Things to do in Ella

Best Things to do in Ella

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Ella? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 182 activities in Ella, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 809, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Ella in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ella

About Ella

Ella is a small mountain town in Sri Lanka that has become a favourite for travellers looking for greenery, calm views, and a slower rhythm and surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills, it’s a place where nature is always close.

You’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints that make every day outdoors feel rewarding and at the same time, cafes and small guesthouses in town add a laid-back charm. It’s easy to spend mornings on a trek, afternoons exploring tea estates, and evenings simply soaking in the cool climate.

With so many things to do in Ella, you can plan your trip around adventure or keep it as relaxed as you like and the mix of hikes, cultural stops, and scenic spots means the town works for both short stays and longer escapes.

Unique Experiences

Udawalawe National Park Private Safari

A safari at Udawalawe brings you close to elephants and other wildlife in their natural setting. It’s one of the more adventurous things to do in Ella, giving you a break from hill country scenery.

• Where: Udawalawe National Park, 2 hours from Ella.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 6,700 per person.
• Timing: Departs daily at 11:30 AM, lasting about 7 hours (approx.)
• When to Visit: Best from December to April for dry conditions.

Sri Lankan Yoga Experience

Led by local trainers, this yoga session is designed to relax both mind and body. It’s one of the more mindful activities you can add to your stay in Ella.

• Where: Ella town, at a yoga space surrounded by hills.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,600 per person.
• Timing: Sessions start at 6:30 AM, lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• When to Visit: Year-round, though mornings are cooler.

Ella Tuk-Tuk Adventure

Exploring Ella by tuk-tuk lets you see waterfalls, tea plantations, and small villages with ease. It’s one of the more local-feel things to do in Ella, giving you flexibility in what you cover.

• Where: Around Ella town and nearby attractions.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 14,400 per person.
• Timing: Tours depart at 8:00 AM, lasting about 4 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from January to March for clear views.

ATV Adventure from Ella

This off-road ATV ride takes you across rugged terrain, giving you a burst of adrenaline along with great mountain views. It’s one of the more high-energy things to do in Ella at night if you book an evening slot.

• Where: Trails around Ella countryside.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,000 per person.
• Timing: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; lasting 2 hours.
• When to Visit: Best in dry season (Dec–April).

Top Attractions

Nine Arches Bridge

This colonial-era bridge is one of the most photographed spots in town. Watching a train cross the stone arches with tea hills around it is easily one of the most iconic things to do in Ella.

• Where: Demodara, about 2 km from Ella town.
• Pricing: Free to visit.
• Timing: Accessible all day; best trains pass between 09:00 and 11:00 and again around 16:00.
• When to Visit: Year-round, though mornings offer the clearest views.

Little Adam’s Peak

A gentle hike with rewarding views, Little Adam’s Peak is popular for sunrise and sunset. The trail is easy, making it one of the more family-friendly activities in the region.

• Where: 2 km east of Ella town.
• Pricing: Free to enter.
• Timing: Open all day; sunrise around 05:45 and sunset around 18:15 give the best atmosphere.
• When to Visit: November to April for clear skies.

Ravana Falls

These dramatic waterfalls are right off the roadside, so you don’t need a long trek to enjoy them. Stopping here is one of the simplest yet memorable things to do in Ella.

• Where: About 6 km south of Ella town.
• Pricing: Free to view.
• Timing: Open all day, but mornings from 08:00 to 10:00 are less crowded.
• When to Visit: Best during the rainy season (October to December) when water flow is strongest.

Ella Rock

For those who want a more challenging trek, Ella Rock is the go-to and the trail takes around two hours each way, and the panoramic view from the top is worth every step. It’s one of the most adventurous things to do in Ella at night if you set out for an early dawn climb with torches to catch the sunrise.

• Where: 8 km round-trip from Ella railway station.
• Pricing: Free to hike independently; guided treks start at INR 1,500 per person.
• Timing: Trail is open all day, but sunrise hikes start around 04:30 and last 4–5 hours.
• When to Visit: January to April for dry conditions.

Sightseeing Tours

Waterfall Hunting in Ella

This tour takes you to multiple waterfalls around Ella, each with its own charm. It’s one of those things to do in Ella that feels both scenic and refreshing.

• Where: Ravana Falls, Diyaluma Falls, and hidden local spots.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 5,400 per person.
• Timing: Departs daily at 6:15 AM, lasting 9 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from October to December when falls are full.

