite cheap.
2. Cafe Chill. For a couple of dollars here you can have delicious juices and smoothies made from fresh vegetables and fruits. The drinks served in this cafe are not only cheap, but also healthy. There is fast Wi-Fi.

The city of Ella (Sri Lanka) is a paradise with beautiful views and unusual landscapes. This is a must-visit for all lovers of active and beautiful recreation. Have a good trip!

See below for an informative video about Ella with beautiful aerial footage.

Related posts:

I fell in love with little Ella instantly when I got off the bus on a nice sunny day onto the main street of the town. I don’t know what exactly captivated me about it: the majestic, emerald mountain slopes surrounding the village of cozy houses, or the friendly people who are ready to sincerely and selflessly help a tourist who finds himself in a difficult situation.

The population of Ella differs from the inhabitants of coastal Sri Lanka in its mentality, and this is immediately felt here. They do not seek benefits, do not ask for money and do not become indignant in their own language when a tourist does not want to act as expected of him. The smile almost never leaves the faces of Sri Lankans in Ella, even the poorest.

Ella only recently opened its doors, so to speak, to tourists, but it is developing very quickly and successfully in this direction. Some people end their acquaintance with mountainous Lanka here, heading south to the sea, and some, like me, are just starting. Maybe this is why I remember Ella with such warmth, because it was thanks to her that I had my first impression of the mountainous region of Sri Lanka. I hope that with the tips and information that I will provide you about this city, you will also have a good opinion and desire to visit little Ella.

How to get there

Due to the not-so-convenient location right between two mountains, getting to Ella is long and difficult. However, even when I was told that I would have to travel by bus for about 6 hours, my desire to visit Ella did not diminish, but on the contrary, I appreciated the time spent in this village more. So, there are only three ways to get to Ella:

• by car;
• by bus;
• by train.

By plane

There is no airport in Ella, and the nearest international airport is in Colombo, the country's largest city. There are daily flights from various airlines from different cities of Russia. You can read more about this.

But in Nuwara Eliya - a city just 3 hours drive from Ella - there is an airport that accepts rare charter and private flights. Flying to Nuwara Eliya is not a cheap pleasure, but if you have the resources and are ready to consider this option, then I briefly talked about flying to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo.

Flight prices for your dates can be compared on.

By train

The most common way to visit Ella is by train, and for good reason. The Colombo - Badulla route passes through Ella and Nuwara Eliya, the train ride between which is considered a must-see attraction. Thus, you can get to Ella by train either from the main city of the country - Colombo, or from the little-known town of Badulla, where tourists rarely set foot. But the road from Colombo is very long - 10 hours in a seated position, so a visit to Ella is usually combined with other cities in the central region, such as Hatton (Adam's Peak) and Nuwara Eliya, breaking the journey into segments.

There are 4 trains a day from Colombo to Ella, one of which is a night train (departure times are 05:55, 08:30, 09:45 and 20:00). All of them pass through Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, as well (except the last two). Prices vary depending on the class of carriage you travel in and the starting point of your trip. Thus, the cheapest ticket can cost 1 USD (150 LKR), and the most expensive one can cost 15 USD (2250 LKR). Please keep in mind that if you want to travel in the best class, you need to buy a ticket at least a day in advance, and for 2nd and 3rd class you can buy tickets on the day of departure.

The station in Ella is within walking distance from the center, I marked it on the map.

By bus

The bus is also a very common means of transport to visit Ella. The fare will cost much less than the same train. Among the minuses, I can highlight the fact that it is quite a lot of motion sickness on serpentine roads, the driving style of the drivers of these colossuses does not inspire confidence (I was reassured by the absolute calm on the faces of all Sri Lankan fellow travelers - they know better), and not everyone is ready crammed into seats for 5-7 hours.

