An imposing fixture on the skyline in central Sri-Lanka, Ella Rock was a must-climb for me during my visit in 2017. Known for it’s amazing views, beautiful hike, and ease of access, the climb to Ella Rock was high up on the list of things for me to do whilst in the region. Despite being one of the most popular tourist destinations around the gorgeous town of Ella, there seemed to be a dearth of information online about how to actually do the hike to Ella Rock. While the hike hardly involved a deep dive into the wilderness, there are several parts where it is slightly confusing, so I figured a guide was in order.

GET IT

Ella is a tiny hillside town in central Sri Lanka. Popular primarily for tourists, Ella draws a constant flock of travelers there on the famous train ride from Kandy, and provides guests an amazingly cool climate, stunning countryside and a thoroughly relaxed atmosphere. Despite it’s diminutive size, Ella is persistently compared to the English countryside; with rolling green hills, cool air and the omnipresent railway station, you can certainly see why. However, the comparison to the English countryside is best assessed by ascending Ella rock, a hike that has become famous in recent years for travelers. Taking approximately 3 hours return, the hike is certainly one of the many reasons that Ella is on the map for foreign and local tourists alike. The view from the top of the rock is legendary - from the top you However, it also seems that with the growth in popularity for the hike, there has also been a growth in misinformation about it, and a subsequent increase in would-be guides offering tourists a guided tour. Hear me now; you absolutely do not need a guide to do this hike. Unless you are extremely interested in stimulating the local economy, I’d advise against it, and would recommend doing the hike solo. Read on for my point-by-point guide on how to do it.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Before leaving for Ella Rock I was provided a series of confounding pieces of advice about how to do the climb. I read articles that told me to take certain turns off the path, and referenced the idea of there being markings such as blue paint on rocks and a bench as a landmark. I have no memory of seeing any blue paint at all, and didn’t come across a bench - I suspect the bench has been moved and the paint faded since the other articles and guides were written. Just follow the steps above and ask any locals on the way - don’t deviate and you’ll be sweet.

• You won’t be far off sea-level for the duration of the hike, so you won’t need to worry about altitude sickness or anything like that.

• The hike will probably take at least 3-4 hours return. I’d advise leaving as early as possible, as the sun will be blaring down on you most of the way up - try and avoid any extreme burns by at least covering up and applying sun screen. Definitely pack lots of water, as there won’t be any available once you leave the train station.

• While the hike doesn’t require a significant level of fitness, the last stretch up the hill was somewhat slippery and muddy, so I’d advise against attempting it in the perennial Birkenstock sandal.

• You absolutely do not need a guide to do the hike. Take the opportunity to hike, and follow the above guide - you’ll be fine.

HOW TO

1) The walk begins at Ella Town. Start off by walking to the the train station. From the train station turn left and start walking along the train tracks. Obviously, take special care on the tracks as the train comes through once ever 3-4 hours. Listen out for coming trains - there is plenty of room on the side of the train tracks to step on to if needed.

2) You’ll want to follow the tracks along for about half an hour. You’ll cross over a bridge at one point and will eventually come to Kithalella railway station. This is where it starts to get mildly confusing - there are heaps of exits off the track after this station - don’t follow them, just continue ambling along the train tracks.

3) About five minutes after you pass Kithalella Station the tracks will lead you to a section that surrounded on both sides by rocks - slink through here quickly as it’s super narrow, and if a train comes there’ll be nowhere to go!

4) Immediately after the rock pass, there is a hairpin left turn. When I was there in 2017 this turn was partly covered with foliage, so it would have been easy to miss. However, you definitely want to take this left hand turn.

4) After taking this turn follow the path for about 500 m until you come upon yet another bridge. Cross this and then follow the path to the right. You’ll then walk along through a valley with a range of tea plantations, keep on following the track for above ten minutes through this.

5) Follow the path past the plantations, which will eventually lead you to a slanting hill. The valley with the plantations should now be on your right, the steep hillside to your left.

6) Keep following the path up, up and more up. The path will keep ascending and you’ll reach a ridge line - just keep following the well-worn track along this.

7) From here there will be a series of switchbacks and steep sections. If it’s been raining the path will probably be muddy and slick, so take care on this front. Some people really struggle with this section and I can certainly see why - get prepared to sweat, the way is pretty tough.

8) After you reach the top of the switchbacks you’ll have about a 5 minute walk up a gentle slope through a forest of trees, and then a short 500m stroll down a gentle hill, after this, you’ll be at the rock!

Any questions at all? Fire away in the comments below! Better yet, tell us how your experience at Ella Rock was!