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

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The beautiful Mirissa Twin Beach in Sri Lanka

Sunsets to die, crystal water, parties by the ocean ... are the integral part of life in Mirissa, more than in any other city in Sri Lanka, producing the delightful sensation of being on an endless vacation. Welcome to Mirissa Beach.

Mirissa et sa twin beach

Set down your backpacks, put on your bathing suit, and head to the beach ! Rows of coconut trees and beachfront restaurants are picture-perfect. Mirissa, I think I’m in love.

Let’s go to Parrot Rock, where you can see Mirissa’s two lagoons merge into one, the famous Twin Beach. This endless beach attracts many tourists thanks to its restaurants and famed surf break, but remains a true slice of paradise.

Things to do in Mirissa

Fill your days in Mirissa with snorkeling, swimming, surfing and boating. Whale watching is possible between September and March. For a moment of relaxation, take a class at Rukshan Yoga, where you’ll work your thighs, bottocks and abs in a zen-like atmosphere. The Kandavahari Temple is the perfect place to witness a beautiful sunset.

Rukshan Yoga, Hill Top Temple (Rathnagiri Temple, Udupila, Mirissa,Sri Lanka - Tèl. : (+9477)517-3612 - Kandavahari Temple  - Wales tour (all the clubs are on the beach)

Restaurants and bars in Mirissa

On the beach, the Coco Café is a pretty and cosy coffee shop where you can enjoy a variety of healthy breakfast options.

At night, the air changes. Hipster waiters with long hair-don’t care light up bonfires, as others set up fresh fish at restaurants entrances. Dozens of candlelit tables cover the entire beach, reminding me of Bali….

Beachfront restaurants can be very pricey. So I went inland on Matara Road where local dishes cost 400 RP to 500 RP (3 to 4 US$). The setting is noisy, but everything in the plate is delicious! Beyond Parrot Rock, facing the surf break, you can find calmer and cheaper bars. Beware the mosquitoes that attack you as soon as the

How to come to Mirissa ? 

 

• Colombo/Mirissa : 3h30 by train  - 140 to 220RP/pers in 2nd class
• Hikkaduwa/Mirissa : 1h30 by train - 80RP/pers in 2nde class or 1h45 in tuk tuk - 1500RP/pers
• Weligama/Mirissa  : 15RP/pers by bus - or 350RP/pers by tuk tuk

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