What Are The Things To Do In Sri Lanka? Beaches, Cities, Rocks, Wildlife And Colonial Architecture 

BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

From enjoying a train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella Rock, Ella has endless adventures to offer.  Exploring the things to do in Ella is also easier as the Ella Hotels offer the most comfortable and safe accommodations.  As a backpacker, I chose to stay in a hostel on my first visit. However, you can find many budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in this beautiful hill country town.  So, here is a list of the best hotels to stay in Ella.  What Are The Best Ella Hotels?  I have divided the best Ella hotels into three different categories. So, you will find a good mix of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels. Furthermore, I have also included the hostels and the eco-stays here.  And here are the details.  1. Luxury Ella Hotels There's a quiet magic when birds sing in the morning, and mist hangs on the tea bushes.  Moreover, Ella has upgraded its luxury offerings, blending colonial roots with modern sustainable design. • Nine Skies: Colonial Elegance Just outside Ella in Demodara, Nine Skies is a five-bedroom tea bungalow restored from old stock.  Furthermore, it sits like a piece of the English Lake District transplanted into the tropics.  Also, you begin your day with a Sri Lankan breakfast and then swim in an infinity pool that stretches over endless tea fields.  Moreover, the lifestyle is classic tea country, wrapped in a dream-like hotel setting. • 98 Acres Resort And Spa: Eco-Luxury Overlooking Little Adam's Peak, 98 Acres stands out as the region's top hotel.  Furthermore, the chalets use upcycled railway sleepers and local granite, with genuine, hands-on design.  Moreover, their spa features treatments with herbs grown on-site. Just a 15-minute walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, it's ideal for morning shots.  So, what else is there to say about this place? • Hide Ella: Modern Panoramic Views Hide Ella sits right into a 60-degree slope.  Every room faces the Ella Gap with clear, sweeping views.  The pool dips into the trees like you are floating through the canopy. It's a clean, sharp design, with no frills. Furthermore, it offers just pure view-focused living.  Why would anyone want anything else in Ella? 2. Mid-Range Ella Hotels For a bed that works, a shower that flows, and a balcony with real views, without the honeymoon price!  Ella's mid-range picks offer the best trade-off. Most focus on the view, which is Ella's strongest selling point. • Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel It is set into the mountainside, and it is the most welcoming.  Cabins are clean, modern, with wood and concrete finishes.  They even include Yoga mats for stretching in the morning light.  If you want to go early to the Nine Arch Bridge, this is your only real shot, and it's just 800 meters away.  It seems like a good fit for quiet travelers who value space and scenery. • Country Homes Ella  It looks more like apartments than hotels.  Warm pine decor gives each suite a cozy feel.  The wide valley view from your room makes it hard to leave. In particular, when you know breakfast is often brought right to your balcony by the owners.  You get coffee at the same time clouds drift through the gap, arguably one of the most consistent perks in town. • Boutique Vibes: Morning Dew, EKHO, And Tip Top It seems to be a recurring motif in Ella. These hotels offer really amazing views and somewhat old-fashioned rooms.  Morning Dew, EKHO Ella, and Tip Top Boutique Hotel are, to some extent, this kind of hotel.  The furnishings in these places might give the feeling of the 1990s, but the rooftop pools and jacuzzis with a stunning view of Ella Rock offer a 5-star experience.  One of the advantages of choosing Tip Top is that you get the opportunity to see the train passing the Nine Arch Bridge from your private balcony. 3. Budget-Friendly Ella Hotels  Guesthouses once pulsed with life in Sri Lankan tourism.  Staying with a local family still gives the truest view of Ella.  You learn how daily routines move through the village. Nobody makes curry like a Sri Lankan grandmother. • Rowinrich Cottages: The Jungle Hideaway These loft-style cottages sit above a valley wrapped in jungle.  Backpackers find them ideal, glamping without dorm-sharing.  Forest sounds carry through at night.  Sunrises stretch across your terrace each morning. Just be warned: the road up is narrow and full of potholes. It's not easy to drive. • The Original Homestays: Idyll And Chamodya Idyll Homestay opened early in town.  Anil, who once worked on tea plantations, now manages one of Ella's most trusted homes.  Chamodya offers a clear view of Ravana Falls.  Both serve breakfasts packed with string hoppers, dhal, and fresh fruit, more than enough for hiking up Ella Rock. 4. The Hostels In Ella: The Most Happening Social Hubs  Like my trip to Jaffna, I also chose a hostel to stay in Ella.  The hostel scene in Sri Lanka has really taken off over the past few years.  Nowadays, staying in a hostel is not only about finding a cheap bed; it is also about experiencing a community, having superfast Wi-Fi, and going on shared adventures.  • Bunk Station A fairly new place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.  It's a quiet location away from the noise, but you can still walk to the town in ten minutes.  • Hangover Hostel Being part of a well-known chain of hostels in Sri Lanka, it is the best place to experience a social atmosphere. You will get AC rooms here, and the location is very central near the train station. • Backpacker's Paradise  If you are looking for the genuine "simple life" experience, you can camp in tents that are set up under thatched roofs.  Moreover, it is a very basic, cheap option, and they even have their own little dogs as residents.  So, what else do you need? 5. Eco-Friendly Stays In Ella  Ella is a place that feels like home.  Furthermore, Ella's environment is delicate, and these eco-friendly stays are actively preserving it. • Living Heritage Koslanda It lies halfway between Ella and Horton Plains.  Over the years, they've restored the forest and prioritized hiring local women, often left out of tourism jobs.  The place feels like a quiet, natural escape. • Arana Eco-Lodge And Yoga Center The lodge sits just ten minutes from town.  Rooms are treehouses built around living trunks.  Moreover, it operates like a forest monastery.  Also, electronics are minimal here. So, you can take part in sessions of Kundalini yoga and meditation here.  Moreover, vegan Sri Lankan meals take center stage here. You disconnect from Main Street noise and return to the wild.

