Ella, Sri Lanka: The Complete Guide to Hiking & Waterfalls

Amongst the lush forests and the towering waterfalls that weave along the mountains in the central part of Sri Lanka, the beautiful town of Ella sits at its heart as the centre. This charming destination promises adventurous trails that take you high above the valley for the most spectacular views, yet somehow still hums with restful and relaxing energy for those who enjoy peace and tranquillity amongst the tea plantations in the region.

After the beautiful plains of Sigirya, my partner Pat and I found ourselves on a quaint old train headed straight for this idyllic haven as the next leg of our two-week self planned Sri Lankan itinerary.

Our days here started with breakfast spreads on balconies, listening to both the distinct call of wild peacocks in the distance and the short rumbles of the infamous trains as they made their way across the Nine Arch bridge. Then the boots were on, and our days were filled with hiking and walking which are some of our favourite things to do, exploring the trails like Little Adam’s Peak or Ella’s Rock on foot to pass by tea plantations and local villages. These are far from the New Zealand and Australian landscapes we have grown up with, which makes it so special to see this part of the world in this light.

The afternoons were just as active, usually involving some sort of waterfall hunting and diving into the fresh waters that flow within this incredible mountain regions. And by the evening, there was plenty around for something special, like rewarding ourselves with that much needed massage or taking an authentic local cooking class. The choices are truly endless.

So with all that variety in this plentiful and picturesque region of Sri Lanka, here is our Ella Sri Lanka guide based on our own experiences and adventures to help you make the most out of your trip to Ella.

Ella Overview

*Based on current exchange rates as of Sep 2026.

Who is Ella for?

Ella is predominately for the traveller who enjoys active adventures, and doesn’t mind getting lost a bit in order to find a lovely viewpoint or a hidden waterfall. While there are some areas for relaxation that can be very peaceful within these mountainous areas, it is a spot that would get repetitive quickly if you have no interest in leaving the accommodation to explore during the daytime.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean you have to be insanely fit. There are trails that are walkable within an hour and gets you to seeing great views, or falls where a private vehicle could get very close to for you to enjoy.

Ella is also very easily enjoyed by solo travellers due to the large community of other travellers who pass through here that create a social atmosphere, and for couples who enjoy sharing that active lifestyle together whilst having cultural options like cooking classes to do as well.

What to Do in Ella

The misty mountainous region and the topography that comes with it around Ella introduces an interesting blend of things to do, making this town one that is incredibly versatile. It is one of those destinations that truly satisfies all, because whether you want active adventures or relaxation, Ella is simply paradise and can deliver exactly what is needed.

Our travel style is naturally very active, and so here are our list of recommendations for what to do here in Ella that reflects that.

Little Adams Peak (At Sunrise)

This will be on every list, but for good reason.

Little Adam’s Peak is a rewarding hike that is quite achievable for most travellers being a 15-20 minute trek each way from the trailhead near the town, and has a well established path to make it up to the summit. For that reason in particular, we would recommend this one for sunrise, especially for the travellers who do not feel comfortable doing difficult tracks in the dark.

The walk itself was full of twists and turns to keep it interesting, and we managed to do it with just our phone lights (though a head torch would have been very smart!). As we neared the top, we realised why this one was so popular for this time of day. The summits and its surroundings sets up a great view of the Ella Gorge, and with each moment as the sun rose with its rose golden daylight peaking beyond the horizon, the details of the hills just got clearer and brighter.

After marvelling at that morning wonder and spending some lovely moments under the fresh early sun, our walk back into town took us through sections that showed some beautiful tea plantations too. Such a low effort but high reward trek that everyone should put on their lists.

Insider Details:

• Free to enter, and best done at sunrise or late afternoon as there is not much shelter from the heat.
• Leave a margin of time before sunrise, as it takes longer to walk in the dark and you don’t want to miss what you got up so early for! We recommend being at the trailhead 30-40 minutes before sunrise.

Ella’s Rock

This is another very popular hike which brings a different flavour than Little Adam’s Peak. This is a much more difficult trek at 3-4 hours, but being rewarded with one of the highest viewpoints within Ella, this is for those who really enjoy hiking and don’t mind getting lost here and there a little bit.

The first part of this hike involves one of my highlight moments of Ella – walking from the town to the trailhead start along the infamous train tracks heading towards Kithalella station. Streams weaved around the tracks, the views were absolutely gorgeous along the way, and there was nothing quite like hopping across the planks that formed the tracks while saying hello to the locals who had set up their cafes and homes alongside it all. We even had a local dog deciding to guide us the entire way along, and the authenticity of this walk really made you feel immersed within the country.

