The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky, is a colonial-era railway bridge built entirely out of bricks, rocks, and cement without any steel. It stands amidst lush green tea fields and is a stunning example of the British-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. Visitors can take a short hike through the jungle and the tea plantation to reach the bridge. It's an excellent spot for photography, especially when the blue trains are crossing. Visitors often walk along the railway tracks, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plantations. The bridge is not only a piece of beautiful architecture but also an embodiment of the engineering marvels of the early 20th century.
Little Adam's Peak, named after the holy mountain Adam's Peak due to its similar shape, offers tourists a relatively easy and enjoyable hike with spectacular views. The path to the peak is well-marked and passes through beautiful tea gardens, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast tea plantations, lush green rolling hills, and even the famous Nine Arch Bridge off in the distance. It's a great place for sunrise or sunset, as the skies often light up in brilliant colors, casting a magical glow on the valley below.
Ella Rock is a popular hike that provides more of a challenge for those looking to explore the higher land around Ella. Starting from the Ella railway station, the trek takes hikers through picturesque surroundings, involving a mix of railway tracks, tea plantations, and forested areas. Once at the peak, you are treated to a stunning view of the countryside, the mountains, and the villages below. It's best to start the hike early to avoid the midday heat and to catch the breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Hikers are advised to bring water and snacks, and possibly a guide if concerned about getting lost, as the path can be somewhat tricky to navigate.
Ravana Falls is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Ella, considered to be among the widest falls in Sri Lanka. According to the epic Ramayana, these falls have a historical significance linked to the story of Ravana, the demon king. During the rainy season, the waterfall turns into a wild and magnificent spectacle as water cascades down the rocks with great force. While swimming at the base can be tempting, it's important to exercise caution. Visitors can enjoy the cool mist and the scenic beauty of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscape, which is rich in lush greenery and adds to the overall tranquility of the place.
Ella is renowned for its Ceylon tea, and no trip would be complete without visiting a local tea factory. During such a tour, visitors can learn about the journey of the tea leaf from the plant to the cup. The factory tour typically includes a guided walk through the plantations, where you can witness the tea-picking process first-hand. Inside the factory, you'll be shown the drying, rolling, fermentation, sifting, and grading processes, with the tour usually ending with a tea tasting session. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the rich tradition of tea making in Sri Lanka and to understand the intricacies involved in producing the varieties of tea we enjoy every day.
Taking a Sri Lankan cooking class in Ella is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. The class typically begins with a trip to the market to pick up fresh ingredients, offering insight into the staples of a Sri Lankan pantry. The hands-on cooking experience that follows involves learning traditional cooking methods and family recipes with dishes that might include staples like dhal curry, coconut sambol, and roti. The best part of the class is the end, where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by indulging in the delicious meal you've helped prepare. Not only is this a culinary adventure, but it's also a chance to learn about the spices and flavors that make Sri Lankan food uniquely vibrant and satisfying.
The Ella Spice Garden provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the famous spices of Sri Lanka. Here, visitors can take a guided tour through the garden to see a variety of spices growing in their natural environment, including cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, and nutmeg. The guide explains the properties of each spice, their uses in cooking and medicine, and also the history of the spice trade in the area. This is a sensory experience where you can touch, smell, and even taste the different spices. Visitors can also participate in a cooking demonstration to see how these spices are used to create delicious local cuisine. It's an informative and enjoyable outing for those keen on gastronomy and horticulture.
Mountain biking around Ella can be an exhilarating experience for those who love a combination of adventure and nature. With a variety of trails available, riders can challenge themselves with a range of terrains, from tea plantations and paddy fields to forest tracks and dirt roads. This activity provides a unique way to explore the countryside, passing through local villages and enjoying the stunning vistas. Bike rentals are available in Ella town, and many operators offer guided tours, ensuring you hit the best spots and trails suited to your ability and preferences. Whether you're looking for a strenuous workout or a leisurely ride, mountain biking in Ella is a fantastic way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
For thrill-seekers, zip-lining in Ella offers an adrenaline-pumping experience, providing not just an exciting activity but also spectacular aerial views of the tea plantation, hills, and valleys that characterize the region. Safety is a priority, so all participants are given a safety briefing and gear before being securely harnessed to the zip line. Gliding over lush landscapes, you'll feel like you're flying as you take in the beauty of Ella from above. This activity is suitable for most ages and provides a unique angle from which to appreciate the natural beauty of Ella.
Ella offers a tranquil setting that's perfect for practicing yoga, and there are several retreats that cater to beginners and experienced yogis alike. These retreats provide a serene environment where individuals can connect with nature, participate in daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and indulge in spa treatments and healthy, local cuisine. Alongside yoga, guests typically have the opportunity to engage in other activities such as cooking classes, tea factory tours, and guided hikes. Taking part in a yoga retreat in Ella is a chance to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the Sri Lankan hill country.
