✨ Introduction: Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)
Tucked away in the misty mountains of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ella is a charming village that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. Surrounded by emerald-green tea plantations, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, Ella is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure, nature, and tranquility.
Whether you're hiking to panoramic viewpoints, sipping freshly brewed Ceylon tea, or relaxing in a jungle villa, Ella offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. With eco-tourism booming in 2025, this peaceful paradise has never been more ready to explore.
In this complete guide, we’ll take you through the 20 best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka, including must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical travel tips to make your trip seamless and spectacular.
1. Little Adams Peak Hike ⛰
Our first choice and best thing to do in Ella is to hike to the top of Little Adams Peak.
Little Adams Peak hiking is quite a leisurely hike. It’s not too challenging even for experienced trekkers, but it can definitely get your blood pumping a bit.
The reward for completing this trail is some incredible panoramic views that extend beyond Ella town to the lush greenery.
The climb takes just 30 minutes and the view makes it well worth it. Little Adams Peak hiking should definitely be on the bucket list of adventurers and those keen to take incredible photos of the town.
This is one of our definite activities that every group we travel to Sri Lanka does! In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka as well as the entire country, let alone Ella.
2. Take a cooking class at Mete Hata 🍚
Mete Hata in Ella is not only a great place for lunch, but also for cooking some traditional Sri Lankan dishes that you can enjoy back home.
If you’ve just returned from hiking Adam’s Peak and need to refuel, Mete Hata is a great place to go – the food is absolutely incredible. Sri Lankan curries and rotis are so much tastier when you’re tired from hiking!
The cooking classes at Mete Hata are also a great activity and run in the morning so you can prepare your lunch and at 4.30pm you’ll be ready to cook in time for dinner.
The cost of the cooking class makes it even more attractive at just £5.10 per person – considering you’ll get food at the end!
The friendly owners love taking classes and are great at teaching too. They just ask you to book your lesson in advance, show up on time and ask as many questions as you like!
3. Hike to Ella Rock 🪨
Ella Rock is a much more challenging adventure than the Little Adam’s Peak hike, but who doesn’t love a challenge?
This trek is much longer than the other treks but it takes you through tea plantations and dense forests and offers incredible views of the valleys surrounding Ella. It’s almost like a mini jungle trek.
You’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment after completing this hike and the views are a great reward for the effort. The entire hike will probably take you three to five hours and you’ll likely meet many other adventurers along the way as it’s such a popular route.
If you want the challenge of climbing up or down in the dark, why not aim to be at the top at sunrise or sunset? We promise you won’t regret it.
4. Cross the Nine Arch Bridge 🚂
The Nine Arch Bridge is one of the attractions in the Ella region and you can’t miss it while you’re there. The Nine Arch Bridge is a structural masterpiece that stands proudly in the beautiful landscape of Ella.
It’s the definition of an Instagrammable photo!
Surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant tea gardens, the iconic bridge is best experienced by train, where you can feel the feeling of being on the bridge.
If you want to walk from Ella Town and take some amazing photos of the bridge towering in the mist, it’s only an hour’s walk from the center. You can also take a tuk-tuk ride to the bridge.
5. Enjoy the Demodara Loop 🛤
The Demodara Loop is another landmark that cannot be missed while in Ella. The Demodara Loop is a circular railway construction that allows the train to complete a loop and then pass over itself before exiting a tunnel beneath the Demodara Loop.
This construction is unlike anything else in the world and is truly worth seeing and appreciating.
Or if you want to experience a loop by train, the train ticket to complete the loop between Ella and Demodara is incredibly cheap, around £0.11! This makes the activity even more worthwhile.
If you board at Demodara station, there is also a viewing platform at Demodara to watch the train complete the loop.
6. Visit Ravana Falls and Caves
Ravana Falls is a natural wonder located not far from Ella and has a magical story behind it. Ravana Falls is named after a mythical king from Hindu legend. Locals believe that the falls are part of Ravana’s palace and his daughter lives in the adjacent cave.
The falls are a perfect place for a quick swim, but as is always the case with swimming in waterfalls, you need to watch out for sharp and slippery rocks. The falls are a natural spa where the humid climate and rapid cooling in the water will boost your energy levels and you will want to explore as much as you can because it is stunning.
Ravana’s Caves are a great stop further up the falls where you can explore the story further for a small fee. Many pilgrims visit the caves every year which makes it even more popular with tourists.
