ELLA Lipton Seat Tea Test & Pluck 9Arch, Waterfalls, & Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka’s beautiful Ella region, chances are you’ve come across this highly-rated tour that promises panoramic tea estate views, stunning waterfalls, and colonial-era railways — all for just $41. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a well-rounded experience packed with breathtaking scenery and authentic local flavors.

What we love about this experience is its combination of iconic stops like Liptons Seat and Nine Arches Bridge, the opportunity for a scenic hike to Ella Rock, and the chance to relax by Ravana Falls. Plus, the inclusion of a live organic garden picking activity with a free lunch or dinner adds an authentic, fresh touch that truly sets it apart.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s value depends heavily on the guide and the organization. Some reviews mention unexpected costs like extra tickets or transport, so it’s wise to clarify what’s included beforehand. This tour seems perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insight — especially if you’re eager to explore Ella’s most photogenic spots without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Panoramic Views: Liptons Seat offers stunning, 360-degree vistas of tea plantations.
• Iconic Train Bridge: Nine Arches Bridge is a prime spot for photos and railway enthusiasts.
• Hiking & Nature: Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak provide scenic hikes suitable for most fitness levels.
• Waterfall Wonder: Ravana Falls delivers a refreshing contrast to the lush greenery.
• Local Flavors: Organic garden picking and included meals offer authentic tastes.
• Flexible Packages: Three different tour options let you tailor your experience.
• Guide & Transport: Knowledgeable guides and tuk-tuk transport are included.
• Price & Value: At $41, the tour offers great value for a full day of sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Highlights: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour packs in some of Ella’s most beloved sites, each bringing something unique to your itinerary. Liptons Seat is perhaps the star attraction — a historic vantage point once admired by Sir Thomas Lipton himself, who was captivated by the lush tea plantations below. From this spot, you get sweeping views that make it clear why tea is such a treasured part of Sri Lanka’s identity.

Next, Nine Arches Bridge is a picture-perfect colonial relic, surrounded by dense jungle and tea fields. It’s a favorite among photographers because of its elegant arches and the train that occasionally chugs across, adding a lively element to your photos. As one reviewer put it, “Suresh took us to the waterfalls, tea factory tour, and Liptons Seat, as well as lunch — and he took great photos of us throughout.”

The hiking options—particularly Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak—add an active dimension to the day. The hikes are scenic, not overly strenuous, and reward you with vistas of the rolling landscape and verdant forest. One traveler raved, “Suresh is very helpful and gave explanations about the sites, making the day even more memorable.”

Finally, Ravana Falls offers a cooling, scenic break with its 25-meter cascade, linked to legends of King Ravana. Reviews describe it as “majestic,” and it provides a relaxing spot to refresh after the climbs.

What the Tour Includes and How It Adds Value

For $41 per person, the package covers transportation in a tuk-tuk, a guide/driver, and a live organic garden picking activity — a truly local experience. The inclusion of meals (lunch or dinner) at no extra cost is a big plus, giving you a taste of fresh, garden-picked produce, which reviewers praise for its quality.

The organic garden visit is a highlight for many, offering a chance to pick herbs and vegetables, adding an authentic culinary dimension to the day. Several reviews mention the guide’s helpfulness, with some noting that Suresh, in particular, went above and beyond, even taking photos and explaining each site.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour offers three packages, but all include the core sites: Liptons Seat, Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls, and either Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak. The choice depends on your interests — whether you prefer more hiking or more cultural sights.

You’ll likely start with a pickup from your accommodation in Ella, followed by a scenic drive to your first stop. The Liptons Seat viewpoint involves a short but steep climb, so comfortable shoes are a must. Once there, the panoramic views of tea estates are breathtaking; some reviewers say it’s the best spot for photos and appreciating Sri Lanka’s tea culture.

Next, you’ll head to Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial masterpiece. Here, you can linger for photos or watch trains pass overhead, which adds a lively element to your visit. The lush surroundings and jungle backdrop make it a favorite for Instagram-worthy shots.

The hike to Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. The hikes are suitable for most people and provide stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. A reviewer mentioned that Suresh gave explanations along the way, enhancing the experience with interesting facts.

Afterward, the tour usually stops at Ravana Falls for a cooling break. Many describe it as “majestic,” and it’s especially refreshing after climbing or hiking.

Finally, the organic garden activity ties everything together — providing fresh ingredients and a casual, authentic meal that many find a perfect way to end the day.

Transport and Guide: Making the Journey Smooth

The tour’s tuk-tuk transport is a practical choice for navigating Ella’s narrow roads and avoiding parking hassles. Guides like Suresh receive praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and willingness to customize stops. One reviewer said, “He was very helpful in taking me to all sites and making sure I was comfortable,” highlighting the personal touch.

However, some mention that transport logistics, like extra tuk-tuks or tickets for certain sites (e.g., Liptons factory), might incur additional costs, so it’s wise to clarify what’s included beforehand.

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Is This Tour Worth It?

At $41, the value is excellent, especially considering the multiple key sites covered plus meals and the organic garden experience. You get a comprehensive taste of Ella’s highlights without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation.

The reviews reinforce that guides like Suresh make a significant difference, offering explanations and photo opportunities. Many travelers appreciated the flexibility and the chance to stop and explore along the way.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Ella’s most iconic spots without a complicated DIY plan. It suits travelers who appreciate local food, scenic hikes, and cultural sites, all bundled into an affordable package.

However, if you’re looking for a luxury experience or want to skip extra costs for tickets and transport, you might want to clarify details beforehand.

This Ella tour offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, engaging hikes, and authentic local experiences. Its value for money is hard to beat, especially with the inclusion of a guide, transport, and meals.

Guided by friendly and knowledgeable guides like Suresh, you’ll gain insights into Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and tea culture that enhance your visit. The stops at Liptons Seat, Nine Arches Bridge, and Ravana Falls are definite highlights, perfect for capturing memories and cooling off amidst lush scenery.

For travelers wanting a practical, scenic, and culturally rich day in Ella, this tour ticks all the boxes. Its flexible options allow you to tailor your adventure, whether you crave more hiking or more cultural stops. Just remember to double-check what’s included and be prepared for some minor extra costs if needed.

This tour provides an affordable and authentic way to experience the best of Ella, making it a smart choice for most visitors wanting a memorable Sri Lankan day out.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs around $41 per person, which includes transportation, a guide, and a meal. Additional costs might include entrance fees or tickets for certain sites.

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll receive tuk-tuk transportation, a guide or driver, a live organic garden picking activity, and a meal (lunch or dinner). It’s designed to give a full day of sightseeing with local flavor.

Are there different packages to choose from?
Yes, there are three packages, each combining different sites like Ella Rock or Little Adam’s Peak, Diyaluma Falls, and others. You can select based on your interests.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the full day package suggests roughly 6-8 hours, including travel time, stops, and activities.

Is hiking difficult?
The hikes to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak are suitable for most fitness levels. Expect scenic trails with manageable climbs, and guides like Suresh provide explanations along the way.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with water, a camera, and possibly warm clothing if the weather turns cool. It’s best to be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Are meals included?
Yes, a free lunch or dinner is included, featuring fresh, garden-picked ingredients. Reviewers mention the quality as particularly good for a tour meal.

What should I know about transportation?
Transportation is mainly by tuk-tuk, which is flexible and fun but might involve some additional costs if extra vehicles are needed or tickets aren’t included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan with flexibility.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect from the Ella Liptons Seat & Waterfalls tour, helping you decide if it suits your travel style and interests.

You can check availability for your dates here: