Ella: The Serene Hill Station of Sri Lanka

• Helloහෙලෝ
  [helo]
• Goodbyeආරාධනා
  [aradhana]
• Yesඔව්
  [ov]
• Noනෑ
  [nē]
• Please/You're welcomeකරන්න
  [karanna]
• Thank youඔබට ස්තූතියි
  [obata stuti]
• Excuse me/Sorryසමාවක්
  [samāwak]
• How are you?ඔයාට කොහොමද?
  [ōyāta kohōmada?]
• Fine. And you?හොඳම. ඔයා?
  [hodama. ōyā?]
• Do you speak English?ඔයාට ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරයිද?
  [ōyāta iṁgrīsi kathā karayida?]
• I don't understandමම දත්ත නොදත්තේ
  [mama dattha nodatthē]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනු බලන්න
  [karunākara menu balanna]
• I don't eat meatමම මස් කෑමට නොවූවෙන්
  [mama mas kāmata novūwēn]
• Cheers!සුභම පාට
  [subha pāṭa]
• I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර ගෙවන්න
  [karunākara gevanna]

• Help!උකුල්ල!
  [ukulla!]
• Go away!ඉවත්කරන්න!
  [iwathkaranna!]
• Call the Police!පොලිස් කළමු!
  [polis kalamu!]
• Call a doctor!වෛරයකරු කළමු!
  [vārayakaru kalamu!]
• I'm lostමම නැවතුනෙද්
  [mama nāwatunē]
• I'm illමම අස්වැනීනෙද්
  [mama asvānīnē]

• I'd like to buy...මම ... මිලට දෙන්නන්න
  [mama ... milata denannanna]
• I'm just lookingමම පෙන්නවා
  [mama penna]
• How much is it?එය කොහෙත් වැඩිය?
  [eya kohet vādiya?]
• That's too expensiveඑය විශාලය
  [eya viśālaya]
• Can you lower the price?මිල අවම කළ හැකිද?
  [mila avama kala hēkida?]

• What time is it?දිනපියක් කුමක් වැඩිය?
  [dinapīyak kumak vādiya?]
• It's one o'clockඑකට
  [ekata]
• Half past (10)බත්
  [bath]
• Morningපාන්දු
  [pandu]
• Afternoonදවස
  [davasa]
• Eveningසව්ව
  [savva]
• Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
• Todayඅද
  [ada]
• Tomorrowහෙනක්
  [hēnak]
• 1එක
  [eka]
• 2දෙක
  [deka]
• 3තුන
  [thuna]
• 4හත්
  [hata]
• 5පහ
  [paha]
• 6හය
  [haya]
• 7හත
  [hatha]
• 8අට
  [ata]
• 9නත
  [nata]
• 10දහය
  [dahaya]

• Where's a/the...?... කොහෙත් තුල්ලෙන්?
  [... kohet tullēn?]
• What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්?
  [lipinaya kumak?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?මට ප්‍රස්ථාරයට පෙන්නන්න
  [mata prasthāraya penannanna]
• When's the next (bus)?ඊළඟට කොහෙත්?
  [īlaṅgat kohet?]
• A ticket (to ....)ටිකට් (එයට)
  [ṭikat (eyaṭa)]

Ella, a picturesque town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region was part of the Ruhuna Kingdom, which flourished from the 3rd century BCE to the 13th century CE. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by early settlers who were engaged in agriculture and trade.

During the 16th to 19th centuries, Ella was under the influence of the Kandyan Kingdom, the last independent monarchy in Sri Lanka before British colonization. The region was known for its strategic importance and lush landscapes, which were used for agriculture and as a retreat by the Kandyan kings. The remnants of ancient temples and ruins in the area are a testament to this period.

Ella's modern history is deeply intertwined with the period of British colonization in Sri Lanka. With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, the region saw significant changes, particularly in agriculture. The British established tea plantations, transforming Ella into a major center for tea production. The construction of the railway line in the late 19th century, connecting Ella to other parts of Sri Lanka, facilitated the transport of tea and boosted the local economy.

One of Ella's most iconic landmarks is the Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the 'Bridge in the Sky.' Completed in 1921, this architectural marvel is a testament to the engineering prowess of the British colonial period. The bridge, made entirely of stone and cement without the use of steel, spans 91 meters and stands 24 meters high, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations and forests.

Following Sri Lanka's independence in 1948, Ella continued to thrive as a center for tea production. The town gradually transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its lush landscapes, cool climate, and historical significance. The shift towards tourism has led to the development of various amenities and attractions, making Ella a key highlight in Sri Lanka's travel circuit.

Ella is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage. The town is home to several ancient temples and historical sites, such as the Dhowa Rock Temple, which features a large unfinished Buddha statue carved into the rock face. These cultural landmarks offer a glimpse into the religious and artistic traditions of the region, adding depth to Ella's historical tapestry.

Today, Ella is a vibrant town that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern amenities. It is a hub for eco-tourism, attracting hikers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. The town's economy has diversified, with a focus on sustainable tourism and preserving its natural and cultural heritage. Ella continues to be a testament to Sri Lanka's rich history and dynamic future.

Ella is located in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. The most common way to reach Ella is by train, which offers a scenic journey through lush tea plantations and picturesque landscapes. Trains to Ella depart from Colombo Fort and Kandy, with the journey taking approximately 6 to 7 hours from Colombo and 4 to 5 hours from Kandy. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a private taxi from Colombo or other major cities. The road journey offers flexibility and can be faster, but it lacks the scenic beauty of the train ride.

Ella is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the area, tuk-tuks are readily available and are a popular mode of transportation. Local buses connect Ella to nearby towns and villages, but they can be crowded and less comfortable. Renting a scooter or a bicycle is another convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. Taxis are also available for hire and can be arranged through your accommodation.

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Ella, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to ensure you have enough funds on hand.

Ella is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Ella does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur, so keep your valuables secure.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ella. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Some hotels and guesthouses also have first aid kits available for guest use.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Ayubowan' (a traditional Sri Lankan greeting) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ella like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting attractions such as Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, and Ravana Falls. For a unique experience, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Hiking is a popular activity in Ella, so make sure to explore the various trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.