Fast becoming a tourist mecca, Ella is a must-see for any backpacker or tourist in Sri Lanka. Set amidst the gorgeous hill-country in central Sri Lanka, Ella offers visitors the chance to hike, explore and catch a truly memorable train ride. Despite its tiny size, Ella boasts a formidable range of things to do and see. Read on for 5 of the best.

Ella

**Where**: Central Sri Lanka
**Why**: Amazing hiking, backpackers hub
**Time**: 2 nights

BEST HIKE

Ella Rock

While well known, this hike is poorly understood. The hike to Ella rock is a must do for any visitor in town. Taking about 3-4 hours return, the hike to Ella rock will have you clambering across rail-tracks, through tea fields, and up a steep series of switchbacks. Appropriate for any level of fitness, the hike to Ella Rock all becomes worthwhile upon reaching the summit of the rock itself - proving an amazing vista of the rolling green hills, distant tea fields and surrounding countryside. Follow the link below for my guide to completing this hike - an absolute must-do if you’re in town.

BEST EATS

Far and above the best food that I ate in Sri Lanka was served up at Matey Hut. Like everything in town, Matey Hut is located on the main highway. The food here is local, fresh, and very tasty. Expect a vegetarian-heavy menu, but be prepared for big flavours and big portion sizes. I can personally attest to the pumpkin curry - could eat that till the day I die. However, the place seems to have increased in popularity since I was there - every blog I read now speaks about half hour waits to be served. If the food is anything like it was in 2017, then that wait is going to be absolutely worth it. or the Ceylon Tea Factory

Best drinks

Element Hiking Bar

Element Hiking Bar was one of the first places that I came upon in Ella. Located immediately down the main road from the main train station in town, Element appeared to be a cheery, albeit distinctly tourist-friendly sort of place. I stopped by there twice whilst I was in town. The staff were excellent, the beers very cold, and many of the cocktails extremely good. While I didn’t get a chance to eat there, I heard pretty solid reviews about the meals being served. Can absolutely recommend stopping by at the Element Hiking Bar for a beverage or two whilst in town.

While I’m on the topic of bars, a special shout out has to be made for the local wine shop. Located about 200 metres down the road from Element Hiking Bar, the wine shop (noticeable by the ever-present metal bars guarding the counter) also contains a small seating area where you can enjoy some luke-warm beers, Arrack, or even a glass of wine. I spent a distinctly seedy evening here having beers with a local man known as ‘Bubba,’ whom spent the evening criticising my shoulder length hair. Definitely pay this place a visit, you can’t miss it.

BEST ACCOMMODATION

Ella Nature resort

The Ella Nature Resort is pretty well the entire point of me writing this blog post. Homely, cheap and thoroughly inviting, the Ella Nature Resort is the only logical choice for accomodation within Ella. Kusama, the legendary manager of the joint greets every guest warmly, and treated us to amazing breakfast and dinner each night we were there. The spread she will put out for guests is truly amazing - the dinner we had on our last night in town was one of the best that I had whilst in Sri Lanka. The accomodation is basic, but very secure, comfortable and private. We stayed in a two bed room and paid about $15 USD per person, per night. While basic, the lodging provided at the Ella Nature Resort is clean and thoroughly homely. Please pass my regards to Kusama when you’re there.

Book here.

best old thing

Demodara Bridge

Aka the Nine Arches bridge is a famous (nearly) century old bridge situated between Ella and Demodara railway stations. Built out of bricks, this bridge was constructed in 1921 during the colonial rule of the British Empire. Still in use today, the bridge stands strong, and is quite a spectacle. Getting to the bridge won’t take too long from the main part of town, just ask about in town for the rough direction, or you can take a tuk-tuk which will cost you about $2 USD return. If you’re keen on walking, it will take about 15 minutes; simply go to the Art Cafe Umbrella, which is about midway down the main street. Once here turn left into the jungle via the carpark, and follow the trail through - in 2017 this was well-marked out and I got there in about 10 minutes. Once you emerge you’ll have an amazing view of the massive brick bridge. While you are allowed to walk across the bridge, take care in doing so, about 6 trains cross the bridge every-day, and there is no way off the bridge once you’re up there!