A Guide to the Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka
Nestled in the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka is Ella – a small but charming town famous for its breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls and tea plantations. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or adventure, Ella has wonderful things in store for visitors. In this guide, you’ll find the best time to go to Ella and some must-see attractions:
While it’s a year-round destination, the best time to visit Ella, Sri Lanka, is during the dry season from January to May. At this time, the weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall. During these months, you can enjoy clear skies and mild temperatures, at around 20-28°C, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
If you visit between June and August, expect frequent rain showers. However, the landscape is at its greenest during this time, with beautiful views.
- January to May (best time to visit): the weather is dry, and is ideal for hiking Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, and Ella Rock.
- June to August (intermittent rainfall): Occasional showers, but it’s generally a good time to visit.
- September to December (monsoon season in Ella): Heavy rains can make trails slippery, but the scenery is stunning.
- For trekking and outdoor activities, visit between February and April, as the temperatures are mild, and the skies are clear. If you want to avoid the rain, steer clear of the monsoon months from October to December.
The most scenic way to reach Ella is by train. There is one route that is considered among the most scenic train trips in the world, which begins in Kandy. It passes through misty mountains, green tea plantations, and villages, and takes about 6–7 hours.
If you want to get there quicker, you can take a bus or a hired private vehicle from Colombo, Kandy, or Nuwara Eliya. This will take 5–6 hours from Colombo and about 4 hours from Kandy.
Travellers can find top accommodation in the area, or in nearby Wellawaya, at eco-luxury hotels like Jetwing Kaduruketha.
Little Adams Peak Hike: This is one of the top places to go hiking in Ella, Sri Lanka, enabling visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea estates. It’s a relatively easy hike, and takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the top. The best time to go is early morning to watch the sunrise.
Nine Arches Bridge: The bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the area, famous both for its architectural beauty and natural surroundings. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the passing of the train over the bridge. It’s probably the best place to visit in Ella – go early in the morning when the light is good.
Ella Rock: Climbing Ella Rock is one of the best things to do in Ella, especially for adventure seekers. The hike is more challenging than Little Adam’s Peak, but takes around 2–3 hours. The trail goes through lush greenery, tea plantations, and scenic viewpoints. The effort will be worthwhile, thanks to the stunning panoramic views from the top.
Ravana Falls: As one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ella, it’s not very far from the heart of the town. You could take a dip in its chilly waters or capture some great photos here. The best time to see the waterfall is during the rainy season, when the water is gushing down.
Tea plantation tour: Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon tea, and Ella has several tea estates. Halpewatte Tea Factory is a must-visit if you want to understand the process of making tea from scratch and taste the finest Sri Lankan teas.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking.
- Start hikes early in the morning to avoid the heat.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Carry a light rain jacket.
Ella is an incredible destination that provides the ideal combination of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation. Whether you’re trekking along the scenic trails, viewing waterfalls or enjoying the views, Ella will leave you mesmerised!
Make this happen

Best Beachfront Hotels for a Dream Wedding in Sri Lanka

Bentota River Cruising: Explore Sri Lanka’s Stunning Coastal Waterways

Why Jetwing Hotels is the Ideal Location for Your Next Business Meeting in Colombo

Popham’s Arboretum: A Perfect Escape into Sri Lanka’s Natural Beauty

Things to See and Do at Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka: An Ancient Buddhist Monastery Experience

How to Spend a Day at Hakgala Botanical Garden: Your Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

A Traveller’s Guide to Visiting Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

Surf Season in Arugam Bay: When to Visit for the Best Waves

Sigiriya: Explore Sri Lanka’s Famous Monument and Enjoy Your Stay at Jetwing Hotels

The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Villa Stays in Sri Lanka

A Guide to the Best Places for Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do in Welimada

A Complete Guide to Watersports in Bentota, Sri Lanka

Top Destinations for Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka You Can’t Miss

Rediscover Balance and Vitality Through Panchakarma Treatment at Jetwing

The Hidden Treasures of Embekke Devalaya in Sri Lanka: A Must-See Historical Landmark

What Makes Zip Lining in Sri Lanka an Unforgettable Adventure?