7. Relax at Ravana Pool Club, a 98-acre resort
Located just 2.5 kilometers from Ella Town, Ravana Pool Club is quickly becoming one of Ella’s most popular destinations for tourists. It is the first and only international pool club in Sri Lanka and is a perfect place to unwind.
The picturesque club overlooks Ella’s most beautiful hilly areas, giving it a luxurious feel. You can enjoy the high-end facilities at the pool club, such as a heated pool, infinity pool, day beds and a high-end bar serving the best drinks.
Relaxing by the pool makes a great change from hiking through the tea gardens and hilly trails of Ella, and Ravana Pool Club is the best pool location in the whole of Ella.
With Balinese-style architecture and a wealth of restaurants and spa options, a day at Ravana Pool Club promises to be an unforgettable, relaxing and enjoyable experience.
8. Traveling to Kandy by Train
One of the best things to do in Ella and one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful greenery around Ella is to travel by train. Getting to Kandy or any other nearby town is a cheap trip and will excite everyone, whether you are a nature lover or not.
But to be honest, if you don’t like the outdoors, would you really plan to travel to Ella?
The most exciting way to travel by train is third class – although it has become much more popular and busy in recent years as backpackers, in particular, have taken advantage of the low-cost tickets.
Third class tickets give you the opportunity to hang out on the train to see the best views of the valleys and mountains, and taking Instagram-worthy photos is a favorite among many tourists.
As we mentioned, this activity has become quite popular in recent years, so if you are traveling during the busy season, you should definitely book your ticket in advance and make sure you are ready to board the train on the platform!
9. Enjoy the nightlife in Ella Town
Although Ella is best known for its lush greenery and the natural landmarks that surround Ella, the town should not be overlooked or avoided.
Sri Lanka is not like many other Southeast Asian countries where you won’t find so many party venues or places to drink heavily and dance the night away. However, Ella Town offers a slightly more lively atmosphere than other cities in Sri Lanka.
In Ella Town, you will find a few more options for Western-style food (although Sri Lankan food is excellent). So fear not, if you are determined, you can still find a place to spend the night. Ella Town has a variety of lively restaurants and bars that offer a more lively atmosphere than other Southeast Asian locations.
10. Witness the view from Lipton’s Seat
A visit to Lipton’s Seat will take you right into the heart of the tea-growing region. The view from Lipton's Seat is incredible and showcases the vast expanse of tea plantations surrounding Ella.
Just like Ella Rock, viewing Lipton's Seat during sunrise and sunset makes the place even more enchanting, with the bright green fields against a backdrop of yellow, pink and orange.
Lipton's Seat is named after Scottish Baron St. Thomas Lipton, who built a tea empire using Sri Lankan leaves and whose company is still popular today, as iced tea is their most purchased product.
11. Test your nerves on the Ella Zip Line
The Ella Zip Line, Flying Ravana, is definitely a place for adrenaline junkies looking for a good kick. It is the only zip line of its kind in Sri Lanka and offers a thrilling experience for those brave enough to try it.
The zip line offers a unique vantage point that allows you to enjoy the lush green landscape from a bird's eye view and feel a rush of excitement as you fly over the trees.
A zip line ride is sure to be a memorable experience and will help you cherish the beautiful scenery of Ella forever.
A zip line ride is always fun, but the views here are simply breathtaking.
12. Explore Ella Town
While we have already told you to enjoy the nightlife of Ella Town, you should not ignore the town during the day either.
There are many things to do in this town, such as an abundance of high-quality restaurants or many cafes serving locally brewed teas and more, but it is a sight to behold.
If you are in Ella on a Wednesday, you should definitely visit the Wednesday market on Passara Road. It is a great place to buy local food and handicrafts.
Even if you decide not to buy anything, just wandering around the market is still fun!
13. Visit the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is quickly becoming the next Bali and the Bambarakana Falls is a perfect example of this. It is the highest waterfall in the whole of Sri Lanka and is just a short trip from Ella town. The waterfall is very impressive and its size will definitely amaze you.
The drop of the waterfall is a breathtaking 236 meters and the amount of water that tumbles over the edge is impressive - especially in the summer.
The best way to get to Bambarakana Falls is to take a guided tour as it will help you explore the falls safely and you will likely get the chance to take part in other activities such as guided hiking to the top viewing platform and swimming in the falls.
14. Go on an Elephant Spotting Safari
Some of the best things to do in Ella are to go somewhere else and use the city as a base, and this is a perfect example of that.
