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Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

10 April 2022
By Teardrop Hotels
Ella is a small, eclectic town that sits 3,415 ft above sea level and ranks high on Sri Lanka’s bucket list for its unrivalled natural beauty. It also boasts a great mix of accommodation - from budget guesthouses to luxury tea bungalows. This hill country destination has it all: a cool climate, almost year-round sunshine, rugged, hilly tea plantations for miles, misty cloud forests, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and a handful of buzzy, boho cafés serving everything from smooth Italian espressos to cold Lion beers. We’ve picked our top things to do in Ella and share handy tips for visiting each one:

1. A Visit to Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge is incredibly picture-worthy, drawing large crowds for its striking architecture and lush jungle setting. If you’re fascinated by trains and railways, read up on the Demodara Loop, which is just around the corner. The duration of the walk depends on where you’re based in Ella. For example, the walk from Nine Skies to the Demodara Loop takes about 90 minutes (return), while a trip to Nine Arch Bridge is about 20 minutes by vehicle or around an hour on foot (one way). To get the perfect picture, we recommend making an early start.

2. Sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak

Named for its resemblance to the sacred Adam’s Peak, this shorter hike is well worth the effort if you’re short on time - or energy. Even if heights aren’t your thing, this trail is fast, easy, and incredibly rewarding. Time your visit to catch the sunrise.

3. Hike Up Ella Rock

Considered one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges on the island, Ella Rock offers sweeping views of the Ella Gap, a dramatic valley stretching from the central highlands to the southern plains. The hike takes about 90 minutes each way and includes a short walk along railway tracks before heading into steeper, more rugged terrain. If you’re staying at Nine Skies and pressed for time, you can catch partial views of the Ella Gap from the garden and pool. We recommend hiking with a guide for the best (and safest) experience.

4. Trek Stage 16 of The Pekoe Trail

A scenic and culturally rich section of the Pekoe Trail, Stage 16 blends history, nature, and local charm. A scenic and culturally rich section of the Pekoe Trail, Stage 16 blends history, nature, and local charm. Starting at Ella Train Station, the trail follows Passara Road before veering into the Ella Forest Reserve, leading to the famed Nine Arches Bridge—a colonial-era marvel often called the “bridge in the sky.” The route then ascends toward the Newburgh Tea Factory, descends past tea estates, chena cultivations, and local homes, and winds through the Demodara Tea Estate. A side trail offers a distant view of the bridge before rejoining the main trail on route to Demodara Station, home to the legendary Demodara Loop—an ingenious spiral railway that curves beneath itself.

5. A Short Train Ride from Demodara to Ella

In just under half an hour, this scenic train journey takes you through a dreamlike landscape: misty mountains, lush tea fields, cascading waterfalls, and timeless villages. The highlight? Gliding across the Nine Arches Bridge, where time slows down, and cameras come out. Locals wave from below, and while fellow travelers may lean out of open doors (we don’t recommend it!), the magic is undeniable. This short ride invites you to slow down and let the rhythm of the rails lull you into the laid-back beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

6. Visit an Organic Farm

Tucked away in the emerald hills of Ella, this hidden gem is more than just a farm—it’s a living, breathing sanctuary where nature, community, and sustainability come together. Set amidst 130 acres of pristine wilderness, a visit to this organic farm provides you the experience of misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, secret caves, dense forests, and rolling tea fields - a rare opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with the land. Whether you're hiking through forest trails, cooling off beneath a hidden waterfall, or simply enjoying a farm-fresh meal on the veranda, this experience is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the beauty of conscious, grounded living.

7. Ziplining in the Hills

Ziplining at Flying Ravana in Ella is an unforgettable thrill. Located near Little Adam’s Peak, the Flying Ravana Zipline stretches over 500 meters. Soar between misty mountains, over tea fields and valleys, and take in the view from a bird’s-eye perspective. The dual zipline setup means friends or couples can even race side by side - adding an extra shot of adrenaline. Flying Ravana also offers abseiling and ATV rides.