It is most advisable to use a bus if you are coming from some southern resort of Sri Lanka, for example, Tangalle, Mirissa, Weligama or Unawatuna. A direct bus to Ella leaves from Matara twice a day - in the morning at 8:00 and in the late afternoon, around 14:00-15:00 (better check with one of the locals). You need to take the bus to Nuwara Eliya, but tell the conductor that you are going only to Ella. The fare is 1.6 USD (250 LKR). The journey takes about 6 hours, with one stop at some shop in the Sri Lankan wilderness. The views outside the window, by the way, are not much less impressive than if you take the train.

It also has well-developed bus connections with the rest of the country's cities surrounding Ella, but it would be wiser to take the train - do not underestimate the comfort on such trips.

The bus station is located in the very center of Ella. As soon as you get off the bus, you will immediately see many restaurants and hotels!

By car

Coming to Ella with your own car is an excellent solution, since you will not be tied to any buses or tuk-tuks for free movement to all the attractions of this wonderful town.

From Colombo

The journey from Colombo is only 200 km, don't let that discourage you. Somewhere after 100 km of travel, the road will begin to sharply gain steepness and height, thus entering the mountainous, central region of the country. You will have to spend about 4-5 hours of your time to get to Ella. But along the way you will pass many colorful Sri Lankan villages and towns.

From Matara

Anyone located southeast of Hikkaduwa will have to pass through Matara. If you can drive to Matara along an excellent, new highway (the fare will vary depending on the starting point, but will not be more than 1.6 USD/200 LKR), then after it the journey will begin along the usual highway, but its advantage is that There are far fewer cars driving there than on the road to Matara. The journey from Matara will take you about 5 hours, regardless of which of the three routes suggested by Google Maps you choose.

Clue:

Ella - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 2:30

Kazan − 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Ekaterinburg − 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Practically all year round Ella pleases with its favorable weather for travelers. In principle, in the tropics, which is itself, seasonality in terms of weather is barely observed, but even these minor changes affect the flow of tourists. So, there are only two seasons in Ella:

• Rain season(from April to October) - it is generally accepted that somewhere around the end of March or beginning of April, rains begin to fall regularly in Sri Lanka, which is why the number of tourists visiting the country decreases. Accordingly, far fewer visitors come to Ella, which means a slight decrease in housing prices. Also, when it’s summer, vegetables in mountainous Sri Lanka begin to grow more actively in gardens, so if you miss cucumbers and tomatoes while in Lanka at this time of year, then in Ella you will fill your hunger. :)

• Dry season(November to March) - these months are high season in coastal Sri Lanka, when almost all hotels are fully booked. However, those who usually rush to Lanka at this time of year tend to stay to bask by the sea, and the tourist flow to Ella increases, but only slightly.

Almost the entire year in Ella the daytime temperature is about 28-30 °C, and at night it drops to at least 15 °C, which is a fairly low temperature by Sri Lankan standards. It was in Ella that I realized that my sneakers and pants are not just taking up space in my backpack, but are very useful things when traveling to this city. By the way, if you're there during the rainy season, don't let the weather forecasts scare you. During the entire time I was in Ella, despite the sad forecasts, it never rained.

Ella - weather by month

Clue:

Ella - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Every six months more and more appear in Ella more hotels and guesthouses, and you can choose accommodation at your discretion. Ella is small village, which is located between two ridges, so getting around it will not be difficult, but, nevertheless, in order not to make a mistake in choosing a place to stay for the night, I will now tell you where it is best to stay if you need to leave early in the morning, or if you want linger in Ella, but you are looking for peace, and so on.

You can ask the price for housing and consider several options in advance at or at. You can compare prices for accommodation.

City center (red on the map)

This part of the city has the highest concentration of hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation options, as well as the majority of Ella's restaurants and cafes. The Ella bus station is also located in the center, so if you plan to use this means of transportation often, or you want to be aware of all kinds of movement in the city, you should settle here. However, keep in mind that hotels may well be hidden on mountain slopes or in small streets, so the center is a slightly larger area than it might seem on the map.

