Ella Rock Hike Guide: My Favourite Hike in Sri Lanka

Hiking Ella Rock was my absolute highlight from my time in Sri Lanka’s lively town of Ella. In my opinion, it’s one of the best things to do not only in Ella, but in all of Sri Lanka.

Hiking was never my plan for Sri Lanka. I wanted to see the highlights and then make the most of the incredible beaches. However, Sri Lanka is honestly one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. As soon as I arrived in the mountains, I knew I needed to do as many hikes as I could.

In this Ella Rock hike guide, I’ve shared everything you need to know about this incredible activity. This includes how to get there, important things to know, how to avoid common scams, and several tips based on my experience of the hike.

Quick summary: Ella Rock Viewpoint hike

Location: The town of Ella

Distance: Approximately 10km (6.2 miles) round trip (from Kithalella Railway Station) and an extra 5km (3.1 miles) one way if walking from Ella

Hike difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on fitness level

Elevation gain: approx 350 metres (1,150 feet)

Ella Rock hike time: Two to four hours, depending on start/end point (plus time to admire the views)

Terrain: Dirt and rock

Best time of day: Sunrise

Entry fee: 930 LKR ($3 USD) cash – correct July 2025 (feel free to contact me if this has changed)

Starting point: Either Kithalella Station or the town of Ella

Guide required: No

A step-by-step guide to hiking Ella Rock

Getting to the trailhead

The most confusing part of the trek is where it actually begins. The trailhead is located a few hundred metres from Kithalella Station, and you have two ways to get there.

Option 1: Walk from Ella

Option 2: Take a tuk-tuk to Kithalella

Walk from Ella

If you want to save money, you can walk along the train tracks from Ella station (check Google Maps). Once you enter the platform, you can step down onto the tracks and then walk to the left.

There’s a sign that tells you not to do this, but our hotel informed us that this is an outdated sign and that you won’t get fined for following the tracks (although I can’t fully confirm this, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether to risk it).

Tip: If the station is closed, there is an alternative entrance/exit to the left, where you can access the tracks.

Walk along the tracks for approximately 40 minutes, where you will reach Kithalella Station. Continue walking for another few minutes (it took us about five minutes), and the trailhead will be on your left.

If you’re doing the hike for sunrise, it can be quite hard to see the path in the dark, so keep checking to your left for a path. The entry point is accurate on AllTrails, so it’s worth having this open to keep an eye on where you are.

We actually walked a few minutes too far and had to turn back on ourselves.

Get a taxi or tuk-tuk

If you’d prefer to skip walking along the tracks (especially in the dark), you can get a tuk-tuk to Kithalella. This is what we did to get to the trailhead (although we walked back), and it shaved off about forty minutes of hiking time.

When the driver drops you off at the station, walk down to the tracks and turn right. Then follow the instructions in the section above, looking out for the trailhead on the left.

If anyone tells you you’re going the wrong way, ignore them (see below for information on the scam).

The route up

Once you’re on the trail, you’ll cross a bridge and then see two paths – one to the left and one to the right. Here, you need to turn left.

Even if the arrow tells you to go right, go LEFT. Even if someone tells you to go the other way… go LEFT (see more on the scam below – and I can confirm it’s true as it happened to us).

From here, there is a gentle incline as the path climbs through beautiful tea plantations. The paths can be a bit confusing around here, but stick to the path going forward and avoid turning off to the right.

After about fifteen minutes, we left the tea plantations behind and began climbing up through the tree roots and rocks. It’s pretty steep, but not overly difficult. Although it can be very easy to trip over the tree roots, so watch your step.

We found the most confusing part of the hike to be when we reached the trees. We walked straight into the woods, but we should have taken the trail to the left. It was pitch black, and even with a head torch, it was still not very clear. Thankfully, AllTrails quickly notified me we were going the wrong way, and it was easy enough to correct.

After about 45 minutes to an hour of hiking, you’ll see the toilets on your right, and just beyond this is the cabin where you pay your entry fee.

The viewpoint

There are two main viewing points once you reach the peak: Ella Rock and a second viewpoint, approximately 10 to 15 minutes away (and mostly flat).

If you’re visiting for sunrise, I recommend watching this from the main viewing point, it’s absolutely stunning. The second viewpoint is also well worth visiting, and it’s an epic photo spot.

Give yourself at least an hour to explore the top area. The views are incredible, and you won’t want to be rushed. Depending on the time of day you visit, there may sometimes be a queue for photos. However, we didn’t have this issue when we went for sunrise.

My personal experience

I absolutely loved hiking to Ella Rock, it’s a real highlight from my trip to Sri Lanka. The views were, without a doubt, the best I witnessed in Sri Lanka (with Little Adam’s Peak and Pidurangala Rock following closely behind).

I’m really happy we chose to do the hike for sunrise. Hiking in the dark is always a laugh, and honestly, that sunrise over the mountains is one of the best sunrises I’ve ever witnessed.

We opted to take a tuk-tuk to Kithalella Station as it was a 4 a.m. start for us, and we didn’t want the stress of walking along the tracks that early in the morning. If you’re also planning to do the hike at sunrise, I’d recommend doing the same.

