I’ve spent a few nights in Ella recently, and while it’s true that the town sees more tourists than some of the smaller hill towns, I found it really worth visiting for the scenery, hikes, and tea plantations. The train ride up from Kandy is absolutely stunning and definitely part of the experience.

If you want to avoid the busiest areas, staying a bit outside the town center helps, you can still find quiet and scenic spots. I stayed at a boutique place called 98 Acres Resort, and it was peaceful, surrounded by greenery, and not far from the main attractions. There are also other guesthouses and homestays around the hills that are clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly.

For day hikes, Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock are both manageable in a few hours and give amazing views. If you prefer even fewer crowds, nearby towns like Haputale or Bandarawela are good alternatives, though the train ride to Ella is a highlight in itself.

Based on my experience, I wouldn’t avoid Ella, staying a bit outside the town center made it peaceful and enjoyable, and it was definitely one of the highlights of my Sri Lanka trip.