DRAG

Ella: The Highland Haven Where Mist Meets Myth and Tea Trails Lead to Timeless Views

Perched at 1,041 meters above sea level in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Ella is a village that feels like a dream suspended between cloud forests and cascading tea fields. With its cool climate, dramatic landscapes, and deep mythological roots, Ella is more than a scenic stop—it’s a soulful sanctuary where ancient epics, colonial legacies, and modern wanderlust converge. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping Ceylon tea, or tracing the footsteps of gods and kings, Ella invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and look beyond the horizon.

The Name and Its Origins

The name Ella (ඇල්ල in Sinhala) literally translates to “waterfall”—a fitting tribute to the village’s proximity to some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cascades, including the legendary Ravana Falls. But Ella’s significance runs deeper than its name.

According to local lore and the Ramayana, Ella is part of the ancient kingdom of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. The nearby Ravana Cave is believed to be one of the places where Princess Sita was held captive after her abduction from India. The surrounding forests, rock formations, and streams are steeped in myth, making Ella a key stop on Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail.

Historically, Ella was a quiet hill village until the British colonial era, when it became a waypoint on the Colombo–Badulla railway line. The arrival of the railway in 1918 transformed Ella into a tea-growing outpost and, eventually, a beloved hill country retreat.

Population & Demographics

As of the most recent data, Ella town has a population of approximately 2,229 residents, spread across 2.755 km², resulting in a population density of 809 people per km². The broader Ella Divisional Secretariat encompasses over 45,000 residents, reflecting a more expansive rural community.

  • Ethnic Composition:
    • Sinhalese: 66.7%
    • Indian Tamils: 26.5%
    • Sri Lankan Tamils: 2.5%
    • Sri Lankan Moors: 4.1%
    • Others: 0.2%
  • Religious Composition:
    • Buddhism is the dominant faith, followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reflecting the area’s pluralistic heritage.
  • Median Age: 31.6 years
  • Gender Ratio: 52.5% female, 47.5% male

Ella’s demographic profile is youthful, diverse, and increasingly cosmopolitan, thanks to its growing popularity among international travelers and digital nomads.

Main Occupations & Local Economy

Ella’s economy is a blend of agriculture, tourism, and artisanal enterprise:

  • Tea Cultivation: The surrounding hills are blanketed in high-grown Ceylon tea estates, including Halpewatte, Kinellan, and Uva Halpewatte, where locals work as tea pluckers, factory workers, and estate managers.
  • Tourism & Hospitality: With its rise as a backpacker and eco-luxury destination, many residents are engaged in guesthouses, boutique hotels, tuk-tuk tours, cooking classes, and wellness retreats.
  • Agriculture: Beyond tea, the region produces vegetables, spices, and fruits, including strawberries and avocados, often sold at Ella’s bustling markets.
  • Artisanal Crafts: Wood carving, batik, and handloom textiles are crafted in nearby villages and sold in Ella’s boutiques and roadside stalls.

Signature Stays: Where to Sleep in Style

Bentota is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated resorts and boutique hotels, offering everything from barefoot luxury to colonial elegance:

  • 98 Acres Resort & Spa – A luxury eco-resort set on a tea estate, offering panoramic views, infinity pools, and Ayurvedic spa treatments.
  • The Secret Ella – A colonial-style bungalow with boutique charm and personalized service.
  • Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel – A mid-range favorite with sunset views and a relaxed vibe.
  • Tea Cabins Ella – A stylish villa with private pools and tea estate views, ideal for couples.
  • Blooming Rose Ella – A guest-favorite for its hospitality, location, and garden setting.
  • Guest Inn Avendra – A homestay known for warmth, local cuisine, and scenic balconies.
  • Moi Ella by DBI – A modern 4-star hotel with mountain views, a pool, and multilingual staff.
  • Rowinrich Cottages – A budget-friendly option with clean rooms and easy access to town.

Top Tourist Attractions

Ella is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural intrigue, and adventure. Must-see highlights include:

  • Ella Rock: A challenging 4-hour round-trip hike offering panoramic views of the Ella Gap, tea plantations, and distant waterfalls.

  • Little Adam’s Peak: A gentler climb with 360-degree views, ideal for sunrise or sunset. Named for its resemblance to the sacred Adam’s Peak.

  • Nine Arches Bridge: Also known as the Bridge in the Sky, this colonial-era viaduct is a marvel of stone engineering, best viewed at sunrise or when a train passes through.

  • Ravana Falls: A 25-meter-high cascade linked to the Ramayana, perfect for photography and a refreshing dip.

  • Ravana Cave: A sacred site believed to be part of King Ravana’s underground network. A steep climb leads to the cave’s entrance and sweeping views.

  • Dhowa Rock Temple: A 2,000-year-old Buddhist temple featuring an unfinished 12-meter Buddha statue carved into a granite cliff.

  • Flying Ravana Zipline: Sri Lanka’s longest zipline, offering a thrilling ride over tea fields and valleys.

  • Ella Spice Garden: A family-run garden offering cooking classes and spice tours, ideal for culinary travelers.

  • Train Ride to Kandy or Haputale: Often dubbed one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this route winds through misty mountains, tea estates, and cloud forests.