Hiking Ella Rock, Sri Lanka: A Simple Self Guided Route
A Step-By-Step Self Guided Hike To Ella Rock Viewpoint
Nestled amongst the lush green hills in central Sri Lanka, Ella Rock is an adventure for nature lovers, photographers and families looking for panoramic views over vibrant landscapes.
We trekked with our kids to the Ella Rock viewpoint to see the fabled views of Ella Gap, Little Adams Peak and the towering tops of distant mountains. Our kids are accustomed to taking on challenging hikes to be rewarded with incredible vistas, and Ella Rock didn’t disappoint.
As much as we enjoyed the adventure, the trail was not signposted. We’ve provided a detailed step-by-step guide to achieve the summit without getting lost!
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Hiking To Ella Rock View Point from Ella
Start & Finish: Ella Railway Station Distance: 10km round trip
Time: 3hrs + viewing time Cost: 930 RS / 470 RS (correct 2024)
What Is Ella Rock Sri Lanka
Ella Rock is a prominent peak offering panoramic views of the hills, tea plantations, and valleys in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.
Standing at approximately 1,000 metres (3,400 feet), Ella Rock is popular with families seeking adventure, natural beauty and sunrise viewpoints.
Where Is Ella Rock In Sri Lanka?
Most hikers heading for Ella Rock start at the trailhead in the town of Ella. Ella is part of the Uva Province in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Ella is a famous hill town known for its stunning landscapes, tea plantations, waterfalls, hiking trails, and laid-back vibe. We really enjoyed our time in Ella and highly recommend adding it to any Sri Lankan itinerary.
Ella Rock Hike: Map
We recommend downloading the Maps.me app, which has the route to Ella Rock marked, so you won’t miss the turn like we did!
Step-by-Step Guide To Hiking Ella Rock Sri Lanka
Our suggested route includes walking along railway tracks, going through tea plantations, and navigating forested areas to reach Ella Rock viewpoint.
Walking along train tracks is prohibited in Sri Lanka. Although it is still popular with locals and tourists, it appears tolerated, but proceed cautiously. Please remain vigilant when approaching trains while walking along the track.
Step 1 – Ella to Kithalella Train Tracks
The Ella Rock trailhead starts at Ella Train Station (Point 1 on the map). You should turn left at the platform to join the train track and head south – right heads to Nine Arches Bridge. It’s best to take note of the train times, although only a small number pass each day.
Keep walking adjacent to the track, and after 2.6km/45 minutes, you’ll pass Kithalella Railway Station (Point 2) on your right.
Continue to walk for another 450m (about 6 minutes) past the station. Turn left off the tracks at Point 3 onto a path that turns back on itself (it may not be obvious!) and cross the bridge leading into the tea plantation. If you pass a white hostel on the right of the train tracks, you have gone too far!
Tip: Several paths lead off the rail track before and after Kithal Ella Railway station. Locals will ‘offer’ to help you find the correct route. Don’t feel pressured into paying, follow this guide and you will get to get to Ella View point.
Step 2 – Through The Tea Plantations
After crossing the footbridge, continue on the path around the tea plantation. From here to the Ella Rock viewpoint the trek is 1.4km (approx 35 minutes) and mainly uphill.
As you follow the path with the plantation on your right, you’ll see a house (Point 4). Once there, turn left and follow the path up the hill through the trees. Do not continue forward.
Step 3 – Through The Forest To Ella Rock
Follow the route around to the right – do not take the steps as these will take you onto private property. Once you reach Point 5, follow the path up through the Eucalyptus trees.
Step 4 – Ella Rock View Point
After the challenging uphill hike, you’ll reach the main summit, where you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. As of January 2024, this was 930RS for adults and 470RS for children.
The viewpoint creates a stunning backdrop, opening to panoramic views of Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak, and surrounding mountains.
There is a second viewpoint 650m (approx 13 minutes) further, giving a different perspective that is also worth checking out.
Our Experience & What To Expect Hiking Ella Rock With Kids
Walking in the opposite direction from our hotel to get to Ella Railway Station didn’t seem logical. Instead, we decided to join the railway track with our kids (11, 13 & 14) next to the train bridge over the main road going through Ella town.
