Ella

Tucked into Badulla District, Ella is a charming laidback town drawing travelers to Sri Lanka's highlands with tea plantations, mountain jungles, and a cool climate. At an elevation of 1,041 meters, this wildlife-rich town has ancient caves, centuries-old secluded temples, and the famous Ella Gap - a cleft between two hills overlooking lofty views. Ella is just 200km from Colombo, and its central location makes it a great starting point for exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful hill side.

The town is most famous for its iconic nine arches railway bridge which is a fine example of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka. A trek down the railway track to the bridge is a popular activity, especially around the time the train arrives. There are numerous quaint cafes, walking trails and guest houses nestled in the hills for a peaceful getaway. One can also visit the famous Lipton's Seat where the tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton would oversee his ever-expanding empire.

Hiking to the breathtaking Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak through bamboo forests is an incredible accomplishment. Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall, Diyaluma Falls, overlooks natural swimming pools in Ella's mountains. Connoisseurs of the world-famous Ceylon tea love the plantations, tea factories, and Ella Spice Garden.

Ella's other popular attractions are Ellawala Falls and Ravana Caves, where King Ravana hid Princess Sita and now offers 82-metre-high ziplining. So whether for a fun-filled vacation with friends and family, digging into Lanka's past, or beating the heat in style, Sri Lanka's "Little England", Ella features something special for every history buff, nature enthusiast, and hiker, trekker and the modern traveller.