Welcome to Ella, a charming town nestled in the picturesque hills of Sri Lanka. Known for its lush green landscapes, scenic tea plantations, and friendly locals, Ella is a must-visit destination for both foreign and local travelers. This travel guide is tailored for those arriving by train, offering a unique perspective on the journey and the destination.
This article will be updated frequently
Best Time to Visit Ella
Ella (Sri Lanka) in general has a tropical climate. The day temperatures range from 25 °C (76 °F) in January to 29 °C (83 °F) in April. The least rainy month in Ella is February with its 6 days of rain, the rainiest month is November, when it rains 17 days. Temperatures during the night go from 17 °C (63 °F) in February to 19 °C (66 °F) in May. ~ sunheron.com
The best time to visit Ella is from January to May.
Getting There: By Train
Trains to Ella run regularly, but checking the schedule in advance is advisable. The journey takes approximately 9 hours, so plan accordingly. The most scenic stretch is from Nanu Oya to Ella, so try to catch a daytime train to witness the beauty of the hills.
Trains from Colombo Fort to Ella
| Train Number | Train Name | Train Type | Frequency | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1041 | Ella Odyssey | Special | Thursday, Saturday | 05:30 | 14:47 | Tourist train. Need to reserve seats. |
| 1005 | Podi Menike | Express | Daily | 05:55 | 15:38 | Uses a power set |
| 1015 | Udarata Menike | Express | Daily | 08:30 | 16:59 | Uses a power set |
| 1007 | – | Express | Daily | 09:45 | 18:26 | Uses a locomotive and coaches. Has an observation coach. |
| 1045 | – | Night Mail | Daily | 20:30 | 06:38 | Uses locomotives and coaches. |
Trains from Kandy to Ella
| Train Number | Train Name | Train Type | Frequency | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1126 | Kandy Mix | Mixed | Daily | 03:35 | 13:24 | Slow train. Often gets delayed. |
| 1041 | Ella Odyssey | Special | Thursday, Saturday | 08:25 | 14:47 | Tourist train. Need to reserve seats. |
| 1005 | Podi Menike | Express | Daily | 08:55 | 15:38 | Uses a power set |
| 1015 | Udarata Menike | Express | Daily | 11:10 | 16:59 | Uses a power set |
Exploring Ella
Little Adam's Peak
Kick off your Ella exploration with a trek to Little Adam's Peak. The relatively easy hike rewards you with panoramic views of Ella Rock, the valley, and the surrounding hills. The best time to ascend is sunrise or sunset for a magical experience.
Ella Rock
For the more adventurous, Ella Rock is a challenging yet rewarding trek. The trail takes you through tea plantations, dense forests, and open terrain, culminating in a breathtaking view of Ella and its surroundings.
Nine Arch Bridge
Nine Arches Bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities, and you can even catch a passing train on the Nine Arch Bridge, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
Ravana Falls
Ravana Falls is about 6.5 KM south of Ella town. It's around 25 meters in height and it's one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Flying Ravana Zip Line
Located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella and Sri Lanka’s first-ever Mega zip-line.
The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.
Where to Stay in Ella
Ella offers a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to boutique hotels with stunning views. Popular choices include The Secret Ella, 98 Acres Resort, and Ella Jungle Resort. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.