Before long, a turnoff takes you deep into bush and tea plantation areas, and this is where that exploring truly starts. The paths are not too clear in this section to the trailhead, but some stumbling around finds you there anyway to start an ascent towards the viewpoint. These elevations are not easy and it takes about 1-1.5 hours to climb up one way, but after that enormous effort under the sweltering sun, you’ll find yourself near the top. The sweeping views are then right in front of you. And gosh they are gorgeous, setting up a beautiful spot for that well earnt lunch and those well deserved photos up the top.

Insider Details:

• 930LKR entrance fee is charged before you get to see the viewpoint at the top.
• As this trail is not the most straightforward from Ella station, we would not recommend this as a sunrise hike for those who are not experienced with hiking in the dark. The amount of time and effort would also mean a very early wakeup, and there are points that may get you lost.
• Due to the exposed nature and the length of time it takes to complete the walk, start the hike as early as you can. We would recommend doing this no later than 9.30am.
• Be wary of locals near the train track turn off point who try to point you in the right direction, as some travellers have had experiences where they were then charged for this advice. We recommend all hikers to be equipped with offline maps to find their way.
• Walking along the train tracks might seem wrong, but everyone does it! It is truly such an experience, but of course be safe and always aware of incoming trains.

Waterfall Hunting (Ravana Falls, Secret Waterfall + Bonus: Diyaluma Falls)

For those who love waterfalls, Ella delivers on so many fronts. The topography of the hills and the biannual monsoons that roll through which replenish the water make for some strikingly impressive waterfalls all throughout the region. While I’ll be recommending the three that we saw and the reasons they stood out, keep in mind there are plenty around that each have features unique to them.

Ravana Falls is one of the most popular falls, and for understandable reasons. It’s not as much as ‘hunt’ as the others, given that the accessibility is very easy where you enter right off the side of the road, but it certainly is impressive. Layers upon layers of rock form up that the massive waterfall sweeps over, creating tiers of pools that both tourists and locals alike swim in. It is popular enough that snack stalls have been set up on the side of the road – just be very careful of those wild monkeys. We have personally witnessed them stealing food, and even having the cheek to grab it off small children.

Going a bit further out by car, the one we took a dip in later that afternoon was Secret waterfall. This indeed was quite hidden and featured a steep but narrow climb down as we left the main road. We were rewarded by no crowds at all, just a few people who had done the same as us and wanted to enjoy a peaceful swim. Pat was brave enough to take a dip in, I personally will be the first to admit I was a bit spooked by the little fishes that were biting my toes in the water. Either way, a lovely little spot that did indeed feel hidden away from view.

However, our unrivalled favourite was actually one quite far out from Ella (hence a little bonus one), about a 1-1.5 hour drive. Our time at Diyaluma Falls is one of those moments that makes you think… Wow. After a short hike through the bush, the upper falls opens up with tiers of pools cascading into each other, all with fresh flowing water creating something out of paradise.

Swimming in these waters makes you truly feel like you’re immersed in nature and the roots of what the country has to offer. We spent most of our time here, but completing the loop showed that the lower pools had an even more impressive view of the land. Given it is right at the mouth of the massive 220m drop down below, only the locals were brave enough to take a dip there, but the sights were truly breathtaking.

Insider Details:

• Most waterfalls are free to access, but Diyaluma entrance costed 350LKR to the upper falls.
• Waterfall hunting will very likely require private transport, either via a car or a tuktuk. Most places (other than Ravana Falls) is off the beaten track, and public transport will not get you there.
• If Yala National Park is the stop before or after Ella, make a visit to Diyaluma Falls during that transit as it is located somewhat on the way, and saves you some time.

Nine Arch Bridge

Being a structural engineer, I can confidently say that the Nine Arch Bridge is a phenomenal structure that really makes Ella quite special. The formidable form is deserving of being one of the most iconic landmarks of Ella, and makes for a great spot to get a photo that is indisputably ‘Ella’.

People tend to enjoy this in several different ways. We first came across the Nine Arch Bridge when we caught the Badulla-Ella train (end of the infamous Kandy-Ella trainline). And by that, I mean quite literally as we were hanging off the side of the train as chugged away slowly along the top of it, the gentle curve showing a spectacular view of the structure that made it so memorable in my mind.

Another way to see experience this is by settling in near the train tracks on the edge abutment and seeing it go past (very closely might I add) from the ground level. The trains run on a schedule that is made available on their official website, so it is easy to situation yourself just before it is about to cross through. Keep in mind there will be crowds, so get there a little earlier if you want to stand close. We didn’t do this because we also had a great view of this all happening from where we chose to stay, so enjoyed seeing it go past every morning while we had a delicious breakfast from our balcony.

