2025 Ella Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sri Lanka, the Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky," is a masterpiece of colonial-era engineering and one of the most visited landmarks in Ella. Built entirely out of stone, brick, and cement — without the use of steel — this iconic bridge was constructed during the British colonial period in 1921. Spanning 91 meters in length and standing 24 meters high, the bridge features nine majestic arches that stretch across a deep jungle valley, surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills. What makes this place truly magical is the chance to witness a train slowly crossing the bridge, with its blue carriages contrasting beautifully against the green landscape. It’s a sight that captures the hearts of photographers, hikers, and history lovers from around the world. 🚶 How to Visit: You can reach the bridge with a short, scenic walk from Ella town or via nearby trails through the tea fields. The walk is part of the experience! 📸 Best Time to Go: Morning for softer light and fewer crowds Late afternoon for dramatic lighting and a higher chance of seeing a passing train ✨ Don’t Miss: Enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea at a nearby café with a view of the bridge Climbing the surrounding hills for panoramic shots Talking to locals and learning more about the bridge’s fascinating history The Nine Arches Bridge isn’t just a photo op — it’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring reminder of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and colonial past.

The streets of Sri Lanka themselves are a unique attraction, allowing visitors to experience the daily lives of locals up close. Walking down the street, one can see bustling small shops, colorful advertisements, and busy motorcycles and small trucks weaving through traffic. At the same time, leisurely strolling cows become part of the urban landscape, creating a stark contrast with the passing vehicles and showcasing the unique rhythm of local life. People chat, repair vehicles, or wait for business at the shop entrances, with every detail reflecting the daily pace of the locals. For travelers who enjoy exploring cultural landscapes, the streets of Sri Lanka offer the most authentic travel experience. No tickets are needed, and there are no specific routes to follow; just wander around and you will feel the charm of this land.

When I saw the fascinating photo of the Nine Arch Bridge, I was determined to visit this dreamlike place in person. After arriving, we walked along a forest trail In order to capture its most beautiful side, we spent a lot of time exploring the surroundings and constantly adjusting the angles. The moment the shutter button is pressed, all the efforts are worth it and the journey becomes more memorable. #2024TravelReview #Jiugong Bridge #Sri Lanka Travel #Natural Scenery

Ella, located in the highlands of Sri Lanka, is a charming town full of natural beauty. Its stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among backpackers. The most famous attractions here include the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak. Climbing Little Adam's Peak in the early morning, surrounded by tea plantations and mountains, offers breathtaking views of the sea of clouds and sunrise from the summit, making it a paradise for photographers. The Nine Arches Bridge is another must-see spot. You can either walk through the tea plantations to reach it or wait to capture the iconic moment when a train crosses the bridge. After your adventure, relax with a cup of freshly brewed Sri Lankan tea at one of the town's cafes. For food lovers, Ella has many local restaurants offering traditional curry rice and roti at affordable prices. In the evening, head to a local bar to enjoy live music and share travel stories with other travelers. For transportation, it is recommended to take the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya or Kandy to Ella, known as one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. Ella is not only a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but also an excellent choice for exploring Sri Lankan culture and nature. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply want to relax, Ella offers an unforgettable experience!

Visiting the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka was a magical experience. 🌉 The bridge, with its grand design and nine arches, stands out amidst breathtaking scenery and dense greenery 🌿. I enjoyed walking around the bridge and taking photos because the beautiful landscape blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature 🏞️. The occasional passing train adds to the charm and fame of the bridge 🚂. The Nine Arch Bridge is an ideal place to enjoy the scenery and capture beautiful moments.

📍Nine Arches Bridge, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 In the city of Ella in Sri Lanka, there is a tourist spot called Nine Arches Bridge! Ella and Nuwara Eliya are also the leading tea producing areas in Sri Lanka, and the trains that pass through here are also called tea trains 🌿 You can enter the tracks and take photos, but you need to be careful. I was at Asanka Cafe near the bridge, drinking fruit juice and slowly looking at the bridge. Recommended for those who want to relax and unwind. #SriLanka #TravelingWithMe #TravelingSolo #OverseasTravel

During my trip to the Nine Arch Bridge in Sri Lanka, I was deeply impressed by the beauty of the country and especially this magnificent archaeological landmark. Upon arriving at the bridge, I was excited to see what a testament to the region's ancient history it was. Look at the massive arches and structures that reflect ancient traditions, I truly admired the splendor of the landscape around me, adorned with rich greenery and beautiful natural spaces. I was amazed and respected the beauty and geometric strength of the bridge, and enjoyed moments of tranquility and serenity, reflecting the beauty and history of nature surrounding the bridge. Visiting the Nine Arch Bridge was a magical and unique experience because it left a connection with Sri Lanka's cultural and natural heritage.

