Sri Lanka’s Mountain Adventure & Hiking Capital
Perched high in Sri Lanka’s cool central highlands, Ella is where spectacular mountain scenery, endless tea plantations, dramatic waterfalls, and unforgettable hiking trails come together. Surrounded by mist-covered peaks and emerald valleys, this relaxed hill town has become one of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Ella is best known for its iconic Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and the legendary train journey through the hill country, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys. Beyond these famous landmarks, adventurous travellers can trek to the summits of Diyaluma Falls, Bambarakanda Falls, and Aradunu Ella, explore the mysterious Nil Diya Pokuna underground cave, visit the remarkable Buduruwagala rock carvings, or experience exhilarating ATV rides, ziplining, and guided hiking adventures through remote villages and tea plantations.
When the sun sets, Ella transforms into one of Sri Lanka’s liveliest mountain towns. Relax in stylish cafés, enjoy rooftop restaurants overlooking the hills, discover local cuisine during a cookery lesson, or spend the evening listening to live music in the town’s vibrant cafés and bars. Few destinations in Sri Lanka combine breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and relaxed nightlife as effortlessly as Ella.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, an active holiday, or a memorable stop along Sri Lanka’s hill-country railway, CCT Sri Lanka ensures your journey is every bit as enjoyable as the destination itself. Travel comfortably with our Tourist Board-licensed chauffeurs, premium air-conditioned vehicles, helicopter transfers, charter flights, and personalised holiday planning designed around your interests.
Destination Highlights
Scenic Train Journey | Nine Arch Bridge | Little Adam’s Peak | Ella Rock | Tea Plantations | Waterfalls | Hiking | Ziplining | ATV Adventures | Nil Diya Pokuna | Buduruwagala | Mountain Cafés | Nightlife | Cycling
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long, tiring road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Ella Highlights – Day One
Experience Ella’s most iconic attractions, visiting Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, and enjoying an exciting ATV adventure through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Iconic Sights | Adventure
Ella Explorer Tour
Discover Ella’s spectacular highlands, exploring waterfalls, tea estates, viewpoints, hidden villages, and breathtaking scenery during an unforgettable multi-day adventure.
Waterfalls | Highlands
Ella Rock & Ravana Cave
Trek to Ella Rock before exploring the legendary Ravana Cave, combining panoramic mountain views, rewarding hiking, and fascinating local folklore.
Hiking | Legends
Nil Diya Pokuna
Explore the mysterious Nil Diya Pokuna, descending into crystal-clear underground waters hidden within one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating cave systems.
Underground Cave | Adventure
ATV Adventure
Drive powerful ATV quad bikes across rugged mountain trails, tea plantations, forest tracks, and scenic countryside surrounding the beautiful town of Ella.
ATV | Off-Road
Zipline Adventure
Soar above Ella’s spectacular valleys on South Asia’s longest zipline, enjoying breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable adrenaline-filled flying experience.
Zipline | Adrenaline
Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak
Visit Ella’s two iconic landmarks, combining the famous Nine Arch Bridge with an easy hike to Little Adam’s Peak for spectacular panoramic mountain views.
Iconic Landmark | Panorama
Ravana Falls
Visit the magnificent Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s most photographed waterfalls, cascading dramatically beside Ella’s scenic mountain highway amidst lush greenery and towering cliffs.
Waterfall | Photography
Sri lankan Cookery Lessons
Learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh local ingredients, traditional recipes, and hands-on guidance before enjoying your homemade meal together with fellow travellers.
Authentic Cuisine | Local Family
Ellewala Waterfall Trek
Follow scenic countryside trails to Ellewala Waterfall, where refreshing natural pools, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful landscapes reward adventurous hikers.
Waterfall | Swimming
Diyaluma Falls Trek
Hike above the spectacular Diyaluma Falls, discovering breathtaking infinity pools, dramatic cliffs, and unforgettable panoramic views across Sri Lanka’s southern highlands.
Infinity Pools | Hiking
Aradunu Ella Trek
Enjoy a peaceful trek through Ella’s scenic countryside, leading to the hidden beauty of Aradunu Ella Waterfall surrounded by untouched natural landscapes.
Hidden Falls | Village Trek
Visari Ella Trek
Follow quiet village paths to Visari Ella Waterfall, enjoying peaceful forests, mountain scenery, refreshing cascades, and an unforgettable countryside hiking experience.
Nature Trek | Waterfall
Lipton’s Seat
Stand at the famous Lipton’s Seat, admiring sweeping hill-country panoramas where Sir Thomas Lipton once overlooked his world-renowned tea plantations.
Tea Heritage | Viewpoint
Adisham Bungalow
Visit the elegant Adisham Bungalow, exploring colonial architecture, peaceful gardens, working tea estates, and one of Ella’s finest historic landmarks.
Colonial Heritage | Tea Estate
Bambarakanda Waterfalls Trek
Trek through beautiful mountain landscapes to Bambarakanda Falls, discovering Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall and several hidden cascades along the scenic trail.
Highest Waterfall | Hiking
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
