DESTINATIONS
ELLA
SRI LANKA
When in Sri Lanka, it was super hard for me to leave the beautiful beaches. I kept pushing my upcoming stay in Ella back more and more but finally made it for two nights. Boy, am I glad I did! Ella is a really small town surrounded by a LOT of beautiful land and huge waterfalls. If you like nature, you will be in Heaven. Well, even if you don’t like nature. It is hard to hate it here.
THE BASICS
LANGUAGE: Sinhala, Tamil, English
CURRENCY: Sri Lankan Rupee
CLIMATE: Tropical, Rainy season is Jan – March, Temperature was much cooler than the beaches
DRESS CODE: Slightly conservative, Might feel more comfortable covering shoulders and legs (up to you)
GETTING AROUND: Train, Tuk-Tuk, Local Taxi, Bus
COST OF VISITING: $ – Hostels start at $6 per night and street food is a little as $2 to $3 (USD)
TIPPING: Tipping is not expected
SAFETY: Generally a safe city
PACKING ESSENTIALS: Jacket, Gets cold in the evenings depending on when you visit
VISA: eVisa with double entry for 30 days, $35 for US citizens
GETTING THERE
BY BUS
A good choice if you are coming from one of the beach towns located in the south or east. You can also take a bus from Colombo. No matter where you are coming from, here is a good guide to follow.
BY TRAIN
ELLA RAILWAY STATION
Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, Ella, Sri Lanka (Map)
Many people take the famous Kandy to Ella train to reach Ella and I highly recommend this. It can also be done the other way (Ella to Kandy – this is what I did). The train takes about 7-8 hours but you will love every minute of the ride. So beautiful. The Ella train station is located in the middle of town (you can’t miss it)
WHERE TO STAY
HOMESTAYS
12 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Map)
A private room located in the Ella hills. A short 15 minute walk into town. The climb up the stairs to your room is a little rough, but totally worth it. I had arrived here at night, only to open my eyes in the morning to this view while still in bed! The family is so incredibly kind and will make sure you have everything you need during your stay there. Oh, and when you get to the bottom of the steps, look to your right and you see one of the largest waterfalls in Sri Lanka!
WHAT TO EAT
WHERE TO EAT
If you stay at Broad View (listed above, I highly recommend eating breakfast there daily and dinner there at least once! You will not be disappointed. The food is better than any restaurant I went to and the portions are way big even for me.
WHAT TO DRINK
WHERE TO DRINK
Railway Station Road, Ella, Sri Lanka (Map)
Cute two story cafe open 24 hours a day. Very cozy with chill vibes. Lots of cushions and floor seating. A great place to come and have a few drinks or bring your laptop and work for the day.
WHAT TO DO
SEE THE SITES
Here is a good guide to follow listing all of the sites in Ella including the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, various waterfalls and more!
ELLA RAILWAY STATION
Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, Ella, Sri Lanka (Map)
GET A TATTOO
DEE TATTOO STUDIO
Police Station Road, Ella, Sri Lanka (Map)
Like sometimes happens, I randomly decided to get a tattoo one morning while I was here. The guys here were awesome and even drank a beer with me while I got my tattoo!
TAKE THE TRAIN TO KANDY
ELLA RAILWAY STATION
Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, Ella, Sri Lanka (Map)
This scenic train ride was one of the best decisions I have ever made. If you are heading to Kandy from Ella, make sure to sit on the right side of the train for the best views. (If you are standing in the train and facing the direction the train is heading, sit on the right side)
