Top Things to Do in the Ella | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Ella

Places To Visit In Ella

Mahamevnama Monastery

Mahamevnama Monastery is part of the series of monasteries which originated from Sri Lanka but grew to nine other countries including Canada, United States of America and Australia. The primary purpose is to present the spiritual teachings of Gautama Buddha easily so that people can easily understand it. The most famous and the primary Mahamevnama Monastery is located at Polgahawela. Here, you can also visit the sacred Bodhi tree complex and the Dhammachakkha stupa, make some offerings to the shrine, browse through the collection of teaching in an informative book shop or become a part of the evening chant. The monks at this monastery also speak in English so you can have a chat with them about Buddhism or meditation. Further, there is also the option of going for a guided tour or a self-guided tour of the monastery, which is also available in English. The Mahamevnama Monastery was founded in Sri Lanka in 1999 by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. The monastery is a warm and welcoming place for anyone who wishes to learn the teachings of Buddha in the form of Dhamma and gain peace through meditation. The monastery today is home to over 800 monks and 75 nuns who practise and preach the principles of Buddhism. Read More

Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya or Muthiyangana Temple is a Buddhist temple at the centre of Badulla, a town 22.7 km away from Ella. The stupa has a history dating back to the 5th century BC and has continued to be a popular attraction in the country for tourists and pilgrims alike. Muthiyangana Temple is one amongst the sixteen sacred Buddhist temples in the country. According to legends, during Lord Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka, he had given his sermons at the location where Muthiyangana Temple now stands. The stupa was built by a tribal leader and later transformed into a temple complex by Sinhalese kings. Apart from the stupa, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is also known for the four Bodhi trees at its premises, each tree with an interesting story associated with it. Also, a procession occurs annually at the temple. Read More

Nine Arches Bridge, also known as The Bridge in the Sky, is an iconic architectural structure in Ella's mountainous region. It is a magnificent stone bridge built amidst lush green tea plantations, with stunning mountains in the backdrop. It can be accessed from the Ella station and is a short trek along the railway tracks to the bridge. This ancient construction is 91 meters long and 24 meters high and never fails to leave tourists spellbound by its beauty. An interesting story revolves around the construction of this bridge. Soon after the British constructed this bridge, the first world war broke out. Thus, the steel used in the development of the bridge was used in the weapons for the war. But, a Sri Lankan named Appuhami took it upon himself to complete the construction. This builder meticulously worked on the development, with the available material and finances, and before the deadline. The bridge was built of stone and cement and has stood tall to date, which is an architectural wonder. Photographers from all over the world consider the Nine Arches Bridge the perfect spot for photography.Make sure to take note of the train timings to experience the bridge during that time. Read More

The Ravana caves are located 2 km away from Ella town on the foundation of a cliff and are said to be about 4000 years old. One can take a car up on the hill till one reaches the Ravana Ella temple (which is 2500 years old), and from there, it is a trek of 800 steps to the Ravana caves. It is believed that the demon king Ravana built an underground palace, and the path to that palace started from these caves. In between, one can find a small tea stall where you can enjoy some refreshing tea amidst the pleasant breeze of the hill or take some rest there. There are some cemented steps and some made of rocks and tree roots, and one can see many monkeys on the way and hear birds chirping. The path appears quite intriguing and mysterious with dense forest and tree roots covering everywhere. As one gets close to the caves, a panoramic view of the mountains reveals itself. Once one reaches the mouth of the cave one steps into a broad area which is considered a part of Ravana’s palace and walking into the farthest point of the cave is both exciting and terrifying as it is pitch black inside. Thus it is suggested to carry a torchlight. Read More

The Ravana cave and Ravana Falls are just 2 km from Ella city, perched at an altitude of 82 feet. The history of Sri Lanka dates back to over 2000 years, and it finds itself in the iconic Ramayana. It is believed that Ravana was a fervent Sri Lankan by origin and stood as a villain in the lives of Ram – Sita. He captured Sita and kept her hostage in his custody in the famous Ravana caves and the Ravana Falls. Landscapes around the Ravana Falls comprise slopes, valleys, hills, and streams that ornament the rocks. Historic connotations of this marvel date back as old as 25,000 years. The falls are beautiful; there is vegetation in the form of greenery, tall deciduous trees and twigs sprouting from the crevices of the rock. The walls of the falls are coarse but relaxed at the same time to give the feeling of a polished sun-kissed stone. The water pours down at high velocity and makes a sweet thud as it hits the pools of water. The breeze is another factor that adds to its beauty. In the evenings the breeze is at full swing, that the roar of the wind competes with the sound of the gushing waters. You can soak yourself in the waters that held Sita as she bathed in them during her time in Lanka. The cave is known for one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is bounded by a thick blanket of forests and are perfect for a swim. Read More

Thudugala Ella waterfall is situated in the Thudugala village of Kalutara district. This western province is located 40 km away from Colombo at complete connectivity with the other coastal beaches. Unlike many waterfalls that are perched on a hilltop at massive heights, Thudugala stands apart. The waters flow on rocks that gradient at intermittent levels. The irregularity causes the waters to gush, making a soft thud. The waters are cold and they make a euphony as they hit the pools of water. The calm flow of waters is an excellent bathing spot to soak yourself in the natural ponds - perfect for a swim date with friends and family! Thudugala has an altitude that is entirely scalable in comparison to many others. Hence just climbing up atop wet rocks makes for a fun, adventurous activity. Tall trees and the impeccable golden sun glaze the pools.There also exists a tunnel that hides underwater and pours out on an opening along the top. The structure is sophisticated yet elegant. History has it that a Britisher owned the estates around the falls in the days of war and one can still spot his ruined house in the neighbourhood. At 26 metres height, Thudugala falls, though one of the smallest, is listed among the most famous waterfalls in the country by Lanka Council on Water Falls (CLWF). Read More

One will find many tea factories in Sri Lanka, especially in the Uva region of the beautiful town of Ella. The Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is the largest among all these tea factories. It was once a part of the British era, which dates back to the 1940s. Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory also offers a guided tour that lasts almost two hours and is one of the genuinely enriching learning experiences at the factory. After the tour, one is also treated to some of the most aromatic tea samples. At the factory, one will also get acquainted with many different and latest manufacturing tea techniques.Today, the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory is one of the largest tea factories in Sri Lanka and is also the largest producer of tea, accounting for about 150,000 kg per month! Read More

Bambarakanda Falls

At 263 metres high, Bambarakanda Falls are Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, and is located in a forest of pine trees. Water falls down an almost vertical rock face, and trekkers can climb to the top of the falls and enjoy a miniature waterfall, a large natural pool, and stunning, uninterrupted views of lush green plains. The base of Bambarakanda Falls is a great picnic spot, with a natural pool complex for visitors to bathe in before their picnic meal. Read More

Serving a variety of local and Western dishes, smoothies, and cocktails, Cafe Chill is a cafe during the day and a lively bar at night. The cafe has a newly built upper deck with a wave-inspired wooden roof, and the background music is well-selected. Visitors must try the lamprais, a local delicacy.

The variety of flavors in Sri Lankan cuisine is best experienced by cooking with the available ingredients. A cooking class in Ella offers the chance to interact with locals and like-minded visitors. A popular cooking school, Ella Spice Gardens, offers tourists a cooking class to help them learn about local ingredients and how to cook local dishes.