Insider Details:

• If you want to experience going over this bridge by train, you must take it going to or from Badulla. If you come into or leave Ella going towards Kandy, this train will not take you over the bridge.
• Be mindful that there are very little barriers that separate the tracks and anybody on the ground. Always pay attention to where you are relative to the train. Safety first, pictures second.
• There are access ways to situate yourself under the bridge, and over the years have become very popular for people to take photos from below. Just be careful about trespassing through people’s land, and do your research before setting off down there to avoid getting lost.

Local Cooking Class

After all those active and landmark type activities, it’s time to do something a bit more cultural. And nothing is more steeped in Sri Lankan culture than learning from a local how to prepare the delicious curries and side dishes that you’ll will no doubt be enjoying during the trip throughout the country.

We were so looking forward to this as Pat’s brother had come to Sri Lanka before us, and recommended this cooking class run by Gamini up in the high mountains. When we got there after 20 minutes or twists and turns around the hillside, we arrived at an adorable restaurant workshop where we were invited in to have a warm drink of tea and met the other lovely travellers who would be part of our class, learning how to make some of the most iconic dishes in Sri Lankan cuisine.

The class was warm, fun and comprehensive. Gamini was extremely patient and showed us all the skills required for perfecting flavours for chicken and vegetable curries, scraping coconut meat for the sambals, preparing the eggplants for the side dishes and even making those delicious rotis that we have been munching on non-stop since we’ve been in the country.

Never did we feel bored, and I don’t think I laughed more than when Pat went to flip a roti and it ended in the fire on the stovetop. The stories of how cooking has played an important role in everyone’s life as we bonded during our session is a great reminder of how nice it feels to connect with others while travelling.

And of course the final meal at the end to devour our efforts – absolutely heavenly (even that slightly burnt roti that was saved in the end).

Insider Details:

• Book a class run by a local – this supports their livelihood and promotes responsible travel, while making sure you have the most authentic experience possible. Curry Pot, The Cooking Class.
• Make sure you leave enough time to enjoy your efforts after the class. It is also a social way to meet other travellers and build some nice connections especially if you’re solo travelling.

Where to Stay in Ella

Ella is the kind of place you can get a view from almost anywhere. Whether your accommodation tastes lean towards the more budget range, or you want to splurge and live nestled within the tea plantations for some ultimate relaxation, all of this is very possible in Ella.

We found that the style of Ella accommodation is very relaxation and zen focused, which fits well to match the calm surroundings of the peaceful mountains. The lodges have a home style and cosy aesthetic, which is completely different to the feel of the coastal region. The views are genuinely magnificent, and if you find yourself in the right position, it is very likely that you’ll even be facing the infamous Nine Arch Gap to watch the train roll in, right from your balcony.

The trade off is that most places are tucked away down some crazy steep roads, but luckily there are plenty of brave drivers around who are up for the challenge.

Here is a list of accommodation that I had looked into during our planning into Ella, including the one we decided to pick.

Nine Arch Gap

Budget Traveller

This was the place we stayed at during our three nights in Ella, and finding this place felt like digging for a little hidden gem, which proved to be just as fitting as the physical location of this lodge style stay was tucked up one of the steepest roads I think I have possible been on with a vehicle.

But as soon as we stepped through the doors to our room, the open view of the mountains dawned upon us and we couldn’t quite believe how it is possible to have such a stunning view from one of our cheapest accommodations along our entire itinerary. Our balcony gave a completely unobstructed view, with the Nine Arch Bridge directly in front in the distance in clear view. This is where we had a house included breakfast spread every morning, the perfect little base to recover between hikes.

The beds were super comfortable, the space was clean, and the owners of the property stayed for a chat so that we could get all the insider knowledge, including local restaurant recommendations that led to us trying places that made it right on this very list!

Book: Nine Arch Gap

Other Great Budget Options

• Ella Mount View Guest Inn
• Inspira Ella
• Hive Ella Hostel

HIDE Ella Spa and Resort

Mid-Tier Traveller

Designed to be on a 60 degree slope off a hill within Ella’s Gap, this boutique hotel is the perfect mid-tier stay for those who still want to be cost conscious, but a taste of the luxuries offered within the hills.

