Quick answer
After a Pallekele match, the best hill-country plan takes three nights: the scenic train from Kandy to Ella (about six to seven hours), two nights in Ella for the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock, and a night in Nuwara Eliya for tea estates and Horton Plains. From Ella, the south coast is about four to five hours by road, and Colombo about six to seven hours.
Key takeaways
- The train from Kandy to Ella takes about six to seven hours through the tea country.
- Ella's Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak are both within about 30 minutes of the town.
- Nuwara Eliya, at about 1,870 metres, is the highest town in Sri Lanka and much cooler than the coast.
- Horton Plains National Park and World's End are about an hour from Nuwara Eliya.
- The Ella side of the hills is usually drier than Kandy and Nuwara Eliya during the mid-year southwest monsoon.
Why the hill country fits a Pallekele leg
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium lies on the edge of the hills east of Kandy, and the tea country starts within an hour. If an Australian series moves from Pallekele to Galle, Hambantota or Colombo with a gap of three or more days, the hill country is the best use of the time.
The hills are also a break from the heat. Kandy is warm, at about 500 metres, but Ella, at about 1,000 metres, and Nuwara Eliya, at about 1,870 metres, are cool, green and quiet, with tea estates, waterfalls and walks.
Plan three nights at least; with two, the travel takes most of the time.
- →Kandy: about 500 metres.
- →Ella: about 1,000 metres.
- →Nuwara Eliya: about 1,870 metres.
The Kandy to Ella train
The train from Kandy to Ella is the classic way into the hills. It takes about six to seven hours, climbing through tea estates, tunnels and cloud forest, past Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya, and on over the highest point of the line to Ella.
Reserved seats in the observation car and second class sell out quickly, especially in July and August, so book as soon as the series dates are confirmed. Unreserved seats are available on the day, but the train is often crowded.
A driver can take your luggage by road and meet you at Ella, so you travel light.
- →About six to seven hours, Kandy to Ella.
- →Book reserved seats early.
- →Send luggage ahead with a driver.
Two nights in Ella
Ella is a small mountain town with a relaxed, outdoor feel. The Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial railway viaduct in a jungle valley, is about 30 minutes' walk from the town, and the best time to see a train cross it is in the morning. Little Adam's Peak, a short climb with a wide view, is best at sunrise.
Ella Rock is a longer hike of about four hours return, and Ravana Falls, on the road below the town, is a quick stop. In the evenings, Ella's cafes and bars are lively.
Lankan Stays & Trails often places cricket fans in Ella for two nights after a Kandy leg, with a guide for Ella Rock.
- →Nine Arch Bridge: morning, check train times.
- →Little Adam's Peak: about 1.5 hours return.
- →Ella Rock: about four hours, with a guide.
Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains
Nuwara Eliya, about 2.5 hours by road from Ella, is the old British hill station, with a racecourse, a golf course, Victorian buildings and tea estates all round. It is much cooler than the rest of the island, with nights of roughly 8 to 14 °C.
Horton Plains National Park, about an hour from Nuwara Eliya, has a 9 km circular walk to World's End, a sheer drop of about 870 metres, best done at dawn before the mist rises. Tea factory visits, such as at Pedro or Mackwoods, are easy half-days.
- →Horton Plains: dawn start, about three hours.
- →Tea factory: about an hour.
- →Pack a warm layer for the evenings.
Getting back for the next match
From the hill country, the south coast is about four to five hours by road from Ella, via Wellawaya, which suits a series moving to Galle or Hambantota. Colombo is about six to seven hours from Ella, or about five to six from Nuwara Eliya.
Plan the final day in the hills as a travel day, and arrive at the next venue the evening before the match.
- →Ella to Galle: about four to five hours.
- →Ella to Hambantota: about three hours.
- →Nuwara Eliya to Colombo: about five to six hours.
Hill weather by tour window
In a mid-year series, the southwest monsoon brings rain and mist to Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, while Ella, on the eastern side, is usually drier. In an early-year series, the hills are mostly dry and clear, with cold nights.
Bring a light rain jacket and a warm layer in any month.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Kandy to Ella?
The train from Kandy to Ella takes about six to seven hours, climbing through tea estates, tunnels and cloud forest past Nanu Oya and the highest point of the line. Book reserved seats early, especially in July and August, and send heavy luggage ahead by road.
Can you visit Ella during a cricket series?
You can if the series leaves three or more free days after a match at Pallekele or in Colombo. Take the train from Kandy to Ella, spend two nights there, and drive on to the next venue. With fewer days, the travel takes most of the time.
How far is Ella from Galle?
Ella is about four to five hours by road from Galle, via Wellawaya and the southern plains, or via the expressway from Mattala. That makes Ella a good link between a Pallekele leg and a Galle Test. Ella to Hambantota is about three hours.
Is it cold in Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya, at about 1,870 metres, is much cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka, with days of roughly 18 to 21 °C and nights of about 8 to 14 °C. Frost is possible on clear January and February nights. Pack a warm layer and a rain jacket.
Is Ella wet in July and August?
Ella is usually drier than Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in July and August, because it lies on the eastern side of the hills, away from the southwest monsoon. Showers and mist are still possible, but most days have dry spells for walks.
What is the best thing to do in Ella?
The best things to do in Ella are walking to the Nine Arch Bridge to see a train cross, climbing Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, hiking Ella Rock with a guide and stopping at Ravana Falls. In the evenings, the town's cafes and bars are relaxed and lively.
How many nights do you need in the hill country?
Three nights is the minimum for a worthwhile visit: one day on the train, two nights in Ella and a night in Nuwara Eliya, or two nights in Ella only. With fewer, most of the time goes on travel. Arrive at the next venue the evening before the match.