Quick answer
Nuwara Eliya and Ella in 5 days spends two nights in each, with the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, joining them. Nuwara Eliya gives tea estates and Horton Plains at dawn; Ella gives Little Adam's Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls. The airport is roughly 5 to 6 hours from Nuwara Eliya and 6 to 7 from Ella, so day one and day five are long drives.
Key takeaways
- The route is Nuwara Eliya 2 nights and Ella 2 nights, skipping Kandy.
- The train from Nanu Oya to Ella takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours through the best scenery.
- Horton Plains is best at dawn, before the clouds arrive.
- Ella's Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge fit into one relaxed day.
- Day one and day five are long drives, roughly 5 to 7 hours each.
Why skip Kandy
Most hill country routes include Kandy, which breaks the drive from the airport but takes a night from the high hills. Skipping it gives Nuwara Eliya and Ella two nights each, which is the difference between passing through the tea country and staying in it.
The cost is a long first day, roughly 5 to 6 hours from the airport to Nuwara Eliya, and a long last day, roughly 6 to 7 hours from Ella. Kandy can still be glimpsed on the way up if you stop for lunch.
Travellers who want the Temple of the Tooth should choose a route with a Kandy night.
- →Nights: Nuwara Eliya 2, Ella 2.
- →Check-ins: two.
- →Longest drive: Ella to the airport.
Day by day
Day one is the drive to Nuwara Eliya, roughly 5 to 6 hours, through Kandy or via Hatton, with a tea factory stop. Arrive for an evening by the fire. Day two is Horton Plains at dawn, the World's End loop of roughly 9 to 10 km, then a rest and a walk around Gregory Lake or a tea estate.
Day three takes the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, through tea estates, tunnels and over high passes. Arrive for lunch and a slow afternoon. Day four is Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, the Nine Arch Bridge mid-morning and Ravana Falls or a tea factory in the afternoon.
Day five drives back to the airport, roughly 6 to 7 hours via the Southern Expressway, for an evening flight.
- →Day 1: airport to Nuwara Eliya.
- →Day 2: Horton Plains, tea estates.
- →Day 3: the train to Ella.
- →Day 4: Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge.
- →Day 5: Ella to the airport.
The train from Nanu Oya to Ella
The stretch between Nanu Oya and Ella is the most beautiful part of the hill country railway. The line climbs to its highest point near Pattipola, passes Ohiya and Haputale, and descends through tea estates and small stations.
Reserved seats sell out well ahead, especially in the busy months, so book as early as you can and have a backup plan. Unreserved carriages are cheaper but often very crowded.
Door-leaning photographs have caused serious injuries and deaths. Take pictures from inside the carriage, and keep children well away from open doors.
- →Duration: roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
- →Book reserved seats early.
- →Never lean out of doors.
Ella's day
Little Adam's Peak is a short, easy climb of roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Ella town, with wide views at the top. Go at sunrise for the light and the quiet.
The Nine Arch Bridge is roughly 30 minutes' walk from town or a short tuk-tuk ride. Trains cross several times a day; ask at Ella station for times, which change often. Stay off the tracks.
Ravana Falls, roughly 20 minutes down the road, is a pleasant stop in the afternoon, especially after rain. Ella's cafes fill the evening.
- →Little Adam's Peak: sunrise.
- →Nine Arch Bridge: mid-morning.
- →Ravana Falls: afternoon.
When this route works
The hill country is driest roughly January to April. From May to September Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains are often wet, while Ella, on the eastern side of the hills, is usually drier.
October and November are wet across the region. Horton Plains is still open, but views are less likely, and paths are muddy.
Who this route suits
Walkers, photographers and travellers who love cool air and tea country are the route's natural audience. It also suits a second visit, when Kandy has already been seen.
Families who dislike long drives and travellers with early flights should choose Kandy and Nuwara Eliya instead. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange train tickets where available and a driver who meets you at Ella station.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Nanu Oya to Ella?
The train from Nanu Oya to Ella takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, though delays are common. It passes through the highest and most scenic part of the hill country railway. Reserved seats sell out early, so book as soon as you can.
Is two nights in Nuwara Eliya enough?
Two nights in Nuwara Eliya is enough for Horton Plains at dawn, a tea estate and a walk around Gregory Lake. It gives one full day without packing. A third night would add a slower day, a second walk or a visit to Hakgala Botanical Garden.
How far is Ella from the airport?
Ella is roughly 6 to 7 hours from the airport by road via the Southern Expressway, depending on traffic and stops. On a five-day trip that makes the last day almost entirely a drive, so plan an evening or night flight.
Can I see Kandy on this route?
You can stop in Kandy for lunch on the drive up to Nuwara Eliya, and even visit the Temple of the Tooth, but it makes the first day very long. Travellers who want Kandy properly should choose the Kandy and Ella or Kandy and Nuwara Eliya route.
Is Little Adam's Peak hard?
Little Adam's Peak is an easy to moderate walk of roughly 45 minutes to an hour each way from Ella town, with some steps near the top. It suits most ages and fitness levels. Go early for cooler air and quieter paths.
What if the train is sold out?
If reserved train seats are sold out, you can try unreserved carriages, which are crowded, or drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, stopping at viewpoints and tea estates on the way. Many travellers enjoy the drive as much as the train.