Ella

Best Jan – Mar Hill Country Hill Country 2 – 3 nights

Ella sits at 1,041 metres in the central highlands, a small mountain village wrapped in tea plantations and mist. For honeymooners, it offers something rare, genuine adventure paired with the kind of slow, unhurried romance that only the hill country delivers.

Mornings begin with sunrise hikes to Little Adam's Peak, where the views stretch across valleys and terraced tea fields. Afternoons dissolve into couples' spa treatments at 98 Acres Resort, followed by golden-hour walks along the railway tracks to Nine Arches Bridge.

Why Honeymoon in Ella?

Perched on the edge of a dramatic escarpment, Ella overlooks the southern plains from nearly a kilometre above sea level. The village itself is compact and walkable, with a single main street lined with cafes, boutique shops and curry houses. Beyond it, the landscape opens into rolling tea estates, deep river gorges and jungle-clad ridgelines that feel far removed from the coastal resorts below.

Days here fill themselves naturally. The trek to Ella Rock takes around three hours and rewards you with unobstructed panoramas across Badulla District. Ravana Falls, a 25-metre cascade on the outskirts of town, has a natural swimming pool at its base where you can cool off after the climb. For something gentler, book a private tea-tasting session at a nearby plantation and learn why Ceylon tea from these highlands commands premium prices worldwide.

Evenings in Ella carry a relaxed energy. Cafe Chill, a two-storey spot on the main road, serves Sri Lankan rice and curry alongside wood-fired pizza, with views over the valley from its open terrace. After dinner, the town stays quietly lively until late, with candlelit tables and live acoustic sets at venues like Cafe One Love.

Highlights of Ella

Nine Arches Bridge

A colonial-era stone viaduct surrounded by jungle and tea fields, best visited at sunrise before the crowds arrive

Little Adam's Peak

A 45-minute trail through tea bushes leading to a grassy summit with panoramic views across Ella Gap

Ravana Falls

A 25-metre waterfall on Ella's outskirts with a natural rock pool at the base for swimming together

Tea Estate Walks

Guided strolls through terraced Ceylon tea plantations where you can taste fresh leaves picked that morning

Ella Rock Sunrise Trek

A three-hour return hike that rewards early risers with sweeping views over the southern highlands at dawn

Cafe Chill Terrace

Ella's favourite open-air restaurant serving Sri Lankan curry and cocktails with valley views after dark

Best Time to Visit

January to March is the driest window, with warm days around 25 to 28°C and cool nights dropping to 15°C. October to December offers lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, though afternoon showers are common. April and May bring the heaviest rainfall and can make trails slippery.

Getting There

Ella is roughly 200 kilometres from Colombo, but the real journey is the train. The Kandy to Ella railway, often called the world's most scenic train ride, takes around seven hours through tea plantations, waterfalls and mountain tunnels. By road, a private car from Colombo takes about five hours via the Southern Expressway. We arrange all private transfers with English-speaking drivers as part of every honeymoon package.