Ella
Tea country, hikes and the famous train
A small hill town surrounded by tea estates, known for the Nine Arch Bridge, easy hikes like Little Adam's Peak and the train ride from Kandy.
Photo Gallery
About Ella
Ella sits at about 1,000 m at the eastern edge of the hill country. Most people arrive on the hill country train, one of the most scenic rail journeys in Asia. Little Adam's Peak is an easy walk of about 45 minutes each way; Ella Rock is harder (about 4 hours return). The Nine Arch Bridge is a short walk from town; check the train times if you want to see one cross. Ravana Falls is a few kilometres down the road towards the south coast and Yala.
Did you know?
The Nine Arch Bridge, completed in 1921, was built from stone, brick and cement without any steel.
Location & Getting There
How to Get There
By road
About 5–6 hours from Colombo or the airport, about 2.5 hours from Yala and about 2 hours from Nuwara Eliya.
By train
About 3 hours from Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya). The Kandy section of the line is closed for repairs after Cyclone Ditwah until early 2027, so we drive from Kandy to Nanu Oya for the train. Reserved seats sell out weeks ahead in high season.
With us
Your driver-guide picks you up from the airport or your hotel, so you can add Ella to any private tour.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: January to April
- Recommended duration: 2-3 days
- Book reserved train seats as early as possible; we can help with tickets.
- Hike Little Adam's Peak at sunrise for clear views and fewer people.
- Mornings are usually clearest; afternoon showers are common.
Tours that include Ella
Hill Country Tour
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains and Ella in 6 days
Complete Sri Lanka Tour
Culture, tea country, safari and beaches in 10 days
Ready to Visit Ella?
Tell us your dates and we'll suggest a route that includes Ella, with a price per day.