How to Cover Ella in Two Days – A Scenic Journey

The rustic mountain town of Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most visited destinations in the hills. Favoured by backpackers for its winding roads and scenic peaks, Ella is a foodie's haven and explorers' treat. But with so much to do and see, can you cover Ella on a quick weekend tour? This article shows you how to enjoy the best adventures in Ella. Go ahead and read about how to cover Ella in 2 days while making the most of your holiday there.

Stop by a Tea Plantation and Explore a Tea Factory

Tea is one of Sri Lanka's main exports and Ceylon tea is known the world over. Ella, like many of the surrounding towns in the highlands of Sri Lanka, boasts endless hills carpeted in green tea bushes. The gorgeous tea plantations offer the scenic town a pretty ambience and you cannot miss exploring one when in Ella. Head over to the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory located at an elevation of 1,230 metres and you can join one of its daily tours. Tours take place between 8 am and 4 pm every half an hour. You will be shown the process of how tea is turned into those neat packs, covering the entire process from drying, sorting, cutting, and packing the tea leaves. Learn to distinguish the different flavours of tea and stop by the gift shop for some lovely variations of Ceylon tea, which make unique gifts. Many visitors to Ella choose to stay in the popular town of Bandarawela since accommodation there is excellent and many properties like Bandarawela Hotel not only ooze vintage charm but are located less than 30 minutes from Ella. Besides, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Bandarawela too!

Trek to the Top of Ella Rock

The Ella Rock is an easy hill to climb. The ascent up this scenic rock can be completed within 45 minutes or an hour. It is a rewarding endeavour – and the views are stupendous as you are treated to a bird's-eye view of the surroundings. Start your climb in the wee hours of the morning and you can enjoy a magnificent sunrise at the top. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes, a hat, and shades. And do take along plenty of hydration.

Pay a Visit to Nine-Arches Bridge

This vintage stone bridge built during the rule of the British colonists is famous the world over. The bridge was built with help from a local called 'Appuhami' who figured out a way to conquer the marshy ground and lay a solid structure, which stands to date. This bit of engineering even baffled the British until the ingenuity of this local helped get the project underway, at half the estimated cost too. The trek to the bridge is through an unmarked path meandering down the hills. It's followed by a short hike along the railway line. Watch out for the train though and make sure to hop off to aside and let it pass. Once you get to the bridge, the views are impressive. It is indeed a cool spot for snapping up some Instagram-worthy photos. You will have to watch out for the markings indicating from where you need to climb down to get on to the rail tracks, which lead to the bridge. Try asking a friendly tuk-tuk driver and he will gladly show you the way.

Go See the Iconic Ravana Falls

One of the island's widest cascades, the Ravana Falls can be seen in three tiers gushing along the mountain face in Ella. Located about a half-hour along the main road from Ella town, the falls run below the bridge located along the main road. A very beautiful sight, the falls are very popular amongst locals and tourists. Watch out for the occasional gipsy offering to read your palm for a few rupees and do take along the cameras for some very scenic shots.

Chase a Waterfall

You must add this adventure to your two days in Ella to complete your experience of the marvellous town. Located about an hour from town, the Diyaluma Falls is the island's third-highest cascade. The ideal day trip, you can enjoy time outdoors hiking to the summit of the waterfall and cooling off in the natural pool there.