Ella

Ella is a charming hill country town in Badulla District, Uva Province, situated at 1,041 meters (3,415 feet) above sea level, approximately 200 kilometers east of Colombo. This small town at coordinates 6°52'31"N 81°2'18"E has become Sri Lanka's most beloved hill station, especially popular among backpackers and nature enthusiasts. Ella is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations that create a mystical atmosphere. The town gained fame through the iconic Nine Arches Bridge at Demodara, a masterpiece of British colonial railway engineering completed in 1918. Ella serves as a crucial stop on one of the world's most scenic train routes along the Main Line railway. The area offers rich biodiversity with dense flora and fauna, while the cooler climate due to its elevation provides a refreshing contrast to the lowland heat. The famous Ella Gap provides stunning views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka, and on clear nights, visitors can even glimpse the Great Basses lighthouse on the distant south coast. The town is surrounded by numerous hiking trails leading to viewpoints, waterfalls, and ancient temples, making it a perfect base for exploring the hill country. The relaxed atmosphere, abundance of cozy cafes serving excellent home-cooked food, and variety of guesthouses have made Ella everyone's favorite hill-country village and the ideal place to slow down and enjoy leisurely days amid spectacular mountain scenery.