BY  Sibashree May 5, 2026

I forgot to mention one thing when I shared my experience of a train ride in the Demodara railway loop. This is a lesser-known loop, and I got to know about it from the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa.  This museum is at a distance of just 15.1 km from Kandy. Today, it has many old machines, carriages, equipment, and locomotives.  Though everyone will have a visit to the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, in their itinerary of the things to do in Sri Lanka, I enjoyed my day there.  So, in this blog, I will talk about my experience at the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawan, its entry fee, timings, exhibits, and how it was opened at an opportune moment.  National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa: Quick Facts Opening Date27th December, 2014 Opening Hours 9 AM to 4 PM (Only closed on Poya Day)Ticket Price - For Sri Lankan Adults: Rs. 50- Foreign Adults: Rs. 500- Children: Rs. 20- Children in School Uniform: Rs. 10  Why Was The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, Opened?  The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, was opened on 27th December, 2014, on the occasion of the 150th year of railway operations in Sri Lanka.  The first train of the Ceylon Railway ran from Colombo Terminus station to Ambepussa. The Duke of Brabant of Belgium was a passenger on this train.  On the occasion of the museum inauguration, a Memorial Stamp was also released. Furthermore, as souvenirs, there were a memorial DVD and a coffee table book.  Moreover, a Replica Steam Train ran from Colombo Fort to Kadugannawa, and it had special invitees as passengers.  It was a thoughtful move to commemorate the first train operation 150 years ago.  How To Reach The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa? You can reach the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, with a short train ride from Kandy.  However, if you miss the train, you can also take a bus. However, I don’t recommend a bus ride from Kandy to Kadugannawa because the bus ride through the Royal Botanic Gardens takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.  Also, the bus is very crowded, and you will find every type of food vendor there.  Nevertheless, if you still want a bus ride, the ticket price will be 120 LKR (Around 36 Rs.) for a person.  Kandy To Kadugannawa Train Ride  I love train rides, and even if the queue for the third-class ticket was long, I enjoyed the entire experience.  Nevertheless, I took the Kandy to Polgahawela train that departed from the Kandy Station at 2:15 PM and reached the Kadugannawa Station at 2:55 PM.  The train halts at the Kadugannawa station for 1 minute. So, stand near the gate and be a little fast when alighting from the train.  I got a 3rd class ticket, and the ticket price was Rs. 40. What Are The Things To See At The National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa?  The Kadugannawa Railway Museum is very close to the Kadugannawa Railway Station. It is a small space, and it includes a platform and 2 outside areas.  Furthermore, it is spread over a train shed.  I sat in a vintage train carriage at the museum, and it cost me around Rs. 296. The carriage also had an attendant who showed me the museum. The Exhibits And Demonstrations I Loved  I especially loved the demonstration of the efficient token system that ensures that trains do not run into each other on the single-track mountain railway lines of Sri Lanka.  Furthermore, I found a massive model railway inside the museum. It shows the entire Sri Lankan railway network.  It was fascinating, and it highlighted the Nine Arch Bridge and how the train covers the spiral Demodara loop.  I also had a lot of fun getting in and out of the steam locomotives, carriages, and old engines at the museum.  Moreover, I saw a 10-minute-long video describing the railway network of Sri Lanka.  Overall, I spent around an hour at the museum and ended my time there with a cup of coffee at the in-house coffee shop. The coffee shop itself is inside a carriage.  The best things about the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, were that very few visitors were there.  So, as a curious soul and someone very fascinated by trains (my home is very close to a railway track), I had a gala time.  What Are The Other Places To Visit In Kadugannawa?  Kadugannawa, a short distance away from Kandy, is a serene place with many historical and cultural attractions.  So, once you have completed exploring the top attractions in Kandy and the National Railway Museum, Kadugannawa, you can visit these places.  1. Balana Fort  Balana Fort is located between Kadugannawa and Kandy.  Also, close to the Alagalla Mountain Range, its strategic position helped to protect the kingdom of Kandy from external attacks.  2. Captain Dawson Tower  The Captain Dawson Tower is at Kadugannawa Pass, and it is very close to the first modern expressway of Sri Lanka, the Colombo Kandy Road.  The construction of this expressway began under the supervision of Captain William Francis Dawson in 1820. So, this tower remembers and respects the contribution of Captain William Francis Dawson. Moreover, it was built in 1832.  3. Lion’s Mouth Rock, Kadugannawa It is an overhanging rock that you can find between the Balana and Kadugannawa railway stations.  The natural formation of the rock resembles a lion’s mouth.  Furthermore, when the train passes through the bend, there is a steep descent. So, the feeling of a drop makes the experience all the more thrilling.  4. Kadugannawa Rock View  If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy or exploring the best attractions in Kadugannawa, the Kadugannawa Rock View is a place to relax.  The place is serene, and it offers amazing views of the lush surroundings. Furthermore, there are a few small shops on the way.  You can buy some souvenirs from these shops, and you will spot a lot of monkeys here.  Moreover, it was sunset time when I reached this viewpoint, and the experience was surreal.

