Enjoy one of Sri Lanka’s best mountain vistas from the viewpoint at Ella Rock in this quick guide to the Ella Rock Hike in Sri Lanka.
If it is nature you are longing for, then don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. The Ella Rock hike is one of the best walks from town and offers excellent views over the Baddula valleys and the Sri Lankan highlands.
Since finding the track can be a little confusing, I’ve written this guide to help travelers and adventurers head up to Ella Rock without a guide. Enjoy!
Overview & Things to Know
Once a quaint mountain town nestled between green peaks and rolling tea-lined hills, Ella Town is far from the laid-back hidden gem it once was.
While a slice of the relaxed mountain ambiance lives on, commercialization and mass tourism seem to be taking a firm hold on Ella. To get out into nature at Ella Rock Viewpoint, here's what you need to know.
- Trailhead: The viewpoint is located in Ella, approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) from the town center. You can start the hike from the Ella Railway Station.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hike Distance: 12 km return
- Duration: 3-4 hours return
- Elevation: 600 m elevation gain (around 2000 ft)
- Height: 1,360 m AMSL at the viewpoint - recorded on my Garmin watch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- GPX File: Download (.gpx 452 KB)
The truth is that there isn't a single hiking route to Ella Rock from Ella Town. There are a series of tracks and ways to reach the forest trailhead below the viewpoint.
For the purpose of this blog, I'll outline the route I took following the trail tracks from town and then climbing the ridge, passing some local villages on the way, stopping at the rock viewpoint, and continuing a little further down the pine forest to the second viewpoint.
Overall, the hike is not too challenging, but the last section is quite steep. In saying that, if you have a general level of fitness, you'll have no problem.
Where is Ella Rock?
Ella Rock sits high on the hills just 2.5 kilometers above Ella Town. The close proximity to town makes it a perfect hike for those staying in Ella.
However, to reach the viewpoint, you will need to navigate through narrow streets, down a railroad, and past rural villages. It's certainly tricky to find the trail up to Ella Rock without a guide or any other means of navigation, so if you're already lost, don't feel too bad.
My Experience Hiking to Ella Rock
Departing From Ella and Walking Along the Railroad Tracks
Starting from Ella Town, our first waypoint was the train station. Depending on where you are staying in Ella, this might be just around the corner— or you might prefer to grab a rickshaw instead. For us, it was a short walk.
From the Ella railway station, we turned left and started walking along the tracks (heading south).
As you probably know already, Sri Lankan railway tracks are multi-functional in the sense that they serve as conventional train tracks as well as heavily-tramped walking routes for animals and humans.
You will need to follow these tracks for approximately 1.5 km (30 minutes) before arriving at Kithalella station. Along the way, you will probably meet trackside merchants who will be eager to sell you fresh fruit or snacks, usually hanging out near the rail bridge before Kithalella.
We continued passed Kithalella station, following the main track around a wide bend for approximately 700 meters. From here, keep an eye out for a worn walking track on your left. (6°51'46.7"N 81°02'35.2"E).
Hiking Through Highland Villages
Although the start of this section can easily be missed, you shouldn't have a problem if you enter in the GPS coordinates above. I'm assuming that most people who have trouble finding their way mess up at this spot.
Immediately after turning onto this walking track, we saw a picturesque river and a small waterfall known as "Little Ravana Falls". We crossed the bridge here and followed the worn tracks to our right.
Next, we followed this same track along the edge of a tea plantation and into quaint rural villages. Finding our way here was again, a little tricky but if you get lost and end up in someone's living room, they'll kindly direct you back on track.
Gotta love Sri Lankan hospitality!
Admittedly, I got a little lost here myself, and on the way back, ended up making a longer loop back to a point further down the railroad. To avoid making the same mistake, my best advice is to follow the plantation until you reach a low, yellow house.
From here, we turned left and walk up the hill, keeping right at the fork (not the stone steps). Then, continued past the outdoor toilet and followed this same track into the tree line.
Forest Climb to Ella Rock Viewpoint
I agree that finding the trailhead was an adventure in itself, but now, time for the actual hike. This section of the walk is straightforward to navigate as the track is well-worn, leading through the trees all the way to Ella Rock.
It's steep in sections, which calls for a bit of a leg pump, but there's no technical scrambling involved.
After climbing approximately 500 m of altitude through the beautiful highland forest, passing some scenic vista views on the way, we arrived at Ella Rock.
We noticed a store set up here, accommodating tired and hungry tourists. Walk past the stall and we saw the viewpoint on our left.
View From Ella Rock
The view from Ella Rock is quite spectacular and easily one of the best in the area. The rugged highlands stretch out for km before eventually dropping into the Indian Ocean. There are hundreds of tea plantations as far as the eyes can see.
Below I've included some pictures of the Ella Rock viewpoint so you know what to expect.
Optionally, it's also possible to continue on a short stretch after Ella Rock through tall pine forests more akin to Bavarian or North American forests. This leads to another viewpoint that is worth the walk but not as impressive as what's on offer at the viewpoint itself.
Once your eyes are satisfied, warm up your knees and return on the same track back to Ella Town to tell your mates all about the epic views above town!
Where to Stay in Ella
It's no secret that Ella Town has grown significantly over the last half-decade. However, most accommodation options are still relatively central. Therefore, you don't need to worry too much about location. Below I've listed some of the best places to stay in Ella to help you plan your trip.
- My Ella Accommodation: Hangover Hostels - This place sounds like a party hostel but it's more of a chilled backpacker vibe with a rooftop terrace and good views. One of the best-reviewed places in Ella on Hostelworld and also one of the most affordable.
- Mid-Range Guesthouse: Pearl View Guesthouse - Spacious rooms with a private terrace over the Ella tea plantations and highland hills. This place has it all. With a booking price of less than $30 per night, this is the place I wish I stayed at.
- High-end: EKHO Ella - Located 3.8 km from the Nine Arch Bridge and only 1.5 km from Ella Rock, EKHO is the perfect base if you have a bit more to spend. Situated high on a green hilltop and offering epic views, this private oasis has a heated jacuzzi and includes a historic breakfast.
FAQs
How do I get to the starting point?
To start the hike, head to the Ella Railway Station in Ella Town. From there, follow the railroad tracks south for about 1.5 km until you reach Kithalella Station.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entrance fee, there is a shop at the top though where you can support locals by buying snacks or water.
Is it easy to find the trail to Ella Rock?
The trail can be tricky to find, especially the initial sections. It's recommended to use your phone, Google Maps, GPS, or follow detailed instructions. The guide provided above outlines the route clearly.
What should I bring on the hike?
It's advisable to bring water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a good pair of walking shoes. A phone with maps can also be very helpful.
Can I hike Ella Rock without a guide?
Yes, you can hike Ella Rock without a guide. The trail can be a bit confusing, but with these directions above you should have no problem reaching the rocky viewpoint above the mountains.
When is the best time to hike in Ella?
The best time to hike Ella Rock is during the dry season, from December to March, when the weather is generally clear and sunny. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the best views.
elina lopez
Thursday 1st of October 2020
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