7 AWESOME THINGS TO DO

______ ELLA ______

SRI LANKA

Climb up Little Adam's Peak...


Ella in Sri Lanka is very well known worldwide for its breathtaking view and scenery, Little Adam’s Peak is just one of them. The eye-catching, jaw-dropping, and conspicuous peak is the one not to miss, Situated in Ella, Sri Lanka, it has been attracting tourists for a long time now. The reason for its popularity is the amazing view that never fails to attract and impress the visitors.

It may be a long journey, but it helps the travelers interact with nature in a different way. Little Adam’s Peak is visited mainly because of the great hiking experience it gives to its climbers. It never falls short of beauty. It is filled with greenery and beautiful trees and plants. Resorts and hotels have been built to serve the climbers that may be tired after the long walk. The walk may be long, but once one reaches the top, it is just worth the struggle. The path is straight making the walk less complicated.

Little Adams peak at Ella has received positive reviews and that is because it never fails the tourists and visitors. It is highly recommended to people who plan to explore and witness the wonders of Sri Lanka.

Endless Tea field views at Lipton's Seat...


The Lipton’s Seat lookout is one of Sri Lanka's most impressive viewpoints (unless it's misty and cloudy of course, which is why early morning is the best time to visit). The Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his burgeoning empire from here, and today it's said you can see across emerald hills and tea estates to no fewer than seven different provinces.

To hike to the lookout, take the signed narrow paved road from the Dambatenne Tea Factory and climb about 8km through lush tea plantations. It's also possible to drive up – tuk-tuks charge around Rs 2500 return from Haputale. Look forward to the company of Tamil tea pickers going off to work as you walk uphill. Enterprising locals sell drinks and snacks at the top.

Walk along the rails on the Nine Arch Bridge...

The Nine Arches Bridge (Sinhalese: අහස් නමයේ ආරුක්කු පාලම, also called the Bridge in the Sky) is a bridge in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers. The chief designer and project manager of the 'upcountry railway line of Ceylon' project were D. J. Wimalasurendra, a distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor. The designer of the viaduct was Harold Cuthbert Marwood of the Railway Construction Department of Ceylon Government Railway. The 1923 report titled "Construction of a Concrete Railway Viaduct in Ceylon" published by the Engineering Association of Ceylon has details of all the records including the plans and drawings.

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming, and below, tea leaves are being cultivated. The bridge is actually quite close to the main street in Ella town.

Great fresh shower at the Ravana Fall...

The Ravana Falls (popularly known as Ravana Ella-රාවණා ඇල්ල in Sinhala) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and are located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.

The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sita) and his brother Laxmana. At the time, the cave was surrounded by thick forests in the midst of the wilderness. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Ravanahatha over here.

Swim at the Diyaluma Falls...


Diyaluma Falls is 220 m (720 ft) high and the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka[1] and 361st highest waterfall in the world. It is situated 6 km (3.7 mi) away from Koslanda in Badulla District on the Colombo-Badulla highway. The Falls are formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya.

In Sinhalese, Diyaluma or Diya Haluma means "rapid flow of water" or may be translated as "liquid light". According to Sri Lankan historian, Dr. R. L. Brohier, Diyaluma is the setting of the folklore about a tragedy involving a young chieftain who had been banished to the highlands and the attempt by his betrothed to join. As all the passes were guarded the young man let down a rope of twisted creepers over the escarpment, as she was hauled up she was dashed against the rocks and died. The Gods moved to pity by the harrowing spectacle, caused a stream of water to gush from the mountain, and veil all evidence of the tragedy in a watery light, hence the term Diyaluma.

Hike up to the top of Ella Rock...

Ella Rock is one of the must-sees in Ella, a place that is becoming increasingly touristy and even brands itself as a 'tourist town' (check out the signboards at the junction!). Offering panoramic views of the Ella Gap and Little Adam's Peak, the hike is an arduous upward climb and you're guaranteed to lose yourselves among tea estates, hills, and tall shrubs if you're without a guide.

Sunrises over mountains (especially the ones in Ella) are nothing short of stunning: so we recommend a super early start to your day. Many people begin the hike from the Ella Railway Station, but you'd save about half an hour or more if you begin it at the Kithal-Ella Station, which you'll be passing regardless of where you start. It'll cost you a bit to get there (around 800 bucks from the Passara Road), especially as you'll have to arrange for a tuk to pick you up at around 3:30am — but it's a steep uphill ride and will take you close to half an hour to get there in the pitch dark, and with hairpin curves. Unless you've got a vehicle of your own sorted this is pretty much your only choice.

Join a cooking class at Ella Spice Garden...

Take a cooking class or simply savor Sri Lanka's authentic cuisine at Ella Spice Garden, a private household set in a highland village amid world-famous tea plantations. With a hands-on approach, and informative English-speaking teacher will take you on a tour of all the Sri Lankan spices cultivated in this private garden. Roam through peppers, cloves, turmeric, and chili plants, take a sample, and then roll up your sleeves to hit the kitchen.

Learn about the ingredients and create some delicious Sri Lankan food with super tasty flavors. Make sure to book in advance because the Ella Spice Garden class seems to be full every day.
Classes, followed by a meal, are suitable for all levels of hobby chefs. Alternatively, you can just stop by for a tasty meal, mostly featuring curry-style traditional dishes. Make sure you call in advance. Put Ella Spice Garden at the forefront of your travel plans.