Area near the railway (blue)

Not the quietest area, in my humble opinion, considering that trains will pass by your home several times a day. However, if you don't want to hear music from restaurants at night and be away from home during the day, then this area is definitely for you.

An important advantage is that housing here is 1.5 times cheaper than in the center, but you will need to either walk for 15-20 minutes to some cafe, or pay for a tuk-tuk.

Area near Little Adam's Peak (green)

Most of the hotels here give you the opportunity to feel closer to nature - from the window you will hear the singing of cicadas, birds, the rustling of leaves and the smell of coniferous trees. The road, along which various accommodation options are located, passes through a quiet forest where tourists no longer just walk - only if they decide to get to Little Adam's Peak or the Nine Arches Bridge on foot. At the same time, despite the distance from the center, housing here will not necessarily be much cheaper. An important disadvantage is that there are practically no cafes here, but from time to time buses pass along this road, so if you wish, you can get to the center very cheaply by them.

Quiet area far from the center (lilac)

This area is located on the very outskirts of Ella, where local residents mainly live. It is very quiet here, except that in the morning the roosters that the Sri Lankans keep on their farms can crow. Otherwise, if you came to Ella for peace, quiet and a relaxing holiday, then you should settle here. Unless it will be quite expensive to get to the center, train and bus stations.

What are the prices for holidays?

Overall, Ella impressed me as a place where mostly backpackers come (backpacker - a person with a backpack), and not package tourists or people expecting a luxury vacation.

Food

Even in Ella best restaurants in the center they offer quite affordable prices for continental cuisine, not to mention Sri Lankan cuisine. If the average price for, say, curry for two will be about 2-3 USD (300-450 LKR), then an English breakfast (again, enough for two) is 3.3 USD (500 LKR).

Housing

Of course, within the city there are also excellent hotels with luxurious rooms and service, but most of them are located practically on the outskirts of the city, somewhere in silence in the forest or on the slope of a mountain. The average price for a room with a fan in the center is 11-13 USD (1800-2000 LKR) regardless of the season. A nice bonus is that there's no need to get an air-conditioned room, since it can get pretty chilly at night, and you're not going to be sitting in your room during the day, right? On the outskirts, you can live for an even lower price, approximately 6 USD (900 LKR) for the same room.

Transport

This expense item may turn out to be the most expensive, since few tourists will be able to cover all the attractions of Ella on their own. Most likely, if you do not have your own vehicle, you will either have to use the services of a tuk-tuk (a small three-wheeled car that serves instead of a taxi) or take a bus. A bus ride costs a penny, but tuk-tukers like to jack up the price and bargain hard.

Main attractions. What to see

The small village of Ella is located in the most beautiful region of Sri Lanka and is rich in some of the country's most important attractions. As a lover of mountains and greenery, which is so lacking in my hometown, I was captivated by Ella and all the places that surround her. However, it seems to me that even a person who is accustomed to life in nature and believes that nothing can surprise him will still be pleasantly surprised by the sights of Ella.

Top 5

The main attractions of Ella are the most beautiful creations of nature, in some cases slightly improved by human hands centuries ago.

Little Adam's Peak

Conquering this peak will not be difficult for anyone - if you compare, of course, with the well-known Adam's Peak. However, the Little Peak offers a wonderful and beautiful view of the surrounding area, capturing not only Ella, but also the vast tea plantations and the evergreen mountain ranges of Sri Lanka, stretching into the endless distance. There are two options for climbing this mountain - a winding path through the jungle and a straight path along the stairs. A visit to this Peak will take you no more than 1.5-2 hours.

In the lowlands below it there is a small Hindu settlement, and if you accidentally wander into it, you will be able to see how truly poor, but still happy and smiling Sri Lankans live. Climb the Peak early in the morning and you will avoid large quantity tourists, creating for themselves a special atmosphere at the top.