Exploring the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka: A Journey Through Myth and Legend

Top Things to Do Around Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil

A Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in Sri Lanka: Exploring The Pekoe Trail

A Guide to the Best Time to Visit Ella, Sri Lanka

Top Attractions and Things to Do Around Jetwing Saman Villas in Bentota, Sri Lanka

Top 5 Places for Snorkelling Experiences in Sri Lanka

Why the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs Should Be Your Next Archaeological Adventure

Stay at Jetwing Jaffna and Discover the Most Beautiful Places in the Region

What are the 8 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya for a Nature-Filled Adventure?

What Makes Jetwing Vil Uyana a Unique Stay Among Sri Lanka’s Top Luxury Eco Resorts

Discover the Rich History of Sri Lankan Masks at Ariyapala Masks Museum

Top Wildlife Encounters in Kumana National Park: What to Expect

Discover Ravana Falls & Cave: Sri Lanka’s Natural Paradise

A Local’s Guide to Enjoying Gregory Lake, Sri Lanka

Exploring Pottuvil: Best Places to Visit for an Unforgettable Trip

Experience the Splendour of Dalada Maligawa Perahera in Sri Lanka

Top Adventure Activities in Sri Lanka: Thrills and Excitement Await

A Breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Experience in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

From Ayurveda to Luxury: Wellness Resort in Sri Lanka for Every Need

Safe and Exciting Water Sports in Sri Lanka for Kids and Teens

Climbing Pidurangala: A Unique Experience in Sri Lanka’s Ancient Heritage

Discovering Ancient Forts in Sri Lanka: A Blend of History and Architecture

Journey Through Time: Exploring Key Archaeological Sites in Sri Lanka

Discover the Ancient Caves of Sri Lanka – A Journey Through Time

A Hiker’s Paradise: Exploring Ella’s Most Scenic Waterfalls

Discover the Hidden Gems of Wilpattu National Park

Top Attractions Near Jetwing Vil Uyana: Sri Lankan Adventure

Why Every Wildlife Enthusiast Must-visit Bundala National Park

The Best Eco-Conscious Hotel in Sri Lanka for an Earth-Friendly Vacation

The Beauty of Muthurajawela: A Photographic Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Mangroves

Discover the Best Day Outing Places in Dambulla for Adventure and Relaxation

Secrets of the Knuckles Mountain Range: What to See and Do in Sri Lanka’s Nature Reserve

Why Colombo Dutch Hospital is a Must-Visit for History Lovers and Shoppers Alike

Why Cycling is the Best Way to Discover the Hidden Gems of Bentota

Top 10 Scenic Boat Rides and River Cruises in Sri Lanka

10 Beautiful Rivers in Sri Lanka Every Traveller Should Explore

Explore Sri Lanka’s Village Walks for Nature Lovers

July Explorations: Sri Lanka’s UNESCO Gems, Temples, and Where to Stay

Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth: Must-Know Tips for Visiting

Top Things to Do in Horton Plains, Nuwara Eliya: A Complete Travel Guide

A Guide to the Most Stunning Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka

Top Attractions & Things to Do Around Jetwing Uva Ben Head Villa

A Journey into the River Safari in Sri Lanka

Capturing the Essence of Sri Lanka: A Photographer’s Paradise

Honeymoon Guide: Best Romantic Getaways and Places in Sri Lanka

Leaping Towards a Sustainable Future by Tripling Our Reliance on Solar Energy

Family Itinerary in Sri Lanka: Discover the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Exploring Maskeliya, Sri Lanka: The Top 5 Things to do and Places to Visit

Sri Lanka in April: Climate, Activities and More

Travel Spots: 10 Uncommon Places and Hidden Attractions In Sri Lanka

Exploring Kebiliththa Siyambalawa Devalaya – A Spiritual Retreat Amidst Nature’s Beauty