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its rich elephant population, and Ella is a good location to base yourself from when visiting the park. There are many full-day tours that run from Ella and Udawalawe which are very convenient and help you forget about the hassle of traveling on your own.
Udawalawe is full of natural wonders including buffalo, crocodiles and deer, but the most impressive animals roaming the land are the huge herds of elephants.
Going on safari gives you the chance to see the animals roaming freely and is an animal-friendly way to see them. The chances of seeing elephants in Udawalawe are much higher because not only are your guides experienced in finding elephants, but the park is home to over 500 elephants!
15. Horton Plains National Park
Ella is a great starting point for exploring Horton Plains National Park. The park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often cited as one of the most beautiful places in all of Sri Lanka.
A day trip to the park from Ella will guarantee you some great photos and unforgettable memories as Horton Plains National Park has an abundance of natural beauty.
The park’s biggest attraction is “World’s End” which is a massive cliff face that is 880 meters tall and offers some stunning panoramic views of the beautiful vegetation and trees throughout the park.
Horton Plains has many hiking trails that allow travelers of all abilities to enjoy the park or spend less time there while completing the full loop.
16. Enjoy a drink at Cafe Chill
Cafe Chill is a remote, local cafe that has earned a reputation as a great place to visit among Ella travelers over the years due to its cozy atmosphere. Now, thanks to the internet and social media, it has become even more popular and few people will leave Ella without setting foot in the cafe.
Cafe Chill serves a full menu of food but most people praise their drink selection - us included. Cafe Chill has a huge collection of drinks, from fresh fruit smoothies to chai lattes.
Since it is surrounded by tea plantations, you should also try some traditional Ceylon tea while at Cafe Chill.
The cafe lives up to its name and has a very cozy atmosphere with friendly staff. The food and drinks are really good value and the service is also exceptional.
17. Visit the Doa Rock Temple
Just a few kilometers from Ella, visiting the Doa Rock Temple gives a great insight into the culture and history of Sri Lanka and is recommended to add to your to-do list while in town.
The huge stone Buddha statue is the main attraction of the temple. It is extremely detailed as it was made with the most basic tools, and at 12 meters tall and approximately 2000 years old, it becomes even more impressive! For reference, it is the same age as the Colosseum.
Legend has it that King Walagamba carved the statue but had to flee immediately due to an enemy attack, so the Buddha carving was not completed.
18. Visit the Doaluma Falls
It is quite inevitable (sorry) to run after waterfalls in Ella and Doaluma Falls is perfect for trekking. While there are many other waterfalls near Ella Town, Dialuma Falls is worth a visit and is easily accessible by car or tuk-tuk.
From the bridge below Dialuma Falls, you can take some amazing photos of the entire landscape, and a short 10-15 minute walk will take you up to see the foothills.
Many locals may offer to take you to the top, but keep in mind that the trek can take over an hour and is very steep and challenging. Only take them up if you are sure you have the strength to do it. You can also climb to the top of the falls yourself, but this is a more dangerous option and we do not recommend it.
However, whichever way you choose to go up, you will be rewarded for your climb with a relaxing swim in the natural infinity pool at the top and views for miles!
19. Drink Lion Beer Like a Local in Ella Town
Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Ella is to enjoy a delicious alcoholic beverage.
Lion Beer is one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved and iconic beers and after completing the activities on this list, you deserve an ice-cold drink! Lion Beer, brewed and bottled in Sri Lanka, is a favorite with both tourists and locals.
There are plenty of cool bars and pubs along the streets of Ella Town where you can enjoy a Lion Beer. Sunset is the best time to enjoy one at a bar when the atmosphere is just right and the locals are also resting for the day. Does Sri Lanka ever really sleep though?
The price of a Lion Beer varies depending on where you go, but you should expect to pay anywhere between £0.70 and £1.25.
20🌉 Walk Across Nine Arches Bridge – Ella’s Iconic Railway Marvel
The Nine Arches Bridge is one of Ella’s most photographed landmarks and a must-visit spot in 2025. Surrounded by lush green forest and misty tea hills, this colonial-era bridge is a true masterpiece of architecture and nature combined.
🏗️ What Makes It Special?
Built entirely from stone, bricks, and cement (no steel!) during the British colonial period, the Nine Arches Bridge stands as a symbol of engineering brilliance and timeless beauty. It’s also famously known as the "Bridge in the Sky."
