Ella

Magnificent Views and Mountain Treks

View south from Ella through Ella Gap, Sri Lanka

The village of Ella, which is 45 km southeast of Nuwara Eliya, has one of the most spectacular views in the southern Hill Country (Uva Province). Coming from the north, the road follows the foothills covered with thick woodland, which totally obscures the view. From the village, the way seems barred by an apparently impassable valley, but you soon come across a ravine with a rushing stream. All at once there is an extraordinary sight - a precipice plunging nearly 1000 m into the abyss. Framed by the cliff of the rock of Rawana and a wooded ridge, this is "Ella Gap", giving a breathtaking view over 100 km of the rolling hills which stretch into the distance and eventually disappear into the pale line of the Indian Ocean.

Why visit Ella?

With stunning views, a relaxing ambience and a cool mountain climate, tranquil Ella is a great place either to sit back and recharge your batteries or to explore the surrounding countryside on foot.

In the local area, you can visit the impressive Rawana Falls and the mythical Rawana’s Cave, where prehistoric remains of human skeletons have been found, walk to what is locally known as Little Adam's Peak, or, if you are more intrepid, hike to Ella Rock, where you will be rewarded with stunning views to the south coast. Further afield, there is the panoramic viewpoint of Lipton’s Seat near Haputale and Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka’s highest, towards Belihuloya.

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Nearby Locations

Explore the Hill Country and areas near Ella.

“It was an excellent holiday and all the details were taken care of. The itinerary suited our needs very well. We were very impressed overall.”

Lucy & Chris