Ella Rock

A majestic rock (this is how the word “Rock” is translated) that proudly towers over little Ella. The path to Ella Rock is much more difficult and interesting than to Little Peak: at first it runs along the railway tracks, then begins to sharply gain steepness and height.

The reward at the very top is worth it: the views of the surrounding area are simply breathtaking. The journey with ascent and descent takes about 3-4 hours.

Ravana's Cave

This cave is one of Ella's main attractions, but its importance is, in my opinion, somewhat overblown. This is a simple cave, you can’t even wander very far into it because of the wet and slippery surface of the stones. The climb here is very difficult - about 700 steep steps running through the stuffy jungle.

At the beginning of the path there is a Buddhist temple that is a must see. For the entrance to the temple and the cave I was asked for 1.3 USD (200 LKR), but, in addition to this, you will also need to pay to get to the very beginning of the stairs in a tuk-tuk, unless, of course, you are eager to walk around 30-40 minutes on your own. There are almost no tourists here. And the views of the surrounding area from the stairs are still stunning.

Ravana's Falls

I got the impression that this waterfall is one of the most beautiful, majestic and interesting in Sri Lanka in principle. In addition to the fact that it is very high and you can swim right next to the stream in the cool water, this place is given color by local residents who come here to frolic with their children, and some even to wash themselves.

Just please be careful - all the paths and stones near the waterfall are very slippery due to the splashing water, and it is very easy to slip here. Ravana Falls is a must-see in Ella.

Nine Arch Bridge

This bridge is located in the heart of the green forests and plantations surrounding Ella and is not that easy to reach. Trains pass through it several times a day, and if you want to see this phenomenon, you should definitely consult with the locals in advance about the time you need to be there.

In my opinion, this bridge is one of the most memorable sights in all of Sri Lanka, in principle, perhaps due to the peace and quiet that reigns here. If you have a desire to take a train ride over this bridge, then you will have to take the train in the direction of Demidar, that is, the opposite of Nuwara Eliya.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Within Ella itself, if there are temples somewhere, I was unlucky to stumble upon them (with the exception of one unnamed one, which I will tell you about below). The main religious attraction of Ella - the Temple of Dova is located half an hour from the city by public transport.

Dhowa rock temple

This site dates back over 2000 years and is officially recognized as a place cultural heritage all of Ceylon. He became famous for his huge statue of Buddha carved in stone. Legends say that the king of Sri Lanka himself, who ruled in those ancient times, worked on it. Near this statue there is a small snow-white stupa and the temple itself.

The journey from Ella will take about 30-40 minutes by bus or tuk-tuk, although the distance is only 7 km.

Temple in the valley below Little Adam's Peak

As I said above, under the Peak there is a small Hindu village where you can see how the poorest Sri Lankans live. In addition, there is also a small temple there, colorful, like all Hindu temples. When I came to him, it was locked, so I can’t tell you what exactly this place is and how it basically works. It’s worth visiting rather for the friendly and smiling Sri Lankans who live nearby.

To get there, when descending the mountain, when you are walking along a flat path and not along the stairs, turn left and squeeze through the tea bushes. If you want to visit this place before going up, you will just need to turn right, but it would be better to do this on the way back, you will most likely see this temple from above.

What to see in 1 day

One day is enough to get to know Ella. However, you will have to make a certain choice, what do you want to visit more - Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak? The point is not that you may not have enough strength physically, but rather that there are not enough hours in the day to satisfy all your whims.

• 07:00 - if you decide to visit Ella Rock, then it is at this time that you will need to start climbing the mountain. Stock up on snacks and water, as the journey will be quite long and tiring.