We saw numerous families of monkeys along the track, doing their own thing and generally behaving as though we were not there. They didn’t approach us but be careful if you are carrying food, they have been known to steal!
Only one train passed us, heading from Ella to Kithalella. It was loud and slow and gave us adequate time to move to safety. We were constantly alert for the sound of an approaching train, even though no more were due for hours.
A few locals were also walking the tracks, as were other hikers heading to and from Ella Rock.
We spent over an hour hiking along the tracks after missing the turnoff into the tea plantation before turning back on ourselves. Finding our way into the forest was a struggle, but a friendly local pointed us in the right direction.
As a family, we are well used to hiking long distances, and our kids loved this adventure! Direct sun is no longer an issue once you are off the train track, as plenty of shade is available under the forest canopy. Smaller children may struggle with the steep hill climb, but we saw one mum with her youngster in a back carrier that seemed to work well.
The hike back to Ella was much quicker, partly as it was downhill but mainly because we didn’t get lost! We enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan food in the Rainbow Cafe before walking the tracks in the other direction, to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Take it slowly, with plenty of water and snacks; the hike up Ella Rock is well worth it with kids and is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka’s Ella Rock Hike Worth It?
Ella Rock is worth the trek for the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, lush tea plantations, and mountains. The hiking experience through local villages and diverse terrain, together with the sense of accomplishment, makes the effort to reach Ella Rock viewpoint worthwhile.
Hiking Ella Rock is an ideal challenge for families in terms of length (10km), duration (3-4hours) and incline. The view from the summit is one of the best in Sri Lanka. Only the view from the top of Pidurangala Rock, overlooking Sigiriya, comes close.
The actual worth is not only in the view but also in the interaction with locals as they go about their everyday lives in the tea plantation. This gives kids an authentic view of Sri Lankan life.
Best Time To Hike Ella Rock
The days can get really hot, so take advantage of the cooler air by setting off early from the trailhead in Ella. You’ll be much more comfortable than under the midday sun and less likely to encounter the low cloud that can sit over the hills. This will also give you the best chance of a perfect view.
Ella can experience sudden changes in weather, especially in the wet season. While you can hike Ella Rock in the rain, it is advisable to check the weather forecast. The hike is best enjoyed on a dry, sunny day, with clear views over the hills.
Many visitors choose to hike to Ella Rock for sunrise or sunset, and you should set off around 2 hours before time if you wish to catch either of these. The trail is neither lit nor well signposted, so ensure you have a torch and plan your route. While the maps.me app is excellent, having a paper map is worth it.
Tips For Hiking Ella Rock
- Check the weather forecast before hiking.
- Download a map and hiking guide before you leave, as there are no signposts.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear (not flip-flops!) suitable for hiking.
- Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
- Pack essentials: water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera.
- You will need a torch and good navigation skills if you hike for sunrise or sunset.
- Listen out for trains while you are walking on the track.
- Take cash to pay the tourist fee introduced in 2023. A ticket booth is located near Ella view point.
Ella Rock ticket prices as of 2024 – Adult 930RS & Child 470RS
How To Get To Ella
Ella is located in central Sri Lanka. As it is hill country, whichever mode of transport you choose, expect it to take longer than anticipated.
Mirissa To Ella – Taxi 2.5hrs, bus 9hrs – The journey is quite windy from the southern coast beaches as you gain height into Ella. The scenery change is quite drastic.
Colombo To Ella -Bus 5hrs, Train 9hrs – Ella is a popular starting point from the Sri Lankan capital. The train is the cheapest option, although it is also the longest, whereas by taxi is the quickest it is the most expensive.
Kandy To Ella – Taxi 2.5hrs, Train 6-8hrs – The iconic Kandy to Ella train is a world-famous train journey. The train takes you through the stunning scenery of tea plantations, and although long, it is very comfortable. We felt it was worth it for the views (and the novelty of hanging out of the open doors!), but it was a long journey.
➡️Book your Kandy to Ella Train here
As part of our Sri Lanka itinerary, we took a private transfer from Mirissa to Ella, stopping off at Udawallawe National Park for an elephant safari en route. After spending three nights in town, we took the Ella to Kandy train and then onwards to Sigiriya.
Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka
Ella is a popular tourist town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is typically cooler than other areas of the country, such as the South Coast. Here are some top things to do in Ella.
1 | Walk over the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella – No trip to Ella would be complete without a visit to this iconic architectural marvel. Surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations, it is a sight to behold. Time your visit to coincide with a train crossing the picturesque bridge to capture the perfect photo. The bridge is between Ella and Demodara station. To get there, we walked 30 minutes along the tracks from Ella train station (turn right from the platform); you can also take a tuk-tuk.
2 | Hike Ella Rock – a 10 km return trip hike to stunning views through Ella Gap. The hike is a moderate challenge, but ensure you follow our steps above to navigate to the viewpoint successfully.
3 | Hike to Little Adams Peak – A more leisurely hike than Ella Rock with equally stunning views through the Ella Gap, overlooking 98 Acres Resort. At the top, you can explore the ridgeline to access three different peaks. Try to head up before sunset to witness stunning colour changes and take care of younger children.
4 | Visit Ravana Falls – Lush green plantations surround this stunning 82ft high cascading waterfall, and it is a ‘must-see’. The viewing platforms are easily accessed from the road, but swimming is prohibited. As legend has it, Ravana (one of the Kings of Lanka) hid Princess Sita in the caves behind the waterfall, where she remains to this day. You may also spot monkeys playing in and around the falls.
5 | Explore A Tea Plantation – Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a guided tour of a tea plantation. You’ll learn all about the tea-making process, from cultivation to cup, while enjoying picturesque views.
6 | Traverse by Ravana zipline – Feel the adrenaline while flying at over 80kmph along a 500m line suspended high over Ella.
7 | Travel by train to Haputale or Kandy – Ella to Kandy is often said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. The train travels slowly through the lush green tea plantations while you enjoy the view. If you are British, look for some familiar city names amongst the fields. Several daily trains run between 6 am and 6 pm that can be booked at the station or through a tour company.
8 | Take a Sri Lankan cooking class – Enrich your culinary skills and learn about the local cuisine by joining a Sri Lankan cooking class. It’s an excellent way to add some spice to your menu at home and get to know the local people.
Where To Stay In Ella
There are plenty of accommodation options in the popular hill town of Ella to suit every budget, from treetop bungalows to luxury hotels. We recommend staying close to town for at least a few nights to get a feel for Ella.
📍Ella Country House – Comfortable accommodation close to the centre of Ella. It offers stunning balcony views of Ella Rock.
📍Ella Inn – Set in a quite location near Ella train station. This accoodation offers good value for money with a lovely breakfast included.
Hiking Ella Rock: FAQ
Hiking in Sri Lanka offers stunning viewpoints to otherwise hidden land.
Whether or not to hire a guide for hiking Ella Rock depends on your preferences, comfort level, and the type of experience you seek. If you are confident in navigating and prefer an independent adventure, going without a guide is a viable option.
Both of the hikes are worthwhile and, if you have time, you should complete each of them. Ella Rock offers a more adventurous and immersive hiking experience, while Little Adam’s Peak provides a shorter, more accessible hike with stunning views. We liked the view from Little Adam’s Peak better, but the hike to Ella Rock was better.
Ella Rock has an elevation of approximately 1,000 metres (3,400 feet) above sea level. While Ella Rock is not among the highest peaks in Sri Lanka, it has breathtaking scenery and is a rewarding hiking experience.
No, it is illegal to walk on the tracks in Sri Lanka. There are signs clearly stating no trespassing at the station. Guards do not challenge you. It appears to be popular among locals and tourists. It is dangerous to walk along the tracks; extreme caution must be taken at all times.
Hiking to Ella Rock from the trailhead in Ella will take approximately 4 hours to return, allowing for time at the viewpoints.
Final Thoughts: Ella Rock, Sri Lanka
Ella Rock is a worthwhile and moderately challenging hike. You get to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka from a local perspective. From walking along the train track and interacting with locals in the tea plantation to the scenic views from Ella Rock, you’ll not be disappointed.
By following the steps and tips in this guide, you can navigate the trail effectively while experiencing the serenity that makes Ella and its iconic peak truly special.
