Ella: Waterfall hunting Hike to Bambarakanda and Lanka Falls

Ella’s waterfalls feel private—and you’ll earn every viewpoint

A waterfall day in Ella that actually feels remote. I like the mix of tea-country train riding and a real guided hike into rainforest paths, plus the pay-off at Sri Lanka’s top waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls. I also love that you get a proper swim at the clear Lanka Ella Falls pool, not just a quick look. The only downside: this is a walking and hiking tour, so if you have limited mobility (or are pregnant, per the tour notes), it may not be a good fit.

On the guide side, I’ve seen names like Sampa and Dinuka mentioned for a reason: they don’t just point the way, they explain plants and local uses, and they keep things relaxed so you can move at your pace. Expect English-speaking guidance, a private group feel, and a day that’s heavy on nature and light on crowds.

Quick hits before you go

• Tea-train to Ohiya (75 minutes): an easy start before the trails get real
• Devil’s Staircase (optional): legendary steps and big photo viewpoints for the train option
• Lanka Ella Falls swim time: time in a crystal-clear pool, not just sightseeing
• Bambarakanda Falls: Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall with a hike up to views
• Homely lunch with panoramic views: food served after you’ve worked up an appetite
• Guides like Sampa and Dinuka: plant spotting, local explanations, and friendly attention

Price and value: what $60 covers in Ella’s hill country

At $60 per person for an 8-hour day, this hike sits in the “worth it if you want less hassle” category. You’re paying for transport to and from your hotel, English live guiding, entrance tickets, bottled water, refreshments, and lunch. In other words, you’re not just buying waterfalls—you’re buying a smooth chain of logistics plus someone who knows the shortcuts and safer-feeling paths.

The one thing that keeps it from being a “cheap sightseeing bus day” is the physical side. This isn’t a stroll. You’re walking on uneven ground, and the tour notes specifically say hiking shoes aren’t included. If you show up in slide-ons, you’ll feel it.

Getting there: Ella pickups, private-group pacing, and drop-offs

This one runs from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela. Your guide picks you up and you get dropped back at one of those three places. It’s a small, private group setup, which matters because it keeps the pace human. You’re not constantly stopping for the slowest person or sprinting for the fastest one.

The day is built around a sequence of active stops. That means you’ll spend time walking, then time at viewpoints and falls, then time swimming, and finally time eating with views. If you like a plan that’s structured but not rigid, this fits.

Tea-train to Ohiya (and Devil’s Staircase): the best way to start

If you choose the train ride option, you begin with a 75-minute ride that cuts through the rolling green hill country toward Ohiya. It’s one of those transport moments that feels like part of the experience instead of a delay. The train also sets the mood: misty valleys, slow movement, and that feeling that you’ve left the road behind.

From there, the Devil’s Staircase comes in for the train option. You’ll hike the famous steps and reach panoramic mountain vistas where the photos are easy. This segment is a good test of whether the day’s walking style will feel good for you. If the steps sound like a deal-breaker, skip the train option and focus on the rainforest hike and waterfall stops.

Breakfast and the move from town energy into rainforest quiet

After the train ride, you’ll stop for breakfast (for the train option only) and a short break. You also get a pause at Ohiya with photo time and some free time before the guided trail portion.

Then the day shifts gears. You’re no longer in town views and tea-field edges. You’re following your guide into remote paths where the air changes—cooler, damp, and alive with bird sounds and plant life. This is where the guides’ value shows: they point out useful plants and explain how people here recognize and use them. It’s not just “look at the tree.” It’s more like: this plant matters, and here’s how.

Lanka Ella Falls: where the swim time makes the day

Lanka Ella Falls is the moment most people remember. You’ll visit, take in the scenery, and get time for sightseeing on the way. The best part is the swimming—a dedicated block of time at the clear, tranquil pool.

The way the stop is structured matters. You don’t get rushed out the second you arrive. You have a photo-stop/guided-tour phase first, then swimming time afterward. That feels important because the pool is the kind of place you don’t want to treat like a checkbox.

Practical tip: bring your swimwear and towel. The tour explicitly asks for both, and you’ll be glad you packed them. Sunscreen is also worth it—even in cloud cover the sun in this altitude can still sneak up.

