Ella

It is a tiny town in the mountains which you can arrive to taking a direct bus from Matara to Wellawaya, Ella and Wellawaya. It is popular among tourists for being a base for hiking, trekking, visiting tea plantations, or bathing in the water falls. From there you can take the train to Haputale, which is one of the loveliest courses, and a major tourist attraction. It took a long time by bus because the mountain route was slow. From Wellawaya it is only about 30km but it took hours. There are many budget hostels to stay at, and most offer food. Rooms start at 3 euros a night, to places of luxury in the jungle.

Hike trails, viewpoints, sunrises and sunsets on the top of Little Adam’s Peak - all in one package. Furtherome, the train from Ella to Kandy is just spectacular - it’s a must!