Ella
Ella is a small hill town in a gap in the escarpment, with tea estates, short peak hikes and the much-photographed Nine Arch Bridge. It has become the backpacker centre of the highlands and the main street is busy, but the surrounding walks empty out quickly. Nights are cool enough for a jumper.
How long to stay
January to April for clear mornings; mist is common from May.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Ella yet
Is Ella right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Ella is known for.
Great for
- Nature
Less of a focus
- History & culture
- Food
- Nightlife
- Family
- Couples
Build your Ella trip
Top things to do
Little Adam's Peak
Free entry · VerifiedElla
An easy one-hour climb through tea fields to a ridge above the Ella gap.
Nine Arch Bridge
Free entry · VerifiedElla
A colonial-era stone viaduct in the jungle below Ella, best seen when a train crosses.
Ravana Falls
Free entry · VerifiedElla
A roadside waterfall below Ella, at its strongest just after the monsoon.
Run a restaurant, café or tour in Ella? List your business.
Popular activities
Ella Rock sunrise hike
Early climb along the railway and through tea fields for the escarpment view.
Tea factory tour
Walk a working estate and factory with a tasting of highland grades.