Ella
Ella is an iconic travel destination in Sri Lanka, surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges. It's a great place to explore the natural beauty of the hill country, and it also has a rich history. There are so many exciting adventures and outdoor activities you can enjoy in Ella.
Places to visit in Ella
📍Here, I have listed some places you must visit while traveling to Ella, which are conveniently located around Ella. You can read about these places by clicking on the places on the list.
Scenic Train Ride to Ella
It is a breathtaking and scenic train ride from Colombo Fort to Ella, famous all around the world for its beauty. The train passes through flat landscapes and paddy fields of the low country, gradually climbing into the misty hills, lush tea estates, beautiful mountain ranges, and massive tunnels of the hill country.
Along the way, you’ll experience a wide variety of climate zones, from the low-country wet zone to the hill-country wet and dry zones. The scenic landscapes between Ambewela and Ohiya, at an altitude of over 1,700 meters (about 5,500 feet), are truly marvelous. You’ll pass through numerous tunnels and see many waterfalls cascading near the railway line. The temperature is pleasantly cool, making the journey even more enjoyable.
There are several train options available. One of the most popular is the Ella Odyssey, which stops at iconic tourist attractions, allowing passengers to take photos and enjoy the views. You can also travel on regular trains with the choice of 1st Class A/C, 2nd Class, or 3rd Class compartments.
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, you should experience this unforgettable train ride at least once. The journey takes about 10 to 11 hours. but every moment is worth it.
You can book train seats and chek the availability from the official site of Sri Lankan railway department. The link is below
https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/History
It has a rich history woven around King Ravana’s era. In Ella, legend says that Ravana hid Princess Sita in the network of caves behind Ravana Ella Falls (also called Ravana Cave) while he ruled Lanka. Archaeological excavations of the cave at Ella have revealed traces of human habitation dating back some 25,000 years, giving the site genuine ancient roots, though the association with Ravana and Sita remains part of epic legend.
What are the Accommodation Options and Tourist Facilities in Ella?
In Ella, you can easily find accommodation options ranging from local homestays to high-end hotels. The town also has supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies to meet travelers’ needs. The nearest major city is Badulla, which offers all essential facilities, including a Teaching hospital.
Travel tips
- Book accommodations well in advance during peak season.
- It’s better to drink bottled water to avoid any risk of waterborne illness or food poisoning.
- When eating at restaurants, make sure to look at reviews. You can find good, well maintained restaurants in the city. And also, you can find clean and safe small places managed by rural villagers. But be careful to avoid poorly managed street stalls like in bus stops and pavements of the town.
- The best time to visit Ella is from December to April during the dry season, when the weather is clear and perfect for hiking and sightseeing. You can also visit between June and August, when the climate is cool and misty, offering breathtaking views of the lush green hills.