ELLA

Ella is a small town in the Badulla District. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, due to its elevation. The Ella Gap allows views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka.

1.Nine Arches Bridge

The Nine Arches Bridge is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landmarks and one of the top places to visit in Ella. This bridge has an interesting backstory. When the British stopped building this bridge in the middle of World War I due to a lack of steel, the locals finished it with stone and bricks.Since then, the bridge has stood strong without the use of a single piece of steel. The bridge’s setting is extremely charming, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ella. It is hidden within a dense forest near a charming little village surrounded by tea plantations. Seeing the old world trains pass through this bridge is a popular tourist attraction.

2.Ravana Falls

The Ramayana legends abound in Sri Lanka. So much so that even natural landscapes have compelling stories to tell. The Ravana Falls and nearby caves are said to be hiding places for the demon god Ravana. Many visitors are drawn to these legends and the striking landscape of this Ella attraction.The waterfall is approximately 82 feet tall and is layered in three tiers. The third tier is accessible after a steep rock climb and rewards with spectacular views of the dense greenery and rocky landscape.

3.Ella Rock

Ella Rock, among the most interesting places to visit in Ella, is one of the most popular hiking destinations. A three-hour easy hike will take you deeper into Ella’s lushly forested countryside. You will see beautiful tea plantations and have the opportunity to interact with the tea planters as you make your way up to the rock.When you reach the top of the rock, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the rising sun from behind the lush hills. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the picturesque valleys that stretch for miles. Travelers enjoy spending time alone atop the rock in this popular tourist destination in Ella.

4. Ceylon Tea Factory

Ceylon Tea Factory is a restaurant that was named this way to entice and educate visitors about Sri Lanka’s tea-making heritage. Not only in Ella, but throughout the country, it is one of the most popular restaurants. Traditional Sri Lankan curries and hot rice, as well as international cuisines and beverages, are available here.The restaurant also has a tea bar where you can sample hundreds of different teas. There are also gluten-free options available.

5. Little Adam’s Peak

Ella has many quaint and rustic hiking trails because of its natural landscape. One such popular trail is Little Adam’s Peak, which should not be missed. It is a short 50-60 minute trek through the region’s world-famous tea plantations. The greenery provides a visual break, and the intoxicating fragrance of the tea leaves enhances the experience.When you reach the summit of Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll notice a Buddha statue set against the mountains.

6. Dhowa Rock Temple

The Dhowa Rock Temple is one of the best Ella attractions in Sri Lanka. This temple, which is thought to be around 2,000 years old, is famous for its massive 39-foot unfinished statue of Buddha. This temple’s rock art and murals are stunning. You may come across some monks who will gladly tell you stories about the Temple. The temple transports visitors into a peaceful trance because it is surrounded by lush greenery.

7.Mahamevnawa Monastery

Sri Lanka is well-known for its serene spiritual destinations, and the Dhowa Rock Temple is one of the best Ella attractions. This temple, which is said to be around 2,000 years old, is famous for its massive 39-foot unfinished statue of Buddha. The rock art and murals in this temple are breathtaking.You might come across some monks who will gladly tell you stories about the Temple. The temple, surrounded by lush greenery, transports visitors into a peaceful trance.

8. Uva Halpewatte tea factory

This is a must-see for tea lovers and one of the top tourist attractions in Ella! Sri Lanka is famous throughout the world for its delicious Ceylon tea. The Halpewatte Tea Factory invites visitors to come inside and see how their favourite tea is made, from picking the tea leaves to final packaging.This is the largest tea factor in the Uva region. Following the tour, you can enjoy a cup of tea in their tea shop and purchase teas to take home. The factory is situated at a scenic vantage point with views of the hills and valleys.

9. Kithal Eilla falls

Sri Lanka isn’t called the “Spice Island” for nothing! The best and most exotic spices are grown in the country. If you are a foodie and want to know where your spices come from, a visit to the Ella Spice Garden is a must-see in Ella. This is a private establishment run by a local family to educate people about local growing techniques and the thousands of varieties of Sri Lankan spices. An English-speaking guide will take you on a tour of this lovely property.Travelers enjoy walking among the intoxicating aromas of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, chillies, turmeric, nutmeg, cacao, coffee, and so on. You can also take a cooking class or simply enjoy a delicious traditional meal here. Just make sure to plan ahead of time to visit these wonderful Ella tourist attractions.

10.Anthony’s church

 This magnificent stone church attracts visitors of all faiths. This Roman Catholic Church, built in the 18th century, has retained its old-world charm. The building has stunning paintings, murals, and stained glass windows that captivate visitors. The church has a large garden where visitors can relax while listening to hymns.

11. Halpe Pattini Devalaya

Halpe Pattini Devalaya is an ancient Devalaya (Temple) dedicated to Pattini Devi. In the Sri Lankan, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths, she is revered as the goddess of fertility and health. This complex contains a shrine room for the Devi, a kitchen, and the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery.The entire temple is made of clay and wood. The shrine is only open to the public once a year during the Perahera (annual procession for the goddess)

12. Porawagala

Porawagala offers some of the best vantage points in Ella. It is located on a hill and provides a bird’s eye view of the lush forests, valleys, meadow-like pastures, and the city of Ella. Travelers love to come here and spend some quiet time admiring the waterfalls and temples. Porawagala is a secluded location that transports visitors away from the chaos and noise of cities.

13. Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya.

One of Ella’s most important archaeological sites is Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya. It is a cave temple shaped like the head of a cobra that guards a Buddha statue. This complex has a meditation area where you can spend some quiet and peaceful time alone absorbing the serenity of the surroundings. You are free to meet the monks and discuss Buddhism with them. This temple is perched on a high ridge, affording panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forest.

14. Demodra Railway loop

Ella is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy old bridges, railway stations, and trains, among other things. One example is the Demodara Railway Loop. It was built by the British in the nineteenth century and has kept its old world charm and unique construction. The train travels around a loop around a mountain, giving the impression of a man tying his turban. The loop’s location is particularly lovely and one of the most interesting places to visit in Ella. It is surrounded by lush green forest and fragrant and refreshing mountain air.