This blog post is all about an Ella travel guide.
When it comes to laid-back towns with scenic hikes, incredible viewpoints, and cosy guesthouses tucked away in the hills, Ella is hard to beat.
This small town in Sri Lanka’s hill country is surrounded by lush greenery, rolling tea plantations, and misty mountains. It was actually one of our favourite places during our time in Sri Lanka, and that’s saying something!
If you’ve only got 48 hours in Ella, don’t worry. That’s plenty of time to soak up the charm of the town, tackle a couple of hikes, explore the famous Nine Arch Bridge, and indulge in some delicious Sri Lankan food (and maybe the odd Western brunch spot too).
This Ella travel guide provides everything you need to know to plan your time in Ella, including a full 2-day itinerary, travel tips, and suggestions for where to eat, sleep, and explore.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
This blog post is all about an Ella travel guide in Sri Lanka.
Ella Travel Guide: Where is Ella, Sri Lanka?
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province.
Nestled in the heart of the hill country, Ella sits around 1,041 metres above sea level, which means the climate here is noticeably cooler than the coastal regions or cities like Colombo and Galle.
You’ll find misty mornings, crisp evenings, and the occasional burst of rain, so packing a light raincoat is always a good idea.
If you’re heading to Ella, make sure to watch my Ella travel guide vlog on YouTube to check out everything we got up to, how we got there, where we stayed, where we ate and so much more!
Ella Travel Guide: Why is Ella so Popular with Travellers?
Ella is one of the most visited spots in Sri Lanka.
While it’s definitely on the more touristy side (especially compared to places like Haputale or Nuwara Eliya) it has a charm that keeps travellers coming back.
With breathtaking hikes, iconic landmarks like the Nine Arches Bridge, cascading waterfalls, and tea plantations stretching for miles, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Add to that the laid-back atmosphere, great food options, and scenic train ride from Kandy, and you’ve got a destination that ticks every box.
RELATED Ella Travel Guide blog post to read: Epic Kandy to Ella Train: 15 Essential Things To Know
Ella Travel Guide: How to Get to Ella
Below are various routes to get to Ella, Sri Lanka.
How to Get to Ella by Train
If you’ve done any research into travelling Sri Lanka, you’ll know about the Kandy to Ella train which is arguably one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
Winding through tea fields, jungles, and mountain passes, it’s a rite of passage for most travellers.
The journey takes around 6–7 hours, and while you can do it in either direction, Kandy to Ella is the most popular.
Be sure to book seats in advance if you want a reserved spot, and read my blog post all about the train which gives you the best tips and a hack to ensure you get a seat for the full journey.
How to Get to Ella by Bus or Car
You can also reach Ella by private car (with driver) or by bus from nearby towns like Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, or Haputale. Just be prepared for winding roads and a bit of a bumpy ride.
We arrived by train and absolutely recommend it. Even if you only do this leg of the journey by rail, it’s worth it for the views alone.
Ella Travel Guide: 48 Hour Itinerary for Ella, Sri Lanka
Here’s how I’d recommend spending two full days in Ella if you want a balance of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing.
Ella Travel Guide Day 1
Morning: Visit the Nine Arch Bridge
Start your first morning with a walk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. This colonial-era railway bridge is surrounded by jungle and tea plantations, and if you time your visit right, you’ll get to see the train roll across it.
Top tip: Ask your guesthouse or a local shop what time the train is due. There are usually several crossings throughout the day, but the early morning trains are perfect for photos.
Midday: Hike Little Adam’s Peak
From the bridge, you can walk to Little Adam’s Peak. A short but steep hike that offers incredible views across the valley.
It’s not too challenging and should only take about 45 minutes to reach the summit, but bring water and wear proper shoes (the path can be slippery if it’s rained).
You can even hike this in the afternoon and stay up there for sunset, which is meant to be stunning!
Afternoon: Tea Tasting at a Plantation
Ella is tea country, so make sure to visit a local tea factory or plantation.
Many of the estates nearby explain the process from picking to drying, and you can sample some of the freshest Ceylon tea you can get.
Evening: Dinner at Matey Hut or Clay Pot
Matey Hut is a firm favourite for authentic Sri Lankan curries and roti. But be warned, there’s usually a queue. We waited about 30 minutes to get a table, and it was absolutely worth it.
If you want something a bit more unique, head to Clay Pot, where we dined in a treehouse and had some of the best Sri Lankan food we’d eaten on our trip!
RELATED Ella Travel Guide blog post to read: A Complete Guide To The Best Sri Lankan Food To Try
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Ella Travel Guide Day 2
Below is how I’d recommend spending your final full day in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Morning: Visit Ravana Falls
After breakfast, take a tuk tuk to Ravana Waterfall, about 15 minutes from Ella town.
It’s a 25-metre high cascade where you can dip your feet and cool off in the rock pools (though be careful if the water is strong).
Optional Add-on: Diyaluma Falls
If you’re feeling more adventurous, hire a driver and head to Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
It’s about 1.5 hours away, but the natural infinity pools at the top are unreal. It’s more of a half-day trip, so adjust your day accordingly.
Midday: Lipton’s Seat
Another popular day trip from Ella is a visit to Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint said to be Sir Thomas Lipton’s favourite spot to oversee his tea empire.
You can hike up or take a tuk tuk most of the way. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles.
Afternoon: Chill at Café Chill or Kiri Kopi
Head back to town and relax at one of Ella’s cafes. Café Chill is a popular brunch spot with Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and a rooftop bar if you fancy a cold drink. We spent the afternoon here on our laptops, catching up on work and travel planning.
Kiri Kopi is another lovely spot, especially for breakfast or dessert. We had the tropical waffles and can confirm they were very photogenic (and delicious).
Evening: Sunset, Drinks and a Stroll Through Ella Town
Wrap up your trip with a slow walk through town. Ella has plenty of quirky shops, chilled-out bars, and restaurants with live music.
It’s not a party town, but the vibes are very relaxed and social.
Ella Travel Guide: More Things to Do in Ella
If you’ve got more time, or want to switch up the itinerary of this Ella travel guide, here are some other great activities and sights around Ella:
- Ella Rock: A longer and more challenging hike than Little Adam’s Peak, but well worth it for the sunrise view.
- Buduruwagala Rock Carvings: An off-the-beaten-track spot where you’ll find ancient Buddhist carvings carved into a cliff face.
- Ayurvedic Massage: After all the hiking, treat yourself to a traditional Sri Lankan massage. There are a few spas around town offering herbal treatments and steam baths.
- Cooking Class: Learn how to make your own Sri Lankan curries and sambols at a local cooking class.
Ella Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Ella
Food in Ella is a mix of Sri Lankan staples and more Western-style options aimed at backpackers and digital nomads. Some of our favourites:
- Matey Hut – Small, popular spot for curries and kottu.
- Clay Pot – Sri Lankan food in a unique treehouse setting.
- Café Chill – Great breakfast, coffee, and social atmosphere.
- Kiri Kopi – Known for waffles and ice cream.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Ella Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Ella
We stayed in two different places during our time in Ella. One for the views, and one for the convenience.
1. Ella River Front
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the jungle, with monkeys on the balcony in the morning! Ella River Front had one of the best views we experienced in Sri Lanka.
It’s a little outside of town, so we had to tuk tuk in and out each time which added to our daily spend. But for the view, it was worth it.
2. Ella Hilltop Guest House
Hilltop Guest House is much more central and within walking distance of everything in Ella.
Still had amazing views from the rooftop terrace and was a lot more convenient if you want to stay in the heart of the action.
RELATED Ella Travel Guide blog post to read: Ella Sri Lanka: Where to Stay With the Best View
Ella Travel Guide: Final Thoughts on Visiting Ella
Ella was one of those places that instantly made us feel at ease.
It had everything we wanted after weeks of busy cities and temple visits: beautiful nature, fresh air, good food, and a chance to slow down.
It’s a great place to unwind for a few days, especially if you’re travelling around Sri Lanka for a while.
Whether you’re in it for the hikes, the train journey, the tea, or just the views, Ella is a must-stop on your Sri Lankan itinerary.
Ella Travel Guide: Don’t Forget Before You Go
- Pack layers and a raincoat – the weather changes quickly in the hills.
- Book your train tickets early if travelling from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya.
- Carry cash – some places still don’t accept card.
- Arrange transport in advance if heading to more remote spots like Diyaluma Falls or Lipton’s Seat.
And of course, make sure you’ve got reliable travel insurance before your trip. We personally use SafetyWing for peace of mind while travelling long-term. It’s super flexible, affordable, and ideal if you’re hopping between countries without a fixed end date.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, don’t skip Ella. It may just end up being your favourite stop too!
Want more help planning your Sri Lanka itinerary? Check out my Ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide with suggested routes, travel tips, and where to stay.
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