⛰️ Ella, Sri Lanka: Paradise in the Hills 🌄
Your Complete Guide to Sri Lanka's Most Stunning Mountain Town
Airport Transfer Sri Lanka - Taking You to Ella's Beauty
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Nestled in the misty mountains of Sri Lanka's central highlands, Ella is a breathtaking destination that has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world. This charming hill country town sits at an elevation of about 1,041 meters (3,415 feet) and offers stunning views, lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and some of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Sri Lanka. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or someone looking for a peaceful mountain retreat, Ella has something magical for everyone.
With Airport Transfer Sri Lanka, your journey to this mountain paradise begins the moment you land at Bandaranaike International Airport. Our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and experienced drivers ensure you reach Ella safely while enjoying the scenic route through Sri Lanka's beautiful countryside.
📍 Quick Facts About Ella
- Distance from Airport: Approximately 200 km (124 miles)
- Travel Time: 5-6 hours by car
- Elevation: 1,041 meters (3,415 feet)
- Climate: Cool and pleasant year-round (15-25°C)
- Best Time to Visit: January to March (dry season)
- Famous For: Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak, tea plantations
🏔️ Top Attractions in Ella
1. Nine Arch Bridge (Nine Arches Bridge)
The Crown Jewel of Ella
The Nine Arch Bridge is undoubtedly Ella's most iconic attraction. This magnificent colonial-era railway bridge, built entirely of stone and cement without any steel, spans 91 meters and stands 24 meters high. Surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations, it's a photographer's dream!
What Makes It Special:
- 🚂 Watch trains pass over the bridge (check train schedules)
- 📸 Perfect photo opportunities from multiple angles
- 🌿 Scenic walk through tea plantations to reach the bridge
- 🌅 Best visited early morning or late afternoon for the best light
- 🆓 Free entry
How to Get There: 15-minute walk from Ella town center. Our drivers can drop you at the starting point!
2. Ella Rock Hike
Challenge Yourself with Breathtaking Views
Ella Rock is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you to the summit at 1,041 meters elevation. The trek offers panoramic views of the Ella Gap, surrounding valleys, and distant mountains.
Hiking Details:
- ⏱️ Duration: 3-4 hours round trip
- 📏 Distance: Approximately 8 km round trip
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- 🌄 Best Time: Early morning (start by 6 AM) to avoid heat and clouds
- 👟 Wear: Good hiking shoes, bring water and snacks
- 🧭 Tip: Hire a local guide or follow clear trail markers
The Reward: 360-degree views of tea country, Ella Gap, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the south coast!
3. Little Adam's Peak
Easy Hike, Big Views
Named after its resemblance to Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), Little Adam's Peak is a much easier alternative that offers spectacular views with less effort.
Why Visit:
- ✅ Easy hike suitable for all fitness levels
- ⏱️ Only 30-45 minutes to the top
- 🌅 Stunning sunrise and sunset views
- 📸 Incredible photo spots at the summit
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
- 🆓 Free entry
Trail: Well-maintained path with steps, tea plantations on both sides, and prayer flags at the summit.
4. Ravana Falls
Majestic Waterfall Steeped in Legend
Located just 6 km from Ella, Ravana Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, cascading from a height of about 25 meters. According to legend, King Ravana from the epic Ramayana hid Princess Sita in caves behind this waterfall.
Visitor Information:
- 💦 Best visited during rainy season (November-December, April-June)
- 🏊 Swimming pool at the base (when water level permits)
- 📍 Easy access from the main road
- ⏰ Visit time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- 💰 Small entrance fee applies
5. Ravana Cave
Ancient Cave Temple with Mythology
Another site linked to the Ramayana legend, Ravana Cave is believed to be one of the places where King Ravana kept Princess Sita captive.
Experience:
- 🕯️ Ancient cave formations and chambers
- 🙏 Buddhist shrine inside the cave
- ⛰️ Steep climb with great views
- 📜 Rich historical and mythological significance
- ⏱️ Visit time: 1-1.5 hours
6. Flying Ravana Mega Zipline
Adrenaline Rush with Mountain Views
For adventure enthusiasts, this is one of the most thrilling zipline experiences in Sri Lanka!