#wheretogo Ella is one of the popular stops along the scenic train route between Kandy and Badulla in Sri Lanka. Located just a stone's throw away from Ella train station, Mandala Cafe and Bar is the perfect place to chill if you have some time to kill before catching your train. The cafe is open 24/7. It is quiet during the day and gets livelier as night falls. We chilled for some time at the cafe while waiting for the rain to stop. The cafe serves a wide selection of drinks as well as local and western food. Decorated with posters of musician Bob Marley, the cafe has a cozy atmosphere with lots of comfortable sofas, bean bags, beds and even swing seats. Location: Mandala Cafe and Bar 18 Ella Station Rd, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka #srilanka #ella #cafe #restaurant #bar #tripblazers

🇱🇰 Our two-night stay in Ella Mount View Guest Inn was nothing but awesome! We stayed in the only room on the top floor with a huge extended balcony which offered the best view of the surrounding mountains and unobstructed starry night sky. We were also pleasantly surprised to have fireflies hanging around the balcony and some even stayed overnight on the mosquito net of the bed. The guest house is located on a steep slope about 700 m from the main road of Ella town. The rooms are not air-conditioned since the weather in Ella is generally cool. We had hearty and delicious breakfast served in the restaurant. The owner and the staff were hospitable and helpful. Location: V2CW+99 Ella, Sri Lanka #srilanka #ella #mountainview #guesthouse #restaurant #balcony #fireflies #tripblazers

I had an incredible 1 week trip in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 I took the most scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella. The very first thing I did the next morning is to make sure to climb up the Little Adam’s Peak. Woke up at 5:15am and left our homestay at 5:30am, started to walk and was very amazed that I have finally touched some real live tea leaves 🍃 It may be still dark during this time however, the sounds of the birds while walking and the nature sounds is just so soothing. I am really stunned when I saw the Ella Rock, what a beauty! 👀 It’s an easy walk going up, and of course, I had to try the popular Orange King Coconut from Sri Lanka. The sunrise view is just breathtaking! Make sure to check the sunrise time, during that time, it was around 5:50am, as you can tell, I had to climb up TWICE, and the second time is just as sweet as the first one. I was sooooo incredibly happy to be able to come to this place. #mytripvlog #bucketlistreboot #campingglamping #srilanka #ellarock #awesomepic #2023travelwish #summervacation #passionpassport

#mountainview The Kandy to Ella train ride is arguably the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka, if not in the world! Highlight - On the train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to Ella, you will experience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life. You will meet smiling locals on the train, you can wave to the running children along the tracks, and eat the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop. After spending several days in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, I boarded the train in Eliya. I was on a slow train and it took almost four hours to reach Ella. But honestly, I didn’t even want the train to arrive that fast at all. I remember after about one hour on the train, it moves higher and higher up into the rolling green highlands where the big tea farms are and many beautiful hilltop villages and waterfalls. The views were so stunning that I constantly felt like I stepped into a postcard. I can’t wait to go back to this beautiful little country and experience everything all over again. #naturalwonders #awesomepic #tigeryear2022

if you are in Sri Lanka, please consider to hike this place, Ella Rock. It is one of the beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. However Ella Rock isn’t a very easy hike to do compared to Adam's Peak. reason being is mainly because of the lack of clear directions indicating the trail. We were lucky to have met a local uncle that voluntarily offered himself as a guide. We tipped him quite a lot knowing that we'd be able to save lots of times and most importantly, an official photgrapher for us. yeay The hike is approximately a 10km round trip, which took us around 4 hours. The terrain itself isn’t particularly hard but i can assure you will enjoy the luscious tea plantation, a stream & the abundance of faunas on the way up which promises you a grand vista of the earth #ellarock #hiking #srilanka

Ella is great landscape#foodie#

With around 15 minute walk through the forest located just a 5-10 minute from the Main Street of Ella, Nine Arch Bridge is a must visit! Simply beautiful architecture, Nine Arch Bridge was built by the British with its nine stunning arches. It is located between Ella & Demodara station. Trains pass the bridge about 6 times a day. The exact times change all the time in Sri Lanka but there should be one every hour. unfortunately when we arrived here, it was quite late in the evening and it was starting to rain heavily that we didnt get to wait for the train. we took the tuk tuk on the way back because we will get all soaked with the heavy rain. #scenictrain #ninearches

nine arches bridge Ella#welcome to visit Sri Lanka#most senic train 🚆 ride#travelinspiration #travelsnacks #travelcompanion#travelblockbuster#travelstories#holidayhotel#holidayvacation#trip#naturalwonders#photo #photographyguide#photooftheday #

Nine Arch bridge in Ella #tripinspired

we trek this Adam peak to see the sunrise you can't believe the sunrise to be this kind of beautiful and we are so much fortunate that during our visit we saw a rainbow #happynewyear

The 9 Arch bridge deep in the tropical jungles of Sri Lanka. I waited for aboiut an hour for this blue train to come over the bridge! Definitely worth the wait.

#summervacay Ella is one of those places where you roll in and instantly think, yeah, I could stay here a while. It’s a tiny town in the hills of Uva Province, surrounded by tea plantations, misty mountains, and super relaxed vibes. Kinda feels like a backpacker’s dream mixed with nature retreat. Little Adam’s Peak hike? Super easy and super worth it. Views for days without totally dying from the climb. And then there’s the Nine Arch Bridge, yep, the one you’ve seen all over Instagram. Seeing a train pass through it while you’re standing on the hill with the wind in your hair? Absolute movie moment. Cafes are cute, locals are chill, and the food? So good. Lots of places to just hang out with a smoothie and stare at the mountains. You can also hop on the scenic train ride to or from here, green hills, tunnels, tea fields, the whole vibe. Ella isn’t about rushing, just nature, views, and good energy all around.

If you come to Sri Lanka and don’t take a photo of the Nine Arch Bridge, it’s like you haven’t been to Alice’s jungle world. This “Nine Arch Bridge” located in the small town of Ella is hidden between the green forest valley. When the train passes through the bridge, it is so beautiful that it seems unreal, as dreamy as an animation scene. 🕐Best shooting time & train passing time (need to confirm the daily schedule) It is recommended to arrive between 6:00-8:30 in the morning or 4:00-5:30 in the afternoon. The light is soft and the photos in the fog are more fairy-like It is recommended to ask the local accommodation one day in advance about the train time. There may be slight errors every day Common flights: about 6:30/9:30 in the morning, about 3:30 in the afternoon (depending on the route) 📸TOP 5 recommended photo positions: ① 🔝High point for viewing the bridge side (the most classic composition) From the hillside, you can take a long-distance shot of the entire bridge + train into the composition It is recommended to use a wide-angle or 0.5x lens to take the overall perspective. The red and blue colors of the train contrast with the green mountains and forests, which is very layered ⚠️Go up the mountain early to reserve a spot. There are many people at popular camera positions ② 🛤️Portraits on the bridge (before the train arrives) Before the train arrives, you can walk on the bridge to take photos of people. The arc of the rails + arch bridge has a special sense of extension It is recommended to stand in the middle and look far away, and the walking movements and back view composition are all good-looking Pay attention to the sound of the train, and be sure to leave the bridge immediately when you hear the whistle! Safety first ③ 🌿Jungle perspective under the bridge (unpopular niche) Walk into the forest from the trail below and shoot the entire bridge from above. You can capture the epic feeling of the bridge pier + human figure + train passing through Suitable for taking silhouettes, and the composition is very shocking There is a trail leading to the bottom of the bridge, and it is safer to wear non-slip shoes 🧭How to get to Jiukong Bridge? Location: Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara How to get there from Ella town: 🚶♀️Walk for about 30 minutes, depart from Ella Railway Station or Ella Flower Garden Resort 🛵10 minutes by motorcycle / 🚙300-500 rupees by tuk-tuk The route is mostly forest trails, it is recommended to go during the day, wear sports shoes or non-slip shoes! #九孔桥 #Sri Lanka Check-in #Ella Must Go #Train Through the Bridge #Railway in the Forest #Travel Photography Spot #SriLankaTravel #One of the World's Most Beautiful Railways #Jungle Train #Must-Shoot for Railway Fans

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Must Do Experience! Taking the cooking class at Honey Bee Garden was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka! From the moment we arrived, the hosts made us feel completely at home with their warm hospitality and infectious enthusiasm. The class itself was fun, hands-on, and incredibly well-organized. We learned how to prepare several traditional Sri Lankan dishes like dhal curry, coconut sambol, jackfruit curry, and crispy papadums — all from scratch and with fresh local ingredients. The instructors explained everything clearly and gave us plenty of chances to participate. What I loved most was how relaxed the whole experience felt — it was less like a formal class and more like cooking with friends. The setting is beautiful too, surrounded by lush greenery with an authentic, rustic charm. Best of all? You get to sit down and enjoy the delicious meal you've made at the end, and it was honestly one of the tastiest I’ve had in Sri Lanka. Highly recommend this class to anyone visiting Ella who wants a fun, memorable, and tasty cultural experience!

