Places to Visit in Ella

The Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Sri Lanka and amongst the top places to visit in Ella. There is an interesting story behind this bridge. When the British stopped the construction of this bridge mid-way due to lack of steel during World War 1, the locals constructed it using stone and bricks. 

The bridge has stood strong without a single piece of steel since then. The setting of the bridge is extremely charming and is amongst the most popular tourist places in Ella. It is located inside a dense forest near a quaint little village with tea plantations surrounding it. Watching the old world trains pass through this bridge is a sight most loved by the tourists. 

Location: Between Ella and Damodara Station

Timings: The bridge is approachable all day around. However, early morning sunrise is the best time to visit. 

Price: There is no entry fee.

Sri Lanka is abundant with the legends of Ramayana. So much so that even the natural landscapes have compelling stories associated with them. The Ravana Falls and the nearby caves are said to be some of the places where the demon god Ravana hid. These legends and the striking landscape of this Ella attraction pulls many travellers to them. 

The waterfall is around 82 ft. in height and is layered in three tiers. The third tier is approachable after a sharp rock climb and rewards with some amazing views of the dense greens and the rocky landscape. 

Location: A 23, Ravana Wildlife Sanctuary, Ella

Timings: March- June, December- February

Price: There is no entry fee

Ravana’s Cave is a place of the legends and amongst the top places to visit in Ella. As per Hindu mythology, it is said that Ravana had hidden Sita in this cave after kidnapping her. Legends apart, the natural scenic beauty of this cave, located at a height of around 4,500 ft.) attracts hikers and adventure seekers from all over the world. 

This caving activity is exciting, as one has to climb around 1,000 steps to reach the huge cave. Travellers love to spend time in the cool dark interiors of the cave and amidst the dense greenery. 

Location: Bandarawela- Wellawaya Road, Ella

Timings: Best time to visit is early morning or evening to escape the heat. The caves are open all year round. 

Price: LKR 150, INR 58

Ella Rock is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ella amongst the most interesting places to visit in Ella. A three-hour easy trek will take you further into the luxuriantly dense forested countryside of Ella attractions. During the trek up till the rock, you will see beautiful tea plantations and get a chance to interact with the tea planters. 

Once atop the rock, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the morning sun rising from behind the lush hills. You will get a bird’s eye view of the scenic valleys rolling for miles. Travellers love to spend some quiet time in peace atop the rock in this popular tourist place in Ella.

Location: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela highway, Ella

Timings: The best time for this hike is early morning around 5:30 am

Price: LKR 3,800, INR 1,500

Ceylon Tea Factory is actually a restaurant, which has been named this way so as to intrigue and educates travellers about the tea making heritage of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the whole of the country, and not only Ella. Here, you can taste traditional Sri Lankan curries & hot rice, along with international cuisines and drinks. 

The restaurant also has a tea bar that makes hundreds of varieties of teas. Gluten-free meals are also available here. 

Location: no. 4, Passara Road, Ella

Timings: Every day 11:00 am- 10:00 pm

Price: A meal for two costs around LKR 2,290, INR 900.

Due to its natural landscape, Ella has many quaint and rustic hiking trails. Little Adam’s Peak is one such popular trail that should not be missed. It is a short 50-60 minutes trek that takes you through the world famous tea plantations of the region. The greenery is a respite to the eyes and the intoxicating fragrance of the tea leaves further adds to the experience. 

Once you reach the top of the Little Adam’s Peak, you will see a Buddha statue backdropped against the mountains. 

Location: Ella- Passara Road, Ella 90090

Timings: The best time for the hike is at sunrise or the sunset. The peak is approachable all year around.

Price: There is no entry fee. 

Sri Lanks is known around the world for its tranquil and peaceful spiritual destinations, and the Dhowa Rock Temple is one of the best Ella attractions. Said to be around 2,000 years old, this temple is famous for its huge 39 ft. unfinished statue of Buddha. The rock art and murals in this temple are amazing sights. 

You might run into some monks here who will be more than happy to tell you stories about the Temple. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple transports the visitors into a peaceful trance. 

Location: Bandarawela- Ella Road

Timings: 8:00- 5:00 pm

Price: There is no entry fee, but you can leave a donation at the temple

The Mahamevnawa Monastery is one of the most important and revered Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka founded by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero and is amongst the top places to visit in Ella. This monastery serves as an educational institution for young people and adults who want to be ordained as monks. 

Sri Lankan artists have adorned the Monastery with striking carvings, murals, and painting. Here, you can not only talk freely to the monks but also take personalised meditation lectures from them. Listening to the reverberating Buddhist hymns amidst the peaceful environs is a tranquil experience. 