Adventure Details:
- 🪂 540-meter-long zipline
- ⚡ Speeds up to 80 km/h
- 🏔️ Soar over lush valleys and tea plantations
- ✅ Professional safety equipment and trained staff
- 📸 GoPro camera rentals available
- 💰 Approximately Rs. 4,000-5,000 per person
7. Demodara Nine Arch Bridge Loop Railway
The Most Scenic Train Journey
Don't miss the chance to ride the train through the Nine Arch Bridge! The short journey from Ella to Demodara station offers breathtaking views.
Train Experience:
- 🚂 Short 15-minute journey
- 🎫 Very cheap tickets (less than Rs. 50)
- 🌄 Pass through tunnels and over the iconic bridge
- 📸 Hang out of the train door for photos (be careful!)
- ⏰ Multiple trains daily - ask locals for schedule
🍵 Tea Plantation Experiences
Ella is surrounded by stunning tea plantations that produce some of the world's finest Ceylon tea. These emerald-green estates are not just beautiful to photograph - you can visit them too!
Recommended Tea Estate Visits:
- 🍃 Halpewatte Tea Factory: Learn about tea production, from leaf to cup. Tour includes tasting! (About 3 km from Ella)
- 🍃 Kinellan Tea Factory: Working tea factory with panoramic views
- 🍃 Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory: Traditional factory with guided tours
- 🍃 Walking Tours: Hire a guide for scenic walks through tea plantations
☕ Tea Tasting Tips
- Most factories offer free tours with tea tasting included
- Best time to visit: Morning when production is in full swing
- Purchase fresh tea directly from the factory at great prices
- Learn about white, green, and black tea varieties
- Take photos in the picturesque tea fields
🍽️ Best Places to Eat in Ella
Ella has a fantastic food scene with options for every budget and taste:
- 🍛 Cafe Chill: Popular spot with great views, burgers, and Sri Lankan rice & curry
- 🥞 Cafe Divine: Healthy breakfast bowls, smoothies, and international cuisine
- 🍕 Adam's Breeze: Wood-fired pizzas with mountain views
- 🌮 Matey Hut: Budget-friendly Sri Lankan food and roti
- ☕ Ella Spice Garden: Traditional Sri Lankan curries and cooking classes
- 🥗 The Chillax Cafe: Vegetarian and vegan options
- 🍖 Cafe Soma: Great kottu and Sri Lankan specialties
🍴 Must-Try Foods in Ella
- Rice & Curry: Traditional Sri Lankan meal with multiple curries
- Kottu Roti: Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables and/or meat
- Hoppers (Appam): Bowl-shaped pancakes, try egg hoppers!
- String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodles with curry
- Fresh Fruit Juices: Passion fruit, avocado, wood apple
- Ceylon Tea: Fresh from local plantations
🏨 Where to Stay in Ella
Ella offers accommodation for all budgets:
Luxury Options:
- 🌟 98 Acres Resort & Spa: Stunning views, infinity pool, luxury chalets
- 🌟 Ella Jungle Resort: Eco-luxury in nature
- 🌟 Zion View Ella Green Resort: Boutique hotel with panoramic views
Mid-Range Options:
- 🏡 Mountain Heavens: Great value with stunning views
- 🏡 Ella Flower Garden Resort: Beautiful gardens and comfortable rooms
- 🏡 Grand Ella Motel: Central location, clean, comfortable
Budget Options:
- 🛏️ Dream Cafe Hostel: Social atmosphere, cheap dorms and rooms
- 🛏️ Ella Mount Heaven: Budget guesthouse with views
- 🛏️ The Hangout Ella: Backpacker favorite
🚗 Getting to Ella from the Airport
Why Choose Airport Transfer Sri Lanka?
The journey from Bandaranaike International Airport to Ella takes 5-6 hours, and we make it comfortable, safe, and hassle-free!
