Ella, nestled in the highlands of Sri Lanka, is a charming village renowned for its tea estates, verdant mountains, cascading waterfalls, and refreshing air. It has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking breathtaking views and rewarding treks.
With mist-shrouded peaks and stunning sunrise vistas, Ella captivates visitors with its natural beauty. Hiking enthusiasts flock here to explore some of the island's best trails, while the village's hidden gems have garnered widespread popularity among tourists.
From witnessing misty mountain landscapes to experiencing the tranquil ambiance of a morning hike, Ella offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can also enjoy refreshing waterfall visits, indulge in delicious Sri Lankan cuisine accompanied by a cold beer, and cap off the day with a leisurely stroll to the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella's historical significance, intertwined with legendary tales of Ravana, adds another layer of intrigue to its allure. Exploring these cultural connections enriches the overall experience of visiting the village.
Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Ella promises a memorable retreat amidst nature's embrace. It's a place where busy lifestyles melt away, leaving behind cherished memories that linger long after departure.
Ella
Highlights
Mini Adams peak
Mini Adams Peak, also known as Punchi Siri Pada or Small Adams Peak, is a popular and easily accessible hiking trail in Ella, Sri Lanka. Just a 15-minute walk from Ella town, the entrance to the trail is located along Passara Road, near the Flower Garden Resort.
Standing at 1141 meters in height, the hike to Mini Adams Peak takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the entrance. The trail winds through lush green tea estates, offering glimpses of locals harvesting tea leaves along the way.
Upon reaching the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. Watching clouds drift by against the backdrop of rolling hills is a mesmerizing sight.
While the hike is relatively moderate in difficulty, it's advisable to undertake it early in the morning or late in the evening for the best views and to avoid the midday heat. Exercise caution when exploring the summit, especially when posing for photos on rocky outcrops.
Mini Adams Peak provides an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure in the scenic landscapes of Ella.
Nine Arch Bridge
Train tours in the highlands of Sri Lanka, is rated as one of the best train tours in the world.
And of course, the majestic Nine Arch Bridge is one of the many reasons for that. The glorious Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara station is one of the engineering marvels in the early 20th century.
This bridge, which is almost 100 years old, has been built with blocks of stone and cement without any strengthening iron or concrete. The giant arches take the bridge on a curved path to link to mountains. The Bridge was commissioned in 1921 under the British Government.
The World War One broke out and the steel consignment allocated for this site was seized and was used for war related projects. When the work came to a stoppage the Sri Lankan (named Appuhami) came forward and build the bridge with solid stone bricks and cement without steel.
Ella Rock
Ella Rock stands as a testament to the lush greenery and natural beauty that defines the village of Ella. This trekking destination is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, offering panoramic views that are truly awe-inspiring.
While the hike to Ella Rock may be tiring, the rewards at the summit make it well worth the effort. The sweeping vistas, especially during the early mornings and late evenings when mist and clouds cloak the landscape, create a scene of unparalleled beauty that encapsulates the essence of Ella.
The total time required for the ascent and descent is approximately four hours, making it a relatively lengthy journey. However, the trek is filled with diverse scenery, from a rail walk near the Ella train station to passing by a waterfall, traversing through rubber tree forests, and meandering amidst tea plantations.
It's essential to dress appropriately for the hike, especially on rainy days when the terrain may become slippery. With proper caution and suitable attire, trekkers can navigate the route safely, enjoying the challenge of the steep sections towards the summit.
Ravana Water Fall
Ravana Falls stands as one of the top attractions in Ella, adding to the allure of Sri Lanka's hill country with its breathtaking beauty. This impressive waterfall offers visitors the chance to get up close, with some rocks allowing for closer exploration.
For those who enjoy water activities and seek a refreshing dip, Ravana Falls is the perfect spot in Ella. Spending a few hours swimming amidst the cascading waters can be a delightful experience, although caution is advised due to slippery rocks.
The waterfall is renowned for its width, ranking among the widest falls in the country. Standing approximately 25 meters (82 feet) high, it descends from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop, presenting a mesmerizing sight, especially during the local wet season when the flow resembles a blooming areca flower.
Located within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, the falls are just 6 kilometers away from Ella Railway Station. On the return journey, visitors can also explore the nearby Ravana Waterfalls.
Legend has it that Ravana, the mythical king of Sri Lanka, plays a significant role in the history of Ravana Falls. According to the epic Ramayana, Ravana is said to have hidden Princess Sita in the caves behind the waterfall. The surrounding area, once dense with forests, was where Rama's queen is believed to have bathed in a pool formed by the waterfall's cascading waters.
For those seeking a memorable bathing experience in Ella, Ravana Falls offers a picturesque setting, provided visitors choose times when it's less crowded and prioritize safety during their visit.
Lipton’s Seat
Lipton's Seat is an iconic viewpoint nestled in the Haputale Mountains, standing at an elevation of 1970 meters above sea level. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the famous Scottish tea magnate, this spot offers breathtaking vistas of the Dambetenna Tea Estate and its verdant tea bushes.
Located approximately 18 kilometers from Haputale, or just 7 kilometers from the Dambetenna Tea Factory, Lipton's Seat provides panoramic views that are truly unparalleled. On clear days, visitors are treated to expansive vistas spanning the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Eastern provinces. The perspective from this viewpoint offers a glimpse into the landscape that once captivated Sir Thomas Lipton himself.