• 09:00 - at this time you can start climbing to Little Adam's Peak. The road up is quite simple, but still take something to eat and drink - I think you'll just want to take a break while enjoying the views. If you want to be the only one at the top, it is better to start the climb an hour earlier.
• 11:30 - by this time you will either descend from the Peak or return to the town from Ella Rock. Go to the nine-arch bridge, 2 hours will be enough for you to do everything. Don't forget to have lunch, refuel, so to speak.
• 14:00 - in Ella there is fierce heat at this time, and if you don’t want to sit in your room waiting it out, then go to the Ravana waterfall. The journey will take you about 30 minutes by tuk-tuk or bus. Don't forget to wear your bathing suit! You'll probably want to cool off in the cool water.
• 17:00 - no later than this time you need to be near the temple at the foot of the stairs to Ravana’s cave. You will spend about 30-40 minutes going up, so by the time you come down it may well start to get dark. In this case, ask some tuk-tuk driver to pick you up. However, if you want to save money on this, then start getting up a little earlier, there’s just one drawback - the heat subsides only around 16:30.

You can spend the evening in your room, relaxing and glued to the screen of some gadget. An alternative option is to go to the city center to some cafe.

Food. What to try

There are plenty of options for places to enjoy your meal in Little Ella. And not only is it very popular here local kitchen, but also European, because it was in this region that the English colonists lived, instilling in the locals their customs and traditions. Of course, it is worth keeping in mind that National cuisine will cost much less than overseas.

In the very center there is a market, almost across the road from which Ella’s largest supermarket is located - they are located on the road that leads to the Small Peak. Unfortunately, in Sri Lanka it is the case that those tourists who want to cook something other than rice and vegetables at home themselves must be prepared to pay quite a decent amount for food. Almost all pasta, sausages, and sausages are imported products, hence the high price.

• Ella Village Inn. A good place in the very center of the city, where the menu is very extensive. For reasonable money I was offered a breakfast of scrambled eggs, fruit, toast and jam; and in the evenings I sometimes ate shawarma and a burger here. In Sri Lanka, it is customary that foreign food is expensive, but if by the time you arrive in Ella you are already missing your usual food, then in this place you can have lunch or dinner with food of your choice for a low price.
• Cafe Chill. This authentic, chill-out spot offers great smoothies and juices for relatively little price - for example, I remember pineapple juice for just 1.6 USD (200 LKR). Of course, in Ella itself, and in Sri Lanka in general, you can find places where this will cost less, but here these juices are almost not diluted with water. A very important plus is that there is free and fast Wi-Fi.

Budget

1. Curd Shop;
2. Downtown Rotti Hut;
3. Fish and Chips Restaurant;
4. Vimala Restaurant;
5. Raha.

Mid-level

1. Dream Cafe;
2. Pasla Cafe;
3. 360 Cafe;
4. Garden View Restaurant;
5. Barista Lavazza.

Expensive

1. Cafe Guru;
2. AK Ristoro;
3. Ice Cube Restaurant & Bar;
4. Ella Mount Heaven;
5. Ella's Edge Restaurant.

Safety. What to watch out for

Ella seemed to me the safest city of all that I visited in Sri Lanka. Tourists are welcome here, residents are open and ready to help with advice, girls without a male escort are in absolutely no danger. Of course, there are certain precautions that should be taken.

The main problem is that in almost no budget housing option you can’t leave money or valuables quietly in the room for fear that the owners themselves might steal them, and then brush them off as “we have nothing to do with it.” However, in Ella this fear practically disappears, because the people here are sincere. As an option, in order not to carry everything with you and save your nerves, you can check into more expensive hotels to use a safe or receptionist services.

The only thing that bothered me a little was that on the way to almost all the attractions, especially Adam’s Peak, “guides” appear out of nowhere - mostly Sri Lankan boys who tell you to follow them and then ask for a little money for your help. It’s up to you to give them something or not, and I warned you that this is what happens. This probably happens in other cities of Lanka, but personally, I only encountered this in Ella.

Things to do

Apart from the obvious attractions, Ella has little to surprise a tourist who expects massive parties in the evenings or opportunities for various entertainment during the day. This is not what people come to Ella for. However, there is still something to do here free time, but basically these are classes for those who like to study something, learn new things or challenge themselves with physical activity.

