Mountain adventures in Sri Lanka. Attractions in the vicinity of the village of Ella. Taxi. What features exist. tee arch bridge
"blessed land"- so translated from Sanskrit is the name of the island, located near southeast coast Hindustan. Sri Lanka is a hospitable and welcoming country. Not without reason, its inhabitants were nicknamed "smiling people".
visiting this magnificent island will charge you with positive for many months. Popular cities to visit among tourists include: the capital of Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Gaddi, Tangalle. However, there is another no less wonderful place worth visiting - Ella.
Ella- small picturesque town, lost in the southern part hospitable island Sri Lanka. The city can be reached in an hour by train from the city of Badulla or take advantage of the well-developed network public transport. Created here all conditions for recreation: hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, post office, bank. local climate slightly chilly, so it's worth stocking up on a jacket and insect repellant.
If you are looking for solitude, silence, fresh air, impressions - this place is created for you. It is ideal for hiking By highlands, contemplation majestic nature, exploring local attractions such as tea plantations, Ella Rock, Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls. We will introduce you to these sights now:
1 Adam's Peak
"Mountain of Butterflies"- so the Europeans call the peak. For those who profess Buddhism, the mountain is sacred. At its top is a temple, and below it, on a rock, you can see the "Sacred Footprint" (Sripada). This is a man-made creation in the shape of a Buddha's foot, framed around the edges with a gold frame and precious stones.
In Islam, many believe that this Adam's footprint. Hence the name of the mountain - Adam's peak. The climb to the top is quite hard, but worth it. Breathtaking views from a 2243-meter height of dense endless forests, ringing silence, an extraordinary beauty of the sunrise and a sense of peace - for this it is worth visiting the mystical Adam's Peak. It is mystical because of the belief that the water that accumulates in the foot of the Buddha has healing powers. Visit this peak and check the veracity of local rumors for yourself!
Adam's Peak, Ella, Sri Lanka
2 Rock Ella Rock (Ella rock)
The starting point of the journey to the rock Ella Rock is considered to be the same name. Ella station. You will have to walk several kilometers on the railway tracks. The walk promises to be exciting, as this section of the path is considered one of the most picturesque in the world. On the way, you will be able to get acquainted with the good-natured locals, their way of life. You will meet a small but very beautiful waterfall, roadside small temple with offerings, dense thickets of bamboo.
Myself climb to the top rocks takes about an hour and a half. But when you get to the top, your fatigue will vanish! Unusual beauty will open before you local flora, endless green mountains, blue sky and Adam's Peak not far away.
Ella Rock, Ella, Sri Lanka
3 Ravana Falls
The visit itself wide waterfall Sri Lanka is a must travel destination. You can get to it by almost any bus, which, winding along the mountain serpentine, will reveal to you the extraordinary beauties of the local nature and add thrills to the trip. Ten minutes later, the noisy waters of the multi-cascade Ravana waterfall will open before your eyes. And at an altitude of 1370 meters you can visit the cave of Ravana Ella, sung in many legends.
According to legend, one of the episodes of the Ramayana took place here. This cave is named after Ravana, who wanted to avenge his sister, and having kidnapped Rama's wife, hid her in these places.
Ravana waterfall, Ella, Sri Lanka
4 Tea plantations
Sri Lanka is famous with its tea plantations, which can be found in any part of the country. A small village called Ella is no exception. Wherever you go, there is Great chance stumble upon a tea bush.
The best option for living in the city would be a house overlooking the endless tea plantations exuding the divine aroma of the future drink. Many tea plantations belong to factories. There you can visit the tea fields, learn how the leaves are harvested for the most popular drink in the world, taste, and also buy yourself a few packs of tea.
Tea plantation, Ella, Sri Lanka
5 Demodara Nine-Arch Bridge
Built between the two stations Ella and Demoda, the bridge is the largest in Sri Lanka. It is truly huge, more than 30 meters in height, which is why it was nicknamed the "Bridge to Heaven". And its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is made entirely of rocks, cement and brick, without the use of any steel in the construction. From the city of Ella, the bridge can be reached by another tourist attraction - tuk.
