Suche
Mein Konto
Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka – Independent Hiking Guide
An independent guide for the Ella Rock Hike in Ella, Sri Lanka. Enjoy one of the best mountain views in Sri Lanka from the viewpoint at Ella Rock, just a short distance from Ella Town. Once a picturesque hill town nestled between verdant peaks and rolling tea-fringed hills, Ella Town is a far cry from the laid-back, hidden gem it once was. While a piece of the relaxed mountain atmosphere lives on, commercialization and mass tourism seem to have a firm grip on Ella. Still, there is no doubt that this place is magical. But if it was nature you were looking for...
Ella Rock Hike Sri Lanka – Independent Hiking Guide
An independent guide for the Ella Rock Hike in Ella, Sri Lanka. Enjoy one of the best mountain views in Sri Lanka from the viewpoint at Ella Rock, just a short distance from Ella Town.
Once a picturesque hill town nestled between verdant peaks and rolling tea-fringed hills, Ella Town is a far cry from the laid-back, hidden gem it once was. While a piece of the relaxed mountain atmosphere lives on, commercialization and mass tourism seem to have a firm grip on Ella.
Still, there is no doubt that this place is magical. But if it was the outdoors you were longing for, then don't worry, I've got you covered. The Ella Rock trek is one of the best treks from the city and offers excellent views over the Baddula valleys and the Sri Lankan highlands.
Since finding your way can be a bit confusing, I wrote this guide to help travelers and adventurers head to Ella Rock without a guide. Enjoy!
Where is Ella Rock?
Ella Rock sits high on the hills, just 2.5 kilometers above Ella Town. The proximity to the city makes it a perfect hike for those staying overnight in Ella.
However, to reach the Ella Rock viewpoint, you have to navigate narrow streets, down a railway, and past rural villages. It is certainly difficult to find your way to Ella Rock without a guide or other means of navigation. So if you're already lost, don't feel too bad.
That's why I've included a detailed hiking guide below as well as an Ella Rock map so you don't get lost.
Ella Rock GPX FI and hiking data
Below is a GPX file that I generated using my Garmin watch. It follows the route from the heart of Ella town to the Ella Rock viewpoint and a little further down the pine forest to the second viewpoint. You can download the GPX file from the link below.
GPX file: Download
GO TO INDIA? DON’T MISS THIS EPIC 1 MONTH INDIA TRAVEL PLAN
The Ella Rock Hike: Independent hiking guide
Okay, the truth is that there is no single hiking route to Ella Rock from Ella Town. There are a number of trails and paths to access the forest path below the viewpoint. For the purpose of this blog I will outline the path I took.
Overall the hike is not too demanding, but the last part is quite steep. Other than that, if you have a general fitness level you won't have a problem.
Leave Ella and walk along the railway tracks
Starting from Ella Town, your first waypoint is the train station. Depending on where you stay in Ella, this might be just around the corner – or you might prefer to grab a rickshaw instead.
From Ella Station, turn left and walk along the tracks (southbound).
alt="RAILWAY LINES NEAR ELLA SRI LANKA">
As you probably already know, the train tracks in Sri Lanka are multifunctional in the sense that they serve both as traditional train tracks and as heavily trafficked migration routes for animals and people.
old=““>
alt="PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN WITH TEA ON HER HEAD IN ELLA, SRI LANKA">
You need to follow these tracks for about 1.5 km (30 minutes) before arriving at Kithalella station. Along the way you are likely to meet roadside vendors happy to sell you fresh fruit or snacks, usually located near the railway bridge before Kithalella.
Continue past Kithalella train station and follow the main path around a wide bend for about 700m. Look out for a well-worn footpath on the left. (6°51’46.7″N 81°02’35.2″E).
Hike through Highland Villages
Although the beginning of this section can be easy to miss, you shouldn't have a problem if you enter the GPS coordinates above. I suspect that most people who can't find their way screw up at this point.
Immediately after turning onto this trail, you will see a scenic river and a small waterfall known as Little Ravana Falls. Cross the bridge and follow the worn tracks on your right.
alt=“RIVER NEAR ELLA SRI LANKA”>
Follow the same path along the edge of a tea plantation and into picturesque rural villages. Finding your way here is again a bit difficult, but if you get lost and end up in someone's living room, they will kindly put you back on the right path.
alt=“PORTRAIT OF A BOY WITH A SLINGSHING IN ELLA, SRI LANKA”>
Admittedly, I got a little lost here myself and on the way back I made a longer loop back to a point further down the railway. To avoid the same mistake, my best advice is to follow the plantation until you reach a low, yellow house. From here, turn left and walk up the hill, keeping right at the fork (not the stone steps). Then continue past the outdoor toilet and follow the same path to the tree line.
Climb in the forest to the Ella Rock viewpoint
I agree, finding the trailhead was an adventure in itself, but now it's time for the actual hike. This section of the hike is easy to navigate as the trail is well-worn and leads through the trees to Ella Rock.
It is steep in sections, requiring a bit of leg pumping, but there is no technical climbing.
After climbing approximately 500 meters of elevation through beautiful highland forest, passing some scenic views along the way, you reach Ella Rock.
You will notice that there is a shop set up here to accommodate tired and hungry tourists. Walk past the stand and you will see the Ella Rock viewpoint on your left.
View from Ella Rock
The views from Ella Rock are quite spectacular and certainly one of the best in the area. I've included some pictures of the Ella Rock viewpoint below so you know what to expect.
alt=“ELLA ROCK VIEWPOINT HIKE”>
alt=“ELLA ROCK VIEWPOINT HIKE”>
Optionally, it is also possible to continue after Ella Rock for a short distance through a tall pine forest, which is more similar to Bavarian or North American forests. This leads to another viewpoint that's worth the walk, but not as impressive as what Ella Rock has to offer.
alt=“FOREST NEAR ELLA ROCK VIEWPOINT”>
Once your eyes are satisfied, warm up your knees and head back to Ella Town the same way to tell your friends all about the epic views from the Ella Rock hike!
Where to stay in Ella
It's no secret that Ella Town has grown significantly over the last half decade. However, most of the accommodation options are still relatively central. Therefore, you don't have to worry too much about the location. Below I have listed some of the best places to stay in Ella to help you plan your trip.
My Ella Accommodation: Hangover HostelsThis place sounds like a party hostel, but it's more of a relaxed backpacker vibe with a rooftop terrace and good views. One of the best rated places in Ella on Hostelworld and also one of the cheapest.
Mid-Range Guesthouse: Pearl View GuesthouseSpacious rooms with a private terrace overlooking the Ella tea plantations and highland hills? This place has everything. With a booking price of less than $20 per night, this is the place I would have liked to have stayed. High-end: EKHO Ella3.8 km from the Nine Arch Bridge and just 1.5 km from Ella Rock, EKHO is the perfect base if you want to spend a little more money. This private oasis sits high on a green hill and offers breathtaking views. It features a heated hot tub and a historic breakfast.
More travel guides and blogs
I hope you enjoyed this guide to complete the Ella rock hike independently and without a guide. If you're looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to check out some of my other blogs and articles below.
MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT
- Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
- Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
- 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
- Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
- Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
- Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
- Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
- Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
- Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
- Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip
For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.
If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
alt=“ELLA ROCK HIKE SRI LANKA INDEPENDENT HIKING GUIDE”>
On Pinterest?
Why not save this Ella Rock Hike guide for later? Follow We Seek Travel on Pinterest to stay up to date with all the new travel guides and blogs.
PIN IT FOLLOW ME
.