Ella Rock
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9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Thursday
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Friday
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Top ways to experience Ella Rock

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  • Veska8
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ella rock walk.
    Great walk, follow the path to the top for a wonderful view. Locals may offer to help you find the route if you get lost, but will ask for some money after. Make sure you see both view points. Beware of leeches If raining wear long trousers if needed.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 16, 2023
  • missjiminycricket
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth the effort!
    Incredible views and walk, one of the best things I have done in Sri Lanka, would recommend as not only is the viewpoint incredible but the walk itself is insane walking along the railtrack, through vegetable and tea fields, jungle areas and forest, took 4 hours with rests and pictures, the effort is worth it! (i walk a decent amount but for non regular walkers would still recommend, plenty of places to stop along the way if willing to give the time!) :)
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 10, 2023
  • Lonely Laowai
    174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Heads up: tickets mandatory, guide recommended
    I got a rad guide from the Ella New Green View, older dude named Kumara. I can definitely get the appeal of doing a hike on your own, but I’m glad I didn’t. We helped more than a couple lost travelers hunched over their phones in the jungle at four thirty AM, my man Kumara actually leading a small troupe at one point. The sunset is amazing, and you will have to pay a ticket, about 1000 LKR as of the time of his review. Get a guide, do the hike, definitely worth it.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written February 14, 2024
  • Sajjjers
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It’s a must do in Ella!
    A sunrise hike to Ella Rock is well worth the visit. We were unsure if it was worth getting a tour guide at first - but I’m so glad we did, I don’t think I would have felt comfortable hiking in the dark without one and it meant that we stayed on the right track and made it to the top for the sunrise. Our guide was organised by our hotel. We started the hike at the railway track and made it to the top in about an hour and a half. The climb itself is manageable but suitably challenging, although we might have felt that more because we were pushing ourselves to get to the top in time! At the top you have to pay a small environmental fee and there are toilets nearby. When you see the sun rise it is so worth it, you are surrounded by mountains and the view is breathtaking. We were pleasantly surprised there were only about 6 other people at the top so we could really enjoy the tranquility of it all. The walk back down stunning, through beautiful trees and tea plantations. If I ever visited Ella again I wouldn’t think twice about doing this again. Loved it.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 15, 2024
  • B M
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely views!
    Incredible views and lovely hike. If you are anyway fit from doing gym or spin classes, you will find this walk easy. Steep incline for the last 20 mins but otherwise fairly easy. Other reviews are accurate, so watch out for people telling you to go on longer routed, so use Google maps. If going from Kitha Station drop off point, walk about 300 yards, past a little cafe and take a left, left again where the river is on your right. Walk down and turn right over the bridge and it splits into straight ahead or to the left a quick steep incline. Take the left, it's a shorter more direct route and no chance of leeches. This left turning is after the bridge almost look like you are going up in between a hedge and walk straight and follow Google maps.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 25, 2024
  • HayesNZ
    Thames, New Zealand106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent- but beware of scamming locals
    Great walk and fantastic view. Beware of "friendly locals" who scam you. See my pictures - don't get tricked into taking the path that has a fake arrow and sign on the rail tracks, just over the rail bridge and beside a small shrine (it does go to a waterfall) - that path has a few diverging paths which the "friendly locals" then rescue you from being lost then expect you to pay for the privilege. Instead, stay on the rail tracks for about 5 mins of walking past the little train station. Then stay on the main path. You will come to a fork where there is a sign advising how much it costs at the top (viewing location), stay left at that sign, then follow the path from there.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 3, 2024
  • MomoNorthumberland
    65 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning walk, beautiful views
    A beautiful walk with stunning views. The walk is definitely worth doing but do not listen to the locals at the shrine- continue on the railway line til the station. The locals scammed us. They deliberately sent us on a wild goose chase 50 meters before the train station- from where the route would have been very obvious. The lady tried to get us lost and was very rude to another tourist who joined us very frightened by this group. She then said we owed her 60 dollars!! Do the walk but be prepared 😀
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2024
  • Scenic Lanka Personal Tour Drivers
    Colombo, Sri Lanka188 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Guide’s Insight: Discovering the Scenic Wonders of Ella
    Guiding visitors through Ella is always a delightful experience, as this picturesque town in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene charm. From the moment you arrive in Ella, you’re greeted by a landscape of lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views that make it a standout destination. One of the most rewarding aspects of guiding in Ella is showcasing its stunning viewpoints. The famous Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak offer panoramic vistas that are truly awe-inspiring. The trek to these viewpoints, surrounded by verdant tea plantations and misty valleys, is a memorable adventure that allows visitors to connect with the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Another highlight of Ella is the magnificent Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel that stands amidst a lush, verdant backdrop. The sight of the old bridge arching gracefully over the greenery, especially when a train crosses it, creates a magical and quintessentially Sri Lankan experience. The serene atmosphere of Ella also extends to its waterfalls, such as Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls. These cascading beauties offer a refreshing escape and provide excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation. Witnessing visitors’ awe as they experience the cool spray and majestic views is always a joy. Ella’s vibrant local culture and friendly community add to the charm of the town. Exploring the local markets, tasting traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and engaging with the locals provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. For anyone looking to experience the natural splendor and relaxed ambiance of Sri Lanka’s highlands, Ella is a must-visit destination. Its breathtaking landscapes, captivating viewpoints, and welcoming atmosphere make it a truly enchanting place to explore. Join us in Ella and discover the beauty and serenity that make this highland town so special.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled on business
    Written August 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,044 reviews
Excellent
1,433
Very good
521
Average
71
Poor
10
Terrible
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Jacob I
Los Angeles, CA24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Couples
Amazing hike with some of the best views imaginable of Ella. I highly recommend getting a guide, as the trail isn’t obvious or straightforward and the hike starts on some railroad tracks, so it’s good to have a local who knows the train schedule. The whole hike takes about 2 - 3 hours. I made the mistake of not respecting the elevation and needed to take a longer rest than normal from exertion. The second half is fairly vertical and requires some decent work. We started around 8am and it’s wasn’t too hot. The sunrise views require getting started about 5am. If you’re not keen on the sunrise then a 7am start should afford a more comfortable hike experience. The main peak has a water vendor and amazing views, but be sure to walk along the ridge for a second vista. There are very cute trail dogs who will do the hike along with you, too.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Speranzasf
San Salvador, El Salvador124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
In Ella you must go and hike it. 2 hours up and 1 hour down.

