How to Hike to Ella Rock: An Easy Step-by-Step guide
- Dec 1, 2017
- 6 min read
Ella rock is an amazing hike that offers a spectacular panoramic view of all the cascading greenery that Ella has to offer. You can easily do this hike yourself, there is nothing technical about it. We honestly thought the most challenging part about the hike was figuring out how to make our way there. Before we did the hike we looked at a bunch of different websites and asked some locals in the hopes of figuring out where to start the hike and what path to follow (as it was unmarked). We combined all the random bits of information we gathered and decided to create an easy step-by-step guide on how to not get super lost (not that there is anything wrong with getting a little lost 😊).
Facts
Activity Level: Medium
Duration: 3 - 4 hours return
Landscape: Mountainous, rocky, muddy, grassy and small pebbles
Best times to do it: Mornings or evenings (I suggest keep to the morning)
Do I need a guide for the hike to Ella Rock? There is no real reason to take a guide, unless you want to. With the instructions below you can do it all by yourself.
1. The start
You can do this two ways: 1a) Start and end at Ella Railway Station OR if you have a car 1b) drive to the end of Waterfall Rd and park you car before you start walking.
1a) Start at Ella Railway station: once you enter the station, turn left and walk to the end of the platform. You then start walking on the tracks in the direction of Kithalella railway station (also spelt Kital Ella on Google Maps). Don’t worry about the sign warning against entry; no one will stop you, as all locals walk along here.
1b) Start at end of Waterfall Road: because we had a car AND we were staying at Silent Nest we decided to drive further down Waterfall Road, as it runs parallel to the railway line (we figured this made more sense instead of back tracking and it also cut down on some of the walking). When you get to the end of the road, park you car anywhere to the side behind Ella Mansion.
2. Start walking at end of Waterfall Road
At the end of Waterfall Road there is a small dirt path that goes off to the right. Follow the curved path until you meet the railroad. There should be a gentle incline and you will be surrounded by greenery.
3. Upon reaching the railroad track
Once you have stepped onto the railway track, you then turn your body left and start walking along the railway. Don't worry, everyone does it. And if a train passes just hop off to the side, there is always space to move over, sometimes it is a dirt path or grass, other times it is pebbles.
4. On the railroad track
While walking along or on the railroad track make sure to take in the view whenever you can. It can become easy to get stuck looking at your feet, so you don't trip.
You will walk along the track for about 30 minutes until you pass Kithalella railway station. Keep walking along the railway past the station.
5. Turn left at junction
After walking for another 10 minutes you will need to turn left (more of a sharp left around a mini bend). There is a large stone with a faded blue arrow for Ella Rock (but it was basically faded off when we were there). Just make sure you turn left after waymarker 166 ½ but before waymarker 166 ¼ (these are along the side of the track the entire time).
Be mindful, there are a few turns off to the left before this marker, but none of them are the sharp left turn you are looking for.
Note.: Don't count on being able to see the blue markings, most of them are too faded to notice anymore.
6. After the junction
Follow the path and cross the rusted metal footbridge (you will go over a little rocky river). After the bridge, you will come to a fork in the road. Take the path towards the right. You can go left-ish and up through the bushy tea plants, but we were warned that this route can become confusing.
I have read differing opinions about this on a number of sites. Some people recommend going left and up, others to the right. Whether or not either one is easier than the other, this would have to be confirmed by someone to do the same hike twice...so far I haven't read about anyone doing this. SO, I will focus on what we did and keep it as simple as possible.
7. Stay on the path
After following the path to the right, continue to follow the curved path through the tea plantation to this farm. There is a yellow house across the way and the path leads right around to the yellow house. As you are walking you should be able to see rows of farmed plants to the right, and on your left should be a mixture of tall bushes and trees. You might even see some hanging pumpkins if they are in season.
You will follow this path until it curves and you meet the house you can see in the picture.
8. Once you reach the house (when we went it was yellow, keep in mind it could always be repainted).
As you get closer to the house there is a small inclined path that goes up to the house. DON'T follow the drains around the house. Go up this little path and then just as you approach the house you will see a path to the left.
9. Follow the path upwards
Follow this dirt path upwards until you reach a small set of stone steps. DON'T take these steps, they just lead to another part of the house. Instead you want to follow the path and curve right.
If you follow this path you will soon see a grey outdoor toilet (looks like a tiny hut) on the left hand side and some very tall grass ahead. Be brave and go through it :)
10. After the grass follow the path along the tree line
The path will curve gently to the right following the tree line, then curve gently left. As when following any path, pay attention as sometimes it looks like the path could go in a couple of directions. The path will gently ascend all the way along, so make sure the slope downhill is to your right as you are walking along.
11. Head up to the ridge
Eventually the trees will change and so will the grass. You will be able to easily see the ridge approaching. Don't worry if you lose the path here, just head upwards (you can't really mess this part up).
Make sure you take in the first glimpse of the best view in Ella.
If you are facing the view, turn right and follow the ridge upwards.
12. Keep heading upwards
The path here begins much steeper and there are a couple of paths to follow. Essentially all the paths follow to the top, so just make sure you are heading upwards.
13. You made it to the top!
At the very top just head towards the big slab of rock, it's pretty obvious once you are there. There is usually someone up there selling some drinks and tea (but don't rely on this, make sure you have your own water).
Now just enjoy the view :)
Once you are done, you can just retrace your steps.
Just something to keep in mind...
There are a lot of people online warning about the dangers of following the locals instructions as there have been some cases of people being misled so that they would have to pay a guide or out of spite for not wanting to pay for a guide. Prior to our hike, this warning kept popping up online. Now I am sure this has happened a number of times, however, I feel the need to say: don't let this discredit every bit of advice from any local you come across who does actually take the time to offer you help. That was a mouthful...but really, this only serves to make a more often than not honest local feel uncomfortable and the need to defend their fellow friends and neighbours.
We were kindly offered assistance from a man on his lunch break, who really needed to get back to work. He could tell we were very sceptical of his help and he had to repeatedly assure us he wasn't looking for money, he just wanted to help us and prove that Sri Lankan's are good people. I was honestly very humbled after this and was surprised he went so far out of his way to help us and show us the way. I wouldn't want anyone else to have to feel like this unnecessarily. So yes, be as cautious as you would be anywhere, but let's not forget that the majority of people out there are just good folks.
And finally...don't forget the most important rules about hiking:
* Don't leave ANY rubbish EVER...no excuse!
* Always bring plenty of water!
* Bring high energy snacks!
* Take the time to enjoy the views (if you are like me and rely on your phone for pictures, they might not always do it justice)!
* Do it with a smile!
Thanks for reading. Have a sunshiny day 😀 🐘
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