Here’s a 4-day itinerary for Ella, Sri Lanka, designed to balance natural beauty, adventure, culture, and relaxation. Ella is known for its scenic landscape and hiking trails. Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Ella Town 🛬 Morning: Arrival in Ella (via train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya – one of the most scenic train rides in the world - See photo 12. Or bus from the south, a simple route if you’ve been visiting Yala National Park) Check-in to your hotel or guesthouse (suggested: 98 Acres Resort, The Chillout Ella, or a local homestay). 🌿 Afternoon: Ella Town Walk: Explore cafes, souvenir shops, and markets. Visit the R. M. Perera Tea Centre to learn about tea processing and enjoy a tasting session. 🌅 Evening: Dinner at Chill Café – a traveler favorite for good food and ambiance. Day 2: Hiking and Waterfalls 🥾 Morning: Little Adam’s Peak Hike (Easy, 1.5–2 hours round trip): Panoramic views of Ella Gap and surrounding valleys. You can head there for sunrise as I did as seen in the 10th photo, I woke up at 4am, had a short motorcycle ride to a car park, paid a small fee and walked 30 mins up to the summit. Stop by Flying Ravana Mega Zipline (optional) – great for a quick adrenaline rush on the way down. It isn’t just a zipline, they have swings, a pool and a bar if you just want to chill. 💧 Afternoon: Visit Diyaluma Falls: it’s about 1 hour from the town, I would recommend leaving before lunch and eat at Diyaluma Manusha Restaurant & Hotel when you arrive, the waterfall can be seen in photo 8. It’s super grand and an easy hike once you have ridden to the free car park at the top of the mountain. (Alternate option) Lunch near Ravana Zipline or at Cafe Chill again. Visit Ravana Falls: Beautiful and popular waterfall close to town. You can swim in the lower pools if conditions are safe. Optional: Visit Ravana’s Cave, tied to the Ramayana legend (moderate hike). 🍛 Evening: Dinner at Matey Hut – known for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry. Day 3: Nine Arches Bridge and Tea Country 🌉 Early Morning: Walk to Nine Arches Bridge for sunrise (or time your visit for when the train passes). Magical photo opportunity. See cover photo and photo 9. 🍃 Mid-Morning: Visit a nearby tea plantation and factory – like Halpewatte Tea Factory (30 mins tuk-tuk from town). We saved this for Nuwara-Eliya but there are some gorgeous ones in Ella too, it depends if you have the energy for this after the early rise. 🍽 Afternoon: Attend a cooking class, photo 11. The one I went to was called Honey Bee Garden and I will do an entirely separate post about that as it was so amazing! 🎶 Evening: Explore live music or chill vibes at The Rainbow Café or Café UFO. Day 4: Ella Rock Adventure & Departure 🌄 Early Morning: Ella Rock Hike (Challenging, 4–5 hours round trip). Go early to avoid the heat and see a clearer sky. I made this mistake and went later, it was so hot and completely cloud covered. It still allowed for some amazing photos. See photos 2-6.

#travel #srilanka #myitinerary

#travel #srilanka

Direct flights from Japan or combined trips with India make Sri Lanka an accessible destination. If you're traveling from South India, you can get a one-way ticket for around 10,000 yen. Ella is a famous town, small yet charming, with a cozy countryside vibe. The town itself is pleasant, and there are trekking opportunities in the surrounding mountains, allowing you to relax amidst lush greenery. Wellawaya is a bird-watching haven. You can spot colorful birds everywhere, and the sight of millions of fruit bats resting on the Bat Tree is truly breathtaking. If you love animals and nature, Yala is another must-visit destination to pair with Wellawaya. The beaches around Uwanatuna and Talpe can be stunningly beautiful, exceeding expectations. Some beaches resemble those in Africa's Seychelles, and the area also offers adorable beach fashion apparel that might inspire you to start an online shop. It's a recommended spot for beach lovers. Due to the mountainous terrain, public transportation routes can be a bit roundabout or inconvenient, but traveling by train in Sri Lanka is an experience in itself. Even riding the packed local buses can be a fun adventure. Getting around is not particularly difficult, and traveling in Sri Lanka is safe and accessible. Having visited 90 countries, I consider Sri Lanka one of my favorite places in Asia. ☺︎♡

This trip was truly unforgettable! We spent two packed days exploring the beauty around Badulla and immersing ourselves in the natural wonders of Sri Lanka. Itinerary & Attractions: We started with a safari in Yala National Park – an incredible experience, especially spotting peacocks, deer, monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Then we visited Yala Sanctuary Beach, a quiet and scenic spot perfect for relaxing. Photo Opportunities & Atmosphere: Every stop offered great photo spots – from lush jungles and serene lakes to golden beaches. The landscape was simply breathtaking. Transport & Cuisine: We traveled by rental car, which gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. Along the way, we enjoyed delicious local cuisine – especially fresh seafood and coconut-based dishes. Accommodation: We stayed at Walaa Kulu – A Villa by 98 Acres. A cozy, peaceful place with stunning views, ideal for unwinding after a full day of adventures. Tips for Travelers: – Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom. – Go on safari early in the morning to see more animals. – Don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen.