6 Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka
Blue train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge
Written by Arijana Tkalčec
1. Catch that famous blue train crossing the Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge also called the Bridge in the Sky is the most famous bridge in Sri Lanka. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway station.
We stayed at Ella Flower Garden and it took us around 15 minutes by scooters to get to the Nine Arch Bridge. For 50 LKR (around ~0.30$) you can park your scooters at the yard of a local woman. From there it's a short 5-10 minutes walk on an improvised tourist path. We went there almost every sunrise which was perfect as there were no people then. In the morning there are usually 2 trains that pass by before 9 am (the first one is usually the blue one and second the red one). Be sure to check the train map for the schedule. You can't always rely on it though, as they can sometimes be either late or too early. It has happened to us a few times actually.
The view there is really beautiful and I liked the mornings there as it was really peaceful. You can take great photos at the bridge, down under the bridge at a tea plantation, in the tunnel and on the two viewpoints, one at the path on the way there and another on the tunnel's side. If you're going down under the bridge, be careful as there are huge nests of wasps. We didn't have any problems with them but just so you know.
Early morning - the best time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge
2. Climb up the Little Adam's Peak for breathtaking views
Everyone is starting their hike at Ella Flower Garden but you can actually ride a scooter a bit further. We got to the last point where the parking for the scooters was (the free one) and from there it took us only 15 minutes to reach the top. We read that sunsets there are really beautiful but we went for sunrise and I suggest the same to everyone because, as always, there are fewer people that early. Just make sure to bring a flashlight if you're going for a sunrise hike.
Sunrise at Little Adam's Peak
The view is amazing, endless green hills all around. The fog at sunrise makes everything even more breathtaking. You can also hike to the hill in front of you, the path is a little bit steep, but it's walkable. It is a really peaceful place and you could stay there for hours just enjoying the view.
Foggy morning at Little Adam's Peak
On the way back from the sunrise mission, you will see tea pickers about to begin working. The women are usually really friendly and will gladly pose for your photos for a small fee of at least 100 LKR, about 0.5$.
Tea picker posing for our photo
3. An adventurous hike to the top of Ella Rock
If you're up for a more adventurous hike, make sure to hike Ella Rock. It will take you around 2 hours to reach the top and the view will be absolutely worthwhile. If you're going to hike on your own, make sure to double check the direction for going up or you can play safe and take a guide.
View of Ella Rock from Little Adam's Peak
4. Swim with the view - Diyaluma Falls
If you are a fan of waterfalls, especially the ones you can swim in, this is a perfect place for you. After a little hike, you can refresh yourself by going for a swim in the cool water with a beautiful view. Diyaluma Falls is 220 m high (720ft) and is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, full of natural pools where you can take a swim, kick back and relax.
One of the natural pools at Diyaluma Falls - the best way to refresh yourself on a hot day
From our accommodation in Ella, it took us around 1 hour and 45 minutes by scooter to the viewpoint on the falls where we paid a guide to take us to the top. We read that the wild elephants can roam around so it's best to have a guide just in case they show up. We paid him 2500 LKR (~14$) for four persons. From that viewpoint, it took us around 20 minutes to the parking, which costs 100 LKR (~0.5$) and is paid upon leaving. You can choose between the easy and hard path. The only difference between the two is that the hard one takes longer and is really steep so you have to do some real hiking, while the easy one is a much shorter and easier hike. It took us about 25 minutes to the top where the first pools are. There is a small waterfall which you can use as a massage and a pool with a beautiful view of the scenery. It is really refreshing. Another location where you can enjoy swimming is just a few minutes away.
5. Join a cooking class at Ella Spice Garden
For all the cooking lovers out there, Ella Spice Garden is the perfect place for you! You can join the cooking class and learn how to make those delicious Sri Lankan dishes. And of course, you can also buy spices there so you can prepare everything when you get back home too. Just make sure to book your spot in advance as their classes fill up quickly.
6. Visit a tea factory and learn everything about the process of making tea
There are many tea factories around Ella and you can choose the one you'd like to visit the most. We chose the Halpe Tea Factory. You have a full guided tour where they explain and show all five steps of making the tea. In the end, you can also try some of them. The tour cost us 2100 LKR (~$12) for four persons.
Halpe Tea Factory