A hillside village set among working tea estates and the natural gateway to two of Sri Lanka’s most photographed spots, Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge, both within easy walking distance of the village centre. Its relaxed, walkable strip of independent cafes and small guesthouses has become a genuine draw in its own right, not simply a stop between the train and the next destination. The scenic rail journey from Nanu Oya arrives here after threading through tea country, tunnels and highland ridgelines, making Ella’s arrival itself something of an event. Every one of our nine tours includes at least one night here.