Explore the best of Ella. Hiking, waterfalls and cultural tour
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the true essence of Sri Lanka through a one-of-a-kind journey that's authentically local. Immerse yourself in a real Sri Lankan experience, guided by a national tourist guide lecturer. With a background in agriculture chemistry and expertise in Ceylon tea, your host ensures a unique perspective.
This tour isn't just about the must-see sites; it's about unveiling hidden gems cherished by locals. Explore places that only insiders know, gaining insights that go beyond the surface. It's an opportunity to unravel the tapestry of Sri Lanka's history, culture, nature, politics, economy, and more.
As you traverse through breathtaking landscapes, you'll find that this journey is about more than just sightseeing. It's about responsible tourism, benefiting local communities and preserving the beauty of the land. Delve into the heart of Sri Lanka's traditions and beliefs, particularly Buddhism and its coexistence with other religions.
this tour is a blend of leisure and enjoyment too.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Summary - sunrise at Little Adam's Peak , Nine Arches Bridge, Secret jungle Waterfall , Demodara Railway loop, Train ride (15min) , Rice farms, ella village ancient temple . Join me on a captivating journey where you'll explore diverse nature, culture, and Buddhist philosophy. I'll pick you up at 5.00 a.m. to catch the sunrise at 6:10 a.m. During our hike, you'll learn about plants, birds, folkore and enjoy beautiful scenery. Our journey will then lead us to the captivating Nine Arches Bridge, a true gem and the largest viaduct in all of Sri Lanka. Next, we'll set our sights on the Demodara Railway Station, home to Sri Lanka's sole railway loop. And hold on tight, for our next chapter involves a short train ride to Ella, granting you the unique opportunity to traverse the famous Nine Arches Bridge by rail. The experience is bound to be nothing short of exhilarating. Then you can explore a picturesque tea plantation, learning about Ceylon tea's history and techniques. Afterwards, youcan refresh at a hidden waterfall, then savor local lunch. Our final stop is Ella village temple where you will observe and unveil Buddhist philosophy and popular culture travel comfortably by a car
What‘s Included
I will provide you lunch, snacks and tea
Bottled water
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Hiking sticks
Personal medicine
Alcoholic Beverages
Private transportation
Options
Explore the best of Ella. Hiking, waterfalls and cultural tour
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing unforgettable 2 weeks trip
petervO777VB,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a 2 week tour together with a driver organised by Travelling Thrills. We arrived just before the cycloon end of nov 2025, and despite of the bad weather conditions, our driver Raijitha managed to continue our tour in the best possible way. When we talked to other tourists we could immediately feel that our driver was much more experienced and was making a real difference. The people in Sri Lanka are very kind and pleasant, but Raijitha was next level, we couldn't have a better driver. We visited, Negombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Ella, Tissamara, Galle, Colombo. We were very happy to have a good combination of the tourist must see things and some local visits and discoveries. (things we couldn't have done if we had organised everything by ourselves, like the discovery of nice local food specialties: curd, hoppers, roti, ... It was a pleasant and unforgettable trip. We strongly recommend Travelling thrills to accompany you along your trip, it's making a real difference. An & Peter
Best tour so far in Sri...
Steven4501,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best tour so far in Sri Lanka! We saw all of Ella in one day! Little Adam’s peak, nine arch bridges, 2 waterfalls, the tea fields and a temple. Would 100% - Pasindu and Saliya were amazing guides!!!!!
