How To Climb Ella Rock

If you are travelling to Ella, you are more than likely planning to climb Ella Rock. This hike is not easy though. If you have any mobility issues then I assure you, it is not for you. For those that are able to climb the rock, be prepared. Getting there can be more of a challenge than the climb itself. With people’s livelihoods depending on scamming tourists here, I recommend knowing where you are going and what you are doing. This will make your hike stress free and reward you with an amazing view from the top.

Here is my guide to climbing Ella Rock

Directions

1. Make your way to Ella Railway Station. You will find the station 100 metres off the main road. It’s well-signposted.

2. Go through the station and climb down onto the tracks.

3. Proceed left down the tracks, but beware of any trains. This, after all, is a frequently used railway track. Ignore signs telling you that walking the tracks is prohibited. Locals do this all the time, and you are sure to pass quite a few on your journey.

Trains proceeding down the track — Beware of trains!!!

4. Keep walking along the tracks. This is quite a nice walk, the view at times is incredible. Make sure to stop for photos along the way! After approx 35 minutes, you will pass by Kithalella Railway Station, on the right. Ignore any Tuk Tuk drivers here or anyone telling you that you can’t walk the tracks.

5. Keep walking for another ten minutes, keeping an eye on the way markers on the side of the track. You will need to go past 166 1/2 and turn off before 166 1/4. This is where I encountered touts trying to get me off the tracks. Look out for this rock formation (it stands out) on the left side of the track. This is where you are turning.

A rock that can be used as a marker along the railway. — Look out for this rock and turn left immediately after.

6. After turning left, you will see a footbridge up ahead. Cross over that and take an immediate left at the fork in the path. The path will lead you up into tea plantations. There will be signs pointing in both directions, ignore them.

7. After climbing into the plantations, proceed along the path, you will eventually find yourself in some long grass but keep going, this is the right way. Don’t stray off the path.

8. The path will open up and you have to keep following it until you find yourself at the interim viewpoint. From here is where the climb starts to get tricky.

The view from the interim viewpoint — They view from the interim viewpoint

9. As you move on from the viewpoint, you need to be going in the same direction as you had previously. The climb will start to get a lot steeper and slippier. Take your time and work out the best path to take. Keep going straight up and after about 30 minutes, the path will begin to level out. There are places to take a break if you need to.

10. As the path levels out, turn left. You will see a wooden building in front of you. Here you can buy fresh coconuts, water and fruit drinks. Walk past them and there you are, standing on Ella Rock with the most amazing view in front of you.

11. To return to Ella, go back the same route that you just walked. Be warned, it can be slippier going down in places!

Tips

• Wear sunscreen, it can be quite hot walking along the tracks.

• Suitable footwear is required. I would not recommend this climb in flip-flops.

The steep ascent to Ella Rock — I would not recommend climbing this in flip flops

• Bring plenty of water and maybe a snack at the top. This saves paying a premium when you get there. Fresh juice will set you back 200Rs at the top.

• Go early in the day, as you will get a clearer view from the top.

• Ignore all “help”. They might seem like they are doing you a favour but realistically no one is standing around giving directions for the fun of it. They will most certainly be trying to make money out of you.

• If the weather is in any way bad in Ella, don’t go. The rain can make it very slippery and the mist can lead to you seeing nothing but clouds from the top.

Misty view from Ella Rock — You might have to wait for the mist to clear

Climbing Ella Rock is an excellent way to spend half a day. Follow this guide and hopefully, it will help you to get there and enjoy it without getting lost or spending unnecessary money. Ella Rock is sure to be a highlight of your time in Ella, a great little town which you can read all about here.

To read more about my time in Sri Lanka click here. Alternatively, you can read my Sri Lanka Travel Guide by clicking here.