It has become to go-to town in the hill country for tourists and as a result has a reasonably well-established tourism-orientated economy. For example, there is espresso coffee and fish and chips on offer, as well as lounge/backpacker -style bars aimed solely at the visitor. Unfortunately there is not much more than the touristic infrastructure which means no local life.
The recent push in popularity also means most things you get here are really expensive.
It’s situated in the middle of beautiful countryside, with small vegetable plots in the valleys, tea plantations on the hill slopes and forests on the tops.
The climate throughout most of the year is typical of the high Hill Country, with a hot sun by midday, but a moderate air temperature. It will often rain in the afternoon, but only for an hour or so. A sweatshirt, or light jacket is needed at night. In December it can rain a lot!
There’s not much to do in Ella itself, with a handful of small shops and only a few bars/restaurants. It’s basically a nicely relaxing base for exploring the surrounding country.
Ella has a small post office and several ATMs. Track bashers (rail enthusiasts) should particularly enjoy the line to Badulla, where at the village of Demodara it does a 360 degree loop before crossing over itself.
By rail. Ella’s a few stops from Badulla at the end of the railway line that snakes through the Hill Country. Trains go to Colombo and Kandy from here. The fares are ludicrously cheap in 2nd and 3rd class, (2nd class fare, December 2007, Colombo to Ella was R200/- or about USD 2.00) and the views spectacular. It’s usually no problem getting a seat in 2nd/3rd class going to Colombo or Kandy, as the trains from Badulla are quite empty until reaching Nanu Oya. However the reverse is true going up to Ella and it can be quite crowded until the last 2 or 3 hours of the journey. Ella’s railway station itself is prettily quaint.
By Road. Buses go south through Ella Gap to Wellawaya where you can change for a number of destinations in the south of the island. There is also a recently introduced direct bus service (route 31) to Matara and Galle which stops at various locations along the south coast. The Matara-terminating buses at Tangalle, the Galle-terminating buses also Mirissa and Unawatuna. Also there is the direct route 99 Colombo-Haputale-Bandarawela-Badulla; from Bandarawela plenty of buses to Ella
Rawana Ella Falls are about 6km away on the road south through Ella Gap. They’re quite spectacular. Take your swimming costume for a refreshing dip, but beware of the touts selling tourist junk. Unfortunately, from mid-January 2018, there are police officers blocking access to the waterfall, so the only way to wash yourself in the waters is through a well that’s on the right side of the bridge. You can catch frequent buses for about 25 LKR, or better still walk (but catch a bus back up the hill). About half-way down the road, you can stop off for a look at the small temple and a cave above it where, according to local legend, Sita was kept as a prisoner before being rescued by Rama. You are also quite likely to meet families of langur monkeys by the roadside.
Demodara Bridge Also called the Nine Arches bridge is a famous bridge situated between Ella and Demodara railway stations. This is a historical brick bridge constructed in 1921 during the colonial rule of the British Empire. Amazingly it is still in use to take trains weighing dozens of tons through the track from Colombo to Badulla and vice versa. It is also called the Bridge in the Sky. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, P. K. Appuhami, in consultation with British engineers.
Do note that walking along and on the train tracks is standard practice in the island, and also essential for some trekking routes like Ella Rock below. However do NOT try to walk over longer bridges like Nine Arches bridge unless you exactly know the train timetable including the (quite frequent, esp. Badulla-bound) delays. Though the trains ride slowly and horn well ahead, these long bridges have no footpath to escape the train and are simply too long to escape in time on foot when a train comes.
Demodara loop tunnel. The sole tunnel in the island where the train tracks cross each other, of course on different levels – close to Demodara station. Most impressive for making a video when a train passes by.
Ella Rock. Popular hike offering dramatic views from the mountain’s peak, a notable place to watch the sunrise.
Little Adams Peak. An easy 20-minute climb off Passara Road, leading through 98 Acres Tea Estate. Lovely vistas for almost 360 degrees.
Walk up to Ella’s Rock, about 2 hours (each way) along the railway track and through the tea plantations, for stunning views across the countryside. The first 1.5km is along the railway track itself so keep an ear out for oncoming trains although they travel so slowly you’ll have plenty of time to get out of the way. The fog tends to move in by 10 am, so get an early start for the best views. The early start may be ideal, but not essential.
To get there:
– Head south along the railway tracks (watch out for trains!) – Walk over a big railroad bridge Pass the Buddhist statues and the Kithaella Train Station. So far the hike is easy. Where to turn isn’t so clear. – Keep walking until you see a little path off to the left that overlooks a creek and a farming field. This left is just before kilometer marker 166 1/4. – Cross the small bridge over the creek and immediately take a left up the hill. There should be a path through low bushes that leads you all the way up the mountain.
Be wary of “directions” from locals along the route. A common scam is to misdirect tourists so that they become lost at which point a local “guide” will conveniently appear and offer to assist for a fee. You can find legitimate guides in town (~1500 rupee) if you really want but it isn’t necessary; the route is quite straightforward.
Another thing to do is to take a walk through the tea plantations to Little Adam’s Peak south-east of the town center, and about 45 minutes away.
