Built of cement and stone, the Nine Arch Bridge is an architectural feat with a fascinating tale behind its inception that makes it a testament to the resourcefulness of the locals in British Ceylon. With nine stone arches making up its structure, the bridge lies between Demodara and Ella, and it offers beautiful views of the rolling mountains and wild jungles in the vicinity.

The history behind the construction of the bridge dates back to the early 20 th century, which was when British engineers planned to use steel for its structure. However, due to the advent of World War I, the steel they had ordered was reallocated for the military. The project was then abandoned until it attracted the attention of a local builder named Appuhami, who enlisted the help of other Sri Lankans to build the bridge.

Appuhami’s resourcefulness and meticulous planning led to the construction of the bridge in a year at only a fraction of its estimated time and cost. Today, the bridge stands as proof of the locals’ ingenuity. Its sturdiness and mint condition have also garnered attention from tourists, who marvel over how it carries a countless number of trains every day. Apart from its history, the highlight of this attraction is its views which are best enjoyed while taking a stroll on the bridge. Most travellers make this attraction a part of their morning walk, whereas others prefer to get there by tuk-tuk.

Please remember to check the train schedule from the Ella Railway Station before you embark on this excursion to avoid the train during your walk.

Perched atop the Poonagala Hill, Lipton’s Seat is a popular vantage point that offers spectacular views of the countryside as well as five of Sri Lanka’s nine provinces from afar. The ascent is complemented with vistas of leafy tea plantations, tree-studded hills and overgrown greenery, all of which form a part of the beautiful panorama of Ella that can be seen at the summit.

Historically, the attraction dates back to the colonization of Sri Lanka under the rule of the British. During this time, Sir Thomas Lipton teamed up with James Taylor to develop the island’s tea industry. As his tea empire flourished, Lipton would take a seat at this lookout spot and enjoy the view over a hot cup of tea.

Today, a life-sized statue of Sir Thomas Lipton sits on a bench at the summit to commemorate his efforts in popularizing Ceylon tea.

The best time to visit Lipton’s Seat is in the morning because a heavy mist settles over the surroundings at noon. Most travellers hire a tuk-tuk to get to the top and make the slow descent by foot to avoid wearing themselves out.

With a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding valleys, jungles and mountains, Little Adam’s Peak towers over the lush vegetation of the hill country at a height of 1141 metres above sea level. As a relatively short climb, the hike offers travellers an opportunity to experience the breathtaking views of Ella with minimum effort.

The peak is a favourite among travellers who wish to connect with nature, but it also receives its fair share of popularity from its relationship with the sacred Adam’s Peak, to which it acts as a smaller counterpart. Despite its size, the vistas at the summit rival the views at Adam’s Peak, making it a worthwhile activity to include in your itinerary if you do not have much time to spend in Ella.

After hiking past the tea plantations and tea pickers that mark the start of the hiking trail, you will gradually move on to higher ground with a paved path. Although the trail becomes somewhat rough as you approach the peak, it is not a challenging climb for beginners. It is also a favourite among families who prefer non-demanding activities that can be enjoyed with their children.

The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is best enjoyed in the early hours of the morning and the late afternoon, as this is when the sun is mild and the temperatures in the region are cooler. It can also be completed within 2 to 3 hours, making it the ideal excursion for beginner hikers.

Since the path to the summit is clearly marked, you will not run into any difficulty during the ascent and descent. You can get to the starting point of the trail by walking down the path that runs next to the 98 Acres Resort. If you are too tired, you can have a tuk-tuk drop you off.

Ella Rock is a popular activity among experienced hikers who crave a challenge. The adventurous hike involves climbing a steep path to the summit before being rewarded with a panorama of Ella’s rural settlements, streams and the surrounding hills at the top.

Although the bird’s-eye views from the summit are not so different from the vistas seen at Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock provides an adventurous edge to your stay and a stronger sense of accomplishment once you reach the top. It will take up to 2 hours to complete the ascent at a moderate pace, and you will need to set aside an extra 2 hours for the descent before fitting this activity into your itinerary.

The starting point of the hike is located several meters past the Kithal Ella Station. You can get there by trekking over the railway tracks from the Ella Railway Station for 2 kilometres. However, if you do not want to make this journey by foot, you can hire a tuk-tuk to drop you at the starting point instead.

