A small mountain town at 1,041 meters elevation with tea plantations, a view of Ella Gap, and hiking trails to Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella sits 1,041 meters above sea level in Sri Lanka's hill country, where mountain peaks rise above green tea fields. You can hike to the summit of Little Adam's Peak, watch trains rumble across the stone arches of Nine Arch Bridge, or swim in the natural pools of Diyaluma Falls. The train journey from Kandy winds through dense forests and past tea pickers working on steep mountainsides, taking you deep into the central highlands.
Train Journey from Kandy to Ella
The train route between Kandy and Ella stretches 180 kilometers through mountain forests and tea estates. Book tickets through 12go.asia or at stations at least one month ahead. You'll get better photos from second-class carriages with their open windows and doors, while first-class carriages have air conditioning but sealed windows. Blue Express trains complete the journey in 7 hours, while regular services take up to 9 hours.
Hiking Little Adam's Peak Trail
The trail to Little Adam's Peak starts near Ella Flower Garden Resort and extends 1.5 kilometers uphill. You'll walk through working tea fields for 30 minutes until you reach stone steps leading to three separate summits. At 1,141 meters, the view spans across the Ella Gap valley to the surrounding mountains. Start your hike before 8 AM when the air is cool and the sky remains clear.
Walking to Nine Arch Bridge
Nine Arch Bridge spans 91 meters between Ella and Demodara stations. Check the train schedule at Ella station - trains cross six times daily. Walk the 2.5-kilometer path along the railway tracks from Ella station to reach the bridge. You can watch trains pass from several viewing spots above the valley on both sides. The bridge's stone arches rise 24 meters high, constructed entirely without steel reinforcements.
Swimming at Diyaluma Falls
The three-tiered Diyaluma Falls drops 220 meters, with three natural pools at its upper section ranging from 1 to 2 meters deep. To reach the top pools, drive 30 kilometers south of Ella and hike 1 kilometer uphill. You can join other travelers in shared vehicles for 2000-3000 rupees per person. The best time to swim is between January and March when water levels are safe but not overwhelming.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
Ella's dry season runs from January to May, with daytime temperatures averaging 23°C. From September to December, frequent rains make hiking trails muddy. Morning temperatures can drop to 15°C, and evenings cool down below 18°C year-round. Morning mist typically fills the valleys until 9-10 AM, especially during wet season months.
