Ella Rock: how to hike it yourself (unguided)

A guide to hiking Ella Rock by yourself, including detailed directions, a downloadable route map, a video and a list of essential tips

Ella in Sri Lanka is beautiful, they said. ‘The closest thing to an English country village’ and the perfect place to slow down, we’d read.

I dolefully thought of this when darting across the thundering traffic to dodge yet another taxi driver insisting on taking me somewhere I didn’t want to go. The main street, stacked with milkshake huts and charm-free cafes, is a loud and roiling stretch of conveniences set up for the tourist alone.

Only in leaving the village and literally heading for the hills will you see the Ella of the guidebooks: grand and expansive vistas that plummet and soar as far as the eye can fly.

Nowhere are they more impressive than at the summit of Ella Rock, a dramatic peak approximately 5km from the town. Hiking Ella Rock is fun, confusing, taxing and rewarding. Here’s how to hike it without the help of a guide.

hiking directions

Start: Ella railway station
Finish: Ella railway station
Distance: 10km round trip (approx.)
Time: 3hr round trip (approx.) – with an extra hour for viewing at the top

1. Start at Ella railway station. Once you enter the station, turn left and walk to the end of the platform. Step down onto the tracks and walk on from there. Don’t worry about the sign warning against entry; everyone, including the locals, do it every day and no one will stop you.

The walk is reminiscent of the classic movie Stand By Me, so take your time and enjoy the view. Take note, however, that this is a working railway so be aware of trains and move off the track if one approaches.

2. Walk along the tracks for approximately 40 minutes. You will eventually arrive at Kithalella railway station. Keep walking along the tracks past the station. Ignore anyone that says you’re going the wrong way, or who tries to direct you to the ‘correct’ route. Touts do this to confuse tourists into buying their services as a guide.

Update 25-Sep-2017: A comment from reader David Hinrichs has warned that there are even fake signs now, so be sure to follow our instructions carefully. If in doubt,…