Exploring the Ella Highlands on a Day Trip from the Coast
If you’re based in Kalutara, Bentota, or Hikkaduwa and craving a quick escape into Sri Lanka’s stunning highlands, this 12-hour day trip to Ella offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and adventure. For $114 per person, you’ll get hotel transfers, a comfortable air-conditioned ride, and visits to some of Ella’s top spots.
What we love most about this experience are the incredible views during the drive—long before you even step out of the vehicle, you’ll be enchanted by the lush greenery and rolling hills. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easy to focus solely on soaking in the sights without the hassle of logistics.
One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves a fair amount of driving—more than three hours each way—so it’s a long day, which might be tiring for some. However, if you’re a fan of scenic journeys and want to see the highlights of Ella in one go, this trip hits the mark.
This tour is best for travelers who value authentic sights like waterfalls, ancient temples, and tea plantations, and who don’t mind long travel days to maximize their sightseeing. It’s particularly suited for those with limited time but eager to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Variety of Highlights: Combines cultural, natural, and scenic attractions in one day.
- Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially from the coast.
- Long but Rewarding: Expect over 3 hours of travel each way, but with breaks along the way.
- Authentic Experiences: Visit a Buddhist temple, waterfall, tea factory, and historic bridge.
- Guided Tour: English-speaking driver who is knowledgeable and helpful.
- Excellent for Sightseeing Focused Travelers: Suitable for those wanting a comprehensive highlands experience without multi-day commitment.
A Deep Dive Into the Day Trip to Ella Highlands
This full-day adventure, priced at $114, offers a well-rounded glimpse into what makes Ella and its surroundings so special. Starting early around 6 am, the tour kicks off with a drive that promises scenic vistas long before you reach your first stop. The journey itself is part of the experience—Sri Lanka’s landscapes unfold in a lush tapestry of green hills, tea plantations, and charming villages, setting the tone for what’s to come.
The Itinerary Breakdown
First stop: Buduruwagala Temple
This ancient Buddhist site is a wonderful first impression. Comprising seven stone statues dating back centuries, it’s a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spiritual past. Located in a peaceful setting, it’s a quiet place to appreciate history beyond the usual tourist spots. We loved how this stop gave us a sense of the island’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, with some travelers mentioning how their guides shared insights into the statues and their significance.
Next: Ravana Falls
One of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, Ravana Falls is a sight to behold. It’s a popular photo spot, especially after a short walk to the viewing platform. The roar of the water and the spray on a sunny day make it a refreshing pause on the journey. Travelers often praise this stop for its impressive scale and natural beauty, with one reviewer noting they were “totally overwhelmed” by the falls.
Ella Town and the Nine Arch Bridge
Arriving in Ella, you’ll get a chance to see the famous Nine Arch Bridge—a marvel of colonial-era railway engineering. Standing beneath or beside this bridge, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship and the atmosphere of the old railway days. It’s a favorite among travelers, as many enjoy catching the train passing through during their visit.
Climb Little Adam’s Peak
While not a strenuous hike, climbing Little Adam’s Peak offers panoramic views of the valley and tea estates. Those who make the effort find it worthwhile, enjoying the breeze and the vistas. One reviewer shared that the experience is particularly memorable, especially when combined with exploring the surrounding scenery.
Lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Midday, you’ll sit down for a well-earned meal at this upscale hotel situated on a scenic tea estate. The emphasis on a “scenic 98-acre tea estate” means you’ll be dining with views of rolling green hills, making the meal a highlight for many. The reviews mention the lunch as “fantastic” and “reasonably priced,” adding excellent value to the trip.
Experience the Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line
After lunch, an adrenaline rush awaits with Sri Lanka’s first mega dual zip-line, set amidst lush greenery. Raving reviews highlight this as a fantastic, fun activity that adds a sense of adventure to your day. The zip line offers spectacular views and a thrilling way to end your outdoor activities before heading to the final stop.
Halpewatte Tea Factory
Our last stop is a tea factory, where you can see the process of tea-making and, naturally, enjoy a fresh cup of tea. It’s a fitting way to conclude your day, soaking in the natural beauty and craftsmanship behind Sri Lanka’s famous tea. Many visitors find this a relaxing and delicious experience, as one reviewer noted, “Drink a cup while enjoying the magnificent natural beauty.”
Transport and Logistics
The vehicle for this tour is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort amid the long drive. The driver is typically an English speaker and often praised for being courteous and knowledgeable, providing insights and taking short breaks at scenic spots. Because the trip is designed to be flexible, you’ll have opportunities to take photos, relax, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat’s Not Included?
Keep in mind, food and drinks outside of lunch, along with entrance fees to sites, are not covered. This means you may want to bring some snacks or money for small purchases at the tea factory or other stops.
Authenticity and Traveler Reviews
Reviewers consistently mention the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, with one calling their guide “great” and “taking amazing pictures.” The long drive is a common theme, but many agree it’s worth the effort, especially with the scenic stops and memorable experiences along the way.
One traveler remarked, “It was a long day but worth it! Ella and the surrounding area are beautiful,” noting that the trip offered good value for the price and a chance to see highlights without planning multiple days.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for travelers short on time but eager to see Sri Lanka’s highlands. It suits those who enjoy natural beauty, cultural sites, and adventure activities like zip lining. It’s perfect for people who appreciate a well-organized day with hotel transfers and don’t mind a long day on the road. It’s especially good if you want a comprehensive taste of Ella’s highlights without the commitment of an overnight stay or multiple trips.
However, if you prefer more leisurely days or less travel time, you might find this too rushed or tiring. Also, if you’re not keen on entrance fees or eating outside included meals, you’ll want to budget accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a lively, well-rounded introduction to Sri Lanka’s Ella highlands—an accessible way to enjoy waterfalls, ancient temples, colonial bridges, tea plantations, and adventure activities—all in one day. It balances sightseeing with comfort, thanks to hotel transfers and an air-conditioned vehicle, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting to maximize their experience.
Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and stunning views as standout features, reinforcing that this trip is about more than just ticking boxes—it’s about creating memorable moments amid some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful scenery.
While the long drive might be a challenge for some, the variety of stops, scenic outlooks, and engaging activities make it a worthwhile day for curious travelers eager to see as much as possible in one go. This tour truly caters to those looking for an authentic, scenic, and fun-filled highlands adventure.
FAQ
How early does the tour start?
The tour departs around 6 am, ensuring you make the most of the daylight hours exploring Ella.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver, and highway tolls.
Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but you’ll enjoy a nice lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa as part of the itinerary.
Do I need to pay entrance fees?
Yes, entrance fees to the various sites (such as the temple, waterfalls, and tea factory) are not included and need to be paid separately on-site.
Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a full day’s worth of travel and walking. The stops are relatively relaxed, but the long drive might be tiring for very young children or seniors.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a guided tour designed to cover specific highlights, customization isn’t typical. However, your guide will help you make the most of each stop and may accommodate short personal requests.
This detailed review aims to help you decide if this day trip to Ella matches your travel style. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, cultural insight, or a dash of adventure, it offers a practical and memorable way to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
You can check availability for your dates here: