Ella is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka! Located in the hills of Sri Lanka, Ella provides visitors with endless scenic views and adventure. From hiking to relaxing amidst the misty mountains, there is something for everyone in this famous town! This post covers how to spend 2 days in Ella.
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Table of Contents
Day 1
Hike to Ella Rock
If you like to hike, then start your day hiking to the Ella Rock. This hike brings you to one of the highest points in Ella with commanding views of the city of Ella and adjoining mountain ranges for miles on end. You an start this hike at the Ella railway station or at the Kithal Ella railway station. I recommend starting at Kithal Ella as you can shave off quite a bit of time.
Sunrise from Ella Rock is truly spectacular but you will be hiking in the dark for the most part. If you can’t make it for sunrise, then I recommend doing this hike as early as you possibly can for 2 reasons. 1. it helps you avoid the mid-day crowds and 2. it helps you to beat the heat.
I have a detailed guide on how to hike to Ella Rock. Check it out HERE!
Nine Arches Bridge
I am not sure you can Google Ella or even Sri Lanka for that matter and not find a picture of this famous bridge with nine arches. There are a couple of ways to get to Nine Arches Bridge if you are coming by vehicle or a tuk-tuk. I have marked these with a red X in the picture below. I think the best views are from a little higher up from the side opposite the tunnel.
1st way
The first way to get to the Nine Arches Bridge is to get to the car park located on the tunnel side of the bridge. It’s located on the Nine Arch Road and the GPS coordinates are 6.879015036297294, 81.06146613942761. From the car park, it’s a very short walk to the bridge.
2nd way
The second way is a bit of a walk/hike but it brings you to the side which I think is most scenic, especially when trains go by. It’s located off the Ella-Passara Road just before 98 Acres. The GPS coordinates for the car park are 6.8735613847770445, 81.06067756998154 . You can ask a tuk-tuk to bring you as close as they possibly can to cut short some of the walking. The road is a bit steep.
Views of the Bridge and Notes
If you are standing on the opposite side of the tunnel (which is where this path (2nd way) brings you to), there is a cafe on top on the left hand side of the bridge. It has some of the best views to watch a train pass by in my opinion!
If you want to get closer to the bridge, get to the right hand side of the bridge (from the opposite side of the tunnel) and climb down through the tea bushes.
Most trains pass on the bridge either in the morning (from Badulla to Colombo) or afternoon (from Colombo to Badulla). Check out the Sri Lanka Railway Department website or ask a local for more information about the schedule so that you can time your visit.
Visit a Tea Factory
Do you know that Ceylon tea, considered to be some of the best black tea in the world, comes from Sri Lanka? Tea production is an interesting process! First of all, it’s extremely manual. The best tea comes from hand plucking two to three tea leaves with a bud. You can learn how it’s done, from plucking to tasting at a tea factory located less than 5 KM from Ella.
Learn more HERE
Ravana Falls
This mighty waterfall is located close to Ella and is a must see. However, it gets very crowded by mid-day. We went in the evening and it wasn’t too bad. I recommend either going first thing in the morning or in the evening just before sunset.
If you are driving, parking may be a little difficult, especially during the day. Best is to take a tuk-tuk and ask them to wait until you finish.
Day 2
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is a relatively easy hike that you can do in Ella. It takes about 30-45 minutes to hike up and brings you to sunning panoramic views of the Ella Gap and surrounding hills. The official start of the trail is next to the Ravana Pool Club.
Once you are on the trail head, it’s a gradual climb to the top with most sections containing steps. Go early in the morning if you can for the same two reasons I outlined for doing the Ella Rock hike early.
Once on top, you can see the Ella Gap, Ella Rock and the surrounding hills. There are some steep slopes to the left that you can also hike down and up to if you are interested but be careful! These slopes are very steep and rocky. Good shoes with traction is a must.
Go Zip Lining and/or the Ella Swing
On the way down from Little Adam’s Peak and before the Ravana Pool Club, you have the choice of doing two more adventurous activities. You can either zip line and/or do the Ella Swing.
Zip Lining
This zip line moves at 80 kmph over half a kilometer in distance with stunning vistas of mountains and tea estates. Pricing starts at around 33 USD for foreigners and 20 USD for locals. they are open from 8:30am to 5:00pm with an hour’s lunch break at 12:30 pm.
You can book ahead HERE!
You should be able to book in-person day-of during off peak times but there still maybe a bit of a wait.
Ella Swing
You can climb to new heights in a semi-mechanical swing overlooking tea plantations. The Ella Swing is located next to the Ravana Pool Club. They have various packages that include goddess like dresses and photography. The starting rate for a foreign visitor is LKR 5000 and a local is LKR 3500.
You can book this in-person, on-site.
Relax at Ravana Pool Club
The Ravana Pool Club is one of the best ways to relax after all the hiking you have done during your 2 days in Ella! This was one of my favorite things I did in Ella. Overlooking the mountains, the location of this pool club is simply ideal for anyone looking to enjoy nature in a relaxing atmosphere.
The Ravana Pool Club offers various packages from all-day to 3 hour packages and pool access. They also have great dining options as well. If you are not interested in a pool packages, you can still go for a drink or food and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills.
Most of the packages offer you credit towards food and drinks. There is a discount for booking early online. There are also packages where you can couple pool time with zip lining.