The main challenge of hiking in the dark is finding the right trail. There are several turnings and paths, and finding the right one can be tricky during the day, let alone at night.

The only real issue we encountered was when we were approached by a local who told us we were going the wrong way. Thankfully, our hotel had warned us about this scam, so we stuck to the path provided by AllTrails and had no further issues.

Honestly, AllTrails was a lifesaver on this hike! I highly recommend downloading the map, especially if you’re doing it in the dark. When we took a wrong turn, it immediately notified me.

I was feeling very unwell on the day of the hike, so it was a bit more challenging than usual, but it’s an easy hike for anyone with reasonable fitness. There can be a few tree roots and loose rocks, so watch your step (especially in the dark).

We also saw a harmless snake on the way down, but there are some dangerous ones in the area.

We arrived at Ella Rock about forty minutes before sunrise (oops). At first, I panicked that I had dragged my friends out of bed too early, but it turns out that the time before sunrise was the best.

At first, we sat and watched a massive thunderstorm in the distance. Then, as it started to get lighter, the colours of the sky were beyond breathtaking. It was genuinely beautiful.

So, if you plan to hike for sunrise, make sure to arrive before dawn to witness the first light and the colours that accompany it.

We descended and decided to walk back to Ella along the tracks. It felt SO wrong, but the locals do it, and it’s perfectly acceptable in Sri Lanka.

Ella Rock hike scam

It’s important to be aware of a common scam to avoid being caught off guard.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge at the beginning of the trailhead, it’s common for a local to approach you and tell you to go the opposite way. This sends you into a maze of paths leading to random farm buildings and eventually, a local will offer to show you the way. At the top, they demand to be paid and can become quite aggressive if you refuse.

I’d read quite a bit about this scam online and wasn’t sure if it was still a thing, but sure enough, it is! As soon as we crossed the bridge, a local approached us and instructed us to turn right (this was at 4 a.m., before sunrise). We kindly said no and stuck to the correct route (left after the bridge).

It’s also worth noting that the sign sometimes says to go right here (scammers turn it to trick people).

Once you turn off the railway tracks and have crossed the bridge, TURN LEFT. This is the correct route.

The path from here is easy to follow (aside from one bit where it can be a bit tricky to see in the dark, so remember to take a headtorch). You don’t need a guide for this hike.

The route on AllTrails is correct, so you can download it in advance to ensure you’re going the right way.

Ella Rock at sunrise

Without a doubt, the best time to do the hike is for sunrise. The viewing point gives you *breathtaking* views of the surrounding mountains as the sun rises above them. We sat and watched a thunderstorm over the mountains. It was incredible.

It also means you’ll skip the worst of the heat (and the crowds). It was actually quite cool as we sat waiting for the sun to rise, so I had to put on a sweater.

Of course, hiking at sunrise doesn’t come without its challenges. While it’s a relatively easy trail, the ground can be a bit unsteady with tree roots and loose rocks, so be sure to wear a headtorch.

It also means leaving your accommodation before 4 a.m. (depending on where you’re staying and the time of sunrise).

If you’re starting the hike from Kithalella train station, allow yourself at least an hour to reach the top. It’s also worth noting that the light is actually at its best *before* the sunrise.

We started the hike from Kithalella at 4:20 a.m. and reached Ella Rock at 5:20 a.m., just as the first light was coming through (we are pretty fast hikers). The sun didn’t actually rise until 6 a.m. (check the time for your visit), but the 30 minutes leading up to sunrise were the most impressive.

From Kithalella, I recommend starting the hike at least 90 minutes before sunrise (a little longer if you’re not the quickest hiker).

From Ella, give yourself an extra 40 minutes to walk along the train tracks.

If the sunrise is at 6 a.m., I’d leave Ella at 3:50 a.m., or Kithella by 4:30 a.m. However, allow yourself some extra time if you prefer to hike at a slower pace.

Ella Rock viewpoint hike: FAQ

Is the hike free?

You need to pay an entry fee for Ella Rock. Right before the summit, there is a hut where you can pay. Even at sunrise, there will be someone here.

As of July 2025, this cost is 930 LKR ($3 USD). You can only pay in cash.

How do you get to the starting point?

There are two options to reach the starting point of the hike: either walk all the way along the railway from Ella, or take a tuk-tuk to Kithalella station and begin your hike there (this saves about 40 minutes of walking).

If you’re hiking for sunrise, I’d suggest getting a tuk-tuk to Kithalella to give you an extra thirty minutes in bed, and then walking back to Ella afterwards. We booked our tuk-tuk through the hotel the night before.

It was about a 15-minute drive and cost us 2,500 Rupees ($8 USD). I’m sure you could haggle this lower, but as we had pre-booked the night before for a 4 a.m. pick-up, this was the best we could do.

Is it safe to walk on the train tracks?

It feels SO wrong to be walking along train tracks! But in Sri Lanka, it’s the norm. The trains move relatively slowly, so you can hear them coming, and there is plenty of space on either side of the tracks to get out of the way.

