Climbing up to the summit of the locally famous Ella rock is one of the many activities that is making it’s little town of one of the new tourist hotspots. The path to the rock is surrounded by greenery, varying from tea plantations to Eucalyptus trees. This literal breathtaking hike is ideal for the adventurous, and those who can’t get enough of the outdoors.
All you need to know
The best time to climb the rock would be from the months of January to May; so planning your trip within this time period would ensure the optimum experience.
The hike may take from 3-4 hours depending on how much time you spend at the summit; and gets more challenging as you go up: which means that you would have to be moderately fit to complete it.
Ella is known for its warm days and cold nights. During the day it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as a hat, as it can become quite hot and humid; so prepare yourself for some sun. It is advisable to carry plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and wet weather clothes during the rainy season. Carrying salt and lime along with you would also be a good idea, as they are the key ingredients to safely removing leeches off your body; a common occurrence in the area.
To get to the rock
There are 16 routes to get to the top. One of the easiest options would be to start off at the Ella train station, and follow the train tracks all the way up to the Kithalella station, or you could just start from there itself. After a few hairpin turns and crossing a footbridge, climbing and navigating begins to get difficult as the path gradually steepens and becomes rockier.
Some people get lost along the way, but guides can be hired to direct you, and the locals are almost always willing to give a helping hand. One thing to keep in mind is that there are no route markers, but it is still possible to find your way to the top as long as you just keep going up.
What you’ll see
If you start your journey by dawn, usually around 4 am, you will be able to make it to the top for the sunrise while overlooking the rest of Ella. The time of day is also ideal as you may be able to avoid any rain or fog. This scenic route will take you from along train tracks to forests full of rubber trees, and past tea plantations where you can watch the tea pluckers at work.
You know you’ve reached the summit when you see the Eucalyptus trees, which mark the top, and after walking through them you’ll come to the picturesque edge. Do keep caution; not only of getting too close to the edge, but also of the notorious monkeys that may steal your things, but don’t let that distract you from the amazing view that you are led to.
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