What to do in Galle, Sri Lanka: top sights and best tips
August 21, 2025
Content
Ella is the green heart of Sri Lanka. A charming mountain village tucked away between tea plantations and towering peaks. It’s one of the highlights along one of the most scenic train rides in the world, and many travelers hop off here to immerse themselves in the stunning nature and vibrant energy. From incredible hikes through the hills to discovering unique hotspots and soaking up the laid-back vibe, Ella has it all. Personally, I experienced some of the most memorable moments of our Sri Lanka journey right here. In this article, I’m sharing all my favorite tips to help you make the most of your time in Ella!
How to reach Ella, Sri Lanka?
The journey to Ella is an adventure itself, no matter whether you arrive by train, tuk-tuk, or car. The famous train ride from Kandy to Ella is known as one of the most beautiful in the world and is incredibly popular. The train passes through lush green valleys, waterfalls, and endless tea fields. The views are breathtaking, but the train is often packed. Many travelers shorten the journey by boarding at Nanu Oya, the station near Nuwara Eliya. This segment takes about 3 hours instead of the 7 hours from Kandy. I took the train years ago, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Want to experience this iconic ride yourself? Make sure to book your tickets well in advance (tickets go for sale one month prior to date) via 12GO or Sri Lanka Railways. If you’re okay to buy no-seat tickets, those can usually be bought on the spot at the station.
Besides the train, you can also travel to Ella by bus, private driver, or tuk-tuk. For example, I took a tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in the morning. This route, via Sri Lanka’s A and B roads, is just as beautiful and takes you right through local mountain villages. The views along the way are simply phenomenal.
Everything in the center of Ella is easily reachable on foot. If you’re staying outside the center and want to visit spots like the Nine Arches Bridge, the best way to get around is by tuk-tuk taxi. Unless, like me, you’re traveling through Sri Lanka with your own tuk-tuk. Then you’re not dependent on anyone and can explore Ella on your own terms!
What to do in Ella, Sri Lanka?
These are our favorite spots in Ella, plus the best tips for must-do experiences!
1. Hiking to the top of Little Adam's Peak
One of the most enjoyable hikes to do in Ella is the climb to the top of Little Adam’s Peak. It’s a trail that’s doable for every level of hiker, from beginners to the more experienced. The walk to the top takes around 45 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush tea plantations, possibly spot tea pickers at work, and even catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s longest zipline.
The best time to hike up to the top is at sunrise, when the first rays of sunlight beautifully illuminate the valley below. Afterwards, you can unwind right away at Ravana Pool Club. Going from effort to relaxation, it doesn’t get any better than that. Right?
The trail to the summit starts at Ella Garden Flower Resort, which you can reach on foot from the town center or by getting dropped off. Not a fan of hiking? You can also park at Ravana Pool Club or get dropped off there instead. From that point, the climb to the top takes only about 20 minutes.
Tip: once you reach the summit, you can continue climbing to other parts of the mountain. This is a lot of fun and makes the hike a bit more intense and challenging, something I personally always enjoy!
2. Check out the famous Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge is probably the most iconic spot in Ella. This photogenic railway bridge, surrounded by jungle and tea fields, was built around 1921 during the British colonial era and is made entirely of stone, brick, and cement. With its nine elegant arches, a length of 91 meters, and a height of 24 meters, the bridge impressively towers above the green valley below. Nestled among lush tea plantations, jungle, and rolling hills, it’s no wonder this spot attracts so much attention. Especially when a brightly colored train crosses the bridge.
You can reach the bridge via a beautiful 30 to 40-minute walk from Ella, or you can get dropped off by tuk-tuk. From there, it’s just a short walk to the railway tracks. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best atmosphere and views, and don’t forget your camera!
3. Ziplining adventure in the Ella mountains
On the way to the top of Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll pass Sri Lanka’s longest zipline: Flying Ravana Adventure Park. For thrill-seekers, this is an awesome experience. You’ll zip over a green valley with incredible views of the tea fields and mountains. Standing on the platform high up in the mountains, the nerves definitely kick in (at least for me). Flying at around 80 km/h, you’ll soar above the tea plantations along a zipline that stretches over 500 meters. In less than a minute, you get an intense adrenaline rush.
Tip: There’s a food truck at the zipline reception where you can grab the best iced coffee!
4. Join a cooking workshop at Ella Spice Garden
If you really want to discover the scents and flavors of Sri Lanka, a cooking workshop at Ella Spice Garden is an absolute must. You’ll start with a mini-tour of the spice garden, where you can pick, smell, and taste fresh herbs while learning about the spices you’ll be using in your cooking. Then it’s time to get hands-on in a cozy open kitchen: peeling garlic for the perfect garlic curry and grating coconut for a fresh sambol. Everything you prepare is shared and enjoyed together with the group at a long table, so much fun! You’ll also get the recipes to take home, so you can bring the flavors of Sri Lanka back to your own kitchen. This is definitely my personal favorite and one of the best things to do in Ella!
Tip: Book well in advance, as the groups are small and fill up quickly.
5. Chill out at Ravana Pool Club
After a morning of hiking in Ella, there’s nothing better than lying down on a sunbed with views of the lush mountain peaks. At Ravana Pool Club, you’ll find a stunning infinity pool and a lively bar. Lounge music plays in the background, and during peak season, this is also the place for fun pool parties. If you want to relax here, you can choose from different packages. Prices vary depending on the type of sunbed, the number of hours you spend at the pool club, and whether you want access to one or two pools. Lockers and showers are available.
6. Discover these great hotspots in Ella
Ella is known for its cozy atmosphere, and you’ll definitely feel it in the heart of the town center. Along the main street, you’ll find plenty of charming restaurants and fun souvenir shops. My favorite hotspots in Ella are:
Rainbow Café: A vibrant spot with several rooftop areas. From all-day breakfast to delicious Mediterranean dishes with a Sri Lankan twist.
Chill Café: The name says it all: laid-back vibes, great music, and tasty dishes. You can enjoy everything from pizza to Sri Lankan curry here, and in the evenings there’s often live music. On weekends, it’s one of the best spots for a party in Ella.
Best Ceylon: The go-to shop for handmade souvenirs.
Where to stay in Ella?
If you want a truly special place to stay in Ella, book your stay at Tina Nature Villa, an idyllic retreat nestled in the mountains, surrounded by lush greenery. You’ll sleep in charming rooms that feel like treehouses, complete with balconies and valley views. With a bit of luck, you might even catch the train passing over the Nine Arches Bridge from here. There’s a lovely pool to splash around in after a day of hiking, and the peaceful atmosphere is simply blissful. Wake up to the chirping of birds every morning. The villa is located just outside the town center but still within walking distance of the main attraction: the Nine Arches Bridge.
If you prefer to stay closer to the lively atmosphere of restaurants and cafés, there are plenty of great hotels and guesthouses in and around the town center. Hide Ella Hotel & Resort is one of the top hotels in town, offering stunning rooms and a lovely pool.
Visit Ella on your Sri Lanka round trip
For me, Ella was definitely one of the highlights of our journey through Sri Lanka. Are you planning to visit this mountain village, but still unsure about the best time to travel or how to get the most out of it?
The best time to visit Ella is from January to March, dry, sunny, and pleasantly warm. We went in July, the low season, which had its perks: it was quieter, accommodations were cheaper, and the landscape looked extra lush. However, we did notice that the nightlife was a bit more limited then.
In Ella itself, everything is easy to reach on foot, but for trips outside the center or to spots like the Nine Arches Bridge, a tuk-tuk is ideal.
Combine Ella with other stunning destinations in Sri Lanka
Ella is perfectly located as a base to explore other highlights of Sri Lanka. For example, take the famous and breathtaking train ride from Kandy to Ella. Be sure to also visit Nuwara Eliya with its vast tea plantations and cool mountain air. If you're craving sun, sea, and beach, head down to the beautiful south coast, such as the relaxed surf paradise of Hiriketiya. For an unforgettable safari, you can choose the popular Yala National Park, but I also highly recommend a safari in Wilpattu National Park. This park is quieter, less touristy, and offers a better chance to spot leopards. This way, you combine adventure, nature, and relaxation all in one trip!
Would you like to go on a trip like this through Sri Lanka but don’t enjoy planning it yourself? Feel free to request a personalized travel proposal tailored just for you!
A Sri Lanka trip tailored just for you
Experience Sri Lanka exactly the way you like! We’re here to help create your dream trip. During a video meeting, we’ll dive into your wishes together: from the perfect route and unique places to stay, to unforgettable experiences that will stay you'll cherish forever. Celebrating something special? We’ll make sure to add those extra magical moments. As your personal travel advisors, we passionately create a fully tailor-made journey. After that, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a worry-free, enchanting trip through Sri Lanka.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
