Ella is has become one of the major tourist hotspots of Sri Lanka and it is largely due to the epic scenery and hikes in the region such as Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak. However, it’s the smaller attractions, hidden gems and laid back vibes of the town that keep people in Ella for up to a week at a time. One of those unique attractions is the Nine Arch Bridge in between Ella station and Demodara station.

I started my journey on 27th March at 5.55 a.m from Pettah railway station. It was the most unforgettable day for me as i was awaiting to experience this train ride. The train left from Pettah railway station passing a few stations and reached Kandy (Peradeniya) station around 9.45 a.m from Kandy station a lot of tourists got into the train and locals got into the train to enjoy this amazing ride. 

         Throughout the ride we passed several tea plantations, mountains, waterfalls, several cultivation's, lakes etc. There were a lot of stations throughout the journey. Some of them are,

• Sarasavi Uyana
• Gelioya
• Gampola
• Tembiligala
• Walapane
• Ulapane
• Nawalapitiya
• Inguruoya and many more

It was sharp 3.30 pm when i reached Ella station. After when it made a stop at Ella station a lot of  tourists got down from the train and all the compartments became empty. But i continued my journey towards Demodara station. As soon as the train left Ella station i passed the gorgeous Nine Arch Bridge which was constructed by the British in the past. 

               The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated.

(Podi Menike train passing the Nine Arch Bridge)

I got down from Demodara station to observe the Demodara loop where the train goes around the hill and then it goes back to Badulla. The best time to watch the Demodara Loop is at 5.30 pm. Afterwards I returned back to Ella where my hostel was located. It was 6.00 pm when i reached there. I took a quick wash as i was tired after traveling for a long duration. In the evening i met some group of travellers travelling together whom stayed at the same hostel. Afterwards we all went out for a drink and returned back to our hostel for dinner. It was the most unforgettable day for me as i shared was able to share a lot of knowledge with the friends whom i met. 

I woke up next day early in the morning for my favourite hike (Trecking to Ella Rock). After when i had my yummy breakfast i met a girl who was planning to travel to hike to Ella rock. I had a quick chat with her to see she was also planning to climb Ella rock. So we both together planned to do the hike. We walked towards the Ella station and got a ticket to Kithal Ella for the hike. It was totally 10km for the hike. We started our hike passing a local village having beautiful paddy fields in and around. 

(Local village either side of the road)

We were lucky as we enjoyed watching the sunrise throughout our hike. After reaching to the top we made a stop near a rest room to have a cup of coffee. We were super tired when we reached the top. It was almost 11.00 am in the morning when we reached the top. The view from Ella rock was stunning and with the cooling weather and wind. The mountains, the Ella town, trees, and small creatures we saw were stunning. 

(Morning view from Ella rock)

(Eucalyptus trees)

Ella Gap is a stunning viewpoint where you can see panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. During clear nights, one might be able to see the illumination projecting from Great Basses lighthouse in the South Coast of the island.

     We were staying at the top for about 2 hours enjoying the cooling weather and taking amazing shots from my camera. It was late afternoon when we climbed down, afterwards we returned back to our hostel for lunch. I had a quick wash and hired a scooter to visit the hotels. My first visit was to Planters Bungalow which is near to Ravana Falls. 

(Planters Bungalow - Ella)

A unique location where you can relax, in true hill-country style. The climate is rated as one of the best in Sri Lanka - cool evenings and warm days offer a respite from the heat of the coastal resorts and is enjoyed by many Sri Lankans as well as foreign visitors.

In the afternoon i returned back to Ella in my Scooter to visit the next few hotels. The Second next hotel was Oak ray Ella Gap hotel where i had my lunch. In the evening i visited 98acres hotel for hotel inspection. It was the most favourite hotel i visited ever. This hotel is 6km away from Ella town. 

(98acres resorts & spa)

(98acres resorts & spa)

98 Acres Resort and Spa is a tranquil hideout ideally located on a scenic ninety-eight acre tea garden. Nestled in picturesque Ella of Sri Lanka, it enjoys a superb location overlooking a small Adam's peak of Ella. The unique location of the resort gives its visitors access to a refreshing experience of the natural splendour of Sri Lanka’s less traversed country side; qualifying it as a perfect retreat to unwind and relax in cool, comfy weather and a most preferred hotel Ella Sri Lanka has to offer. The resort is built on a unique concept entwining luxury with eco-friendly holidaying, which reflect our passion for conservation and love for nature.

In the evening at around 5.30 pm i visited the Nine Skies Bungalow in Demodara which was 15km away from 98acres. I reached the Bungalow around 6.30pm in the evening. Upon reaching i was warmly welcomed by the staff and they showed me all the different types of rooms in the Bungalow. There are 3 types of rooms in the Bungalow,

• Nine Skies Bedroom
• Demodara Bedroom
• Ella rock Suite

(Nine Skies Bungalow Demodara)

(View from Nine Skies Bungalow)

After when i had my coffee i returned back to the hostel for my second night. I wokeup late in the morning and packed my bags to head back home. After breakfast, my journey towards was to experience the Flying Ravana (Mega Zipline in Ella). 

Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella,Sri Lanka. (near Little Adams Peak - Ella's main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at max 80kmph and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.

(Mega Zipline Ella)

Afterwards i started my hike to Little Adam's peak which is straight up from Flying Ravana.

Close to Ella is a mountain peak which is named Little Adams Peak, which is 1141 metres above sea level. A hike up to the peak of the mountain entails an interesting trek through paddy fields, tea plantations, waterfalls and amazing views.

(View from Little Adam's Peak)

I was staying at the top for about 2 hours enjoying the cooling weather with the stunning view. Little Adam's peak is one of the famous tourist destinations in Sir Lanka.
The trip took me about 2-3 hours in total (including picture taking). I also met some Canadians on my way up, which i stopped and talked to for a while.

(Breakth taking views as i got close to the top)

In the evening i returned back to Ella town to have my Lunch before i leave Ella. I took the Night Mail train on the third day from Ella Station. The evening view with the cooling weather was astonishing. I returned back to Pettah station in the morning making memories at Ella. The whole trip was an unforgettable trip for me and the experience i got was priceless.