How to Get to Ella

Ranked among the island's most breathtaking holiday destinations in the mountains, Ella is a favourite pit stop for those who wish to experience the colder climates of this almost uniformly tropical island known for its balmy days. Home to some of Sri Lanka's finest waterfalls and natural wonders, reaching this hill station can be as engaging as the tourist hub itself. From driving to Ella to taking the scenic route on a train, here are the most convenient means to reach Ella.

1. Hop on a Bus

Often considered the most affordable way to travel to Ella, visitors can head to the Fort Bus Station in Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, to find a bus bound for Badulla. Located only a few stops before Badulla, tourists can board an air-conditioned bus heading to Badulla or opt for a regular bus, which is even less costly when compared to the A/C option. Keep in mind that the journey takes at least four and half hours as there are many stops in between. But for those who are not worried about taking in the sights as they travel, the bus is one of the most budget-friendly options available. It is also the fastest way to reach Ella from Colombo unless one is driving. There are no direct buses to Ella so travellers will have to take a three-wheeler to reach their hotel.

2. Take the Train

It may take a whopping eight hours to get from the Fort Railway Station in Colombo to Ella, but surprisingly, this is the least costly and most popular way to reach the final destination for most tourists. This is due to the fact that the train ride from the nation's capital to Ella cut across some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the hill country. And with train ticket prices so low, backpackers and even tourists with the means to afford a more comfortable ride opt for the rail route to catch a glimpse of this natural bounty. Those who buy a third-class ticket will have to share the compartment with innumerable other passengers as these cabins get quite crowded but those who purchase a 1st class ticket can ride in a less-congested part of the train with glass observation windows all around.

3. Driving to Ella

While this may be an option for those with an international driving license, driving to Ella is not as difficult or as complicated as it may appear. Driving to Ella is also the most efficient way to reach your holiday hub as it takes less than 4 hours to reach Ella town from Colombo although the cost of fuel will set one back significantly more than any public transport option. The advantage of driving to Ella, however, is not reaching the locale in record time as one can make pit-stops along the way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the hill country.

4. Taxi Services

Although there are countless taxi services offering transfers to Ella, it is by far one of the most expensive ways to travel to this part of the country. Those who are travelling in a group, or as a family, however, may find that the cost of the trip is worth it as one does have a chauffeured vehicle at one's disposal.

5. Getting Around in Ella

Nearly every Ella travel guide considers scooters or motorbikes the best way to get around Ella Sri Lanka. This is due to the fact that rental bikes are easily available for hire from most resorts and rental shops although once again, an international driving license is required to drive a scooter around town.