Cafe Chill

Ella is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and valleys. It’s a hub for a wide range of activities in Sri Lanka and because of it’s higher elevation it remains warm but comfortable year round and offers some respite from the rest of the country which can get stiflingly hot in season, or see a lot of rain out of season. Almost every person I met travelling in Sri Lanka remarked Ella was their favourite place they visited during their trip and I have to say it was also mine. The temperate weather makes Ella a great place to do lots of activities each day -you can go hiking, enjoy one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, view Nine Arch Bridge, swim in waterfalls, go caving and swim in underground cave pools, take yoga classes, cooking classes, visit temples, and venture a little further for safaris. It’s an ideal spring board between Colombo and the South/East Coast and Yala National Park. The best way to arrive in Ella is by train from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, but as one of the most beautiful train journey's in the world, you will need to book your train tickets in advance... my advice is to go for 2nd class- find out why, and how to book them in the "What To Do" section of this guide. Read on for all my recommendations on where to stay, what to do and where to eat for a FABULOUS time in Ella!

This list includes all of the must-sees of Sri Lanka! Don't leave the country without visiting these incredible places or you will have the worlds worst fomo...guaranteed. I've included all of my recommendations for the best activities, restaurants, bars, and beaches... neatly organized by each tourist hot spot.

For (solo) budget backpackers who travel slow, authentic, adventurously. Destinations, itineraries, hostels recs, surf breaks, how to move around, safety & budgeting tips: welcome to the one and only Sri Lanka guide you'll need to plan your trip to this tropical gem! What you'll find: 1. Introduction 2. Basic SL tips - money - language - food - visa - safety - moving around 3. Itineraries (2, 3, 4+ weeks) 4. Destinations - Colombo - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala National Park - Southern coast (Ahangama, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Midigama and more)