The climb to Lipton's Seat rewards trekkers with a bird's eye view of the surrounding regions, including landmarks such as Handapanagala Lake, Chandrika Lake, and Udawalawe Lake. Additionally, the Wedihiti Kanda mountain range and, if weather permits, even the distant Hambantota port in the southern part of the island, can be observed.
For an unforgettable experience in the hill country, Lipton's Seat is a must-visit destination. It's advisable to plan your visit early in the day to maximize your chances of clear weather and uninterrupted views. Whether you're staying in Ella or nearby, a trip to Lipton's Seat promises to leave you spellbound by its natural beauty and awe-inspiring panoramas.
Adisham bungalow
Adisham Monastery, nestled amidst the misty hills near Haputale, is a captivating destination that should not be missed by visitors staying in Ella or nearby areas for more than a day or two. Although the monastery is open for sightseers only on weekends, public holidays, and school holidays, it offers a serene and enriching experience for those who visit.
A scenic 4 km drive from Haputale will lead you to Adisham, a monastery established by Benedictine Monks and built by Sir Thomas Lister Villiers in 1931. Sir Thomas Lister Villiers, born in 1869 in Adisham, was renowned for his contributions to this enchanting place. His lineage, deeply rooted in British history, adds to the historical significance of Adisham.
Surrounded by tea estates and Hindu Kovils, Adisham Bungalow is embraced by the tranquility of its surroundings. The estate boasts a garden abundant with fruits and flowers, where jams, cordials, and other local delicacies are produced and available for purchase.
Accommodation at Adisham is available for up to 12 guests, although it's essential to note that it is not a commercial guesthouse or museum open to casual visitors. Instead, it offers a Christian spiritual experience, providing counsel, guidance, and a peaceful retreat amidst breathtaking mountain views. The simple yet excellent meals served, along with the serene atmosphere, make Adisham a haven of tranquility and spiritual rejuvenation.
Demodara Railway Loop - Engineering marvels
The Demodara Loop, also known as "Demodara looping the loop," is a remarkable feat of engineering on the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) line in Sri Lanka. Constructed to overcome the steep elevation of hills at Demodara, this loop allows the railway track to pass under itself, creating a circular loop. Folklore suggests that the design inspiration came from a farmer's suggestion to mimic the tying of his turban.
The loop spans 441 feet in length, with the station positioned precisely over the tunnel. This unique configuration makes it the only loop in the world with a railway station situated directly above a tunnel in a spiral loop pattern.
While the Demodara Loop stands out for its innovative design and engineering, it shares recognition with other notable loops such as the Septemvri-Dobrinishte two-tunnel loop in Bulgaria and the Tehachapi Loop in California.
Dowa Rock Temple
Another historical places for your list near Ella, a temple is thought to be done by King Walagamba in the in first century BC. If you are planning to stay some days in Ella, visit the temple to spend some peaceful time.
Dowa Rock Temple lies few kilometers away from the Ella town on the Ella - Bandarawela Road. This is one of the many temples built by the king while taking refuge in the Uva province after an Indian invasion.
The temple has gain popularity mainly due to its massive 38 feet Buddha Statue carved in the granite rock. But this temple also hides some secrets that time has forgotten.
The uncompleted image of the Buddha is carved out of a granite boulder which is well hidden form the main road. No much of attention has been given to this statue and it seems to be slowly breaking up. At the top pf the boulder is a small stupa. This stupa is the on the same level as the road and it is the only indication of a temple to a traveler on the road.
At the rear of the image house is a small stupa inside a cave. Behind this stupa, inside the cave is a tunnel called the Ravana Guhawa guarded by a figure of a Clay King Cobra. This 11 km long tunnel is said to be connecting the Ravana Maha Viharaya at Ella and the Bogoda Raja Maha Viharaya. But unfortunately this tunnel entrance has been sealed off with cement by the temple due to various vandalism acts by treasure hunters. It said that the king disappeared from the area overnight using the tunnels and thus the working on the Buddha Statue was abruptly stopped.
Ravana Cave
The Ravana Cave is located about 2 km from the Ella town and 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. History says that the cave is used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita.
The cave lies 1,370 m (4,490 ft) above sea level on the foundation of a cliff, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka with a historical value.
How to Get Here
First come to Maha Ravana Viharaya and Ravana Cave is just 1km away from there, climb up the steep path that led towards the cave. The climb is quite tough with about 650 steps - uneven steps, many of them are quite steep; some places had no steps at all - just on steep rocks.
The last few feet are the toughest as one had to climb up without anything to hold on.
The cave in itself is not very impressive to someone who has very high expectations. Mainly because it is a tough climb and once you reach the place you will only see a small cave.
About Ravana Cave
Like the Sthripura Cave in Welimada, legend has it that it was used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita. It is also thought to be connected to the cave at the Dowa rock temple in Bandarawela (part of King Walagamba's famous 'tunnel network'). Archaeological findings include a human skull dating back to 20,000 BC.
These tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. The tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as a secret passage. They networked all the important cities, airports and dairy farms. A close look at these tunnels indicates that they are man-made and not natural formations.
Existing tunnel mouths are also situated at Ishtripura in Welimada, Senapitiya in Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola in Matale, and Seetha Kotuwa in Hasalaka and in many more places.
If you like to explore historical places in Sri Lanka and admire the Ravana History, then this is definitely a place to visit.
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