The trains aren’t the most frequent, so it’s unlikely you’ll encounter one. On the way back, we spent about forty minutes walking along the tracks and didn’t see any trains.

Is the hike difficult?

If you have a reasonable/normal level of fitness, you should find this hike pretty easy. You don’t need to be super fit to complete it. It’s steep but quite short.

Is it safe to do the hike alone?

I’d personally do the Ella Rock Hike by myself during the daytime, but I’m not sure if I’d feel comfortable going up or down it on my own in the dark.

In theory, Sri Lanka is safe for solo travellers, but hiking alone in the dark does come with added risks. We didn’t encounter anyone else on the trail (except for the scammer), and there was only one other person when we reached the summit (although this was during the off-season).

That’s not to say you can’t do it solo for sunrise, but as a confident solo traveller, I’d be a little nervous myself.

Do you need a guide for Ella Rock?

No, you don’t need a guide to hike Ella Rock. If you’d feel more comfortable having one, you can speak to your hotel or hostel to arrange one in advance rather than relying on the “guides” who try to scam you on the trail.

There’s also a highly-rated tour available to book here. My friend used this company for a sunrise hike as she was alone, and she says it was fantastic.

What to pack

Here are a few essential items to pack for your hike.

Sensible shoes: The track to Ella Rock is by no means technical, but there are still a few rocks you need to walk up. Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from insects or snakes, and choose shoes with a good grip. Don’t worry if you don’t have hiking shoes, I wore my trusty Hokas and they were perfect.

Headtorch: If you’re visiting Ella Rock for sunrise or sunset, remember to take a headtorch. It will be SO much easier than holding your phone.

Toilet paper: There is a toilet just before you reach the entry gate, but there’s no toilet paper.

Snacks and water: While the hike to Ella Rock won’t take you too long, it’s still a sensible idea to carry enough water (at least one litre) and some snacks to keep your energy levels up.

Sun protection: I hiked Ella Rock for sunrise, and as soon as the sun came up, you could feel the power of the sun. The sun in Sri Lanka can be very strong, so don’t forget to pack some SPF, a sun hat and sunglasses.

A light jacket: Although Sri Lanka is a hot country, you might find it a bit cooler before the sun comes up. I suggest wearing or packing a thin layer just in case.

Other tips for the hike

Here’s a quick summary of my top tips for hiking to Ella Rock.

Hike at sunrise | Sunrise is the best time to visit Ella Rock, you’ll have epic views and fewer crowds. Allow at least 90 minutes from Kithalella Station to reach the top; this will give you time to admire the light before sunrise (the best part). Don’t forget a headtorch.

Book a tuk-tuk | If you’re hiking at sunrise, I’d recommend booking a tuk-tuk to Kithalella Station and walking back along the tracks after the hike. We pre-booked ours through the hotel.

Watch out for scams and fake signs | Locals are known to mislead tourists by telling them they are going the wrong way, or even by changing the direction of arrows. This is a scam.

Download the map | I suggest downloading the route on AllTrails before starting the hike.

Pack SPF and plenty of water | Once the sun has risen, it can get very, very hot. Not much of the trail is protected, so be sure to carry SPF and plenty of water, even if you’re hiking in the dark.

Don’t forget cash | You’ll need to pay your entry fee with cash, so remember to take some with you. They don’t accept card payment.

How to get to Ella

Ella is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka, making it relatively easy to reach.

Most people travel clockwise in Sri Lanka, starting with the mountains and cultural sights, and finishing by relaxing on one of Sri Lanka’s incredible beaches.

From Kandy to Ella

The most popular way to reach Ella is to take the famous train from Kandy to Ella. Known as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, this is without a doubt the best way to reach Ella.

Is it overrated? A little, I can’t lie. But it’s still worth it in my opinion, and an absolute must for your Sri Lanka travel itinerary.

From Colombo to Ella

If you’re skipping other highlights (such as Sigiriya or Kandy), you can travel directly to Ella from Colombo. The easiest way would be to get the train from Colombo Fort, but this will take you ten hours.

Super Line buses also operate a service between Colombo and Ella, which takes around six hours.

From Mirissa to Ella

If you’re travelling to Ella from one of Sri Lanka’s southern beaches, such as Mirissa, Tangalle, or Hiriketiya, you can get between the destinations via bus.

The easiest thing to do is to take a local bus to Matara, and then ask for a bus going to Ella. Sri Lanka’s local buses are somewhat irregular and don’t necessarily follow a strict timetable, but the 31 bus will usually take you to Ella (but check this).

If you’re also looking to go on safari in Sri Lanka, consider taking a tour between Mirissa (or Hiriketiya) and Ella, with a safari stop on the way. This is exactly what my friend did when travelling between the beaches and Ella.

There are options for both safaris at Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park. It’s a great way to experience a safari and get between your destinations.

Summary: Is hiking Ella Rock worth it?

If I haven’t made it clear enough already in this post, hiking Ella Rock is absolutely worth it.

It’s by far one of my favourite memories from Sri Lanka, and hiking it at sunrise made it all the more special. If you only do one hike while in Sri Lanka, make it this one. It’s not the toughest of hikes, and the views are magnificent.