Ella and Nuwara Eliya are two of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka, filled with stunning views, rich culture, and many things to do. Surrounded by tea plantations, misty hills, and peaceful waterfalls, these towns are perfect for nature lovers and travelers looking for adventure. From famous train rides to must-see landmarks and cultural activities, there’s something for everyone!
Here are the 10 things to do in Ella and Nuwara Eliya.
Things to See in Ella
Ella is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and valleys. It’s a popular spot for activities in Sri Lanka, and thanks to its higher location, the weather stays warm and pleasant all year. This makes it a nice escape from other parts of the country that can be very hot during the season or rainy in the off-season.
Here are 5 things you must-do while you’re visiting Ella:
Hike Little Adam’s Peak
Though it’s called Little Adam’s Peak, it’s just as stunning as the original Adam’s Peak—it’s just easier to reach! The hike to the top takes about an hour, but if you want to save time, you can take a tuk-tuk to the start of the trail at Ravana Zipline. From there, it’s only a 20-minute walk to the summit.
At the top, you can explore the ridgeline and visit the three peaks of Little Adam’s Peak. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the farthest peak. However, I wouldn’t recommend hiking to the last peak if you’re with children, as the trail becomes narrow and steep. Little Adam’s Peak is the easiest hike in Ella and definitely worth the visit for its breathtaking views!
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge is Ella’s most famous attraction, surrounded by lush greenery and tea fields. While most people visit during the day, sunrise is the best time to go. It’s quieter, with fewer people around, and you can see two morning trains—at 6:15 am and 6:40 am. Later trains run at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, and 5:30 pm.
Tip: Check train times with your hotel, as they can change unexpectedly.
You can watch the bridge from many viewpoints, but the ones at either end of the bridge are great. Arriving 10–20 minutes early gives you time to explore before the train passes. You can cross the tracks to see the view from different angles or enjoy the view from nearby cafes. Use the Maps.Me app to find all the viewpoints. The bridge is 1.8 km from Ella town, and you can walk there or take a tuk-tuk for about 300 rupees. From the drop-off point, it’s just a 5–10-minute walk to the train tracks.
Ella Rock
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike than Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock is a great choice. The views are similar but much higher, offering a panoramic view that’s arguably the best in Ella. The hike to the top and back takes about 4 hours and covers 8 km. It’s not too difficult, but it does require some fitness, especially on the way up. It’s important to read a guide before you go, as the trail can be confusing. The Nomadic Boys’ guide is great and helped me avoid getting lost. You can also hire a local guide in town or book an organized tour for extra help.
Ravana Zipline
The Flying Ravana Zipline is one of Ella’s newest attractions and is perfect for thrill-seekers. Spanning over 500 meters and reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, it’s an exciting experience that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. As you zip through the air, you’ll enjoy stunning views and even pass by the spectator deck. It’s a dual zipline, so you can race a friend or ride side-by-side while soaking in the scenery.
The zipline costs $20 USD (approximately 6,400 LKR) for adults and $15 USD (approximately 4,800 LKR) for children. It’s located at the base of Little Adam’s Peak, making it a great activity to combine with a hike. While it may not be the wildest zipline in the world, it’s still a fun and affordable experience worth trying!
Diyaluma Falls
If you visit just one waterfall in Sri Lanka, Diyaluma Falls is a great choice. It’s the country’s second-largest waterfall, standing 220 meters tall, and an incredible spot to explore. You can swim at the bottom or the top of the falls, but the top is the better option. It has small pools where you can swim and enjoy amazing views. However, during the wet season, the pools near the edge can be dangerous due to the strong water flow.
From Ella, it’s about an hour by tuk-tuk to reach the falls. There are two routes: one takes you to the top (Poonagala Road), where you walk down, and the other starts at the bottom (Koslanda village), where you hike up. The best option? Go to the top, walk down, and arrange for your tuk-tuk to pick you up at the bottom. A round-trip tuk-tuk ride costs about 2,000 rupees, but you can also take a local bus for a cheaper option, though it will take longer. Just confirm the details with the driver or bus staff beforehand.
Things to See in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, called “Little England,” is a beautiful hill town in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Known for its cool weather, green landscapes, and colonial-style buildings, it offers a refreshing break from the hot climate of other areas. Located at 1,868 meters above sea level, the town is famous for its large tea plantations, where visitors can learn about tea-making and enjoy fresh tea while taking in the views.
Here are 5 things you must-do while you’re visiting Nuwara Eliya:
Horton Plains National Park
This national park is a great destination for nature lovers and hikers, with a mix of grassy plains and stunning cloud forests. The park’s main attraction is World’s End, a dramatic cliff with a steep drop of about 880 meters. To get the best views, I’d recommend starting the hike early in the morning before the mist rolls in, which can block the panoramic views that stretch all the way to the southern coastline on clear days. While hiking, keep an eye out for sambar deer, leopards, and various native bird species.
Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake is located in the center of Nuwara Eliya and is easy to spot from different parts of the town. Many visitors enjoy jet skiing on the lake, while others prefer a more relaxed and romantic experience by renting a swan boat for an hour. You can also take a walk around the lake to enjoy the views. If you’d like to relax and admire the lake from your room, there are several hotels near Gregory Lake where you can stay.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful park that covers 27 acres, named after Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee in 1897. It’s a great place to relax, with beautiful gardens full of flowers and birds. The park is perfect for a quiet walk away from the busy town. At the entrance, the Victoria Restaurant serves tasty local and Western food for breakfast and lunch. It’s a nice spot to enjoy nature and take a break during your visit to Nuwara Eliya.
Hakgala Botanical Garden
Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the second-largest of only five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, is a popular attraction in Nuwara Eliya. The gardens has over 10,000 species of plants, displayed in well-maintained gardens and forests. If you’re visiting in the spring and want to take beautiful flower photos, it may be worth it. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the gardens.
Tea Plantations
No trip to Nuwara Eliya is complete without visiting one of its beautiful tea plantations, which are an important part of the region’s history. We recommend visiting the Pedro Tea Estate or the Labookellie Tea Centre. Here, you can take a guided tour to learn about the tea-making process, from picking the leaves to the final production stages. The tour often ends with a tea tasting, where you can sample different types of tea and discover the unique flavors and aromas that make Ceylon tea so popular worldwide.
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