Nine Arch Bridge
A colonial-era railway viaduct in the jungle. Time your visit with a passing train.
Hill Country · Sri Lanka
Ella, viewpoints, waterfalls and the famous train.
Ella is a small hill-country town with big views. Short hikes lead to sweeping viewpoints, the Nine Arch Bridge carries the railway through the tea, and the scenic train ride here is a highlight of many Sri Lanka journeys.
What to see
The highlights of Ella.
Little Adam's Peak
An easy walk through tea gardens to a ridge-top viewpoint over the Ella Gap.
Ella Rock
A longer, more rewarding hike for active travellers, best started early.
Ravana Falls
A roadside waterfall just below the town, worth a short stop on the way south.
When to go
Best time to visit
The driest months are usually from January to April, but Ella is enjoyable all year. Hikes are best in the early morning.
How long
How many nights
Two nights gives you time for the main walks and a relaxed evening in town.
Getting there
Travel by private car
Reach Ella on the scenic train from Kandy or Nanu Oya, or by private car: about two hours from Nuwara Eliya and around two and a half to three hours from Yala.
Published Navigeto journeys
Private tours that include Ella.
Every route can be changed: the number of nights, hotels, pace and stops.
- Kandy to the Wild8 days · 7 nights
- Eastern Shores & Ella9 days · 8 nights
- Sigiriya Island Panorama13 days · 12 nights
- Ella & Mirissa Adventure9 days · 8 nights
- Romance in the Hills9 days · 8 nights
- Coast to Tea Country6 days · 5 nights
- Ella to the Ocean7 days · 6 nights
- Sigiriya Grand Discovery10 days · 9 nights
- Rock, Tea & Safari8 days · 7 nights
- Ella Island Circuit6 days · 5 nights
- Galle to Ancient Kingdoms7 days · 6 nights
- Tea Trails & Twin Coasts10 days · 9 nights
Good to know
Ella questions, answered.
How many days should I spend in Ella?
Two nights is ideal for Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and a longer hike such as Ella Rock.
Is the train to Ella worth it?
For most travellers, yes. The line climbs through tea estates and mountain scenery. Seats are limited in peak months, so we plan around availability and keep your private car as a backup.
What is near Ella?
Yala National Park, the south coast and Nuwara Eliya are all within a few hours, so Ella links easily into a wider route.
Start planning
Add Ella to your Sri Lanka trip.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will suggest a route, hotels and a private car, with a clear quotation.
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