Sri Lanka’s famed hilltop enclave of old-world enchantments and nature-kissed allure is filled with a variety of diversions, from Instagrammable cafes and boho-chic boutiques to adrenaline-rich escapades involving zip-lining, waterfall plunging, and chasing tea trails.
A Vintage Train Ride
Perhaps the most iconic facet of your Ella trip, the morning train ride from Kandy to Ella is world-renowned for its breathtaking views. Secure a spot in a second or third-class carriage so you can lean out and capture the theatrical velvety, dense green hills and sweeping plantations, especially atop the Nine Arches Bridge.
Little Adam’s Peak
Pack some protein bars and fill a canteen with king coconut water before embarking on one of Ella’s most picturesque hikes up to Little Adam’s Peak, starting from the lushness of tea estates and ascending to a variety of stunning vantage points that yield incredible 360-degree perspectives of Ella Rock, Ella Gap, and Udawalawa National Park.
Diyaluma Falls
From the tiered Ravana falls and powerful Ella Gap Waterfall to the serene Secret Waterfall, each of Ella’s crystalline torrents have a unique personality. However, there’s something deliciously enigmatic about Diyaluma, where you can take a dip in its natural infinity rock pools elevated above arresting vistas. If you’re contemplating places to visit in Ella, enlist the expertise of blogs such as Travel to Ella for a customised itinerary.
Ella Spice Gardens
The lip-smacking piquancy of Sri Lankan cuisine is hard to replicate unless you have some hands-on experience first. Visit the lushly fragrant spice plots of cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, cloves, chilli, and black pepper, and pre-book an interactive Spice Gardens cookery class to incorporate them into authentic local delicacies.
