Essential Travel Guide to Ella, Sri Lanka

Briefing Document: Exploring Ella and Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

This briefing document synthesizes key information about Ella, Sri Lanka, and surrounding hill country attractions based on the provided sources. It covers popular activities, transportation options, dining, and practical tips for travelers.

Ella: A Chilled-Out Hub in the Central Hills

Ella is consistently presented as a highly desirable destination within Sri Lanka’s central hills, known for its relaxed ambiance and stunning natural beauty. Located at the end of a historic British-built railway line, it serves as a base for exploring a landscape of “patchwork of plantations and lush green forest.” The town sits on the edge of the “Ella Gap, a deep gorge that runs from the hills all the way out to the south-east coast and provides sensational views.”

Hiking Opportunities

Ella and the surrounding area offer a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. Two prominent hikes are highlighted:

• Ella Rock: A popular hike directly from Ella town, requiring “an additional hour due to the extra elevation.”
• Length: 10km
• Duration: Up to 5 hours
• Best Time to Climb: “Early morning is the coolest time to climb. We recommend starting by 8am.”
• Makulella to Ella (Pekoe Trail – Stage 15): This section of a longer trail offers an alternative route to Ella Rock.
• Length: 9km
• Duration: 3 hours
• Best Time to Climb: “Set out as early as possible to avoid making the ascent up Ella Rock in the heat of the day. Try to aim for a 9am start at the latest.” This route passes by the “gushing Ravana Falls which are steeped in ancient myth and legend” and follows a “quiet path through eucalyptus forest up to Ella Rock.”

Other recommended hikes in the broader hill country include:

• Lipton’s Seat: The favorite viewpoint of Sir Thomas Lipton, offering “stunning panoramic views of expansive green hills.” This hike is described as an “excellent opportunity to pause, enjoy a cup of tea, and soak in the serenity of this picturesque landscape.” It’s accessible from Haputale.
• Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada): Accessible from Hatton, this is Sri Lanka’s most sacred mountain. It involves climbing “5500 steps up to the top,” which takes “between 5 to 6 hours.” The pilgrimage season runs from November to May.
• Diyaluma Waterfalls: Another notable waterfall hike near Haputale.

The Iconic Kandy to Ella Train Journey

The train journey between Kandy and Ella is consistently described as a highlight of a trip to Sri Lanka, often called “one of the most scenic train rides in the world” and “pure magic from start to finish.”

• Scenery: The route travels through “Sri Lanka’s stunning hilly regions,” passing “endless tea plantations, dipped into misty valleys, and climbed through cloud-kissed mountains.” Along the way, expect to see “charming little towns, lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of dark tunnels.”
• Experience: The journey is characterized by a “lively affair” with a mix of “foreign travellers and locals.” Vendors selling “spicy samosas to mango slices with chilli powder” hop on and off the train. Standing by the doors for photos is popular, but caution is advised, especially on sharp bends and in tunnels.
• Best Time to Travel: “Morning trains, especially the 8:10 AM or 9:20 AM, are ideal for catching the clearest views and soft sunlight.” Traveling during the dry seasons from February to April and July to November is recommended.
• Tickets: Tickets for 2nd and 3rd class unreserved cars “cannot be booked in advance” and are sold on the day. Reserved seats (1st, 2nd, and 3rd class) can sell out. If reserved seats are unavailable, you can still travel with an unreserved ticket.
• Seat Recommendation: “if you’re traveling from Kandy, it’s better to choose a seat on the right side of the train… The scenery from the right side is significantly more breathtaking – you’ll admire undulating tea plantations, hills, and lush vegetation in the valleys. Of course, during the journey from Ella to Kandy, it’s better to sit on the left side!” The “Seat 61” myth is debunked, with the entire route being scenic.
• Practicalities: Expect delays, so bring “enough water and snacks.” Basic toilets are available, but bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer. Luggage can be stored overhead or on the floor.

Other Key Attractions

• Ravana Falls: A “popular sightseeing attraction” near Ella, measuring approximately 25m (82 ft) in height. It’s part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. Its appearance changes between the wet and dry seasons.
• Ravana Ella Cave: Located on a cliff foundation, this cave is a “popular local tourist attraction.” Excavations have revealed “evidence of human habitation dating back to 25,000 years.”
• Nine Arch Bridge (“The Bridge in the Sky”): A “viaduct bridge… and one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.” It is a well-known landmark near Ella.
• Kandy: Described as the “cultural capital” and a “UNESCO World Heritage Site.” Key attractions include the “Temple of the Tooth,” Kandy Lake, and opportunities to experience traditional dance and local markets.
• Nuwara Eliya: A colonial hill town accessible from the train route, known for its tea factories and proximity to “Worlds End and Horton’s national park.”

Dining in the Hill Country

The Hill Country offers a range of dining experiences:

• Cafe Chill (Ella): A “friendly Roadside cafe” with a “cafe culture with a modern twist.” They serve “professionally crafted meals produced from fresh, local ingredients” and are known for “The best Food in Town.” They are open late, with a late-night menu available.
• Hill Club Restaurant (Nuwara Eliya): Offers a “fine and fancy experience” with a formal dress code. They serve both “English multi-course meal or Sri Lankan fare.”
• Dream Cafe (Ella): Charms diners with a variety of “Sri Lankan and Western fare,” including tasty local breakfasts and pizzas with “quite a reputation.”
• Coffee Bar (Nuwara Eliya): A place to find “a perfect, well-roasted cuppa” and a selection of cakes, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. It offers “captivating views of the surrounding garden.”
• Lake View Pub (Nuwara Eliya): An “excellent pre-dinner or post-dinner spot” for “ice-cold beers” with a view of the lake.
• Local Vendors: Vendors on the trains and at stations offer local snacks, though some can be very spicy.
• Cooking Classes: Available in Ella, offering an opportunity to learn how to prepare Sri Lankan dishes with adjusted spice levels.

Best Time to Visit Ella

The best time to visit Ella is generally considered to be between January and March, offering “nature interactions with occasional chances of rainfalls and enjoy hiking.”

• Hottest Months: June-August
• Monsoon Season: Usually between July-November, bringing “rain or snowfall for 6 to 16 days every month, slowing down incoming tourist traffic,” which can lead to “pocket-friendly hotel tariffs.”
• Winter (December-February): Described as the “perfect time… especially for those who enjoy warm weather,” although it can rain “almost 8-17 days in a month.” This is the “second busiest time of the year.”

Travel Philosophy and Tips

The Sri Lanka In Style blog emphasizes a travel approach that “goes beyond the conventional and takes people further and deeper both physically and emotionally. It’s about having a fuller, richer, more meaningful trip.” They aim to be a “practical resource” where “Every article is ‘actionable’, you are able to make it part of your itinerary in some way.”

General tips for traveling in the hill country include:

• Staying open to conversations and meeting new friends.
• Carrying a light jacket as it “can get chilly in the hills.”
• Having your camera ready for the scenic views.
• Considering a slow-paced tour with stays in key locations to reduce daily travel.
• Supporting the local community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors and staying in locally-owned accommodations.
• Respecting the local culture by dressing modestly and asking permission before taking photos.
• Staying open to unexpected delays, especially when traveling by train.