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Sri-LankaDescription and is it worth a visit
Ella Rock - one of the two peaks between which is Ella. Climbing it is one of the most popular entertainments among tourists who prefer an active form of recreation, for which, in fact, they go to Ella. Therefore, we can definitely say that this is the first and mandatory place to visit.
Ella Rock is walked on a hiking trail through forest, tea plantations, rice fields. On the mountain there are several observation platforms with spectacular views, but there is no equipped observation deck. In some places, trees interfere with the view, but you can go further on the rocks, only with extreme caution. In the best place for viewing there is even a small cafe with soft drinks, but the prices are high from 200 rupees drink, coconut – 400 rupees. If you go further along the path from this cafe, you will get to the last viewing point and to a small shrine in the rock (cave temple). And yet, at the very beginning of the ascent from the side of the railway you can see the beautiful and large waterfall Small Rawana Watefall, but it is impossible to go down to it.
Climbing to the top does not require any climbing or climbing skills, and children and the elderly can do it, but for this you need to stock up on strength and time. The whole journey will take about two hours in one direction, so it is better to allocate half a day for the whole walk, and not plan anything for the other, as you will have to spend a lot of effort. Do not forget to take a supply of water, good shoes and a raincoat.
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock, it is better to visit early in the morning, because after 10 hours clouds descend on the mountains
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
Free.
🚶 How to get there
Ella Rock is next to Ella (Ella Rock on the map), but the trails will have to cover about 5 kilometers in one direction and climb to an altitude of 1350 meters, which is 300 meters above the level of the center of Ella, and in total you will have to overcome drops on descents and ascents of more than 450 meters. The easiest route starts from the city on a gentle path along the railway tracks, but there are more difficult on the slopes from the Ravana cave.
To pass any of the routes will not be difficult on your own, although Ella offers group or individual hikes with guides. In fact, quite a lot of people always walk along the route, you can clarify the path from any tourist you meet. But be careful with locals, especially children. Here for a long time there was a traditional tourist layout: indicate the direction so that tourists get lost, and then send a guide-guide who will help you find the right route for money. Therefore, when hiking on your own, it is best to use the navigator with the application Organic Maps or its analogues, where all the trails and viewing points are marked.
For reference, here is information about the easiest route along the railway tracks:
- Start driving from Ella along the railway tracks towards Bandarawela. After walking about two kilometers (30-60 minutes) after a small railway bridge you will get to Kithalella station. The station can also be reached by rented motorbike or tuk tuk for Rs 800 for 3 people (2.42 USD, see currency of Sri Lanka). 200 meters after the station there will be a small stone gorge, immediately after which you need to turn left and leave the railway tracks along the path (turning on the map). It will be a sharp turn to the left and almost in the opposite direction, and in just a few tens of meters you will cross the river on the bridge. After the bridge, you can either go straight along the trail or go around the mountain on the left.
- the other way is still to Kithalella station. but after the railway bridge, turn left, and also cross the creek on the bridge past the waterfall (turning on the map).