Ravana Odyssey Hop-on Tour

A flexible hop-on journey to Ravana Falls with stops at other local highlights. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy several things to do in Ella in one trip.

• Where: Ella to Ravana Falls.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 800 per person.
• Timing: Runs daily; first departure at 8:30 AM, lasting around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• When to Visit: Year-round, though mornings are quieter.

Cycling Tour to Ravana Waterfall, Ravana Cave and Ella Gap

A guided cycling tour that combines adventure with culture. It’s one of the most active things to do in Ella, covering caves, waterfalls, and a dramatic gap viewpoint.

• Where: From Ella town to Ravana Cave and Ella Gap.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,100 per person.
• Timing: Departs daily at 8:00 AM, lasting 4 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from Nov to Feb when the weather is cooler for cycling.

Day Trips

Yala National Park Safari Tour from Ella

Yala is home to leopards, elephants, and a wide range of birdlife and a safari here is one of the most memorable things to do in Ella, you can enjoy.

• Where: Yala National Park, about 3 hours from Ella.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,400 per person.
• Timing: Departs daily at 5:00 AM, lasting 12 to 14 hours.
• When to Visit: Best from Feb to July when water levels are low and wildlife spotting is easier.

The Pekoe Trail Stage 16- Ella to Demodara

The train ride around Ella is often called one of the most scenic in the world. It’s one of those things to do in Ella that’s simple but unforgettable.

• Where: Ella to Demodara or Badulla.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,600 per person.
• Timing: Daily departures at 8:30 AM; trip lasts 5 to 6 hours.
• When to Visit: Year-round, though morning departures are clearest.

Etili Village Tour from Ella

This village tour introduces you to Sri Lankan rural life with cooking, farming, and cultural exchanges and it’s one of the more authentic things to do in Ella, giving you a taste of daily traditions.

• Where: Etili Village, near Ella.
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,400 per person.
• Timing: Tours start at 8:00 AM, lasting about 10 to 11 hours.
• When to Visit: It’s best from Jan to March for dry weather and easy access.

Getting Around

• Tuk-tuks: These are the most common way to move around. They’re cheap, quick, and give you flexibility if your list of things to do in Ella includes waterfalls, bridges, and hilltop viewpoints.
• On foot: Ella is small, and you can walk to cafes, shops, and some nearby trails and exploring by foot also gives you the chance to discover simple activities like chatting with locals or stopping at tea stalls.
• Scooters: Renting a scooter is handy for reaching outlying places like Diyaluma Falls and it’s an easy way to check off multiple things to do in Ella in one day.
• Local buses: Buses are basic but affordable, and they connect Ella with nearby towns and are a good option if you’re adding day trips to your things to do in Ella plan.
• Taxis and cars: These are useful for longer journeys, like getting to Nuwara Eliya or Haputale, and they are more comfortable if you’re travelling in a group.
• Trains: The scenic train ride to or from Ella is an experience in itself. Even if it’s just one leg of your trip, it counts as one of the memorable things to do in Ella at night if you catch a late departure.

Traveller Tips

• Start hikes early: The sun gets strong quickly in Ella. Beginning before 8 am makes trails like Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak far more comfortable, and you’ll enjoy quieter paths. It’s one of the smartest ways to enjoy the best things to do in Ella without crowds.
• Stay a few nights: Ella isn’t a place to rush. Spending at least three days gives you enough time to balance sightseeing with slow moments, which is what makes the town special. It’s how you’ll really soak in the things to do in Ella.
• Pack layers: Bring a light layer with you. Afternoons get warm, but once the sun dips the air turns cooler, especially up in the hills. A jacket or even just a scarf makes evenings outside feel easier.
• Carry cash: Keep some cash in your pocket. Small guesthouses, tuk-tuk drivers, and even snack stalls often don’t deal with cards. Notes make things smoother and save you the hassle of hunting for ATMs.
• Use local guides: If you’re heading up trails like Ella Rock, think about walking with a local guide. They know the paths, but more than that, they’ll point out little things you’d miss on your own and share stories about the area.
• Try local food stalls: Don’t skip the food stalls. You’ll hear the clang of knives chopping kottu before you see it. Fresh hoppers, fried snacks straight off the pan, quick, cheap, and often better than what you’d find in a sit-down place.