Sri Lanka · Uva Province
Ella and tea country travel guide
Tea plantations, waterfalls and the famous train
The Nine Arch Bridge near Ella. Photo: MichaelJames2468, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ella is a relaxed mountain village among tea plantations, reached by one of the world's most beautiful train journeys from Kandy.
Hike Little Adam's Peak, watch the train cross the Nine Arch Bridge and visit tea factories in the green hills around Nuwara Eliya.
What Ella is known for
- The train ride
Hours of hill views.
- Nine Arch Bridge
A colonial viaduct.
- Little Adam's Peak
An easy sunrise hike.
- Tea estates
Factory tours and tastings.
Top things to do in Ella and tea country
Where to stay in Ella and tea country
Best time to visit Ella and tea country
Best value: Apr, Jul–Sep. January to April and July to September: drier and clearer.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 11h 15m from London to CMB, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Walk or take tuk-tuks. Buses go to the south coast.
Good to know
- Reserve train seats, or try unreserved second class.
- Bring layers: nights are cool.
- Go to the bridge early for fewer people.
Ella and tea country FAQ
How long is the train to Ella?
About 7 hours from Kandy.
How many days in Ella?
Two or three days.
More places in Sri Lanka
SigiriyaHistory · Central Province
KandyCity · Central Province
GalleHistory · Southern Province
MirissaCoast · Southern Province
Yala National ParkNature · Southern Province
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