Ella, Mountain town in Badulla District, Sri Lanka.
Ella is a mountain town in Badulla District, situated at about 1,041 meters elevation and surrounded by thick cloud forests and tea plantations. The land slopes down toward the southern plains, creating a distinct landscape where green hills meet distant valleys.
The place grew when the railway arrived in 1918, connecting it to major cities. Nearby stands an ancient temple with a Buddha statue carved directly into rock that dates back thousands of years.
Different communities live here, each bringing their own traditions and celebrations that shape local life. You notice how their customs blend into the rhythms of daily activities throughout the town.
The town is reached by train, with daily services connecting to major cities, making it easy to arrive and explore. The train journey itself is a popular way to experience the landscape and see different parts of the region.
A notable structure from 1921 crosses a deep valley with nine arches and carries trains across it. From this bridge you can look down at tea plantations and forests stretching toward the horizon.
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