As of late, Ella, a small town belonging to the district of Badulla and located approximately 200km from Colombo, has become pretty much the hub of the island’s tourism, defined not just by the breath taking vistas but also by how it presents itself to be unlike any other populous town in the island. There’s no sense of hustle and bustle, nothing that would so much as hint to urbanism. In short, Ella is a place of its own culture. It’s quite that one place you simply do not want to miss out on if Sri Lanka is your next tourist destination!

There are quite a few spots in Ella that serve the sightseeing ideal, and you might not want to overlook any, as there is, frankly, no other destination in the world that would provide you with similar experience.

Little Adam’s Peak, whose summit can be reached by means of a short, easy hike, provides a view that cannot quite be encompassed into words. If, however, you’re looking for a trail that is relatively more compelling, Ella Rock shall serve your purpose. Once you get to the top, you find yourself looking down upon verdant tea plantations and an almost heavenly view of the central mountain range stretching out against the horizon.

Roadside attraction Ravana Falls is also a site of folklore and myth. The cavern behind the falls is said to be where Sita was hidden by the king Ravana, hence the falls have been named after him. However much has to be considered in terms of precaution and safety, as the rock scrambling is not so much an easy feat.

Then of course we have the Bridge in the Sky, or the Nine Arch Bridge as it is more commonly known. Despite being more than a hundred years old, the bridge still remains intact and is perhaps the most populous portion of the Colombo – Badulla Railway. A splendid example of postcolonial architecture as though it is, the Nine Arch Bridge blends well into the luscious greenery of its surroundings, and that in itself has it being one of the most photographed locations in the island.

In conclusion, well, there is not much left to say other than Ella having to be one of your stops if Sri Lanka happens to be your next holiday destination. The latest addition to the island’s railway network, the Ella Odyssey, follows up a trail that, just as the name suggests, provides its passengers with the very aesthetic of a majestic journey, as it transitions from the heavy suburbs of Colombo to the idyllic beauty of the Ella town.

Be sure to check out our souvenirs section for handicrafts and gifts that are tokens to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship.