Ella

While Adam’s Peak is considered to be one of the most treacherous and difficult climbs in Sri Lanka, Mini Adam’s Peak is an easier alternative which provides views that are equally beautiful. Considered by some to be the easiest hike in Ella, Mini Adam’s Peak is also called Punchi Siri Pada, Small Adam’s Peak and Little Adam’s Peak. It will take you around 45 minutes to climb the 1,141 metre hill and you will be surrounded by panoramic views every step of the way. While some areas of the climb will be more difficult than you bargained for, the views at the top are definitely worth it.

Also called the Demodara Bridge, the Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most famous destinations in Sri Lanka. Found between Ella and Demodara, this historical bridge dates back to 1921 but still stands strong and dominating – a testimony of the strength of British architecture in the colonial days. Picture perfect and a photographer’s haven when it comes to catching shots of passing trains, the bridge is a must-visit for anyone exploring Ella. Don’t forget to check out the Demodara Loop Tunnel while you’re here, especially if you’re keen to take some time lapse videos of passing trains.

Considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, Ravana Falls is a foamy flow of water which flows down in the form of a large flower capturing the hearts and souls of anyone who is lucky enough to behold its beauty. Picturesque, Instagramable and with eternal ethereal grace, the waterfall also has a hidden underground lake with blue water called Nil Diya Pokuna. It is also said to have historic significance and is rumoured to have been the prison of Princess Sita before she was rescued by Prince Rama. Populated by monkeys and other smaller animals, Ravana Falls is also said to have been the home of early humans, dating its existence back to 25,000 years.

Brave the long walk or take a mopad– whichever way you choose, reaching Lipton Seat is something everyone must tick off their Ella bucket list. Reach the top and get a feeling of what views met the eyes of famous Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton who is said to have watched over his realm from this very spot. Misty, cold and full of gusty wind, Lipton Seat gives panoramic views that compete with those of World’s End – and on a good day, you will even see the south coast from there. Be sure to enjoy some hot Ceylon tea on the way up.

Sri Lanka is known for its many water bodies, and Ella is definitely a sanctuary full of waterfalls. From the famous Ravana Ella Falls which is a major tourist attraction in the country to the lesser known brooks and streams that line the many tea plantations, Ella is full of aqua beauty. Bambaragama Waterfalls lie near Ravana Ella Falls and neighbours Ella Rock. Mystical and stunning, Ella is also home to Dunhinda Falls which is renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. The second highest waterfall is also located close by – the graceful Diyaluma Falls is definitely not to be missed.

Translated to mean the rock of Buddhist Sculptures, the Buduruwagala Temple complex has seven statues which are believed to date back to the tenth century belonging to the Mahayana school of thought. Among the statues lie a 16 metre standing Buddha statue which is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka. The history of Buduruwagala Temple – which is also said to have been a monastery in the past – is not fully clear and so is the mystery of temple’s mustard oil lamp. Carved into the rock and shaped like a flame, the carved shape always smells like mustard oil – a mystery never fully explained.