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**Ella**
-**Ella-** is a charming small town nestled in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. it is sits approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) east of Colombo. Perched at an elevation of 1,041 meters (3,415 feet) above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity , dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, due to its elevation. The Ella Gap allows views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka.
**Ravana Falls**
-**Ravana Falls-** also known as Ravana Ella, is a captivating sightseeing attraction located in the Uva province of Sri Lanka. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, who is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave. The reason for the kidnapping is said to be exact revenge for slicing off the nose of his sister by Rama (husband of Sita) and his brother Laxmana. At the time, the cave was surrounded by thick forests in the midst of the wilderness. It is also believed that Rama's queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall. They believed that Ravana has played the Ravanahatha over here.
**Ravana Cave**
-**Ravana cave-** At an altitude of 4,490 feet, the Ravana Cave or Ravana Ella Cave is located at the base of a cliff not far from the Ravana Waterfall. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50 feet wide, 150 feet long and 60 feet high. Excavations undertaken in the cave uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back to 25,000 years At a distance of 3 km from Ella Railway Station, Ravana Cave is a historical cave situated in Ella, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka with historical value. The cave is a huge cavity in a rock which people say leads to an underground tunnel. There have been reports stating that the tunnel leads to an underground open area with a lake and rooms, which are assumed to be parts of Ravana's palace.
**Ella Rock**
-**Ella Rock-** is a striking mountain located 9 km from Ella Railway Station in Ella, Sri Lanka. It is one of Ella's must-do activities and one of the top places for hiking and trekking in Sri Lanka. Ella, a charming tiny town encircled by lush mountains, is becoming well-known among tourists. Many people who visit Ella have the trail to the top of Ella Rock on their bucket list, despite all of its delights. The view from the summit of the rock was amazing, despite the fact that the trek is regarded as being very difficult. Huge mountains can be seen everywhere, with Little Adam's Peak in front and a small settlement at the bottom.-
-**For hikers and trekkers, reaching Ella Rock is one of the greatest achievements. The hike up and down Ella Rock takes more than four hours, despite the spectacular views from the summit. There are many of intriguing sights to see along the moderately difficult trail that ascends the peak. Walking up the lovely route, across the bridge, over the train track, and through the tea plantation is a wonderful experience.
-**Ella Railway Station, Kithal Ella Railway Station, or Heel Oya Railway Track are the possible starting points for trekking. There will be a second left turn after leaving Kithal Ella station in five to ten minutes; take this one to cross the river bridge. There will then be two paths visible; you must choose the left one to reach the top. Travelers who continue on this trail will pass a tea plantation before coming to a field of long grass that they must cross. Turn right when you pass the extensive grass and continue walking until you get to a temporary viewing area. To go to the top of Ella rock, you just need to walk straight forward from here.
**Little Adams Peak**
-**Little Adams Peak-**At a distance of 4 km from Ella Railway Station, Little Adam's Peak is the mini version of Adam's Peak, the pilgrimage mountain site of central Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular places of hiking and trekking in Sri Lanka and among the must-visit places in Ella. Located at an altitude of 1141 m, the Little Adam's Peak got its name after its big brother, the holy mountain Adam's Peak, because of the similar shape.
-**It’s a well-indicated hike that can easily be done from Ella’s main street. Because it mimics Adam's summit's shape, albeit at a lesser scale, the summit bears that name. Little Adam's Peak is a much easier trek without a guide than the much harder and longer hike to Adam's Peak. You can follow a designated trail up the mountain, which is well-marked with numerous signposts. It's worth the effort because of the absolutely amazing views from the top. I suggest spending at least one night in the town of Ella if you intend to hike Little Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka. This will allow you to have an early morning start so that you can reach the peak in time for sunrise. The temperatures in Ella linger in the high 20s (Celsius) all year round, so it’s best to do your hiking in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day.-
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| Photo by Hirusha Pathirana |
**Nine Arch Bridge**
-**Nine Arch Bridge-** is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the “Bridge in the Sky,” is a viaduct bridge in Sri Lanka. It is regarded as one of the nation's outstanding examples of railway building from the colonial era. Built as part of the Badulla-Colombo railway, this stone bridge is 300 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 80 to 100 feet high. It was created by joining two bog mountains.