The rooms all have spectacular views right from the bedroom, and the complex has its own large scale balconies to relax amongst the scenes of nature, as well as a large pool to take a nice midday dip in. The aesthetic is beautiful and clean throughout the hotel, and considering the cost tier, just blows your mind with how much value you can get. The fully glazed windows that surround the on-site restaurant makes dining feel completely immersive within the lush forests around the hills of Ella, and the resort also has plenty of additional amenities to make your stay even more memorable.

Book: Hide Ella Spa and Resort

Other Great Mid-Tier Options

• Onrock Boutique Hotel
• Serenite Ella
• Ella Trail Luxury Villa

98 Acres Resort and Spa

Luxury Traveller

If you really want to splurge to experience all the wellness and relaxation vibes that Ella has to offer, 98 Acres is the place you want to be. Wedged amongst the tea plantations, individual chalets around the property sets the stay up to be boutique and tranquil, and really allows you to switch off amongst all mountains. With private decks, fluffy king sized beds and even options to have private pools to take the edge off the heat in the middle of the day, this is the definition of relaxation.

The great thing about this resort is that you can do almost anything even by staying on the grounds. There is a stunning bar and restaurant serving meals throughout the day that have a lovely Sri Lankan flair using local ingredients. There are spa areas to enjoy a warm soak in a floral bath or a lovely massage. And for those who want a bit more energy, Ravana Pool Club is the perfect place to lay poolside with some cocktails, which is also based on its grounds for very easy access.

Book: 98 Acres Resort and Spa

Other Great Luxury Options

• O2 Villas Ella
• Anasa Wellness Resort

Where to Eat and Drink in Ella

The number of travellers coming through Ella have transformed the food scene in a great way, where there is a mix of local authentic flavours but also options to experience some fusion and hybrid cuisines with a Sri Lankan flair.

After eating our way through Ella, here are three spots we would recommend for food and drink to experience this food scene.

The White Rabbit

This was the restaurant that truly sold us on how well Sri Lankan cuisine fuses with others, creating special dishes that are both unique and also mouth-wateringly delicious.

Walking in here, The White Rabbit looks like a perfect date night spot with some whimsical aesthetics that looks both polished and relaxed at the same time. Pat and I at this point had been eating local the entire trip, so the contemporary twist to the dishes took some getting used to seeing on the menu. Not only were they well priced and simply delicious, it was unique to what we had tasted so far.

Being the responsible travellers that we are with our sunrise hike planned the next morning, we decided not to taste the cocktails – however the hand shaken drinks off the list that the table next to us were sipping looked so divine that it really took everything in us not to try!

Matey Hut

Matey hut was the local recommendation from our hotel that hit the spot so right, we came back again the next day! As soon as you sit down, you understand how local this place is. Small fans on the roofs to keep the heat off, rickety tables where you’re packed in so close to the road you can see the dust kicked off by the buses and tuktuks that pass along the tunnel.

But that food, it is true and authentic Sri Lankan. The menu is chock full of all different types of curries, from the fan favourites like chicken and fish to the more local types like eggplant, mango, and even jackfruit. The prices were affordable, and a true no fuss meal that packs a punch of flavour.

Somasiri Supermarket

Now this might be a surprise on the food list, but this supermarket features a bakery section and a roti hut just outside that is great a very particular reason.

Many activities on the list for Ella involves hiking or spending time in more remote locations during the day. It is likely that for meals like lunch or breakfast, you may not be near Ella township and therefore somewhere the sells local goods that can be easily taken in a backpack. The bakery here is a popular one not just with us, but amongst many other travellers, all stocking upon curry buns, vegetable samosas, sweet breads and other hiking snack essentials all in one place.

And trust me, somehow the flavours taste better once they are eaten on top of a mountain.

The practical stuff: Transport, timing, and cost breakdown

Transport

Getting to Ella is considered on of the most scenic experiences not just in Sri Lanka, but in the world. The infamous Kandy-Ella train is one that most people take to enter Ella, passing through beautiful tea plantations and mountainous villages along the way which you can see through its open doors.

However as of late November 2025, severe flooding has damaged a large portion of the track and rendering the Kandy – Ambewela section to be closed, and remains so at least until the end of 2026 (and until further notice with no reopening date announced). This means getting creative, and for us we decided to take private transport to Badulla instead, which is the other end of the line. This allowed us to still experience that train heading into Ella, and even crossing the Nine Arch Bridge as it pulls in.

Once in Ella, the best mode of transport is private, involving private cars or tuktuks. This is because outside the township, Ella is not very walkable. If the trailhead for your preferred hike or waterfall is outside the main town, it is necessary to ensure you have transport to and from to get the most out of your time there.

