Fun Things To Do In Ella

Ella is a small town nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka and over time it has become a must-visit tourist destination. Surrounded by mountains covered in a thick green carpet of tea bushes or pine trees, the town is the perfect place for a nature getaway. While Ella is a very charming town, for a more relaxing experience of the Sri Lankan hill country stay in Wellawaya, a small farming village near the foothills of Ella. The town is home to Jetwing Kaduruketha, one of the finest eco luxury hotels in Sri Lanka and a great base for you to explore Ella attractions from.

With its picturesque walking paths and exciting hiking trails, Ella is a nature lover’s paradise. What makes this town even more special are the many waterfalls around Ella. Only a half an hour drive from Jetwing Kaduruketha, you’ll find Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall. The trail to the get to the top of the cascade is extremely picturesque; it winds through deep valleys covered in lemongrass plants and tall swaying trees till you reach the tiered waterfall. Apart from being a fun climb, Diyaluma also has a series of small rock pools, which will give you one of the most scenic swims in the world!

Named after the revered Adam’s Peak due to its resemblance in shape, Little Adam’s Peak is definitely one of the most popular places to visit in Ella. The hiking trail begins off the main road in town before going through a tea estate, till you finally reach the top and are greeted to one of the most spectacular views in Ella. Despite being 1,141m tall, the climb is actually very manageable since it’s not very steep; it’s more of a leisurely walk rather than a hike and takes about an hour in total. This is the perfect hike because it doesn’t require too much energy but you will still get to see one of the best views in Sri Lanka.

To take a break from all the sightseeing in Ella, go on a tea tour. Tea is almost synonymous with Sri Lanka and it is almost exclusively grown in the hill country. There are a number of tea factories in and around Ella; Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is one such factory that has daily tours which run every 30 minutes. This tour is a great way to learn about the intricate manufacturing process of world-renowned Ceylon tea. Also, after the tour, you can taste the different types of teas and see how changes in manufacturing stages can affect the taste of the tea. Not only is this a fun activity to partake in after a day full of hiking and walking, but it is also a family-friendly activity.

Even though Ella is famous for its outdoor activities, the town and its surrounding regions are steeped in myth and legend which have become a sort of history over the years. The region is strongly linked to the Hindu epic Ramayana, as the antagonist, the demon king Ravana is believed to have lived in Lanka. Ravana is said to have resided near Ella and that’s why there are many sites in this area named after him. After abducting Sita- Lord Rama’s wife- Ravana brought her back to Lanka and hid her in different locations, including Ravana’s Cave which was where his underground castle was supposedly located. To get to the cave it’s an easy climb and this is the perfect way to add some culture to your trip!

The hills of Sri Lanka are one of the most beautiful features of the country and should not be left out on your Sri Lankan itinerary. The mountains are an excellent place to get away from all the bustle of city life and to just relax, which will feel even more blissful when you stay at Jetwing Kaduruketha.