- Length: 91 meters
- Height: 24 meters
- Arches: 9 majestic stone arches
- Constructed: 1921 (British colonial era)
🕕 Best Times to Visit in 2025:
- Early Morning: Peaceful and ideal for photography
- Train Times: Catch the iconic moment when a blue or red train crosses the bridge
- Golden Hour: Late afternoon light is magical for photos
📸 Pro Tip: Check train times at Ella station the day before your visit to time your visit perfectly.
📍 How to Get There:
- By Walk: A scenic 20–30 minute walk from Ella town
- By Tuk-Tuk: 5–10 minute ride, then a short walk through tea fields
- Popular Access Points: Via Diriya Ella footpath or from Demodara side
🚂 Watching the Train Pass
- Nothing compares to standing near the bridge and watching a colorful Sri Lankan train chug through the jungle and across the arches. It’s an Instagram-worthy moment and a highlight of any Ella trip.
- Safety Tip: Stay off the tracks when trains approach—watch from a safe distance.
☕ Nearby Cafés & Views:
- Arch View Café
- Nine Arches Bridge View Café
Enjoy a fresh king coconut or local tea while gazing at the bridge from above.
💬 Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Ella in 2025
The Nine Arches Bridge is more than a photo op—it's an experience that blends history, culture, and nature in one spot. Whether you're a backpacker or luxury traveler, this spot is essential for your 2025 Ella itinerary.
📝 Conclusion: Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, hiking scenic peaks, riding through tea fields, or simply unwinding in a treetop villa, Ella in 2025 offers the perfect blend of adventure and serenity. This charming hill town is more than just a stop on the map—it’s an experience that touches your senses and soothes your soul.
From iconic landmarks like Nine Arches Bridge to immersive activities like tea tasting and cycling through villages, Ella promises memories that last long after your journey ends.
🌿 So pack your hiking boots, your camera, and your sense of wonder—Ella is calling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ella, Sri Lanka Travel Guide 2025
🕐 Q: What is the best time to visit Ella in 2025?
A: The best time to visit Ella is during the dry seasons—January to April and June to September. These months offer clear skies, cooler temperatures, and perfect weather for hiking and sightseeing.
🚉 Q: How do I get to Ella from Colombo or Kandy?
A:
- Train: The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful in the world (approx. 6–7 hours).
- Bus: Budget-friendly, but less comfortable.
- Private Taxi/Car: Faster and convenient (approx. 5–6 hours from Colombo).
🧳 Q: How many days should I stay in Ella?
A: Ideally, spend 2 to 4 days in Ella to explore top attractions like Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, tea plantations, and Nine Arches Bridge without rushing.
💵 Q: Is Ella expensive for travelers?
A: Ella is budget-friendly for most travelers. You can find accommodations, food, and tours at a wide range of prices—from backpacker to luxury.
🚶 Q: Do I need a guide for hikes in Ella?
A:
- Little Adam’s Peak: No guide needed (easy trail)
- Ella Rock: A guide is helpful, especially to avoid confusing paths
- Other trails: Optional, but local guides can offer cultural insights
🧘 Q: Is Ella suitable for solo or female travelers?
A: Yes! Ella is one of the safest and friendliest places in Sri Lanka. Locals are welcoming, and many solo travelers feel comfortable exploring on their own.
🏡 Q: Where should I stay in Ella?
A: Choose from:
Treehouses or jungle villas for nature lovers
Eco-resorts like 98 Acres for luxury stays
Budget guesthouses in Ella town for convenience
🌐 Q: Is there internet and mobile network in Ella?
A: Yes, most hotels and guesthouses provide Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is decent with providers like Dialog and Mobitel, though remote areas may have weak signals.
🥘 Q: What food should I try in Ella?
A: Don’t miss:
- Sri Lankan rice & curry
- Hoppers and roti
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Popular eateries: Café Chill, Matey Hut, and Ella Spice Garden
🌱 Q: Is Ella good for eco-tourism in 2025?
A: Absolutely! Ella promotes sustainable travel with eco-lodges, organic farms, nature tours, and low-impact experiences that are perfect for 2025’s eco-conscious travelers.
📣 Ready to Explore Ella in 2025?
Ella’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and adventurous spirit await you! Whether you’re hiking up Little Adam’s Peak, wandering across the Nine Arches Bridge, or simply sipping tea in a cozy jungle villa, Ella offers unforgettable memories for every traveler.
Start planning your 2025 trip today and immerse yourself in the magic of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Don’t forget to bookmark this guide and share it with your travel buddies!