The Ella Hill Country Tour offers an enticing opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Combining a scenic train ride, visits to iconic landmarks, and immersion in the region’s natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable day for nature enthusiasts. From the awe-inspiring Nine Arches Bridge to the panoramic vistas atop Little Adam’s Peak, each moment of the journey unveils the enchanting charm of this remarkable destination. With convenient transportation and a focus on showcasing the hill country’s highlights, this tour invites travelers to…
Key Points
- Explore the picturesque hill country of Ella, Sri Lanka, with a scenic train ride, visits to iconic landmarks, and guided hikes.
- Enjoy a one-day comprehensive tour, including pickup and drop-off from 31 locations, covering the highlights of the Ella Hill Country.
- Immerse in the natural beauty of Ella, with panoramic views from Little Adam’s Peak and visits to tea plantations and waterfalls.
- Experience comfortable transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour, despite not being suitable for wheelchair users.
- Inclusive tour package with train tickets, entrance fees, and guide/driver transportation, excluding only food, drinks, and personal expenses.
Tour Overview
The Ella Hill Country Tour offers visitors a one-day excursion through the picturesque hill country of Sri Lanka. Priced at $249 per person, the tour includes a scenic train ride, visits to iconic landmarks like the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak, and exploration of Ella’s tea plantations, misty mountains, and waterfalls.
Pickup and drop-off are available at 31 locations, with transportation provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour includes all entrance fees, bottled water, and necessary permits, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the beauty of the Ella region.
Looking for more options in Dambulla? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Highlights
Although the tour starts with a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, the first stop allows visitors to explore Nanu Oya, the gateway to the hill country.
The itinerary then takes them to three main highlights:
-
The iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a magnificent engineering marvel.
-
Little Adam’s Peak, a picturesque mountain offering panoramic views.
-
Ella’s lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls, providing a true taste of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Throughout the day, guests can savor the local cuisine and capture the scenic vistas that make this tour a perfect day adventure.
Transportation and Accessibility
Pickup is available from 31 locations across the Southern and Western Provinces, including popular destinations like Galle, Waskaduwa, and Panadura.
Pickup is available from 31 locations across the Southern and Western Provinces, including popular destinations like Galle, Waskaduwa, and Panadura.
You’ll be transported in a private, semi-luxury air-conditioned vehicle to the tour’s starting point. At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off at one of the 31 locations, such as Ahungalla, Mirissa, or Bentota.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain and accessibility challenges.
Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy comfortable and reliable transportation to explore the breathtaking Ella Hill Country.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Ella Hill Country Tour includes several key elements, such as train tickets from Ella to Nanu Oya, all entrance fees for the mentioned sites, transportation and insurance for the guide and driver, bottled water, and highway parking.
However, the tour excludes:
-
Food and drinks
-
Personal expenses, such as shopping and bar bills
-
Travel insurance and guide/driver tips
While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, travelers should budget for these additional costs.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Recommendations
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, the tour company provides several preparation and recommendation guidelines. Guests are advised to bring their passport, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the scenic views. Smoking is not allowed during the tour. Suitable clothing for cycling and walking is recommended. The tour company encourages guests to stay hydrated throughout the day.
| Recommended | Not Allowed |
| —————————– | ———– |
| Passport | Smoking |
| Comfortable shoes | |
| Hat, sunscreen, water, camera| |
| Suitable clothing | |
Scenic Train Ride From Nanu Oya to Ella
As guests board the train at Nanu Oya, they embark on a captivating journey through the scenic hill country.
The train winds its way past lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls.
Some key highlights of the train ride include:
-
Panoramic views of the Ella Gap, a dramatic mountain pass that offers stunning vistas.
-
Passing through the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial-era engineering.
-
Experiencing the serene ambiance of the journey, as the train gently chugs along, allowing travelers to soak in the picturesque landscapes.
Exploring Nanu Oya and Ella’s Attractions
After disembarking from the train at Nanu Oya, guests explore the charming gateway to the hill country. They wander through the quaint town, browsing local shops and markets.
Then, it’s off to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning century-old viaduct towering over a verdant valley.
Next, they tackle the moderate hike up Little Adam’s Peak, rewarded with sweeping views of Ella’s misty mountains and tea plantations.
The tour then ventures into Ella itself, where travelers discover cascading waterfalls and savor the region’s renowned local cuisine.
Immersed in Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, the day delivers an unforgettable experience.
Experiencing the Hill Country’s Panoramic Views and Local Cuisine
Venturing deeper into the hill country, the tour treats guests to stunning panoramic vistas.
Soaring peaks, lush tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls unfold before curious eyes.
The itinerary includes:
-
Exploration of Ella’s vibrant tea estates, where visitors can witness the plucking and processing of this iconic Sri Lankan crop.
-
A stop at a local restaurant to savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, including fragrant curries, flavorful rice dishes, and fresh tropical fruits.
-
Time to capture the breathtaking views from the famous Little Adam’s Peak, offering a panoramic glimpse of the misty hill country landscape.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour information clearly states that the tour is "not suitable for wheelchair users," indicating that it’s not designed to accommodate animals either. Bringing a pet would not be permitted.
Do You Offer Discounts for Children or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer discounts for children or seniors. The pricing is fixed at $249 per person, regardless of age. Customers should review the inclusion and exclusion details carefully before booking the tour.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a 1-day tour, though guests can request a longer itinerary for an additional fee. The standard tour length is set to provide an optimal sightseeing experience within the day.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Requirement?
Sure, you can request a specific dietary requirement. The tour operator should be able to accommodate any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal, if you inform them in advance.
What Is the Policy for Lost or Damaged Items?
The tour operator is not responsible for lost or damaged items during the tour. Participants are advised to keep their personal belongings secure and to avoid bringing valuables. Any liability lies with the individual, not the tour provider.
The Sum Up
The Ella Hill Country Tour offers an unforgettable day of natural beauty and culture in Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country. From the scenic train ride to the iconic landmarks and panoramic vistas, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that captivates nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. With convenient transportation and inclusive features, it’s the perfect way to discover the enchanting charm of this remarkable region.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Dambulla
Still browsing? Here are more Dambulla experiences we've covered recently
- 04 Days Explore Sri Lankas Treasure
- Sri Lanka: 10-DAY Luxury Tour With Guide
- 7 Night 8 Days Tour in Srilanka
- Sri Lanka: 8-Day Round Tour From Katunayake Airport
- 7 Days Round Tour in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya: 2-Day Guided Tour With Dambulla Caves Visit
- From Colombo: 4-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour With Airport …
- 5 Days Different Cities With Different Natures Round Tour
- Sri Lanka Culture Triangle: 4-Day Journey With 3 Nights Stay
- Sri Lanka: 3-Day Tour to Discover Anuradhapura and Sigiriya
- Sri Lanka 3-Day Tour:Explore Sigiriya Kandy and Nuwara Eliya
- Sri Lanka: 4-Day Ancient City Tour