Ella

Ella sits right within the verdant Hill Country that Sri Lanka is famed for, making it an ideal destination for both scenic walks and getting a taste of a local tea planter’s life.

From the spectacular Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara, to Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and the underrated Buduruwagala temple, you can visit several beautiful sites here. The lush green scenery is a huge draw in itself: if you appreciate unspoiled nature, you will love this region for its rolling hills, cloud forests, cascading waterfalls and mountainous valleys.

Home to arguably ‘the most beautiful train ride’ in the world, Ella has become a magnet in recent years for backpackers and somewhat of a ‘hippy hangout’. While the town may not be as quiet as Haputale, it offers the real bonus of a lively atmosphere and buzzing food scene. To add to its strengths, the iconic viaduct built by the British to transport Ceylon tea to the capital is well worth a visit. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the handsome 1800's steam train that chugs its way along from Colombo to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya before crossing the bridge to arrive at Ella’s charming pink-washed hilltop station.

Thanks to its position between the jungle lowlands and the high tea country mountains, the weather sits at a very comfortable medium here: not a sweltering temperature but also not too cool.

A few fabulous properties can be found in this town, where you can retreat to the peace and quiet of Sri Lanka’s countryside and easily while away the days enjoying a Ceylon cuppa or two while looking out onto commanding scenic views. We highly recommend visiting the UNESCO Horton Plains National Park and the enchanting World’s End viewpoint from here, if you are after full immersion in this magical misty rural landscape.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson