Ella
Ella is where the pace of the trip changes — cooler air, green tea-covered hills, and enough on foot that a car isn't really the point for a day or two. The hill-country train through here is one of the best-known rail journeys anywhere, and the walk to the Nine Arch Bridge through the tea plantations is worth doing even if no train comes. There are two hikes to choose from depending on your fitness and time: Little Adam's Peak is an easy morning walk with big views, Ella Rock is a proper half-day hike. Waterfalls and a working tea estate are close by too.
What we can do here
- Ride the scenic hill-country train
- Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge
- Hike Little Adam's Peak
- The tougher Ella Rock hike, for the fitter
- A working tea estate and factory visit
- Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls nearby
Packages that include Ella
Island Sampler
Five days from the airport and back — an evening safari, Sigiriya at sunrise, tea country, and Galle Fort before you fly out.
Classic Ceylon
The one most people come for: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, the Temple of the Tooth, the hill-country train to Ella, a Yala safari, and Galle Fort at the end.
Wildlife, Culture & Adventure
Four safaris, the cultural triangle, tea country hikes and whales off Mirissa — a full loop from Negombo and back.
Island Circuit
A proper circle of the island from the airport and back — Wilpattu, the cultural triangle, tea country, Horton Plains, a Yala safari, Udawalawe's elephants and Galle Fort.
Sri Lanka in Depth
For travellers who hate rushing — two safaris, Ella's hikes and waterfalls, the cultural triangle, and real time in Trincomalee, Anuradhapura and Jaffna.
Two Shores
Both monsoons, both coasts, and everything between — Jaffna, Trincomalee, Arugam Bay's surf, a Yala safari, Ella's waterfalls and the cultural triangle.