Spice Garden

I was stupid to once complain to a local resident that I was bored and had nothing to do. After that, he quickly jumped into the tuk-tuk and waved his hand towards him: let’s go, now I’ll show you such an interesting thing! Ella's Spice Garden, unfortunately, is not such a cool place as the locals try to make it out to be, but it is located in the very center of the city and is quite cheap (1 USD/150 LKR). However, if you have not visited other spice gardens (which are described in detail), then it makes sense to visit here in your free time, as you will be given an excellent tour.

Also in this garden you can ask for cookery courses who spend here every day. Their cost is 16 USD (2500 LKR), and they will take you about 2.5 hours, during which they will tell you in detail and show you how to prepare a three-course Sri Lankan lunch. In addition, you can create your own culinary masterpiece.

Hiking

Besides the most obvious routes to Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak, the area around Ella offers several other routes through the forests and jungles of the mountainsides. If you are an amateur active rest and nature, you feel comfortable hiking in any weather - hot or rainy, then in Ella you will have a great time.

Be sure to purchase detailed map Ella's neighborhood in one of the shops in the city center. Without it you will simply be lost! Almost all of the paths I'll tell you about below are unsigned, and you'll have to demonstrate excellent spatial navigation skills to avoid getting lost. Don't forget to bring water, cookies, fruit or some other snacks.

Dembatenne Tea Factory - Lipton's Seat

One of the planters in Sri Lanka was Sir Thomas Lipton, whose name is now heard by everyone as the name of a brand of tea. His plantations were so vast that many called them a tea empire, and the place, which offers a gorgeous view of the green expanses, has now become a tourist attraction. The height of this Lipton seat is almost 2000 meters.

Path length (round trip): 13 km.

How to get there: The road to the beginning of the route is quite long. First, you will need to take a train from Ella to the village of Haputale, and then change to a bus to the Dembatenne factory. The one way journey will take you about 2 hours. However, if you have set yourself the goal of exploring the beauty of mountainous Lanka as much as possible, then this should not bother you in any way.

Idalgashinna-Haputale

This is one of the most little-known, yet most interesting paths in all of Sri Lanka. In order to pass it, you do not need to have any special physical training - the entire road runs smoothly, with virtually no ascents or descents. Besides the fact that this trek goes through tea plantations and forests, its special feature is the railway tracks and tunnels through which you will have to make your way. Be careful! If you think you hear a train approaching, wait it out and play it safe. It is almost impossible to miss him in the tunnel. This trek is definitely suitable for adventure and adrenaline junkies.

Path length: 8 kilometers.

How to get there: you need to travel by train from Ella to Aidalgashinna, spending a little on the way more than an hour. In this case, you will pass through the end point of your walking route- Haputale. Under no circumstances change the direction of your journey in the opposite direction. So, if you start your trek late, you can always hop on a train towards Ella at one of the intermediate stations.

How to get around the city

You won’t see all the beauty of Ella on your own, and using transport is not a whim of the lazy, but a vital necessity, especially if you want to spend no more than two days here. There are two options in the city: bus And knock Knock, acting as a taxi.

Taxi. What features exist

If in Colombo and other large cities there is the usual taxi in the form of cars, then in the village among the mountains, Elle, you should not count on such luxury. Of course, the hotel itself, if you wish, can try and please, but the main taxi in Ella is the tuk-tuk, as tourists usually call it.

Tuk-tuks are small three-wheeled cars that almost every family in Sri Lanka has. They drive dashingly along the narrowest streets of Ella and the steepest turns, drive up the steepest and highest hills on the most bumpy roads. At the same time, prices in Ella for their services are quite low when compared with some Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa. And yet, do not forget about two main tips:

1. You can and even need to bargain.
2. If you need to save money, catch a car in the direction you are traveling.

And now I’ll give you some prices for tuk-tuk services based on my experience (without haggling):

• Center - Ravana Caves (round trip with a wait) - 2.7 USD (400 LKR).
• Center - Ravana Falls (one way) - 1.3 (200 LKR).
• Center - Nine Arch Bridge (start of trekking to it) - 1.3 USD (200 LKR).
• Center - station - 0.6 USD (100 LKR).

