The Barn by Starbeans

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!

If Sri Lanka isn't already on your bucket list - please add it immediately. Stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and thrilling adventure, there is just so much to explore. The country boasts an extensive coastline with picturesque beaches such as Hiriketiya, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay, perfect for relaxation, surfing and snorkeling. In terms of wildlife, Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with several national parks and reserves. It has the highest leopard density in the world, so if you're lucky you'll spot one (pun intended)! It's also famous for its large population of Asian elephants, which yes, you can sometimes casually see in places like Arugam Bay and driving through Yala National Park (more on that later!) I fell in love with Sri Lanka and can't wait to share the best that this island has to offer with you! In this guide, you'll find: 🗺️ A short intro to the island and the culture 🐘 Off the beaten path activities 💰 Budget breakdowns 🍽️ A list of local foods to try 🗓️ A complete month long itinerary + modified itineraries for 2 weeks & 10 days 🏠 Restaurants + Accommodations marked on an interactive map & much more! Make sure to SAVE this guide to your Thatch library for when you plan your Sri Lanka adventure!