Bambarakanda Falls: Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall and the hike up to views

After Lanka Ella, you’ll head to Bambarakanda Falls, which the tour lists as Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall. Expect sightseeing plus hiking time toward the viewing area. This is where the effort pays back: you’re not just standing somewhere safe and distant. You’re moving closer and earning those angles.

Because the waterfall is the headline, the stop works best if you come ready to slow down. Take your time on the walk, watch for safe footing, and let your guide set the pace. Many people focus on the height, but what hits you in person is the sheer presence—spray in the air, noise you feel before you fully register what you’re seeing, and a sense that the forest is holding the falls up.

Also, this section tends to feel calmer than the big-name sightseeing circuits. The route is designed to get you away from heavy crowds.

The secret stop: a short walk that adds character

Between the big waterfall moments and lunch, you’ll make a secret stop. It’s listed as a visit with guided touring, sightseeing, and a 30-minute walk.

This is one of those “why this tour feels different” inserts. If you love nature days but hate feeling like you only visit famous dots on a map, this kind of stop is where the day becomes memorable. It’s not a long detour, just enough time to stretch your legs and see something most people miss because they never take the quieter paths.

Lunch with views: the payoff meal after all the stairs

Lunch is served at a local restaurant after the secret stop. The timing gives you a natural appetite reset: you’ve hiked, you’ve reached waterfalls, you’ve likely swum, and now you get to sit down and eat.

The reviews I’ve seen highlight the homely, family-style feel—meals that don’t taste like a factory line. And you’ll be eating with the kind of view that makes you want to finish slower than you planned.

If you’re someone who tends to pack snacks “just in case,” you may still want them for personal comfort, but this tour does include lunch, plus water and refreshments during the day.

What to bring (and what to skip): the small things that matter on waterfall trails

The tour is clear about what you’ll need. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (important—this is hiking)
• Swimwear and a towel for Lanka Ella Falls
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Rain gear (weather changes happen in the hill country)
• Anything you need for personal comfort since the day mixes sun, mist, and walking

Skip big loads. The notes say luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. Plan to travel light so you can move easily on trails and around stops.

One more practical note: hiking shoes aren’t included, so if you don’t already own proper footwear, decide before you arrive in Ella. This day is more comfortable when your feet are supported.

Who should book this Ella waterfall hunt?

This works best if you:

• Want a full 8-hour nature day built around two major waterfalls
• Like guided walks where the guide explains what you’re seeing (plants, local uses, and paths)
• Enjoy swimming on travel days instead of only standing at viewpoints
• Prefer a private-group pace with room to linger

It may not be right if:

• You’re pregnant or have pre-existing medical conditions (the tour says it’s not suitable)
• You don’t want hiking and just want easy sightseeing
• You dislike getting your legs muddy or wet from rainforest humidity and waterfall spray

Also, it’s a great fit for solo travelers too. The guide-led format means you’re not stuck trying to figure out paths alone, and you still get plenty of quiet time at the falls.

Should you book Ella Waterfall Hunting with Ella Holidays?

Yes—if you want a day in Ella that feels like rainforest exploring with real rewards. The combo of train ride (optional), Devil’s Staircase (train option), Bambarakanda Falls, and the chance to swim at Lanka Ella Falls makes this more than a standard waterfall stop.

Before you say yes, check one thing: your comfort with walking. This is not a sit-and-watch day, and your shoes matter. If you show up prepared, this trip delivers a strong mix of views, quiet trails, and that satisfying feeling of earning your waterfall time.

FAQ

How long is the Ella waterfall hike, and what time does it run?

The tour lasts 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll want to check the times offered for your travel date.

Is there a train ride option, and does it include Devil’s Staircase?

Yes. There is an option that includes a 75-minute train ride to Ohiya, and the Devil’s Staircase trek is included with the train ride option.

Which waterfalls do you visit, and is there swimming?

You visit Lanka Ella Falls and Bambarakanda Falls. At Lanka Ella Falls, the tour includes time for swimming in the clear pool.

What should I bring for this hike?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and rain gear.

Where are the pickup and drop-off points?

Pickups are available from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela, and drop-offs are also at Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The tour notes say it is not suitable for pregnant women or for people with pre-existing medical conditions, since it is a hiking and walking tour.