Timing

Sri Lanka is subject to monsoon periods that sweep over different parts of the country during the year.

Ella is a unique place where the rain provides extra opportunity for the landscapes to be more lush, and waterfalls to be even more impressive. However rain does mean it is harder to hike and restricts outdoor activities outside of exploring waterfalls.

Therefore the best time to go is to avoid when the monsoon season hits Ella, and the time of year considered the most dry is December to April. There is a secondary option between July and September if that is when your travel window is, where the rain is considered more manageable.

Cost/Budget

The total cost for our 3D, 3N in Ella was $357.60 each.
*Note that all figures are in Australian Dollars (AUD), and will be referenced as such throughout.

The full breakdown by category:

• Accommodation = $174.20, or $58.10 per night
• Transport = $107.40, or $35.80 per day
• Food/Drink = $22.20, or $7.40 per day
• Entertainment = $36.90, or $12.30 per day
• Spending = $14.80, or $4.90 per day
• Admin = $2.10 or $0.70 per day
• Other = $0.00, no unexpected events.

This became one of our most affordable legs of Sri Lanka, and the following spending trends are what we noticed after looking at our final costs.

• Most of our activities were free, and only considers some entrance fees to hiking summits or waterfalls.
• Due to the nature of the activities, a lot of meals were simple and had on the trails rather than sitting down at restaurants to eat.
• Majority of the cost came from private transport, to get us to the trailheads and off the beaten track locations.

Please keep in mind a few things that may differ for you:

• Time of travel: Part of our travel fell in the shoulder season for the South/West (having some time in April), and the limited flight paths at the time cut off travel routes for a lot of European flights. These factors lowered accommodation costs, but increased transport due to fuel prices.
• Travel Style: Our travel style for this trip is in the middle range, where we were seeking budget travel, or luxury top end. You can definitely save or splurge more than us, see our recommended list of accommodation for every budget category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days do you need for Ella?

Three days is enough to do Ella properly without rushing.

This makes time for a sunrise hike on a good day, one longer trek, several afternoons of waterfall hunting, and a cooking class somewhere in between.

If you have less time, two full days is also worth the visit to Ella. You may have to prioritise which hikes and waterfalls you would like to explore due to the time required for both.

Is the Kandy-Ella train still running?

Partially, as the Kandy to Ambewela section is still closed, and will remain so for the rest of 2026. Therefore in order to get from Kandy to Ella, some private transport will need to be organised for at least a portion of this to Ambewela.

You can also still experience the scenic train and cross the Nine Arch Bridge by travelling the other end of the train line between Badulla and Ella instead, which can be done if you organise transport to Badulla first.

Should I hike Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock?

Little Adam’s Peak is the most suitable for most travellers, as it is relatively easy to summit, features scenic views, and is achievable even if you wanted to do it before sunrise.

Ella’s Rock however is a great choice for those who have more experience with hiking and want a greater challenge, as it offers the highest viewpoint of Ella.

Is Ella safe for solo travellers?

Yes. Ella has a great community of travellers, as this a naturally popular tourist spot that features a variety of activities.

While it is in the mountains, you do not feel isolated. Especially if you advocate for a stay in a social hostel, many travellers will be exploring and seeing the same spots, making it easier to form groups whilst you’re there to explore the region.

Can you combine Ella with Yala National Park in one trip?

Absolutely. Ella and Yala National Park offer very different things for your trip, and are both worth the while.

The journey between the two also offers a natural opportunity to explore the impressive Diyaluma Falls, which was one of our trip highlights.

Wherever your travels may take you, having travel insurance is non-negotiable.

Particularly in this part of the world with these kinds of activities, hiking injuries and unexpected events are common and cannot always be avoided. To make sure you have peace of mind that you’re kept safe during any travel event, make sure you purchase travel insurance before your trip starts.

Final Thoughts: Is Ella right for your Sri Lanka trip?

Whether your trip is all about diving deeper into nature, finding cultural connection, or seeking a moment of peace, Ella is a great destination to have a taste of everything. It shows a unique side of the country that is hard to replicate amongst the plains of North and the coastlines of the South, featuring hiking and waterfall hunting activities that will keep any explorer happy. A trip of around 3 days to be the ideal length to explore everything it has to offer.

Sigiriya and Yala National Park are also great destinations to do before and after. And if you prefer coastal activities, it would be best to travel onwards along Sri Lanka’s coastline, and discover more surf and ocean based towns such as Hiriketiya, Weligama, Ahangama and more.

Stay tuned for comprehensive guides to more of these Sri Lankan cities and towns as they get published.

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