– A Short & Easy Travel Guide
Ella is one of the most popular hill country stops in Sri Lanka, and it has changed a lot over the years. What used to be a small, quiet village has grown into a busy town, with more hotels, restaurants, and nightlife than before. That also means more traffic, construction, and noise, especially in the centre.
Still, Ella has kept enough of its charm to make us want to go back again, and again as a family. Surrounded by lush green hills and tea plantations, with easy access to nature and activities, it can be a really enjoyable stop for families looking for a mix of light adventure and convenience.
Here’s a quick guide to some of our favourite things to do in Ella 👇
Little Adam’s Peak – the perfect family hike
First up, the classic and very doable hike to Little Adam’s Peak 🥾⛰️
The walk starts gently along a road through tea plantations, before finishing with a short stretch of steeper steps. It’s manageable for most kids, and the views at the top are absolutely worth it!
Skywalk (new)
A new addition in 2026 is the Skywalk near the top. It’s a fun little thrill, especially for kids, but not everyone loves the height 😄 In our group this year, some were all in, while others preferred to stay on solid ground.
Ravana Zipline – big fun for older kids
It’s fast, fun, and comes with incredible views over the valley. 🦅Usually a highlight for older kids and teens.
PS: Minimum weight is 30 kg.
Ravana Pool Club
Ravana Pool Club is a nice daytime stop. You can come here for lunch and pay to use the pool, 💦🏊🏻♂️which is perfect after a hike or just for a relaxed break with the kids.
A small tip: go earlier in the day. Later in the afternoon, it turns more into a party spot, which is not ideal with kids..
Ravana Falls – Waterfall just next to the main road.
Just outside Ella you’ll find Ravana Falls. Really touristy, and usually full of people, but it’s still a nice stop. 🐒 The monkeys hanging around are often what kids find most exciting.
Important to know: this is not a good place for swimming, even if it might look like it in some videos.
Nine Arch Bridge – beautiful but busy
Next up is the famous Nine Arch Bridge. You’ve probably seen it everywhere, and yes, it can get crowded 😄
Still, the walk through the jungle to get there is really nice, and it’s worth seeing. If you time it right, you can catch the train passing over the bridge, which is always a hit with kids 🚂
The beautiful photo below must have been taken during Covid-19 era when we could visit the famous places alone 💙
Ella town – lively and convenient
Ella town itself is busy, with lots of restaurants, cafés, and small shops. There’s a wide range of food options, and it’s easy to find something for everyone.
Very convenient when travelling with kids since everything is close by.
🏨 Where to stay in Ella (family hotel tips)
Ella has something for every budget, from simple guesthouses to beautiful boutique hotels with views over the hills ⛰️
When you travel with us on a private round tour, we carefully select hotels from our own tried-and-tested favourites. Over the years, we’ve built up a long list of places we’ve personally stayed at, so you can feel confident you’re choosing something that really works for families.
In the video below, I’m sharing one of my favourite child-friendly stays in Ella 👇
A spacious family room at Zion View Ella Green Retreat is usually around USD 200 per night during the season.
If you prefer something more budget-friendly and central, with easy access to cafés and restaurants 👇
A large family room at La Ella Breeze is typically around USD 120 per night in the season.
If you book your round tour with us, we’ll help you find the hotel in Ella that fits your family perfectly ❤️
Start planning HERE → [link to intake form]
🌿 Final thoughts about Ella
Ella works well for families, not because it’s quiet or untouched, but because it offers an easy mix of nature, small adventures, and comfort.
It’s not the most peaceful place in Sri Lanka anymore, but it’s still a fun and practical stop with plenty to do.
And often, those are exactly the places that create great family memories 💚