Demodara 9 Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka
6 Dowa Cave Temple and Giant Buddha Statue
Just six kilometers from the town is located Dowa Monastery, where you can see a 11.5-meter rock statue of Buddha and wander around a small cave temple. The Bodhi tree grows along the way main character Buddhism. Such trees are planted in each monastery and carefully looked after. In the temple itself, you can slowly examine the lobby skillfully painted with traditional Buddhist motifs. Numerous Buddha statues are located in the temple cave itself.
Dowa Monastery, Ella, Sri Lanka
7 Horton Place National Park
The only one national park Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. You can get to it by train, sitting at Ella station. Unique evergreen subtropical forests grow in the park, and rare birds and animals that live only in this area graze on pastures. This park is not just a tourist attraction, but an invaluable place for naturalists and explorers.
Horton Plains, Ella, Sri Lanka
The small town of Ella (Ella) in the province of Uva (Uva) is an hour by train from the city. Travelers come here mainly to conquer Mount Ella (Ella Rock) and visit Little Adam's Peak. And of course, everyone is attracted by the famous beauty of Sri Lankan nature. And of course we were also tempted and came.
You can come to Ella by railway or by bus. If you start your journey from Colombo, then the road will take you a lot of time, there are always a lot of people in transport from the capital. But if you sit at the final station at, then you can enjoy the views while sitting in an almost empty carriage. The train leaves four times a day, and the ticket costs 20 rupees for a seat in the third class. You won't get bored: you will arrive at your destination in just an hour.
Rails, rails, sleepers, sleepers
Railway bend
Landscape near the railway station
Red intercity bus
There's a police station around here somewhere
Ella on the map of Sri Lanka
Ella - dreams come true!
Ella made my dream come true! Finally, a city was found in Sri Lanka, where you can breathe freely, walk carefree, among the hills and green trees! Ella has one street lined with restaurants, cafes and hotels. Several streets depart from it, rising to the hills. And in general, Ella is a tiny town, even a village! But it is rich in landscapes that you want to look at without taking your eyes off for several hours in a row.
Ella instantly reminded me of Thai, small town in the north of Thailand, where I happened to live. And just like Pai, Ella settled in my heart forever. And when we traveled South America, there was also found such a small and cozy picturesque town. I advise you to pay attention to it too. It's in the mountains of Colombia.
Things to do in Ella
Usually people come to Ella to climb or , and at the same time admire the gorge that these two mountains form. For this, people take half a day or a day, and go further along their route. Few people spend the night in Ella, despite the abundance of hotels and guesthouses. But, in my opinion, this tiny town is undeservedly deprived of attention. If time obeys you and you are not in a hurry, stay in Ella!
Road through the city of Ella
In Ella
I spent three days here. Slowly and without trying to see everything in one day. Of course, I'm too far-fetched by comparison, but still I could not help but be surprised to notice how much Ella reminds me of Pai, my favorite city on Earth. The only difference is the established community of creative people who already live in Pai. Nobody knows about Ella yet, but peace, scenic surroundings and distance from big cities can lure everyone here. And the opportunity will not leave anyone indifferent.
A whole truckload of fresh bananas
Mother cat and kitten
big moo
Bird feeders
Chipmunk in the guesthouse
All sights are at some distance from the city, but they are all easily accessible. If you are in the mood to feel like a climber, try climbing Ella Rock, and if you are more comfortable driving along the road without high drops, then Small Adam's Peak is at your service. As for the gorge, it is best seen from the courtyard of the Grand Ella Motel. Another interesting view you can see the gorge if you walk along the road to Wellawaya, past the temple, to which all the drivers who set off along the serpentine make an offering, asking for a good road. Further down this road - high .
And in Ella, as well as around a lonely rock, eco-tourism is very developed.
tourist attractions
Unforgettable view
Mount Ella rock
Firewood
How to get from Ella to Colombo
Ella became mine where you want to go back again. And it's great that my trip to Sri Lanka ended with positive impressions. Despite the further long journey to Colombo (by bus for 240 rupees from Kumbalwella or Bandarawella, Kumbalwella, Bandarawella), and then to the airport, the impressions received in Ella still remain in my memory.
What else is important to know about Ella Sri Lanka?
To get into Ella - Sri Lanka and see its sights, you need to buy a ticket and fly by plane to international Airport Bandaranaike, located in the capital city of Colombo. There are direct flights from Moscow to Colombo several times a day.