-**The bridge’s construction is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder named P. K. Appuhami, who collaborated with British engineers. D. J. Wimalasurendra, a distinguished Ceylonese engineer and inventor, served as the chief designer and project manager for the ‘Upcountry Railway Line of Ceylon’ project. Harold Cuthbert Marwood, from the Railway Construction Department of the Ceylon Government Railway, designed the viaduct. Interestingly, popular rumors suggest that when construction work began on the bridge, the Great War erupted in Europe, leading to the reallocation of steel originally intended for this site to Britain’s war-related projects. As a result, aside from the rails and pins holding them together, the villagers constructed the bridge out of stone bricks and cement. Travelers wishing to experience Sri Lanka's magnificent beauty should make time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding environment.
**Kandy - Ella Train Ride**
-** At a distance of 53 km from Nuwara Eliya and 137 km from Kandy, the Kandy to Ella train ride is considered one of the most spectacular train trips in Sri Lanka and one of the top things to do in Ella Sri Lanka.
-**No trip to Ella would be complete without taking a train ride between Kandy and Ella or the other way around, as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. This train ride lasts for 7 hours and takes you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. For a shorter trip, the section from Nanu Oya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella is considered the most picturesque and takes around 3 hours.
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| Image by Amanja Hemal from Pixabay |
**Lipton Seat**
-**Lipton Seat-** At a distance of 7 km from Dambatenne, 15 km from Haputale and 27 km from Ella, Lipton's Seat or Lipton Seat is a viewpoint situated in the Haputale mountain range, atop the Dambatenne Tea Estate. It is one of the popular vantage points near Ella. Lipton’s Seat is a famous viewpoint located 1970 meters above sea level in the Haputale Mountains. This precise spot overlooks the Dambetenna Tea Estate, where Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and contemplate his plantation. The stony landscape and lush green tea bushes create a stunning panorama.
-**A bird's eye view of the provinces of Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Eastern may be seen from the summit. The Wedihiti Kanda mountain range, Handapanagala Lake, Chandrika Lake, and Udawalawe Lake should all be visible on a clear day. This location is ideal for seeing the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Lipton's Ceylonta Tea is also available at the small kiosk at the plateau. To learn more about the making of tea, one can also go to the adjacent Dambatenne Tea Factory. Visitors can take an educational 20-minute guided tour of the factory. From Dambatenne town, there is a small road that winds its way up through the tea plantations to the viewpoint and every bus must take this road regardless of where you start from and only drops you at the entrance gate which is 1.5 km from the viewpoint. Although one can hire a tuk-tuk until the viewpoint, a walk to Lipton's Seat is recommended for the opportunity to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
**Diyaluma Falls **
-**Diyaluma Falls-** is 220 m (720 ft) high and the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka[1] and 619th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated 6 km (3.7 mi) away from Koslanda in Badulla District on Colombo-Badulla highway. The falls are formed by Punagala Oya, a tributary of Kuda Oya which in turn, is a tributary of Kirindi Oya. Koslanda, Sri Lanka is home to the breathtaking Diyaluma Falls, which are located 40 kilometers from Ella and 30 km from Haputale. One of the best waterfalls in Sri Lanka and one of the most well-known Ella tourist destinations is located on the Colombo-Badulla route.
-**The falls are accessible in a number of ways. One, much easier and quicker path begins at Makaldenya Junction on Poonagala Road. Travel time to go to Diyaluma Upper Falls is thirty minutes. The entire hike was designated with markers, even though it was nearly all downhill and went through long grass. It takes ten minutes to go to Lower Diyaluma Falls from there. The other, more difficult to follow approach involves hiking up from the bottom close to the settlement of Koslanda. The hike takes roughly two hours and forty minutes. There is no actual trail, but the 40-minute walk through lush grass is lovely, and the vistas are breathtaking.
**Dunhinda Falls**
-**Dunhinda Falls-** is a waterfall located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Badulla in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka. The waterfall, which is 64 metres (210 ft) high, gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray, which surrounds the area at the foot of the waterfall. The fall is created by the Badulu Oya which flows through Badulla. At a distance of 6 km from Badulla and 23 km from Ella, Dunhinda is a beautiful waterfall near Badulla in the lower central hills of Sri Lanka.It is one of Ella's must-see locations and one of Sri Lanka's most exquisite waterfalls.The somewhat difficult hike to Dunhinda Falls is around 1.5 kilometers from the entrance. There are steep stairs and tiny bridges throughout the well-defined route. There are safety wooden and iron handrails. But the view of the falls at the end of the trail is worth the long trek. Along the way, the Small Dunhinda falls, and diverse fauna such as butterflies, monkeys, and birds can be spotted. While enjoying the fall it's better to remind that do not go closer to the fall or bathe as it is deep and full of slippery rocks and stones near the bottom of the waterfall.
**Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara**
-**Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara-**At a distance of 1 km from Badulla Railway Station and 21 km from Ella, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located at the center of Badulla town. Also known as Muthiyangana Temple, it is one of the sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
Buddhists believe that this site has been visited by Gautama Buddha, and it is regarded as one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred places in the country1. On the 8th year after attaining the Enlightenment, the Buddha made his 3rd visit to Kelaniya on the invitation by a king of Naga people named Maniakkitha. During this visit, a local chieftain named Indaka invited Buddha to visit his place in Badulla. At the end of sermons made by Buddha there, Indaka had wanted something to worship in memory of Buddha’s visit. The Buddha is said to have given him a few of his hairs and a few drops of sweat that turned into pearls (mukthaka). Indaka had enshrined these sacred hair and pearls in a stupa, believed to be the stupa here. Indaka, the chieftain of then Deva people, is now regarded as a deity, reigning over the Namunukula mountain range and Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya. This site is not cited in well-known historical chronicles such as Mahavamsa, Bodhi Vamsa, or Dhātuvansa, but it is mentioned in the Samantapasadika, which is older than the former documentaries. It states, “The Lord Buddha visited this island thrice. Third time He arrived with 500 monks. Being entered into Nirodha Samapatti (attainment of ceasing of feeling and perception), He stayed here…” turning the site into the most sacred religious one for Buddhists. This is also regarded as one of 32 Buddhist religious sites where the saplings bred from Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi have been planted1.
-**Refurbishment: King Devanampiya Tissa (307 - 266 BC) further developed the original stupa and turned the site into a temple complex. Thereafter, King Jettha Tissa I (266 - 276 AD), King Dhatusena (459-477 AD), King Vijayabahu I (1055–1110 AD), and King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 AD) have renovated the stupa.
**Dhowa rock temple**
-**Dhowa Rock Temple-** also known as Dowa Raja Maha Viharaya, is a heritage-listed rock temple in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the central mountains of the Uva Province, adjacent to the village of Dhowa along the Badulla-Bandarawela main road (approximately 7.5 km north of Bandarawela).
-**The temple is thought to have been built by King Valagamba in the first century BC, and it dates back more than 2000 years. At that time, the Anuradhapura Kingdom was invaded by an army from South India, prompting King Valagamba to flee to the Uva Province. As you enter the temple’s image house, you’ll encounter numerous colorful murals and paintings of Buddha. Flanking the entrance are two guardian statues—one with an elephant in its mouth and the other with a bull.
**Nil Diya Pokuna**
-**Also known as the "Blue Water Pond" is a fascinating natural site located deep within a cave system near the falls in Sri Lanka.This captivating underwater pond lies 80 meters underground in the mountainous area of Karandagolla. Legend has it that King Ravana built this remarkable pond, and its unique blue hue adds to its mystique.
-**According to the ancient tale, King Ravana abducted Goddess Sita and hid her in this cave. The site is believed to have several tunnels stretching for many miles, connecting the Ravana Ella cave to the cold light of Nuwara Eliya near the Bogoda Rajamaha Viharaya and the Dowa Rajamaha Viharaya. Some even say that these tunnels lead to areas hundreds of feet below the surface. Rumors persist that within the cave lies a throne and a crown, but further exploration was halted when the tunnels were closed under the protection of the Police Special Task Force.
-**To reach Nil Diya Pokuna, follow the Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway for approximately 13.3 kilometers (about 25 minutes) from Ella. After passing the Ravana Falls, turn off at the Karandagolla 10th mile post toward Bandarawela. Travel about 3 kilometers down the alternative road and pass through a grove below the road to find the tunnel. This tunnel leads to the largest underground cave in the country, Nil Diya Pokuna.
**Visiting Tips:**
-**Guide: Due to the darkness and complexity of the cave, having a guide is essential. They provide headlamps and other support.
Fear of Darkness: If you’re afraid of the dark, this adventure may not be suitable for you.
Remember: While exploring this fascinating site, let’s respect its historical significance and preserve its natural beauty for future generations.
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Sri Lanka