Since your chances of getting lost in the evening are high, the best time to climb Ella Rock is in the morning. However, please note that completing the hike without the assistance of a local guide is not recommended since the trail is not well signposted. You may end up walking in circles without one, so, for your safety, consider hiring one of the locals to take you to the summit.

Offering a bird’s-eye view of the lush greenery that Ella is best known for, the Flying Ravana zipline is Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega zipline, and its impressive length of 550 metres also makes it the second longest zipline in South Asia. While most of Ella’s attractions appeal to adventurers and laidback travellers, Flying Ravana is an exception that caters exclusively to thrill-seekers who prefer extreme sports.

Sliding down the mega zipline is an experience that involves flying past emerald forests, valleys and waterfalls at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour. The resulting adrenaline rush coupled with the outstanding views of the hill country are guaranteed to leave you spellbound up until you plant your feet on solid ground.

However, if you are not keen on ziplining, you can challenge yourself with the other activities provided by the adventure park. From mountain biking to air rifling and tower rappelling, Flying Ravana offers a variety of experiences that makes it a favourite among travellers in Ella. 

Since the adventure park is located at the base of Little Adam’s Peak, the mega zipline is best enjoyed on your way back from the hike. Currently, the zipline is priced at USD $32 per adult and USD $19 per child, but the prices of the other activities will vary. That being said, please note that Flying Ravana is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, with their daily bookings closing by 4.00pm.

Built by the famed tea entrepreneur, Sir Thomas Lipton himself, the Dambathenna Tea Factory is one of the oldest tea factories in Sri Lanka with a history that dates back to 1890. Today, the factory is proof of the island’s colonial past under the rule of the British, and it continues to rely on its traditional, centuries-old equipment instead of adopting modern methods for manufacturing tea.

A tour of the tea factory lasts for 20 minutes, and it includes a demonstration and a detailed explanation of the different stages of manufacturing tea. You can watch as the plucked tea leaves are fermented, cut and ground before they are packaged into each tin and tea bag.

Each tour is provided in English, and you will be accompanied by an in-house guide. Because of this, you will not need to worry about hiring a translator or some external help to make the most of this activity.

The Dambathenna Tea Factory operates from 8am to 6pm, and most travellers stop by on their way back from Lipton’s Seat. However, please note that there is no processing of tea on Sundays, so you will not be able to witness all of the stages of manufacturing tea if you visit then.

As one of the island’s love languages, food plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s culture. By taking a cooking lesson, you will have an opportunity to acquaint yourself with the local cuisine while learning more about its preparation. Most travellers who prefer laidback activities opt for these lessons as they involve a hands-on experience with a knowledgeable guide in the kitchen.

Apart from learning about how herbs and spices change the taste of each creamy or spicy curry, cooking lessons in Ella are a great way to bond with the locals in the community. Most of these classes are family-run businesses that will teach you to prepare at least 5 dishes for a nourishing meal. You will be able to enjoy the taste of your own cooking with a hot meal at the end of your lesson.

Cooking lessons can be enjoyed both solo and with the family. They are especially popular among young children, which makes this activity an ideal bonding experience for the family. 

Set against a backdrop of stone and lush greenery, the famed Ravana Falls cascades down at an impressive height of 25 metres, making it a sight to behold during your travels. Not only is it one of the widest waterfalls on the island, but its accessible location makes it easy to rejuvenate yourself by taking a dip in its waters before moving on to your next activity.

The mystery surrounding Ravana Falls is rooted in an ancient tale of obsession from the Sanskrit epic known as the Ramayana. According to the legend, the demon king Ravana was obsessed with the beauty of Princess Sita, whom he fell in love with. Although she was married to Prince Rama, Ravana abducted her and held her captive in the caves behind this waterfall, thus giving the attraction its name.

Consider visiting Ravana Falls in the afternoon, which is the ideal time to cool off from the midday heat. However, keep in mind that swimming is not permitted due to the danger posed by the jagged rocks. Similarly, climbing the damp rocks of the waterfall is forbidden as it is easy to slip and fall.

In order to get to Ravana Falls, you can either take a stroll or hire a tuk-tuk to drive you through Ella town. Since the waterfall is by the roadside, it is easy to spot and impossible to miss.