8h tour with the essentials of Ella , with pleasant guides. Adaptable and at your own pace
gemma c,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides are lovely. Explanations on culture , life in Sri Lanka and flora and fauna, with great knowledge . Always attentive and willing. They adapted the tour over time, to try to avoid the rains and become more bearable. Tour at your own pace, no rush. You see in about 8h the essentials of Ella, accompanied, calm and traveling in a green Suzuki with marches of the most peculiar. Recommended
Relaxed day tour with a good mixture of information and enjoyment
N3869YSjennifers,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my partner took this tour in August 2025. It was us and a friendly family of three, very cosy. Our guide Hashan is a really fabulous person, studious and deeply knowledeable about Sri Lankan culture, history, agriculture and botany, he speaks perfect English and is clearly comfortable imparting knowledge in a fun and interesting way. He went out of his way adjusting the tour to accomodate a tea factory visit that wasn't originally on our itinerary, he even insisted on covering the entry fee as we honestly forgot to pay at the end (thank you so much!). The tour itself is long but not very physically demanding, as you go almost everywhere by car, with the exception of Little Adam's peak, but even that is more of walk uphill than a mountain hike. So we went: Sunrise on Little Adam's peak, Nine Arches bridge, skipped the train ride for the tea factory, little temple, "secret" waterfall (not truly secred, as there where two dozen locals and a small café where we had an excellent local lunch). We were back in Ella before dusk. The tour is a good mixture of information and simply enjoying the surroundings - the best part for me personally was eating pancakes at the top of Little Adam's peak, watching the sun come up. Truly remarkable experience! I'd recommend this tour if you're interested in history, culture and plants and enjoy learning things more than physical activity.
Absolutely amazing !
F618YKrosalbas,,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience. Hashan showed us the best places in Ella, starting with a marvellous spot for sunrise, with a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast and tea. It was definitely the highlight of our stay in Ella. We highly recommend Hashan and his team. Hashan is an amazing guide. We have never met a guide SO knowledgeable and nice! He really did go the extra mile. Thank you!!!
The best and friendliest guide 🙏🏼
gitteroende,,Jun 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hashan is an incredible guide, so knowledgeable and passionate about plants and history I am still blown away by all the information and care he showed me on my full day exploration of Ella. He even stayed in touch and gave me advice for solo hiking routes and train views etc - as a real friend who will go the extra mile to keep you safe and happy. I highly recommend if you are short of time and want to make it to several points or if you are traveling solo and want to share the experience. AND I recommend his tea factory tour too! You might be able to adapt the tour to your liking of you send him a WhatsApp message. Btw I will miss driving around Ella in that awesome little green Suzuki 💚 Till next time!
Great day trip
B2921CRhannahb,,Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice in Ella and surroundings! Hashahn showed us very nice places and it was a good day tour. Would always book a tour here!
Highlights of Ella
MissC W,,Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked the best of Ella tour with Travelling thrills and I can say without a doubt the tour was the highlight of our holiday. I would 1000% recommend anyone visiting Sri Lanka to book with Hashan and his team. The tour was well thought out and expertly organised, and is a wonderful way to experience the main attractions of Ella and learn about the culture, religion and agriculture of Sri Lanka. Hashan was the perfect guide. He is highly knowledgeable and experienced. Throughout the day he ensured that our needs were met and was very thoughtful by buying us snacks, gifting us with a souvenir and being the best photographer. I am very grateful to have spent a memorable day with Hashan and his team.
The best guide we’ve ever had!
nicolasI2541MW,,Feb 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were incredibly lucky to find Hashan and his team. He is, quite simply, the best guide we have ever had (and I’ve travelled the world). The entire day was brilliant from beginning to end, and we learnt about tea, Buddhism, nature, Sri Lankan history and culture. He is highly knowledgable, which he imparts with humour and great interest. I only wish we could have had him with us for the rest of our trip!
Perfect way to spend a day in Ella
Kobe a,,Dec 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such an amazing day with Dhanushka and Shaliya as our guide and driver. We started the morning with the hike, and it was mostly just walking up steps so not very difficult at all. After sunrise we were treated to some local snacks of Roti, Samosa and Chapati. From there we saw several of the sites including the train loop, 9 arch bridge and a secret water fall that was completely isolated from the public. Final we were treated to a local restaurant for all you can eat rice and curry, and everything was delicious. We highly recommend this tour for anyone with limited time in Ella.
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Operated by Travelling Thrills (PVT) LTD