The Pekoe Trail - Stage 15 - Makulela to Ella - Official Profile

IMPORTANT NOTE: The stage is walkable and signposted. Look out for orange circles with a white arrow. Trail users are advised to consider all the information available and to heed local advice when available. The services of a professional mountain guide are recommended. Trail users are responsible for all decisions as to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety. In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, hikers should be prepared for difficult route-finding and challenging trail conditions, dogs, leaches, heavy rain, intermittent thunderstorms, and plenty of sun. It is recommended to drink at least 1/2 litter of water per hour when hiking. Access to emergency medical care and rescue is not always immediately available.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE STAGE

Today’s stage begins at Makulella, at the temple of Allimale Bodhiya, a lovely Buddhist Temple overlooking the valley below which goes by the name of Ambagaswatte.

The river flowing through the valley gives way to the Ravana Falls, a popular stop on the Ella to Wellawaya road below. This spectacular waterfall was named after the legendary King Ravana, described in the Ramayana. According to legend, King Ravana hid princess Sita inside a cave behind this waterfall.

The stage starts at an elevation of 1240 meters and ends at an elevation of just over 1000 meters. The first part of the stage is a delightful walk through a forested area. At the 800-meter point, you will see the trail split into two, one way peeling off to the right which is effectively a gateway to the Ambagaswatte valley, and then a forest track straight ahead. Keep going straight through the eucalyptus forest.

At the 1.45 km point the track splits into two again; stay on the right track as it bends through the trees. In 200 meters we’re going to saddle onto the upper tea bushes of the adjacent plantation and you will find yourself walking through tea. The views on the right-hand side are stunning. The trail penetrates a patch of jungle and shortly after emerges onto a much wider trail. At this point, you turn left and walk in the direction of the eucalyptus forest again. From here it’s a fairly straight 2 km walk to the top of Ella Rock.

Ella Rock sits at the 4.5 km point of today’s walk, the quieter more peaceful, and more serene half. Needless to say, the view from Ella Rock is spectacular. Expansive vistas of the valley below, little Adam’s Peak on the other side of the valley, and the many mountains and valleys beyond.

From here on The Pekoe Trail mirrors the popular trail many of the travelers staying in Ella use to climb up to the rock as a day trip. The first 200 meters are a steep descent, first through the eucalyptus forest and then passing a few local homes and their cultivated gardens all the way to Kithal Ella Station.

From Kithal Ella Station there is no option but to walk along the railway track for approximately 1.5 km. The good news is that trail infrastructure is under development. While walking on the railway track you’re likely to meet merchants eager to sell you snacks and fresh fruit.

Today’s stage finishes at the Ella Train Station. Ella railway station is the 75th station on the Main Line and is located 271.03 km from Colombo. Ella is a very popular hill-country town where travelers come to enjoy walks through tea plantations and nature, and generally to chill out.

PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU AND IF YOU SEE ANY RUBBISH OTHERS LEFT BEHIND TRY TO TAKE IT - EVEN IF JUST A BOTTLE OR A PLASTIC BAG, EVERY BIT COUNTS - THANK YOU.

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The Pekoe Trail is designed to support development and livelihoods in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Buying goods and services from local businesses helps communities along the trail to thrive. The Pekoe Trail is made possible thanks to generous funding from the European Union with additional support from the US Agency for International Development