BY  Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

If you are like me, your first trip to Japan probably started off in Tokyo, surrounded by bright neon lights and an astounding number of people moving around to get from place to place. Tokyo is a logical starting point because of the many inexpensive daily flights that arrive, as well as its efficient public transportation, making it very easy to get around and communicate with those whom you meet there, because they speak some English. But let me tell you a little secret I learned from spending two different trips to Japan over the course of three weeks. Although I had fun in Tokyo, I’m definitely not a big progressive city person. The real beauty and the heart of Japan are found away from the chaos of Tokyo. The true essence of Japan can be experienced at its best in either the peaceful mountains high above the sea or in the salty air along the coast of Japan. So if you are planning on staying in Tokyo for more than three days, do yourself a favor and venture outside of the city limits.  These are my favorite day trips from Tokyo. You can travel to each of these destinations within 1 to 2 hours. What Are The Best Day Trips From Tokyo?  Tokyo is an incredible gateway. However, Japan’s true magic is often found in the places where the skyscrapers disappear.  Whether you want the spray of the ocean in Kamakura or the mountain air of Hakone, I promise that leaving the city for just a day will change how you see the country. From Mount Fuji to Kyoto, the Soul of Japan, the day trips from Tokyo are as diverse as they can be.  Here is a detailed account of my experience in those places.  1. Mount Fuji And Kawaguchiko: The Icon Travel Time: 2 Hours  How to Reach There: Highway buses from Shinjuku or Shibuya (~¥1,250–¥2,000 one way). If I can only recommend one escape, it will be Kawaguchiko, a town located right at the foot of Mt. Fuji.  "Shy" Fuji hides behind a curtain of clouds and can be quite elusive. While I visited, Fuji showed off for me on several occasions. I spent an entire day in this beautiful town, but would recommend an overnight stay at one of the many traditional ryokans situated on the lake if possible. There, you will notice the the juxtaposition of Fuji's reflection on Lake Kawaguchi at sunrise will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Highlights From My Visit Climbing the 398 steps of Chureito Pagoda was strenuous. However, the meditation-like calm through the forest made it worthwhile. I was fortunate enough to see the iconic site of the Red Pagoda with Mt. Fuji as a backdrop, as the clouds rolled in and covered the summit of Fuji. Hōtō noodles are a local specialty and are made up of thick, flat noodles cooked in a Japanese miso broth. Eating them will feel like a warm hug! So, don’t forget to try it.  2. Nikko: A Place Of Mist And Masterpieces Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko Station. When you visit Nikko, you will see all that it has to offer in the stunning, misty forests and cedar trees. Moreover, the detailed and ornate shrines seem to be jewelry boxes.    Insider Tip:  Arrive before 9 am at Lake Chuzenji to witness how the morning light creates an incredibly peaceful scene on the water.  If you arrive later than 9 am, visit the Toshogu Shrine first, which is where Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried and features the famous three monkeys, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Many people come to see Kegon Falls, but it can be crowded due to the high tourist volume.  Unless you arrive at dawn, I would recommend skipping Kegon Falls and enjoying the calm waters of the lake instead. 3. The Coastal Soul Of Japan: Kamakura Travel Time: 1 hour How to Get There: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (¥940 one way). Kamakura is also popular as the "Kyoto of the East," and I can see why.  Although it is an hour from Tokyo, when you are there, you will be surrounded by the smell of salt and incense from the temples instead of exhaust from busy streets. Be sure to see the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotoku-in.  This is a large bronze hollow statue located outside.  Standing there, surrounded by trees and soft sea light, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility.  After visiting the Great Buddha, I walked to Yuigahama Beach to watch the surfers and the sunset before enjoying a meal of sukiyaki or shabu-shabu. 