You can check out all these options HERE!
More Than 2 Days in Ella?
Nil Diya Pokuna
Nil Diya Pokuna means “Blue Water Pond” in Sinhalese and it is a strikingly blue natural pool located underground. It’s located in a cave almost 80 meters underground and is quite an adventure to get to. You will hike through and climb down various caves and tunnels before emerging at a rewarding blue pond with crustal clear water.
At the time of writing this post, it is currently temporarily closed due to a local land dispute but I am including it for when it opens back up as it’s considered an extremely rewarding activity. Check Google before you go and ask your accommodation provider or a local if it’s open when you visit.
Ravana Cave
The story goes that king Ravana captured Rama’s wife Sita from India and brought her to Ravana Caves. However, there has been evidence of human activity in these caves, going back to 20,000 BC. The caves are also connected to Ravana Falls. To get to the caves, you have to climb some 650 steps. This is a good activity for anyone looking for more physical activity or are interested in Sri Lankan history. The views are also supposed to be good.
Ella Spice Garden
Learn how to make a delicious Sri Lankan meal at Ella Spice Garden. The tour takes 3 hours and you will start with a tour of the spice gardens and then proceed to make an 8 dish Sri Lankan meal. They will even give you the recipes to take home.
Learn more HERE.
Less Than 2 Days in Ella?
What if you only have 2 days in Ella which also includes the day you arrive in Ella? It will be afternoon by the time you get to Ella if you are taking a train to Ella and if that is the case, you will not have time to do all the things listed in this 2 days in Ella post. Below, you will find how you can adjust the itinerary to fit in some of the must-do things in Ella during your short 2 days.
Day 1
- Arrive at Ella
- Little Adam’s Peak hike
Day 2
- Ella Rock Hike
- Zip Lining
- Relax at Ravana Pool Club
- Ravana Falls
How to Get to Ella
Getting to Ella is the most fun part of visiting Ella. The best way to get to Ella is by train. The train ride goes through the central highlands of Sri Lanka (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and is considered to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world!
There are 2 main trains that you can take to Ella:
Dunhinda Odyssey
This is a tourist train that takes you from Colombo to Badulla or vice versa. You can start your journey at any place along the way. Kandy is a popular starting point but I started from Nanu Oya close to Nuwara Eliya. It’s a tourist train because it stops at various points of interest along the way, including the Nine Arches Bridge. When you are buying a ticket, buy it for Demodara and not Ella if you are interested in stopping at Nine Arches. If you have a private driver who will be bringing your luggage for you, you can also get off at Nine Arches and walk to the car park (“1st way”). You will still have to buy a ticket to Demodara though and time it well with your driver. Note you can’t do this if you are carrying roll-on luggage on the train with you.
The Dunhinda Odyssey does not run everyday (currently Mon, Thu and Sat from Colombo in the direction of Badulla) and you have to book this train at least a month in advance (this is when tickets come out) as they sell out. 1st class is airconditioned with reserved seats.
Express Train/Night Mail Train
Local trains also run from Colombo to Badulla via Ella. These have basic facilities. My recommendation is to take the Odyssey for a better experience.
You can check the schedule for both these trains HERE
Calypso Train
There is a third train called a Calypso Train which runs from Bandarawela to Badulla and vice versa. This is also a tourist train with live calypso music (a type of music in Sri Lanka). This train also stops at Nine Arches for a photo stop. The Calypso train is ideal if you are also already in either Badulla or Bandarawela. Or you are in Ella and can get to either town and just want the experience of riding in a scenic train ride.
You can also get to Ella by car or any type of road vehicle. To do this, you can either hire a private driver or book a transfter.
Where to Stay in Ella
There are lots of places to choose from in Ella, from luxury hotels to basic accommodation. As always I recommend using booking.com to search for accommodation that fits your budget and needs. Booking has cancellable options and the ability to filter and search for facilities and amenities that you are looking for.
Here are also some recommendations:
OnRock – Where we stayed. Great location right near downtown Ella. Our room had an amazing view of Kithal Ella falls. Staff are friendly and the room comes with a good buffet style breakfast.
98 Arces – One of the first properties in Ella and certainly one of the biggest. It’s a luxury hotel so definitely pricey but worth it if you are looking to splurge.
Hide Ella – A bit pricy but has great views and a pool!
EKHO Ella – Beautiful property with stunning views. The reviews rave about the service and vistas.
Nine Arch Gap – Family run hotel with great views and stellar reviews. Everyone calls out how helpful the owners are.
Where to Eat in Ella
Cafe Chill
Cafe Chill is probably the most famous eatery in Ella. It has a huge space and an extensive menu. If you want a table with a view, you you will have reserve ahead of time. Although packed, service was very efficient and the food was delicious! They also have a night club that operates later in the night.
Rainbow Cafe
Rainbow cafe has amazing review on Google and rightly so. This cafe has 3 floors and a nice chilled out vibe. Food was good and service is fast.
Café UFO Ella
Has good Sri Lankan food as well as other cuisine. Food and service gets good reviews.
Matey Hut Ella Sri Lanka
One of the highest rated eateries in Ella, known for it’s delicious Sri Lankan food.
Dream Cafe
Go here mainly for the views. The service was a little off but the roof top terrace is a 10/10.
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