Situated on the southern cusp of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Ella is a quiet, picturesque and almost non-touristy retreat lying amidst rolling green hills of tea. Its 3,000ft elevation provides a very comfortable climate perfect for unwinding and soaking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Ella is most noted for its stunning views. The famed Ella Gap, is the main focal point from where on clear days the vista of the southern plains stretches as far as the eye can see, and sometimes at night the twinkling of the lighthouse on the Great Basses off the southern coast can be seen.
A short 40minute trek up mini-adam’s peak is one of the best things to do in Ella. And you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of an endless valley, tea plantations and waterfalls. On a clear day you may be able to spot the shoreline close to Kirinda. Visiting the Damodara nine-arch bridge is another less strenuous activity to do in Ella.
A visit to a working tea factory nearby, is a most interesting experience and will help educate you on the story behind your morning cuppa. For the more actively inclined, a trek up the Ella Rock through tea plantation trails, is rewarded with great views from the top. After the strenuous climb, indulge in a visit to one of the many Ayurvedic centres around the town to ease those tense muscles.
Nearby, the Ravana Ella waterfall is a part of the Ramayana epic. Emerging from a bowl shaped outcrop in the sheer rock wall, the legend states that the 80-foot high falls and the cave behind it is where Ravana hid Sita after kidnapping her in revenge for Rama, Sita’s husband, having mutilated his brother and sister.
Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass
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