If you are looking for the best things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka, you will find a mix of scenic hikes, waterfalls, tea plantations and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

Set in Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ella offers cooler air, lush landscapes and a slower pace than the coast or cities. While it has grown in popularity, there is still plenty here that feels authentic, especially if you know where to go and when.

Below are the best things to do in Ella, from iconic highlights to more immersive experiences.

 11 Things to do in Ella

1. Visit Ravana Falls

Ravana Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, cascading down three tiers from a height of around 25 metres.

It is a popular stop just outside Ella, where you can:

• Take photos from the roadside
• Climb short trails for better views
• Cool off in the rock pools in the dry season

Myths surround the waterfalls and tell tales of Ravana, a demon king that kidnapped Princess Sita and held her hostage in a cave behind the waterfall. It is said that Sita’s husband, Rama, and his brother, Laxmana, had cut off the nose of Ravana’s sister and this is thought to be the motive for the abduction.

Ravana Cave in Ella, Sri Lanka

2. Tour a tea factory

A visit to a tea factory is one of the most popular things to do in Ella Sri Lanka, and for good reason.

You will:

• Walk through working tea plantations
• See how tea is processed from leaf to cup
• Taste different varieties grown in the region

Dambetenne Tea Factory, built by Sir Thomas Lipton, in the late 1800s, is an insightful place to learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka and even taste some of the varieties grown there.

3. Swim at Diyaluma Falls

Around 40km from Ella, Diyaluma Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, plunging an impressive 720 feet into the valley below.

The real highlight is at the top, where a series of natural infinity pools overlook the surrounding landscape.

After the hike up, you can:

• Swim in the clear pools
• Take in sweeping views across the hill country
• Enjoy a quieter alternative to Ella’s more crowded spots

Swimming is best in the dry season, as water levels can become dangerous after heavy rain.

4. See the Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge, often called the ‘Bridge in the Sky’, is one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka.

Built entirely from stone, brick and cement during the colonial era, the 300-foot viaduct curves elegantly through dense jungle and tea plantations, connecting two hillsides without the use of steel.

To make the most of your visit:

• Check train times locally, though they are not always reliable
• Visit early in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds
• Walk part of the Pekoe Trail for quieter viewpoints

Seeing a train slowly cross the bridge, framed by greenery, is one of those moments that feels almost cinematic.

Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

5. Hike Little Adam’s Peak

Little Adam’s Peak is one of the most accessible hikes in Ella, but it still delivers impressive views.

Named after the sacred Adam’s Peak, this smaller summit offers a much gentler climb, taking around 45 minutes to reach the top via well-maintained paths.

Along the way you will pass:

• Rolling tea plantations
• Local workers tending the fields
• Open viewpoints across the valley

At the summit, you are rewarded with panoramic views stretching across Ella Gap towards Udawalawe National Park.

On your descent stop off to enjoy a refreshing, cool coconut from one of the local vendors on the way back to Ella.

6. Try your hand at Sri Lankan cuisine

Cooking classes in Ella have become increasingly popular, and for good reason.

This is one of the best ways to experience Sri Lankan culture beyond the surface, learning recipes that have often been passed down through generations.

A typical class includes:

• Visiting a local kitchen or home
• Preparing a variety of dishes from scratch
• Learning about spices and cooking techniques

You will almost always end with a generous meal of rice and curry, freshly prepared and deeply satisfying.

It is also a meaningful way to support local families and communities.

7. Hike Ella Rock

Ella Rock offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the area, but it is not without its challenges.

The route is around 10km return and can take between 3 to 5 hours, depending on pace and how often you stop.

The trail begins along the railway tracks from Ella station before winding through:

• Tea plantations
• Open grassland
• Dense forest

It is easy to take a wrong turn, which is why having a local guide can transform the experience, not just for navigation but for the stories and insights along the way.

At the summit, the views stretch across valleys and hills, offering a real sense of scale and remoteness.

If you are walking with one of our private trekking guides you will can enjoy some traditional ‘small eats’ once you’ve reached the top!

Mountain views in Ella, Sri Lanka

8. Explore Ella Town

Ella town itself has a lively, slightly eclectic feel.

Its main street is lined with cafés, bars and restaurants, many catering to travellers, but there are still pockets where you can find more local, authentic experiences.

You might:

• Try a simple rice and curry at a family-run spot
• Stop for a cold Lion beer after a long hike
• Pick up travel tips from other visitors passing through

It is not the most traditional part of Sri Lanka, but it has an easygoing charm that makes it a pleasant place to spend time.

9. Try the Flying Ravana Zipline

For something completely different, the Flying Ravana Zipline offers a burst of adrenaline in the middle of Ella’s otherwise tranquil landscape.

You can:

• Reach speeds of up to 80 km per hour
• Glide above tea plantations and valleys
• Ride side-by-side with a companion

While not a traditional Sri Lankan experience, it is particularly popular with families travelling with teenagers who want something more active.

The surrounding adventure park also offers activities like abseiling and quad biking.

10. Take the train from Ella to Kandy

The train journey from Ella to Kandy is often described as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

The Ella Odyssey takes around 6 to 7 hours, winding slowly through:

• Tea plantations
• Waterfalls
• Misty mountain landscapes

At times, the train appears to move through clouds, giving the entire journey an almost dreamlike quality.

Along the way, local vendors hop on and off the train selling snacks such as:

• Fresh pineapple and mango
• Spiced corn
• Homemade curries

It is as much a cultural experience as it is a visual one.

11. Walk the Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is a long-distance hiking route stretching over 300km through Sri Lanka’s tea country, following paths originally used in the 19th century to transport tea by horse and cart.

Near Ella, several sections are accessible, typically:

• 9 to 12km in length
• Moderate in difficulty
• Led by knowledgeable local guides

These walks take you beyond the main tourist areas into quieter landscapes where you can experience:

• Working tea estates
• Remote villages
• Expansive hill country views

It’s the perfect way to take in the sights of Ella such as Ella Rock, The Nine Arch Bridge or simply the luscious green and quiet secluded hills away from the buzz of Ella.

All sections of the trail will be done with a private guide who will steer you in the right direction while giving insightful local knowledge of the area and of course some snacks and refreshments to sustain you.

There is no shortage of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka, whether you are looking for adventure, scenery or cultural experiences.

With the right planning, it can be a highlight of any trip through the country.

FASCINATED BY ELLA, SRI LANKA?

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