2. To search hotels by favorable price we use the site Booking.com >>
Find and book hotel in Ella at a bargain price you can here:
4. Video about Ella in Sri Lanka (filmed from a drone)
Panorama of the surroundings. Photo credit: Sami Hadhri, Flickr
what to go for
Don't miss in Ella
- Set aside a whole day for a lazy and leisurely walk around the outskirts of Ella - among tea plantations, exotic gardens and rice fields to waterfalls, small temples and local attractions.
- Conquer at least one of the two peaks of Ella - or Ella Rock for the incredible views that open up from the tops.
- Choose a guest house on the hill. Breakfast and hot coffee on the terrace, with an absolutely magical view, is a must experience in Ella.
- Pamper yourself in one of the local spas, be sure to take an Ayurvedic head massage in the package.
- And, of course, don't miss a big traditional Sri Lankan dinner at one of Ella's small restaurants, which is usually served with a mass of small plates of curry, chutney and other goodies.
Road to Ella. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, 5steps-photoblog.com
Walks around Ella
Ella is as if created for walking, the surroundings are incredibly picturesque, walking around the surroundings is pleasant and easy. Even if you do not plan climbs to the tops of Ella (each of which will take several hours), set aside a full day for a walk. Of course, you can walk around the neighborhood on your own.
But, the specificity of Ella is such that there are no ready-made marked routes here. In the city you will find information stands and brochures with local attractions and the distance to it, choose one or two places, consult with the locals in which direction to walk and how to return from attractions using local transport.
Alternative option (recommended in Ella) - take local guide. Any of the guest houses will help you find a guide who knows Beautiful places around Ella and will gladly show them to you, besides, Ella's guides are usually locals, walking in the company of which is a very interesting experience.
Typical local guide in Ella) Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, 5steps-photoblog.com
A little stupa somewhere in the vicinity of Ella. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, 5steps-photoblog.com
Local fast food. Photo credit: Natalie Belikova, 5steps-photoblog.com
I didn't think the story Sri Lanka it's going to be so tight. However, once you start a business, you need to see it through to the end. We continue to travel through the mountainous landscape of Sri Lanka, and today we will go to explore Uva County (Uva). It is in this district that the most picturesque and no less touristy than on the coast cities are located: Ella, Bandarawella, Haputale, and so on.
Today we will study in more detail the surroundings of the village of Ella and the sights of its surroundings: we will swim in one of the widest in this country - Ravana Falls and visit Dowa Temple (DovaTemple) with a 4-meter Buddha statue. However, we will also look at other cities with one eye.
We managed to sneak past the guards unnoticed to take a couple of photos of the stone Buddha. Although it wasn't necessary. As far as I know, the entrance fee to the temple is a small donation (for example, Rs. 20).
Overnight in Haputale.
For today, Ella's program is over, you can go further. No matter how hard we tried to get down from the mountainous area before dark, we did not succeed. stuck in another town of Haputale located at an altitude of 1500 m above sea level. The only thing that pleased at that moment was the unimaginable landscapes, with which, perhaps, even Nuwara Eliya cannot be compared.
We no longer had time to explore the city, so we immediately started looking for an overnight stay, namely some church or temple where we could hide during the cold mountain night. There are two options on the map. Catholic churches. One was the closest, so they immediately went to it.
The little church stood at the very top of the hill, besides, when we got to it, it turned out to be closed. I had to go back down and walk main road to the next "cross" indicated on the map.
Having strayed in the narrow alleys, we still managed to get to the church, which appearance more like our Soviet culture clubs, where discos and some local concerts were held on weekends.
The entrance to the "father's" house was on the other side. A little girl of 10 years old opened it, and after 5 minutes her mother appeared behind her. They also had problems with English, although they didn’t have to explain much, and it’s clear who we came to. Father was not at home, and we were asked to wait.
Holy Father Joshua crossed the threshold of the house already dark.
And before helping us, he decided to arrange a whole interrogation with prejudice, although we did not ask him to go home, but asked permission to pitch a tent outside. Somehow we survived until the time when we had to go to bed, for which we were given a separate room, where a large piece of cloth hung instead of a door.
The last days in Sri Lanka were too active even for me, so the question of a couple of days of relaxation somewhere by the sea was brought up for general discussion. It is desirable, of course, to choose not too much tourist beach. And the next morning it was decided to go to the side.