Location: Bandarawela, Ella

Timings: 8:00 am- 9:00 pm every day of the week

Price: There is no entry fee

This place is a must-visit for the lovers of tea and is amongst the top tourist places in Ella! Sri Lanka is famous the world over for its amazing Ceylon tea. Halpewatte Tea Factory invites tourists to come inside their premise and see how their favourite tea is made- right from plucking the tea leaves, processing till final packaging. 

This is the largest tea factor in the Uva region. After the tour, you can also have a cup of tea in their tea shop and take teas home. The factory is located at a beautiful vantage point with scenic views of the hills and valleys. 

Location: Badulla Road, Hela halpem Ella

Timings: Every day 8:00 am- 5:00 pm 

Price: Adults LKR 763, INR 300, Children LKR 381, INR 150

Imagine the rush of water flowing from atop the hills surrounded by luxuriant and dense forests. That’s Kithal Ella Waterfalls. They are approachable after a short hike amongst the forests from the Nine Arches Bridge. It is amongst the most beautiful places to see in Ella for all nature lovers. 

The water falling into a rocky bed makes for a perfect place to take a dip in the cool waters or simply soak in the soothing sounds of the falling water. It is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Ella.

Location: Haputale, Ella

Timings: Approachable at all times of the year. The best time is to visit in the rainy months of July- August, as the waterfall almost dries up during summers.

Price: There is no entry fee

Halpe Pattini Devalaya is an ancient Devalaya (Temple) dedicated to Pattini Devi. She is considered to be the goddess of fertility and health in Sri Lankan, Buddhist and Hindu faiths. This complex houses a shrine room for the Devi, a kitchen, and the remains of an ancient Buddhist monastery. 

The entire temple is constructed organically using clay and timber. The shrine if opened for the public only once a year at the time of the Perahera (annual procession for the goddess)

Location: Badulla- Bandarawela main road, Ella

Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Price: there is no entry fee. 

Sri Lanka is not known as the ‘Spice Island’ for nothing! The country has the best and the most exotic spices grown indigenously. If you a food connoisseur and want to learn where your spices come from, a visit to the Ella Spice Garden is an important place to visit in Ella. 

This is a private setup run by a local family to make people appreciative about local growing techniques and the thousands of varieties of Lankan spices. An English speaking person will give you a tour of this beautiful property. 

Travellers love to walk amidst the intoxicating fragrance of spices like cinnamon, cloves, chillies, turmeric, nutmeg, cacao, coffee, etc. Here, you can also take a special cooking class or just indulge in a wonderful traditional meal. Just make sure to book your visit in advance to these wonderful tourist places in Ella.

Location: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela highway, Ella

Timings: 5:00- 8:00 pm every day

Price: LKR 3,800, INR 1,500

People of all faiths love to visit this magnificent stone church. Built in the 18th- century, this Roman Catholic Church still retains its old world charm. The building has beautiful paintings, murals, and stained glass windows that leave the travellers gaping at their charm. The Church has a huge garden where one can spend peaceful time listening to the hymns. 

Location: Bandarawela 90100, Ella

Timings: 7:00 am- 5:00 pm

Price: There is no entry fee

Porawagala is one of the best vantage viewpoints in the whole of Ella. Situated atop a hill, it gives a bird’s eye view of the luxuriant forests, valleys, the meadow-like pastures, and the city of Ella. Travellers love to come here and spend some quiet hours taking in the views of the waterfalls and the temples. Porawagala is a secluded place, which takes the tourists away from the chaos and noise of the cities. 

Location: Bandarawela, Ella

Timings: Porawagala is approachable the whole day. The best time to visit is at the time of the sun dawn and the sunset. 

Price: There is no entry fee

Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya is one of the most important archaeological places in Ella. It is a cave temple that looks like the head of a cobra protecting a statue of Buddha. There is a meditation area in this complex where you can spend some quiet and peaceful time alone absorbing in the serenity of the place. You can meet the monks and have a personal discourse on Buddhism freely. 

This temple is located atop a high ridge giving panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests. 

Location: Rakkitha Kanda Road, Badulla Kurugama, Uva Province, Ella

Timings: Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya is approachable at all times every day of the year.

Price: There is no entry fee

Ella is a wonderful place when it comes to quaint things like old bridges, railway stations, and trains, etc. The Demodara Railway Loop is one such place. Constructed by the British in the 19th century, it has retained its old world charm and its unique construction has been left untouched. This bent railway track makes the train go around a loop around a mountain, which gives the impression of a man tying his turban. 

The location of the loop is especially beautiful and amongst the most interesting places to see in Ella. It is surrounded by thick green-forested land and fragrant & cool mountain air. 

Location: Demodara, Ella

Timings: The train schedule should be checked closer to ones visit as the train timings keep changing

Price: There is no entry fee