Ella special

Pick up at your hotel, residence or airport

Leave Colombo early in the morning around 8.00 am you will arrive to Belihuloya around lunchtime. Belihuloya is a place where peace and tranquility reign. “Belihul Oya” river which flows through this little hamlet offers an enchanting scenery alluring lot of visitors and passerby. Thus you will definitely love to spend few hours there enjoying your lunch.

After lunch, you will head straight to Bandarawela. Evening at leisure. You can spend the evening independently on a self-guided walk through the city.

Overnight in Bandarawela

After Breakfast you will head straight to Demodara Railway Station, the most marvelous railway station in Station. The train arriving at the station first passes through a tunnel, on which situates the railway station and then takes the track which winds around the mountain and arrives at the station. This is undoubtedly a masterpiece of engineering. This innovative idea of the railway track was actually suggested by a local farmer. The design which is called “looping the loo” is similar to the way his turban was tied.

(The train arrives at the station at 9.30 am)

After experiencing this amazing view of train’s arrival, you will then drive on to visit the oldest surviving wooden bridge in the world, “Bogoda Wooden Bridge”, which lies 30 km away from Bandarawela. You will certainly be amazed at seeing such an incredible construction and to learn the history behind it.

Then you will drive onto Halpe to visit a tea factory. Here you will get a chance to learn how tea is processed before it comes to you in small tea bags.

After this tour inside the factory you will be on your way back to Bandarawela. En-route you will be visiting another ancient temple in Demodara known as “Dowa Temple”. This has a historic value as the cave, which has been converted to the temple now, was used as a refuge for King Valagambahu. The paintings and the unfinished Buddha image carved into the rock are the major attractions.

Overnight in Bandarawela.

The second day’s journey will also start by discovering another amazing construction related to railway. Nine Arch Bridge is another major attraction in the area. In Sinhala it is known as “Ahas Namaye Palama” / Nine Skies Bridge, because when you stand underneath it and look up you can see a wonderful sight of the sky. Looking up through these nine arcs actually creates a sight of nine skies above you. This massive construction which is 99,6ft high also called “The Bridge in the sky”.

Then you will drive on to Ravana Ella waterfall, which has a legendary history related to the Indian epic “Ramayana”. You will then visit Ancient Temple and Ravana Cave nearby. Its history related to “Rama Ravana”story and having discovered 10 skeletons of the cannibalistic Balangoda Man, Homo sapiens balangodenis in the cave, the place has gained importance as a major tourist attraction.

After that you will drive back to Ella around lunch time. Then you will visit Ella Rock and have plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of the area. On a bright sunny day, through the Ella Gap, you can view the Kirinda lighthouse which is 1000m below and approximately 77km (direct distance) far away in Down South. The best place to enjoy this breathtaking view is Ella Grand Motel, where you can enjoy your lunch.

Return to Bandarawela. Overnight in Bandarawela.

This day, after breakfasting you will embark on your journey back to Colombo with a stop at Adisham Bungalow in Haputale. This magnificent mansion built by Sir Thomas Villiers is now a monastery of Roman Catholic priests. Both local and foreign tourists coming to Badulla-Bandarawela do not miss visiting this magnificent mansion.

Then you will head straight to Colombo.

Last Day drop :  At your hotel, residence or airport.