The Best Things to See and Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Known for its verdant landscapes, ayurvedic massages and hikes in the heart of tea plantations, Ella promises an escape to otherworldly places. Are you ready for a bowl of fresh air ?

What to do and see in Ella ? 

The tea plantations in Ella define the mountainous region of Sri Lanka, occupying nearly 1000 acres of land. Towering at nearly 6500 feet, Ella is the perfect destination to discover Sri Lanka’s “green gold”, as the country is the second largest manufacturer of tea in the world. I discover the process of producing tea, from harvest to bagging, at the Newburg Green Tea Factory. All around me are the Tamil women working hard in the tea fields. This particularly strenuous activity feeds 75% of the local population.

Newburgh Green Tea Factory, Newburgh Tea Estate Passara Rd, Ella

Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock

On the hour-long hike that leads to Little Adam’s Peak, I encounter typical houses, wandering cows and a lovely flower garden called Ella Flower Garden Resort, like little surprises sowed along the way. I was hypnotized by the blue-green hues of the mountains around you can see once you reach the top. Jumping monkeys and singing birds escorted me on my way down, and the view into the Rawana waterfall stopped time, as the surrounding village seems to be in its own timezone.

Where to sleep in Ella ? 

Ella’s Edge Resort  is the perfect place to take in the vistas and the luxuriant nature around. Therooms all have a view on the mountains, and offer a moment of peace that keeps on giving.

Ella's Edge Resort, 5000RP/nuit (env.30€), Peramas Ella Wellawaya Rd, 90100 Ella - Tel : +94 77
393 0455

Ella by night

The coffeeshop Little Folly is a great daytime tea spot, and offers a moment of respite away from the crowds. At night, Main street is the way to go, where many tourists wander to take in the atmosphere. Dream Café is the liveliest place to hang out and meet fellow travelers. For dinner, I recommend Remo’s, where you can experience the traditional Lamprai dish, made of rice and spicy vegetables cooked in a banana leaf. A must !

Remo's restaurant, 264 Wellawaya Road, 90090 Ella
Down Town Rotti Hut, Main Street, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka

How to come to Ella ?

 

• Nuwara Eliya/Ella : 2h30 by train - 110RP/pers
• Ella/Kandy : 7h by train - 900RP/pers
• Arum Bay/Ella : 2h by car

New in :

Sri Lanka, my top travel tips in Hikkaduwa

Three weeks in Sri Lanka without planning anything. But how? Ask around where to go, mingle over coffee, and just go for it! Ready ? Set, go !

 Hikkaduwa : Sun, Sand & Surf

After a short night in a hotel near the airport, I head to the central station of Negombo to hop on a train and head to Hikkaduwa. Apparently, that is where you can find miles of sandy beaches, surf-worthy waves, snorkeling spots, and relaxed bars opened as soon as the sun sets. Hikkaduwa, here I come !

Train Negombo/Hikkaduwa (2h/2h30) - btw 6/8€ in 2nd class.

Things to do in Hikkaduwa

I jump in the water as soon as I arrive : It is 90 degrees and sunny, and I can’t resist ! Bali is not the only surf-spot in Southeast Asia, and you can surf or learn right here in Sri Lanka. Surf schools abound, and prices don’t vary much. Snorkeling is also available.

Turtle watching at Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa is much appreciated by the tourists, and free for the locals. So let’s support the effort!

The Community Tsunami Museum commemorates the tragic tsunami of 2004. Nearby, the Honganji Vihara Buddha statue, its gaze facing the sea, serves as a memorial to its victims. The statue, a gift from the Japanese government, towers at 32 feet, the exact height of the wave that engulfed a train filled with passengers, and claimed 1700 lives (that we know of).

Surf school, many clubs at the beach.
Community Tsunami Museum, 95th km of Galle Road, Hikkaduwa.
Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, 500RP, AH43 Galle Road, Hikkaduwa.

Restaurants and bars

Tasty bowls, banana bread, fresh fish…. The Salty Swamis Cafe & Surf Shop offers the best exotic healthy food around. At night, I also tested all the fast food joints along Galle Street, which serve traditional dishes. For a good party, head to Top Secret, a trendy bar where backpackers meet and share their adventures around a pitcher of caïpirinha.

Salty Swamis Cafe & Surf Shop, 542 Galle Road, Wewala, Hikkaduwa 80240 - 8am to 3pm
Top Secret, 698 Galle Road, Narigama beach, Hikkaduwa.

Where to sleep in Hikkaduwa ? 

Voir en taille réelle

I spent my time in Hikkaduwa at the Universal Beach Guest House, which sits on the beach and
offers a close view of the sunset. The value is pretty good and the hosts are friendly.

Universal Beach Guest House,4000 RP/night

How to come to Hikkaduwa ?

 

• Hikkaduwa : by bus, 3h from Colombo (120RP)
• by train : 2h30/3h from Colombo (160RP in 2nd class, 85RP en 3d class)

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