Buses

Buses are the cheapest transport in all of Sri Lanka, but one of the most inconvenient. Moreover, they pass through Ella very often and in all directions, with an interval of 15 minutes throughout the day from 6:00 to 19:00, then they fade away by 22:00.

In order to move around Ella itself, you won’t be able to use the bus, since there is only one bus station in the whole city. But it is very good to use for those people who want to quickly explore all the sights of Ella without resorting to the more expensive services of tuk-tukers.

Ella - holidays with children

In Ella, unfortunately, there is practically nothing to do with children, since the infrastructure here is not developed at all for tourists of the younger age category. However, if you wish, if you can captivate your children with outdoor recreation and hiking through stuffy jungles and forests, then your vacation with them will be a great success.

You need to carefully assess the strength of the children, since with unprepared children, hiking even for 30-50 minutes in 30-degree heat can be a serious test for the nerves of parents and for the health of the children themselves. But if your family is enthusiastic about hiking and outdoor recreation is your thing, then you’ll have a great time in Ella!

We find cheap air tickets here:

Comments:

1. Tatiana Lozinskaya

   During the preparation process, the question arose... which schedule to look at in order to see the train. From Badula to Kandy or from Kandy to Ella. in which case does the train leave the tunnel towards you =)

   1. Daria Belyaeva

      You need to look at the schedule of any train that passes through Ella and goes towards Badulla. After the train stops in Ella, after 10-15 minutes it will leave the tunnel to meet you. It’s better to arrive early, otherwise trains in Sri Lanka don’t always run on schedule :)

2. Sergey

   Hello Daria and Denis! Thank you for the previous answer! Now I’m interested in renting bikes in Ella, where and how much choice there is. And also, are there any normal guest houses with a view around 2500 rupees? And then in one of the reports they write about the Nine arch lodge price from 1500-2500 rupees (though I don’t remember what time of year, but in 2015), and on agoda and booking it’s 2.5-3 times more expensive, the difference is wow .)) We will be there in the second half of this January. Thank you!!!

   1. Daria Belyaeva

      Hello, Sergey. There may be bike rentals in the tourist area, but we didn’t see any. In any case, this business is not very common in Ella, since everyone drives a tuk-tuk (local taxi), it is inexpensive. Guests with and without a view can be found locally at an affordable price (if you have time to search). The problem is that Ella has a mountainous area, it is difficult to walk for a long time and look for accommodation, so it is easier to either rent in advance or talk to the locals after getting off the train. Locals stand with signs right outside the station, offering their homes for rent. As I said in the post, we, unfortunately, were unlucky with the chosen option.
      In general, hotel prices in Ella are slightly higher than they should be. Find a good one inexpensive option in principle it is possible, but you need to look, have some luck in reserve, and also know how to bargain :)

3. Yuri Protopopov

   Thank you for recommending Hotel Ambiente! We were looking for a hotel in Ella with a great view and we really liked this one. Stayed here for 11 nights. In addition to the view, I liked the small garden, the friendly staff, the peace and tranquility (usually no guests during the day), tasty food(I recommend ordering Sri Lankan cuisine here, it is prepared especially well).
   I was also surprised by the unconditional trust of the staff: for several days they simply didn’t want to accept money for our stay, we had to persuade them to accept payment for the entire stay, in the end they accepted it on the 4th day, but they said we’ll pay for dinner when we check out.
   Of the minuses: the electricity goes out several times a day, the rooms are not cleaned until you ask, the noise and smell of gasoline when the generator is running.