Ella Day Tour: Nine Arches Bridge, Elephants & Tea Plantations

Walk the colonial stone bridge, hike to the Ella Gap, then watch young elephants feed

A full-day tour from Ella to Udawalawa combines four distinct stops: the Nine Arches Bridge, a scenic hike to Little Adam's Peak (1,141 m), Ravana Falls, and the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, where you observe rescued calves during feeding time from a viewing platform. The tour runs 10 to 14 hours with an English, French, German, Russian or Polish-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and snacks. This is a private, customizable tour. You can adjust stops and timing to suit your day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ella's nature and wildlife

• Visit Nine Arches Bridge
• Hike Little Adam’s Peak
• Stop at Ravana Falls
• Tour tea plantation
• Visit Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home

The experience

The Nine Arches Bridge anchors the morning. Built during the British colonial period entirely from stone and cement without steel support, this early 20th century railway landmark sits hidden among tea plantations and dense jungle in Ella's hills. You walk along the railway track and explore viewpoints around it. If timing allows, you may see a colorful train cross the bridge. The guide shares the engineering history while you take photos and absorb the valley views below.

From there, a scenic walk through tea plantations leads to Little Adam's Peak. The well-maintained trail ascends gently through rolling green hills where you may see local tea pickers at work. At the summit (1,141 m, roughly 80 minutes up), the Ella Gap opens before you: a dramatic valley stretching into the distance. Your guide explains the tea-growing region and local life as you rest and photograph the panoramic views of valleys and distant peaks.

Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls, offers a short break on the drive south. The water cascades down in multiple tiers through lush greenery. During the rainy season it becomes even more powerful. Your guide shares the legend of King Ravana from ancient Sri Lankan mythology while you cool off in the mist and take photos.

The Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home, established in 1995, is the final stop. From a designated viewing platform, you watch young elephants (rescued, injured, sick or orphaned) gather for their scheduled milk feeding. There is no riding or direct contact. The center prioritizes the animals' natural behavior and welfare. This is a rare chance to see these gentle giants up close in an ethical setting while learning about Sri Lanka's wildlife conservation.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with private transport.
• English, French, German, Russian or Polish-speaking licensed guide.
• bottled water.
• snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (11 to 15 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Polish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sundown Tours Sri Lanka

Is this one for you?At 10 to 14 hours, this tour fills most of a day, leaving time for an early breakfast or a late dinner back in Ella but little else. The private format and customizable stops let you linger at the bridge or the peak if the views hold you, or move faster if you want to see all four sites without rushing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Russian and Polish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 15 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What is the Nine Arches Bridge and why is it worth visiting?

The Nine Arches Bridge is a colonial-era railway landmark built entirely from stone and cement without steel support, hidden among tea plantations and jungle in Ella's hills. You walk along the railway track and explore viewpoints around it. If timing aligns, you may see a colorful train cross the bridge, which is a popular photo moment.

How long is the hike to Little Adam's Peak and what will I see there?

The hike to Little Adam's Peak takes about 80 minutes on a well-maintained trail through tea plantations. At the summit (1,141 m), you reach the Ella Gap (a dramatic valley opening into the distance) with panoramic views of valleys, distant peaks and endless greenery.

Can I interact with the elephants at the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home?

No direct interaction is permitted at the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home. You observe the young elephants from a designated viewing platform during their scheduled feeding time, which allows you to see them up close while respecting their natural behavior and welfare.

What is included in this tour and what should I bring?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, a licensed guide (English, French, German, Russian or Polish-speaking), bottled water and snacks. Breakfast and lunch are not included, so plan meals accordingly or bring your own.

How flexible is the itinerary if I want to skip a stop or spend more time somewhere?

This is a private, customizable tour, so you can adjust stops and timing to suit your preferences. Discuss your priorities with your guide at the start of the day.