Ella is a picturesque small town in the Badulla District in Sri Lanka approximately 200 kilometres east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level. If you’re a trekker, you will love Ella. The Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the whole world. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna.
Ella is internationally popular among bird watchers for the large variety of endemic species you will encounter during a birdwatching session. Hornbills, Peacocks, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Barbets, Flycatchers, Minivets, Chestnut Headed Bee-Eaters and Hill Mynas are regulars in the area.
One of the major highlights of Ella is “Nine Arch Bridge”, also known as ‘The Bridge in the Sky”; a famous bridge located between the stations of Ella and Demodara. The view of this scenic bridge built during WWI using only bricks, cement and stone, looks like it was removed right from a Harry Potter scene!
The Hike to Little Adam’s Peak – the brother of Adam’s Peak which is world famous for a strenuous walk that involves a lot of vertical stairs filled with tourists and worshipers alike in the middle of the night to reach the top before sunrise.
Probably the most popular of things to do in Ella. This hike start from the town centre and no guide needed. It’s best to start early in the morning to beat the like clockwork storm that rolls in daily at around lunchtime. This hiking destination will give you beautiful sprawling views of the Sri Lankan country side.
The Ravana Cave and Temple is a Buddhist temple carved into a huge rock on the side of a mountain, it’s believed that the caves go deep into the mountain, all the way to Ravana falls. Inside of the temple contains original rock artwork on the ceiling, a large sleeping Buddha statue made from clay and smaller statues.
Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. The 19m-high Rawana Falls are about 6km down Ella Gap towards Wellawaya. During rainy months, the water comes leaping down the mountainside.