Our Service Benefits:
- ✅ Direct Door-to-Door Service: From airport arrival hall to your Ella accommodation
- ✅ Comfortable Journey: Air-conditioned vehicles, perfect for the mountain drive
- ✅ Scenic Route: Drive through Kandy, tea country, and stunning mountain roads
- ✅ Professional Drivers: Experienced with mountain roads, English-speaking
- ✅ Flexible Stops: Want to stop for photos or lunch? Just ask!
- ✅ 24/7 Availability: We pick up any time, day or night
- ✅ Luggage Space: Plenty of room for all your bags
- ✅ Fixed Price: No surprises, no hidden fees
🗺️ The Route to Ella
From Bandaranaike Airport to Ella (approximately 200 km):
- Airport → Kandy (3 hours) - Through central Sri Lanka
- Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (1.5 hours) - Tea plantation country
- Nuwara Eliya → Ella (1-1.5 hours) - Scenic mountain roads
Our drivers know all the best photo stops along the way!
Alternative: Train Journey (For Part of the Trip)
Many travelers love the train journey from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to Ella, considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. We can arrange:
- 🚗 Airport pickup and drive to Kandy/Nuwara Eliya
- 🚂 You take the scenic train to Ella (3-4 hours)
- 🚗 We pick you up at Ella railway station
Contact us to arrange this combined transfer + train experience!
📅 Sample Ella Itinerary
3-Day Ella Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
- Morning: Arrival via our airport transfer
- Check into hotel and rest
- Afternoon: Walk to Nine Arch Bridge
- Evening: Dinner at Cafe Chill with sunset views
Day 2: Hiking Day
- Early Morning: Hike Ella Rock (start 6 AM)
- Late Morning: Rest and brunch
- Afternoon: Easy hike to Little Adam's Peak
- Evening: Tea tasting and dinner
Day 3: Waterfalls & Adventure
- Morning: Visit Ravana Falls and Ravana Cave
- Afternoon: Flying Ravana Zipline experience
- Evening: Train ride through Nine Arch Bridge
- Night: Depart to next destination or overnight in Ella
💡 Essential Tips for Visiting Ella
🎒 What to Pack for Ella
- 🧥 Light jacket or sweater (it gets cool in the evenings)
- 👟 Good hiking shoes with grip
- 🩴 Flip-flops for casual wear
- 🧴 Sunscreen and insect repellent
- 🎒 Day pack for hikes
- 💧 Reusable water bottle
- 📸 Camera with extra batteries
- 💊 Basic first aid kit
- 🔦 Small flashlight for early morning hikes
📝 General Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: January to March (dry season with best views)
- How Long to Stay: Minimum 2-3 days to see main attractions
- ATM: Limited ATMs, withdraw cash in Ella town or bring from airport
- Wifi: Most hotels and cafes have wifi, but can be slow
- Early Starts: For hikes and to beat clouds that roll in by afternoon
- Negotiate: Prices for tuk-tuks and some activities are negotiable
- Respect Nature: Don't litter, stay on marked trails
- Train Tickets: Book at least a day in advance for reserved seats
💰 Approximate Costs in Ella
| Item/Service | Approximate Cost (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Budget Accommodation (per night) | 1,500 - 3,000 |
| Mid-Range Accommodation (per night) | 4,000 - 8,000 |
| Luxury Accommodation (per night) | 10,000+ |
| Rice & Curry Meal | 500 - 800 |
| Restaurant Meal | 1,000 - 2,000 |
| Tuk-Tuk to Nine Arch Bridge | 300 - 500 |
| Hiking Guide (optional) | 2,000 - 3,000 |
| Zipline Experience | 4,000 - 5,000 |
| Tea Factory Tour | Free - 500 |
*Prices are approximate and subject to change. Contact us for current airport transfer rates!
🏔️ Ready to Experience Ella's Magic? 🌄
Let Airport Transfer Sri Lanka take you there in comfort!
From the moment you land at the airport to the moment you step into Ella's misty mountains, we ensure your journey is smooth, comfortable, and memorable. Our experienced drivers know every twist and turn of the scenic mountain roads, and we'll get you there safely while you enjoy the breathtaking views.
Book Your Airport Taxi to Ella Today!
