Ella, Train and Trekking

Again, no trip is complete without a visit to Ella where Train journeys, walk to Little Adam’s peak, Hike to Ella Rock, 9 arch bridge, Tea estates and waterfalls are key highlights. The train journey from Kandy to Ella is a not to miss attraction when traveling in Sri Lanka, such a beautiful journey through tea estates, sleepy villages, rain forests and small towns. 1st class compartments are air conditioned, hence you cannot open the windows so the best experience is travelling in 2nd class with a reserved ticket where the windows can be opened to enjoy the scenery and make some photographs.

Visiting a Tea factory for the Tea experience is also a highlight where experienced and knowledgeable tea masters explain you the complete tea producing process. 45 minutes drive from Ella is Bandarawela where one could take an adventurous Tuk Tuk ride in a Tea estate followed by an estate walk and visit to Lipton’s seat where Sir Thomas Lipton used to watch at his Tea Empire is another nice experience when in Ella.

Most of the hotels in Ella are family run guest houses, many of them commands great views of the mountains. Ella town boast many cafes and eateries where one could taste good local food but western and eastern food is also available.

Little Adam’s Peak is a nice and not so hard trek about 2 hours both ways to a nice mountain peak which greets you with jaw dropping views while Ella rock is more challenging hike but views are worth the effort. The 9 arch bridge which was built by the British’s during their colonial days is a very nice spot to see trains passing by through the tunnel. 9 arch Bridge is a big engineering feat by the British’s then. So, don’t miss Ella, this pretty town provides you a very authentic local experience.