4. Hakone: A Breath of Mountain Air Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Odakyu “Romancecar” from Shinjuku. I recommend the Hakone Free Pass. Tokyo is the pulse of Japanese culture, and it is in Hakone where you'll find peace after the city's frenzied pace. Hakone is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient.  The first stop for my visit was at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where I walked among sculptures created by some of the most famous artists in the world, surrounded by natural beauty all around me.  Then, I took the Hakone Ropeway across the Owakudani Valley.  It is an active volcanic area where steam rises out of the ground, creating a picture of a living canvas.  On clear days, you may see Mt. Fuji as well.  The day was capped off with a boat ride on Lake Ashi aboard a vessel that resembled a "pirate ship."  I was hesitant about it being cheesy, but the sights were gorgeous. 5. The Easy Escape To Yokohama  Travel Time: 30 Minutes How to get there: JR Tokaido or Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station (¥480). When I need to relax from the chaos of Tokyo, I tend to go to Yokohama.  Yokohama is the 2nd largest city in Japan. However, it has a much more relaxing atmosphere due to the harbor.  I enjoy taking a stroll along Minato Mirai, which is another word for "harbor view," while enjoying the ocean breeze.  For something "quirky", I went to the Cup Noodles Museum to create my own cup of noodles and to learn about the history of Nissin Food Products.  However, the highlight was visiting China Town, which is the largest in Japan.  My recommendation is to arrive at China Town around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.  It will be early enough to beat the dinner rush and late enough to see the entrance of all the glow from the lanterns.  Take a bag of roasted chestnuts and enjoy the view of the skyline from the water while riding on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. 6. A Trip Back In Time To Kawagoe Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro or JR from Shinjuku. If you want a taste of the Edo period without trekking all the way to Kyoto, go to Kawagoe.  It’s a walkable town full of clay-walled warehouses and wooden merchant houses. When I arrived at 8 AM, I heard the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tolling in the stillness of the morning.  I went back 200 years in time.  If you have time to go to Candy Alley, everything is made from sweet potatoes, cakes, chips, and even ice cream!  I know it sounds strange, but I assure you that it is really good! 7. Kyoto: The Soul Of Japan Travel Time: 2 Hours (by Shinkansen) How to get there: Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (¥13,320 one way). I usually tell people to stay at least two days in Kyoto, but if a day trip is all you can manage, do it. It is expensive, but it is worth every yen. To appreciate Kyoto fully, you should focus on finding peace and serenity rather than simply marking off temples from a to-do list.  Instead of fighting the crowds at the bamboo groves, I found my peace by sitting in the wonderful gardens of Kennin-Ji Temple and breathing the incense they burned there. 8. Enoshima: Islands And Icons  Travel Time: 2 Hours How to get there: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station. Enoshima is where Japan’s coastal charm meets its spiritual side.  It’s a small island with a bridge and shrines dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Prepare to take many steps as you make your way to Iwaya Caves on the opposite end of the island.  The sound of waves'll surround you as you leave the noise of the city behind.  Furthermore, inside the caves, it’s a different world! After you leave the caves and head back, stop at a vendor and buy some grilled fish or seafood so you can enjoy the smoky aroma of the grilled fish while walking through Enoshima Island. 9. Chichibu: Mountains And Moss Travel Time: 2 Hours How to Get There: Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station. Chichibu is an outdoorsy place if you love the outdoors!  It's got mountains and has a strong cultural heritage.  If your timing is right in the spring, Hitsujiyama Park gets huge patches of pink and white moss phlox in bloom. This area has deliciously filling meals, including miso potatoes and waraji katsu (a pork cutlet that’s named after a straw sandal because of how large it is). 10. Karuizawa: The Alpine Retreat Travel Time: 1 Hour How to get there: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Finally, there is Karuizawa. This is where Tokyo’s elite found an escape from the summer heat, and it still feels incredibly sophisticated. Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to experience this area.  I spent my first morning biking through beautiful pine tree forests until I arrived at Kumoba Pond. The pond has such calm water that it feels like looking into a huge mirror!  In the winter, it turns into a beautiful, snowy retreat perfect for relaxing after spending several days in the city.  Read Also: Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It In 2026? Should I Buy Or Avoid It As A Conscious Tourist? What Are The Things To Do In Oahu For Free? A Guide For Budget Travelers Festivals Of Light And Color: Experiencing Japan’s Vibrant Matsuri