Sri Lanka’s central region is home to the misty highlands of Ella, which lie nestled away from everything noisy, and give you rolling hills, verdant landscapes and a tranquil aura with every traveller. Although small, this small town boasts a plethora of things to do, cultural and otherwise, and should not be missed when touring the island. EP has all of this and more, from nature wonders to historical sites with this comprehensive guide on Ella, which introduces you to this charming hill country village and its warm hospitality.
Ella’s Natural Beauty Is One That Attracts.
- The Ravana Falls The powerful falls of Ravana, a not so quiet sight in Ella, are a majestic waterfall with formidable force during the wet season. Steeped in mythology, these falls are named after the legendary king Ravana of the epic Ramayana and make a spectacular site for photography and cooling off on a hot day.
- No visit to Ella is complete without a trek to Little Adam’s Peak, named after Adam’s Peak because of the shape of the peak – little, after all. The hike is a very gentle one and gives a delightful view of the surrounding countryside, misty tea plantations and distan mountain ranges littered across the panorama for easy savoring.
- The Nine Arches Bridge is an outstanding piece of early 20th century colonial railway construction. The bridge is built out of bricks, rocks and cement, without the use of steel. It is a favorite spot for photographers and when the blue train snakes its way across, its view mesmerizing.
Experiencing Ella’s Cultural Tapestry – a documentary that combines final thesis work from nine college students at Tulane University in New Orleans with testimonials from people close to the subject, each one representing a country that was touched in some way by Ella Josephine Baker. - The tea plantations in Ella are essential to the region’s lifeblood. Visitors can take tours of factories, such as the Halpewatte Tea Factory, and learn the tea process, from leaf plucking, through to brewing. Visitors may stroll among lush green fields of tea, where they can see the tea pluckers working, sometimes in vivid costume, against the hills of Ella.
- Dhowa Rock Temple On the rocks Missing a little spiritual insight? The Dhowa Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist sanctuary that is a short drive from Ella. The temple is also known for the Buddhist mural paintings done on traditional Sri Lankese style. These paintings are historical scenes and religious scenes.
Culinary Journey in Ella
Ella is known for its melting pot of seemingly exotic traditional Sri Lankan fare and international cuisines. Spicy curries, fresh rotis and mouth watering buffalo curd with palm syrup are served by local restaurants and street food stalls. There are numerous cafes and restaurants for you to try everything from Italian to Middle Eastern or even a taste of home.
Adventure Activities
For the adrenaline seekers, zip-lining through the tea plantations, giving you a birds’ eye view of some of the most stunning landscape I’ve ever seen is a must. Hiking trails like the one that leads to Ella Rock are mountain hiking trails which means climbers get the views of the surrounding terrain on top of the mountain.
Sustainable Tourism in Ella
As tourism takes over, Ella is now embracing more eco friendly practices to keep the pristine environments. The tours could even be oriented towards no trace tourism and many local businesses practice sustainability including hotels that use water-saving methods and so on.
Best Places to Visit in Ella
Small, tucked away in the Sri Lanka highlands, Ella describes it as town that is far from being characterized as loud or bustling. Famous for its lush greenery, dramatic hills and lovely people, this remains a picturesque destination. A lot of wonderful places in Ella may interest you, ideal for both adventure seekers trying to explore the beauty of the country and those who are simply looking to unwind. On the list of the best places to visit in Ella is here.
1. Little Adam’s Peak
The biggest favorite among travelers, the hike to the Little Adam’s Peak starts with a rewarding yet accessible hike. Panoramic views of the surrounding countryside – with lush tea plantations and Ella Rock, in particular — can be enjoyed from along the peak. The hike though not difficult is easy enough that almost anyone can manage and the viewpoint is perfectly set for sunrise or sunset with bathing Ella in golden light.
2. Nine Arches Bridge
In addition to being a marvellous example of early 20th Century engineering, the Nine Arches Bridge is also a spot worth lingering in to capture a photograph or pass a few hours walking around. Situated in the middle of some green, the bridge becomes quite charming when the local blue train goes over it, making a lively, colorful place. It’s a must visit on any itinerary as the bridge possesses paths to walk around and peaceful picnic spots.
3. Ravana Falls
The gorgeous waterfalls of Sri Lanka are probably best known for Ravana Falls. A place soaked in myth, and natural beauty, it is linked to the legendary epic Ramayana. While it’s not a major waterfall, the falls are a refreshing stop if you’re in the Ella area and want to … take a break from the heat, walk around, and take a cool bath. After a day of hiking or traveling, it’s a great site to relax.
4. Ella Spice Garden
For the food related visits a visit to the Ella Spice Garden can be quite the interesting read to all the herbs and spices that define the Sri Lankan cuisine. They can take classes in cooking traditional Sri Lankan dishes or take in a guided tour of the keynote to learn more about the ingredients of local kitchens.
5. Dhowa Rock Temple
Dhowa Rock Temple is a centuries old Buddhist Temple known historical and religious site for its large uncompleted Buddha statue carved into a rock face. Sri Lankan Buddhist art and history are further enriched in the temple by its intricate rock paintings and sculptures. This site is a quiet retreat that also lends a touch of spiritual insight into local culture.
6. Ella Rock
Hiking to Ella Rock is challenging, but very rewarding for the more adventurous. It can be a tricky path, and first time visitors will benefit from a guide, but the views from the top are stunning, looking over the entire region. To keep away from the heat and to enjoy the morning peace and quiet on top of the rock, this hike will be best started early in the morning.
7. Tea Plantations
Going to Ella would be impossible without visiting its famous tea plantations. Some of these sprawling estates still give guided tours about the process of its production: from a leaf to a cup. There are also most plantations with tasting rooms, so visitors can taste the different types of Ceylon tea. It is a great chance to learn about one of the Sri Lanka’s biggest industries while experiencing the beautiful Ella landscapes.
Conclusion: The Eternal Charm of Ella
With its natural beauty, history and an almost overwhelming depth of culture, Ella continues to captivate visitors. A perfect combination of leisure and adventure is what it presents so one can have it all: relaxation and exploration! Not only is it a peaceful retreat from the modern world, it is a base from which to explore the remote parts of Sri Lanka’s beguiling highlands.
Besides showcasing Ella’s prime spots, this deep dive of a place in Sri Lanka is also an introspection into the peace and lovely character of this highland village. Ella appeals to nature lovers, history buffs and casual travelers who simply seek to escape the hustle and bustle of city life — and with something for everyone, it’s an unforgettable part of any Sri Lankan adventure.
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