Travel Guide to Ella: Hikes, Hotspots, and Nightlife
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Ella is a charming hill town that blends adventure, nature, and a vibrant social scene. This travel guide to Ella will help you explore the best hikes, waterfalls, legendary caves, and buzzing nightlife that make this hill town unforgettable.
Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for a quiet base, a couple seeking a cozy escape, or a backpacker chasing hikes and parties, Ella feels like home. We spent one week in Ella Sri Lanka and discovered the perfect balance of slow living and high-energy moments.
Best Time to Visit Ella
Ella can be visited year-round. The dry season (January–April) offers clear skies and cooler weather—perfect for hiking. From June to September, the monsoons turn Ella into a lush, green paradise.
We visited in June and found the weather warm and pleasant, with a few refreshing showers that didn’t stop us from exploring.
Getting Around in Ella
Exploring Ella is simple, whether on foot or with rentals.
- Scooters: Cost around 2500–3000 LKR per day (we found one for 2000 LKR).
- Tuk-Tuks: A fun alternative, though slightly pricier here due to the terrain.
- Walking: With Ella’s mild weather, walking is one of the best ways to explore.
Mornings are ideal for hikes and sightseeing before the sun gets too strong.
Where to Stay in Ella
Ella town stretches along one main road lined with cafes, shops, and guesthouses. You can stay:
- In-town hotels: Convenient for easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
- Homestays outside town: Surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for peace and local experiences.
We stayed with a local family in a nature-filled homestay, complete with a kitchen where we cooked our own meals—an experience that made our trip even more memorable.
Watch our entire video on our trip to Ella, as a part of our Sri Lanka travel series.
Top Things to Do in Ella
Whether you are an outdoors adventure seeker or a person who loves to chill and relax, Ella is a great place for all types of people.
Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Ella. At 1141m, it’s an easy climb with incredible sunrise and sunset views.
Little Adam’s Peak climb starts from the Little Adam’s Peak Trailhead. To reach the trailhead you can walk for about 30-minutes from town.
Once you reach the trailhead, you will find yourself in an activity zone called the “Flying Ravana Adventure Zone”. Here people can enjoy zip line, rock climbing and other activities.
From the trailhead, the climb starts up. It is a 20-minutes hike up. The hike is easy, but can get steep at some points.
There are two ways to climb –
- Normal stairs: No Entry fee
- Scenic route through the hanging bridge on trees: 3,000 LKR per person fee.
Remember: Don’t confuse it with Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), which is located elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
Ella Rock
A challenging trek for seasoned hikers, offering sweeping valley views. Though we couldn’t do it this time, it’s highly recommended for adventure seekers.
Ravana Cave & Raja Maha Vihara Temple
Just 2.2 km from town, Ravana Cave is tied to Ramayana legends—believed to be where Ravana hid Sita.
The climb involves 700 steps one way. The steps are steep and after a point towards the end, they become boulders and rocks stacked together.
Do carry bring water and wear good shoes when you visit the cave
Archeologists have also found a skull that dates back 20,000 years. So there are myths and stories about the legend being true.
100 meters from the Ravana cave, is the Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist temple. This temple is an historic archeological site. The temple hosts the reclining Buddha statue along with other paintings and statues along with a Buddha statue placed outside in the open.
Nine Arch Bridge
Built in 1921, the nine arch bridge is best known for its scenic train crossings. Many tourists are seen flocking on the bridge to get a photo. They also take picture of the famous ‘train coming out of the tunnel’ shot.
The bridge is 300 feet in length, and 100 feet in height.
For the best views, skip the crowds and head to Café Soul Ella, which overlooks both the bridge and tunnel. To reach this cafe, you have to go to the opposite side of the bridge and climb up.
There is no entry fee to this bridge.
Ravana Pool Club
This club is the perfect spot to relax after a hike. With Ella Rock as a backdrop, enjoy swimming, drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Ravana Pool Club is situated at the Little Adam’s Peak Trailhead. The club gives you packages for entry that also includes pool time and cover charge.
We got a package for 16,500 LKR which included 3 hours of pool area entry and drinks compensated for 5,500 LKR in it.
Ravana Waterfall
Just outside Ella, this waterfall is especially stunning during the monsoon season. Many visitors stop for photos or to dip their feet in the refreshing water.
You can see the waterfall on your way when you are entering Ella.
Ella Town
Ella town is lively, full of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling handicrafts, tea, and local herbs. During the day, it has a laid-back, traveler-friendly vibe—perfect for working or unwinding.
At night, the streets come alive with music, karaoke, and parties. The free-spirited nightlife is one of the highlights of this travel guide to Ella, offering a fun contrast to peaceful hikes during the day.
Conclusion
Our travel guide to Ella Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without highlighting how much this hill town offers in just a few days. From sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak to sunsets at Nine Arch Bridge, from cultural gems like Ravana Cave to the buzzing nightlife in town, Ella left us with unforgettable memories.
Spending one week in Ella gave us the chance to balance adventure, relaxation, and culture—making it one of the highlights of our Sri Lanka journey. If you’re planning a trip to the highlands, Ella deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Next up, we’ll share the famous Kandy to Ella train ride—one of the world’s most scenic journeys. Stay tuned!
How many days do you need in Ella Sri Lanka?
You need 2–3 days in Ella to see the highlights but spending 4 to 5 days lets you fully enjoy the hikes, waterfalls, cultural sites, and nightlife at a relaxed pace.
Is Ella good for nightlife?
Yes Ella has a very good nightlife. The hill town transforms in the evenings with live music, karaoke nights, and laid-back parties, giving it a fun, backpacker-friendly nightlife scene.
