Ella
Ella is one of the most famous places in the tropical island Sri Lanka. It’s well-known for many reasons; but primely, the natural paradise around the location and tourist town there that becomes party central once dusk falls. The Ella town itself is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Central highlands; covered in rolling green tea estates, the tall trees of cloud forests, and interesting natural formations.
The town is a delight to be in as it maintains its originality and rural feel while still catering to the thousands of tourists that visit it during seasonal highs. Oh, and it has a rather hippie vibe and has some of the best eateries in the island.
Little Adam’s Peak
The Little Adam`s Peak got it`s named after it`s big brother, the holy mountain Adam`s Peak, because of the similar shape. Adam`s Peak is further west in Sri Lanka, close to Nuwara Eliya, and is 2243 m high and a much more exhausting and more challenging climb! The mountain has however three names; Adam`s Peak (this is where Adam first set foot on earth after being cast out of heaven), Sri Pada (Buddha`s footprint left by the Buddha as he headed towards paradise) and Samanalakande (Butterfly mountain, where butterflies go to die). We had plans of climbing Big Adam`s Peak, but Espen hurt his knee so we settled for the “little brother” instead.
Ella Rock
Since Sri Lanka has been recognized as a tour – friendly country, Ella has one of the best tourism sites to travel. Ella rock located at Ella town is a great answer to the travelers who are expecting astonishment. The destination is connected with hiking, nature, panorama, train tracks, tea plantations and waterfalls. Ella rock is a great place for a small adventure travel as you can explore a large entire area with hiking, walking and enjoying. The easiest way to the Ella rock begins from a train rail track, go along the tracks away from the city for about 1.5 km until you meet a small waterfall. Even Some foreign tourists say that it was the 1st time that they had to walk on a rail way. If you had already passed a bridge you are wrong. (Go back) Then there is a steep path which leads down to the left and ends with a tea plantation and so on to the rock. Anyway, you will need a local guide to reach the place.
Because of there are may be approximately 20 different routes to reach the rock. With spectacular views surrounding the country side of Ella rock well worth effort. The route to the Ella rock is not clearly marked perhaps you will get lost if you chose the wrong track. The track to the Ella Rock is a steep climb. The journey will take you up to the hill for a stupendous view of mountain ranges and the valley. In my opinion, it will be awesome if you could travel to the area early in the morning. If so you can enjoy the sun set as well as the bio diversity. It should be noted that the Ella rock is known as the highest peak of the Ella area. At afternoons it will feel quite tired to the travelers and the entire area gets covered with abiding clouds.
On the way, you may get attacked by leeches or spiders. Those creatures are eagerly waiting to taste hot blood. Bring some lime with you and if you are beaten, put few drops on the leech and it will leave you at once. The locals near the village of Ella rock will help you to find the place. It’s important to note that don’t trust them at all. Therefore a trusted guide will be needed to guide you.
Ravana Ella
The Ravana Falls is one of the most important landmarks of Indian mythology in the country of Sri Lanka. The majestic and heightened falls in the Ella region is one of the widest waterfalls in the whole of the country. There are many waterfalls in the whole island country of Sri Lanka but very few come near to the legendary Ravana Ella Cave Falls.
The topography of the land is so great that it itself presents a grand aesthetic touch to the waterfalls. There is a great many places of tourist attraction in the whole region of Bandarawela but the Ravana Ella Cave Falls is the best among the lot. People from all over the world come to visit the Ravana Ella Cave Falls, to get drawn into the trance of myths and nature. The cave is a grow-out atop the hill at the highest cliff from where the water plunges at a cascading rate. The height of the drop is almost 4500 ft above the surface of the sea. According to the archaeologist the cave had been inhabited since the time of civilization about 25000 years back.
The legend behind the Ravana Ella Cave Falls is quite interesting as it is the backdrop of the great mythological Hindu Epic of all times, the Ramayana. According to the epic after the abduction of Lady Sita from Panchvati, Ravana brought her to the castle. On her refusal he brought her to this cave which was believed to be the door to the Ashok Vatika. The Ravana Ella Cave Falls was the place where Lady Sita used to bathe. The waterfall is also a very sound ecological hub as it caters the nature with its bounty. A trip to the Ravana Ella Cave Falls is a very peaceful and spiritual one that gives the travellers a sojourn of life.
The Nine Arches Bridge
Built at 3100m above sea level, among the craggy peaks of the Central Highlands; the Nine Arches forms a viaduct between the Demodara and Ella Railway stations. Built entirely out of brick, rock and cement; without a single piece of steel; the bridge has stood solid from 1921, its time of creation. According to history, the bridge was built by the locals using such materials; when the construction came to a standstill from the lack of steel caused by World War I. But, in addition to this history; lore abounds the creation of the bridge.
The most famous story speaks of a man named P. K. Appuhami, who lived in the Kappatipola area in Melimada. Born in 1870, Appuhami was a famed traditional drummer and devil dancer (a ritual dance form). One day, while returning home gloomily as he lost a competition, Appuhami was seen by a British official. The man was extremely frightened by the devilish apparition (Appuhami was still in his dance costume) at the beginning; but soon became quite friendly. Learning that the strange foreigner was in his area to construct a railway; Appuhami assisted by supplying him with labour from the local villages.
But things did not go smoothly with the railway construction. They found that they were unable to bridge a large gap between two hills; as there was a quagmire in the valley in between. It was not possible to create firm anchoring, due to the marshy ground. On learning this, Appuhami requested to take over the bridge project. While he was rejected initially, they agreed later; as he had gained their trust with his assistance and friendship. As the story goes, Appuhami started working on the bridge in 1913. He solved the issue of the unstable ground by toppling giant rocks into the space; until a firm bed of rocks was formed. He then created the bridge’s brick columns over this bed and continued with the construction of the bridge.
The methods of constructions used by Appuhami proved to be so intuitive and cost effective; that he finished the entire project, which was intended to continue for many years, within a single year at a fraction of the original cost planned. The British officials were so shocked that the ‘savages’ had finished such a huge project so easily; that they refused to believe its structural integrity. At this point Appuhami is said to have sworn to the strength of the structure by saying he would prove it by lying under the bridge; when the railway line was used for the first time. Once the track was completed, he kept to his promise; awing the officials with his achievement.
Most interestingly, the story also states that Appuhami was then offered payment in the form of the balance costs that he saved with his inexpensive construction methods. The folklore speaks of the happy day when Appuhami returned to his village with four carts of silver coins. He then proceeded to spend it on meals for his village and the neighboring village for an entire two days, while also giving each villager a silver coin.
Regardless of the truth of the stories; the fact remains that the Nine Arches Bridge, with its nine graceful arches and solid construction, is one of the proofs of Sri Lanka‘s skills in.
