Ella
Hikes
Bird Watching
Location Highlights
- Mountainous landscape with high montane forests to lowland rainforests
- Hike | The Pekoe Trail Stage 16: Ella to Demodara | 8.5km one-way
- Hike | Ella to Ella rock | 10km loop
- Hike | Ella to Little Adams Peak & Nine Arch Bridge loop | 10km
- Walk | Little Adams Peak | 1.6km out-and-back
- Walk | Nine Arch Bridge | 1.4km out-and-back
- Historic | Bogoda Bridge and Temple
Ella is a charming mountain town and an ideal stopover when travelling between Sri Lanka’s central highlands and the southern beaches. It’s also the natural starting or ending point of the scenic mountain train journey, making it a very convenient place to pause and slow down.
Ella Gap |
Mountains & villages
Sitting at an elevation of around 300–1,200 metres, Ella is surrounded by mountains, steep cliffs, and open valleys. The famous Ella Gap opens out towards the south, creating wide, scenic views that are perfect for relaxed walks and short hikes. Simple trails lead to viewpoints such as Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, both offering rewarding scenery without requiring strenuous trekking.
What makes Ella particularly appealing for a stay of a couple of days is its comfortable year-round climate. Being in the mountains, the weather is generally mild, but Ella tends to receive less rainfall than nearby highland towns such as Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, making it relatively drier and more pleasant for walking and outdoor activities.
Ella also has a laid-back atmosphere with small cafés, good coffee, and casual dining, making it an easy place to unwind after travelling through the mountains or before continuing towards the coast.
When you arrive in Ella, you’ll be welcomed by its exceptional climate, nestled snugly between the upcountry wet zone and the low country dry zone. This positioning gives rise to a diverse landscape, featuring everything from lush montane forests to dry evergreen forests. While much of the primary forest cover has unfortunately diminished, Ella still retains some of its pristine natural beauty.
As you explore the area, you’ll encounter a terrain characterized by mountains, steep hills, and valleys, with elevations ranging from 300 to 2000 meters above sea level. Delving into Ella’s rich history, which spans centuries, you’ll uncover its origins as the home of indigenous Vedda people, later becoming part of the Kandyan Kingdom during colonial times. British influence brought about significant agricultural development, particularly in the establishment of tea plantations that continue to thrive today.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, a remarkable feat of British engineering from the colonial era. Additionally, be sure to explore Bogoda Bridge, a historic wooden structure believed to be over 400 years old, offering a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage.
Ella’s natural splendor attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Enjoy leisurely walks through lush tea estates, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and take in breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. With its evolution into a bustling tourist hub, Ella now offers a variety of accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities. Whether you’re admiring the landscapes or delving into its rich history, Ella promises an unforgettable experience and earns its place as a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
Our Favorite Accommodation in Ella
Zion View Ella
This is a new, modern hotel perched on a mountainside overlooking Kandy Lake, the Temple of the Tooth, and the city below. The property features sleek, contemporary architecture with a spacious lobby, a stylish café area, and fairly large, comfortable modern rooms — each with a balcony offering stunning views. The highlight is the rooftop bar, restaurant, and infinity pool, where guests can relax while taking in the panoramic scenery of Kandy.
Service is warm and attentive, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, while the restaurant serves excellent Sri Lankan and international dishes in a bright, airy alfresco rooftop setting. Kandy town center is just a five-minute walk downhill, though the return climb uphill takes a little longer.
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Stepping into the grounds of Kings Pavilion feels like entering a botanical garden or a pocket of rainforest, with a refreshingly cooler temperature than the surrounding city. You can truly hear the quietness of the place — a calm, soothing escape from Kandy’s bustle. The hotel features elegantly furnished, spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the mountains, and offers intimate, attentive service. The pool set at the edge of the garden perfectly frames the lush greenery and mountain views, making it one of Kandy’s most serene stays.
Offering a range of experiences, guests can choose from hands-on cooking sessions with the hotel’s chef to enjoying a private traditional cultural dance performance, creating a stay that blends comfort, culture, and nature in perfect harmony.
Hide Ella Hotel and Resort
The Elephant Stables is a colorful colonial-era residence with a fascinating history. Once belonging to a Kandyan nobleman who kept elephants on the property, it has now been transformed into a charming boutique hotel that beautifully blends heritage with modern comfort.
Set on a ridge overlooking Kandy, the property offers sweeping views of the surrounding hills. The central section of the house is over 300 years old, filled with character and history, while the spacious living areas and vibrant interiors create a warm, homely atmosphere. Guests especially love the pool and dining area perched on the ridge, where you can relax with panoramic views and a gentle breeze drifting through the hills.
