Ella , Sri Lanka

Ella Village Tour with Local

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About this experience

This gives you the chance to experience life in the rustic village of Etili, located near Ella. Get a ride on a Land master vehicle. Get to get an in-depth knowledge of Chena Cultivation. Go on a boat safari as you watch amazing wildlife and birdlife. Enjoy a delicious village lunch. Give back to Mother Nature by planting a sapling. Hike our for a view of the region at the best scenic viewpoint in the area. Finish off with a view of the sunset.

Available options

Ella Village Tour with Local

Pickup included

What's included

Water Bottle Per Person.

Hotel pickup and drop-off.

Authentic Village Lunch.

Service of an English Speaking Local Guide.

Detailed itinerary

You will be starting your tour at 9:00 am from the Mirissa Kade Junction in Ella. Ensure that you have breakfast before starting the tour, as you won’t be stopping for food until lunchtime. There will be a classic Landmaster vehicle arriving to pick you up. After traveling along the bumpy country tracks for over half an hour, you will reach a pretty rustic village with friendly natives. This is Etili.

Your guide will show you around the village and introduce you to some of the locals. And you will have a chance to see how they spend their lives. At 10:00 am, you will be taken a tour of the villagers’ china cultivation fields. ‘Chena’ cultivation is form of seasonal cultivation practiced by the locals of the island to maximize the effects of the monsoonal rains.

At 11:00 am you will finish the tour on the banks of a lake. You will find a little boat waiting to take you on a safari. You can then wear the life jackets that are provided to you and start your colorful journey. Your guide will point out the fauna and flora along the way. There is a chance that you may see Sri Lankan Elephants drinking water along the banks, or some monkeys swinging through the trees, or even a peacock dancing on a large flat rock. If you bring your binoculars you can do some proper birdwatching. The photography opportunities here are phenomenal. You can also relax onboard with a nice chilled beer in hand, if you like.

At 12:30 pm you will be returning to the village for lunch. This will be authentic Sri Lankan food cooked in clay pots over a wood fire at one of the villagers’ homes. After you’ve eaten the deliciously spicy food, you can cool your tongue with a desert of buffalo curd and treacle.

At 1:30 pm you will be going to a field to do some ecological work. You will be planting a tree sapling that will last for the future. After the planting, your guide will take you on a short hike to a nearby viewpoint. This will be a place for some great photographs. You will be given a mug of herbal tea, at this point, which will refresh you. Once you return to the village at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be taken to the lake once again. Here you will have a chance to watch the sunset till 5:00 pm. At this point in time, your village experience will come to an end; and you will be dropped off back at your hotel in Ella.

What's not included

Food and Drinks where not specified.

Entrance fees where not specified.

Gratitudes.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Ella

Ella is a picturesque mountain town in Sri Lanka's Uva Province, renowned for its lush tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and cool climate. It's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering breathtaking views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Top Attractions

Little Adam's Peak

A scenic hiking trail offering panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and mountains.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Ella Rock

A challenging but rewarding hike with breathtaking views of the valley and Ella Gap.

Adventure 3-4 hours Free

Nine Arch Bridge

A iconic colonial-era bridge known for its architectural beauty and scenic surroundings.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Dova Temple

An ancient Buddhist temple with historical significance and beautiful views.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Uva Halpewatta Lake

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or fish.

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with egg, sambal, or curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

String Hoppers (Indi Appa)

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour, served with curry and sambal.

Lunch Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain Biking Tea Tasting Picnicking Yoga Visiting Temples Exploring Local Markets

Best Time to Visit

December to August

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with clear skies and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ella is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km (124 miles)

By train

Ella Railway Station

By bus

Ella Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Ella and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ella Town Center Demodara Passara

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

30 km (18.6 miles) • Full day

A picturesque hill station known for its colonial-era architecture, tea plantations, and cool climate.

Horton Plains National Park

40 km (24.9 miles) • Full day

A protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Sri Lankan leopard.

Bogawantalawa Trail

20 km (12.4 miles) • Half day to Full day

A scenic hiking trail offering breathtaking views of the tea plantations and surrounding mountains.

Festivals

Ella Tea Festival • January Vesak Festival • May (Full Moon Day) Esala Perahera • July or August (Full Moon Day)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for hiking trails and tea plantation tours for a more immersive and informative experience
Carry a light rain jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially during the wet season
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit the Nine Arch Bridge during train passage times for the best photos and a memorable experience
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts