Ella and the best train ride in the world

After having reached The World’s End in Nuwara Eliya, it was time to head to Ella taking the best train ride ever! I have been on many trains all around Asia and Europe, but believe me that this is one hell of a ride!

How to take the train to get to Ella

I took the same train coming from Kandy in Nuwara Eliya, and this tram is the most beautiful one of the whole ride. You will get through beautiful villages and astonishing scenery. The train goes through the mountains and all the typical Tea Plantations in the centre of Sri Lanka.

Train From the World’s End in Nuwara Eliya to Ella

If you are coming directly from the World’s End in Nuwara Eliya at the Horton Plains National Park, ask your tuk-tuk driver to hop you off at the Pattipola train station, which is the highest located railway station in Sri Lanka at 1.891 metres above the sea level.

Train From Nuwara Eliya to Ella

If you come directly from Nuwara Eliya, you need to head to Nanu Oya station, which is located about 8km from the centre of town. I think that the last train is at 15:55h. Check the train schedules accessing Sri Lanka railways official website

Train From Adam’s Peak to Ella

If you come from climbing Adam’s Peak, you will need to take the bus back to Hatton and take the train to Ella.

 

Where to stay in Ella

The best area to stay is without a doubt, close to the city center. You should find a place in this area so that you can go walking to the most common places in the city.

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Sleeping in Ella

TIP: The town is not very big, although I recommend you to book a hostel near the main road. I booked the hostel near the train station and it was a short walk to the main road where the restaurants are located. If you don’t mind to spend a little bit more than the usual budget hostels, I totally recommend this, as it was reaaally nice: Tree Cool. Even if it is not the cheapest hostel in town, I totally recommend it as it had a beautiful terrace with a nice garden, and it was in a quiet location, close to the main road and the train station.

TIP: Another recommended hostel with high rated reviews is the Fairy Hostel. It is located a little bit far from the centre (4km) but the place looks super cool for budget backpackers.

What to do in Ella

Ella is a small town, with just a main road full of restaurants for tourists and that’s it! But many backpackers come here because of the location and the peace and calm and the surroundings, as there are a few treks and beautiful natural attractions.

Mini Adam’s Peak

This peak, also known as Little Sri Pada, is the name the locals gave to this little hill to attract more visitors. This little mountain is located outside Ella, and the main trail starts 1,5kms away from the main road, just next to Ella Flower Garden Resort.
The trail is quite easy to follow, as the path is well marked. You shouldn’t take longer than 1h to go and come back (plus the time staying on top exploring the different viewpoints). If you think that the trek to Ella’s Rock is too much, you can just climb Little Adam’s Peak.

Ella’s Rock

The trail is not as easy to follow as the one to Little Adam’s Peak, but it is much more beautiful. It will also take you longer, around 2 hours to the top, and 2 hours back down. Once in the top there are not as many viewpoints, so it shouldn’t take you too much time to explore before going back down.
The trail to get there starts in the same place as Mini Adam’s Peak, and the main trail starts 1,5kms away from the main road, just next to Ella Flower Garden Resort.

Rent a bike and get lost in Ella surroundings

If you have enough time and you want to do something different, you can just rent a bike to discover the mountains and waterfalls around Ella. But you must be fit and rent a good mountain bike, like the one I rented.

Rawana Ella Falls

This is another popular activity in Ella. Located 5km out of the village you can get a refreshing bath in the waters of these waterfalls.

TIP: Try to go early in the morning to hike the mountains, as it will be very hot in the afternoon, and you will be able to hike both hills the same day.

TIP: If you think that the trek to Ella’s Rock is too much, you can just climb Little Adam’s Peak.

TIP: Bring your LifeStraw Go Water Bottle with you to be hydrated during the trekking.

From Ella to Arugam Bay

The next step in this Sri Lanka itinerary was a village close to the beach, a surfer’s paradise, where it would also take place the famous psytrance festival Atman Festival.

There is no train service between Ella and Arugam Bay, so you have the tuk-tuk option or the bus ride. I opted for the bus, of course. My favorite place to meet local people, and also other beautiful travelers souls, like it happened to me during this bus-ride.

Click in the next link if you want to know what to do in Arugam Bay.

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