A Guide to the Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka

Nestled in the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka is Ella – a small but charming town famous for its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls and tea plantations. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or adventure, Ella has wonderful things in store for visitors. In this guide, you’ll find the best time to go to Ella and some must-see attractions:

While it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit Ella, Sri Lanka, is during the dry season from January to May. At this time, the weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall. During these months, you can enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures, at around 20-28°C, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

If you visit between June and August, expect frequent rain showers. However, the landscape is at its greenest during this time, with beautiful views.

• January to May (best time to visit): the weather is dry, and is ideal for hiking Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, and Ella Rock.
• June to August (intermittent rainfall): Occasional showers, but it’s generally a good time to visit.
• September to December (monsoon season in Ella): Heavy rains can make trails slippery, but the scenery is stunning.
• For trekking and outdoor activities, visit between February and April, as the temperatures are mild, and the skies are clear. If you want to avoid the rain, steer clear of the monsoon months from October to December.

The most scenic way to reach Ella is by train. There is one route that is considered among the most scenic train trips in the world, which begins in Kandy. It passes through misty mountains, green tea plantations, and villages, and takes about 6–7 hours.

If you want to get there quicker, you can take a bus or a hired private vehicle from Colombo, Kandy, or Nuwara Eliya. This will take 5–6 hours from Colombo and about 4 hours from Kandy.

Travellers can find top accommodation in the area, or in nearby Wellawaya, at eco-luxury hotels like Jetwing Kaduruketha.

Little Adams Peak Hike: This is one of the top places to go hiking in Ella, Sri Lanka, enabling visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates. It’s a relatively easy hike, and takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the top. The best time to go is early morning to watch the sunrise.

Nine Arches Bridge: The bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, famous both for its architectural beauty and natural surroundings. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the passing of the train over the bridge. It’s probably the best place to visit in Ella – go early in the morning when the light is good.

Ella Rock: Climbing Ella Rock is one of the best things to do in Ella, especially for adventure seekers. The hike is more challenging than Little Adam’s Peak, but takes around 2–3 hours. The trail goes through lush greenery, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints. The effort will be worthwhile, thanks to the stunning panoramic views from the top.

Ravana Falls: As one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ella, it’s not very far from the heart of the town. You could take a dip in its chilly waters or capture some great photos here. The best time to see the waterfall is during the rainy season, when the water is gushing down.

Tea plantation tour: Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon tea, and Ella has several tea estates. Halpewatte Tea Factory is a must-visit if you want to understand the process of making tea from scratch and taste the finest Sri Lankan teas.

• Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
• Start hikes early in the morning to avoid the heat.
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Carry a light rain jacket.

Ella is an incredible destination that provides the ideal combination of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. Whether you’re trekking along the scenic trails, viewing waterfalls or enjoying the views, Ella will leave you mesmerised!