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Sigiriya Galle Fort Yala Ella Arugam Bay Kandy Mirissa Colombo Plan trip
Hill Country
A laid-back mountain town wrapped in tea country, reached by the most beautiful train journey in Asia.
Ella is where travellers slow down. Set high in the hill country among tea estates and cloud forest, it is a small town of cafés and guesthouses with two of the island's signature sights on its doorstep: the colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge and the gentle climb up Little Adam's Peak.
Getting here is half the point. The train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya winds for hours past waterfalls and emerald tea slopes — lean out of the open doorway and you'll understand why people rank it among the world's great rail trips.
Nine Arch BridgeA graceful stone viaduct in the jungle — time your visit for a passing train.
Little Adam's PeakA short, easy hike to a ridge with 360-degree views over the valley.
Ella RockA longer half-day climb through tea estates for the bigger panorama.
Ravana FallsA roadside waterfall named for the demon king of the Ramayana.
From boutique to value, the spread of stays in and around Ella.
Boutique
Glass-fronted cabins and pods perched for the sunrise over the valley.
Luxury
Restored planters’ bungalows with log fires, gardens and butlers.
Value
Warm, cheap rooms a short walk from the cafés and the station.
Take the train into Ella rather than out of it, and book a second-class window seat in advance — the best views are on the right heading from Nuwara Eliya.
All year1 day · Kandy → Ella
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From $12 per person
All year1 day · Nuwara Eliya
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From $45 per person
Dec–May1 night · Hatton
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From $30 per person
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