Great views along the way plus a great feeling of accomplishment when you reach the rock slabs at the top.

Anyone can hike this peak.

There are directions all the way.

You can start in Ella go to the top of the Ella Rock and descend in the train station before Ella. Hop on the train to go back to Ella. Then you ascend and descend in different places.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sajjjers
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
A sunrise hike to Ella Rock is well worth the visit. We were unsure if it was worth getting a tour guide at first - but I’m so glad we did, I don’t think I would have felt comfortable hiking in the dark without one and it meant that we stayed on the right track and made it to the top for the sunrise. Our guide was organised by our hotel. We started the hike at the railway track and made it to the top in about an hour and a half. The climb itself is manageable but suitably challenging, although we might have felt that more because we were pushing ourselves to get to the top in time! At the top you have to pay a small environmental fee and there are toilets nearby. When you see the sun rise it is so worth it, you are surrounded by mountains and the view is breathtaking. We were pleasantly surprised there were only about 6 other people at the top so we could really enjoy the tranquility of it all. The walk back down stunning, through beautiful trees and tea plantations. If I ever visited Ella again I wouldn’t think twice about doing this again. Loved it.
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ulrikbuchert
Odense, Denmark513 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
One of the best hikes in Ella - of course we wanted to climb Ella Rock. We arranged a guide and were quite happy to have him, as there were not that many people on the trail and we could have easily gotten lost many places along the way (and we're seasoned hikers). Once on the top of the rock there are great views almost 360 degrees. We started at Kithaella Train Station, and the whole hike (up and down) took about 2 hours.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

pat v
Belgium61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Although the owner of the hotel explained it well, we succeeded in missing the right path alongside the raiway track to start our way up. Anyway, each path to the left of the railway track (after 3 kms) goes up the mountain and you entcounter the right way.
As we both are 69 years of age, we did it slowly and had to wait many times to have our heart beat a bit slower. There are so much nice views and things to see in the woods that the trip as such is also very nice. Once on the rock, it is worthwhile to walk another 10 minutes to see another fantastic sight and a Buddha.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Solo
Summit not so hard as most people declared. Just download a map with hike tracks and enjoy they journey :) be careful for train when You walk part of the road by railway. Also try to avoid help in guiding. Some locals can try to show You the shortest way. It will be shorter but After all they will ask for up to 5000 rumplies for this help even if it wasn’t You who asked for their help.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HayesNZ
Thames, New Zealand106 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Friends
Great walk and fantastic view. Beware of "friendly locals" who scam you. See my pictures - don't get tricked into taking the path that has a fake arrow and sign on the rail tracks, just over the rail bridge and beside a small shrine (it does go to a waterfall) - that path has a few diverging paths which the "friendly locals" then rescue you from being lost then expect you to pay for the privilege. Instead, stay on the rail tracks for about 5 mins of walking past the little train station. Then stay on the main path. You will come to a fork where there is a sign advising how much it costs at the top (viewing location), stay left at that sign, then follow the path from there.
Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MomoNorthumberland
Northumberland65 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
A beautiful walk with stunning views. The walk is definitely worth doing but do not listen to the locals at the shrine- continue on the railway line til the station. The locals scammed us. They deliberately sent us on a wild goose chase 50 meters before the train station- from where the route would have been very obvious. The lady tried to get us lost and was very rude to another tourist who joined us very frightened by this group. She then said we owed her 60 dollars!!
Do the walk but be prepared 😀
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stefana M
Cluj-Napoca, Romania59 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This place was really beautiful, we enjoyed it a lot. You have a lovely panorama of Ella and the hillside area. The hike itself is not very difficult, if you are in a good shape and love walking/hiking. In total it takes about 4h, depending on how fast you move and how much time you spend on pictures, resting, etc. The only issue we had was with the signs, which were kind of missing.
You need to go around 40 min along the train tracks, from Ella train station, to Kithalela train station, then another 10 minutes on the train tracks until you see a small shop on the left side which sells juices & fruits. After that store, you need to go another ~400m and take left, cross a bridge and walk through a tea plantation. The path gets a bit steep afterwards as you walk through an eucalyptus forest. From there in about 30-45 minutes you should get to the viewpoint. You should recognize it easily, as it's quite crowded and there are also some locals selling fresh juices.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rohan Dias
198 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Friends
From ella railway station one must walk on the railway track towards kitala ella railway station. after passing kitala ella railway station,on to the right side there is a white building (a hostel)JUST BEFORE this building turn left , walk over the bridge and turn right and then hike for miles. There are 3 view points close to each other. 1st one is good and the 2nd one is near the woodnd house and not so good.3rd one is to the right from the 2nd one and easily the best

From ella railway station it took us 3 hours to the 3rd view point and about a hour and a half for the wayback

Do check the train schedule from ella station as it can be dangerous to walk on the railway track

The view is awesome from the 3rd view point and a must do in ella
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Ella Rock - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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