Exploring the Mysteries of Fa-Hien Caves, Kalutara, Sri Lanka

Top Wildlife Photography Destinations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Enchanting Train Ride: Colombo to Ella

Best Instagrammable Destinations in Sri Lanka

A Traveller’s Guide to the Must-Visit Places in Nuwara Eliya

Martin Wickramasinghe Museum: A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Literary and Cultural Heritage

5 Tips Families Should Consider Before Travelling To Sri Lanka

Must-Visit Places during a Short Stay in Sri Lanka

Unique Parks Around Yala to Explore the Next Time You Visit Yala

Places to Visit in Galle for Couples

Exploring The North of Sri Lanka

Top Five Things to do in Sigiriya

Four Uncommon Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya

What to do in Colombo; A Business Traveller’s Guide

On the trail with Jetwing – Culture
Sri Lanka’s culture is vibrant and unique. In this edition of On the Trail with Jetwing, we explore the island from its ancient past to modern times to find out what makes us truly Sri Lankan.
read more
On the trail with Jetwing – Food
Few facets of society can become as truly an ambassador for the identity of a country as its cuisine.
read more
On the trail with Jetwing – Wildlife
Sri Lanka provides multiple habitat niches for a stunning collection of fauna and flora
read more
Nuwara Eliya Beyond Tea
Harking back to Sri Lanka’s colonial past, the hill country of Sri Lanka still preserves in its quaint towns and villages, the architecture and idiosyncrasies of a European past.
read more
The Great Gathering
In drawing together elephants from across the north-central dry zone, it functions as an intermingling event for genes of different elephant groups.
read more
The Faith of Yalpanam
In the heart of Jaffna, the resplendent Nallur Kandaswamy Temple holds its sacred, annual 27-day long Nallur Festival, the island’s longest festival.
read more
A Procession of Colours
Experiencing the island’s most colourful procession- a fusion of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and culture.
read more
Heroes in a Hard Shell
Creating a safe haven for the humble beginnings of an eternal journey
read more
CLEAN CONSCIENCE
Welcome to the 7-day luxury eco-tour of Sri Lanka that doesn’t cost the earth
read more
SRI LANKA: EAST COAST ROAD TRIP
A 7-day guide to the beaches, temples, wildlife and surf spots on the undiscovered side of Sri Lanka
read more
48 HOURS IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE
The ultimate two-day tour, taking in Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temples
read more
SLENDER IS THE NIGHT
From night walks to see slender loris to the elephant gathering at Minneriya – the wildlife wonders of Jetwing Vil Uyana
read more
NEW BALANCE
Discovering the secrets of Ayurveda on a life-enhancing tour of Sri Lanka
read more
RISING STARS
How the Jetwing Youth Development Programme is changing young people’s horizons in Sri Lanka
read more
THE ISLAND KITCHEN: Hoppers
Learn how to make amazing egg hoppers with our authentic Sri Lankan recipe
read more
GALLE: To The Lighthouse
Combine cultural wonders and incredible wildlife watching in this definitive 4-day guide to Galle
read more
48 Hours in Colombo
From secret street food spots to historic city walks, discover the best of Colombo with this two-day city guide
read more
A Slow Train To Hill Country
The many natural and cultural highs of train travel from Colombo to Ella
read more
The Insider Guide To Yala
From leopard spotting to diving shipwrecks – expert tips on Yala National Park safaris and Sri Lanka’s southeast coast
read more
Tea Story
From meeting pluckers to tasting Ceylon Tea’s finest flushes – a tea lover’s trip through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
read more
Chasing Waterfalls
Getting wet in Wellawaya – home of Sri Lanka’s finest waterfalls and wild swimming spots
read more
In The Land Of Giants
Sea turtles, blue whales and Sri Lankan elephants on a three-day wildlife tour of the south coast
read more
The Island Kitchen
Five authentic Sri Lankan ‘Rice & Curry’ recipes you have to try
read more
Field To Fork
Experiencing the life, culture and home-cooking of traditional Sri Lankan paddy farmers
read more