Ella, the picturesque town tucked away in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, has always been a dream destination for us as a couple. The anticipation of exploring its verdant landscapes and hidden gems only grew stronger as we set out on our journey from Galle.
Our road trip to Ella was not just a commute, but a chance to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka’s scenic routes. We made our first stop at the awe-inspiring Buduruwagala Temple, where ancient rock carvings left us spellbound. As we continued our drive, we stumbled upon the magnificent Ravana Falls and couldn’t resist a quick stop to relish some boiled corn and sip on some refreshing king coconut water.
Upon arriving in Ella, we checked into the EKHO hotel and were greeted by a breathtaking view of the Ella Gap. We couldn’t help but marvel at the sight and decided to savour a late lunch at the hotel before heading out to explore Ella. The town, with its charming cafes and boutiques, welcomed us with open arms, and we immediately fell in love with its warmth and hospitality. As we roamed the streets, we decided to invest in some rain jackets, given the weather forecast for the next few days. We ended the day sipping cocktails and indulging in pizza at the Chill Cafe, undoubtedly the best in town.
The next day, we hired a tuk-tuk to explore Ella’s famous Nine Arch Bridge at sunrise. The journey, filled with lush greenery and breathtaking views, was just as enchanting as the destination. As we walked over the bridge, we were transported to a world of wonder, where the emerald hues of the landscape blended seamlessly with the azure skies.
Later in the day, we trekked to the Little Adam’s Peak and even though it was drizzling and foggy, the dreamy weather added to the charm of the hike. The trail was easy and the view from the top, overlooking the majestic Ella Rock, left us mesmerized. We even tried a thrilling zip-lining experience at the Flying Ravana before indulging in some grilled chicken and local stout at the Dream Cafe.
Our final day in Ella was nothing short of magical. We started the day by savoring some delicious Sri Lankan breakfast of pol rotti and chicken curry before embarking on a different route to Nine Arch Bridge. The path took us to a quaint cafe up the hill that offered a breathtaking, eagle eye view of the rail track. As we waited for the train, we soaked in the beauty of the surroundings, feeling as though we were a part of a movie.
The rest of the day was spent taking it easy and enjoying the sights and sounds of Ella, culminating in a satisfying meal of the famed chicken kottu roti. We also shopped for some authentic Sri Lankan teas on our last day – something we would recommend 100% when you’re visiting
Our three-day journey in Ella was an unforgettable experience that has left an indelible mark on our hearts. It was not just the scenic beauty that made the trip special, but also the warmth and kindness of the locals that made us feel at home. As we bid adieu to Ella, we promised ourselves that we would come back soon to relive the memories and make new ones.
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