A day in Ella

We had an early start at 7am today,which was perfect for a clear sky hike to the top of Ella rock. Along the way we met a local farmer with machete in hand and anti snake venom in a metal cap around his neck, at which point I was quite happy for him to become our guide. He pointed out snake hideouts and other various things of interest along the way. It was hard work, hot and steep; not that you'd know the way the farmer effortlessly glided up the mountain. The views were spectacular (I don't think the photos do it justice). Because it was so clear you could see all the way out to the coast. Amazing.
We were back down in Ella centre by 11am,which meant that we'd got plenty of the day left to fill. We decided to go to a local tea plantation, Halpewatte tea factory. We had a full guided tour around the working factory, but unfortunately there was no photography allowed so we can't show you any photos of the locals hard at work to bring you your cuppa to you guys back home. It was fascinating and well worth the visit. We decided our favourite is black pekoe Ceylon. We would have loved to buy some but we can't carry lots of souvenirs around with us for the whole of our trip.
After a brief rest for some lunch we headed down to the waterfall. Unfortunately we got off the bus too early, however fortunately for us met a local boy that showed us to our very own private waterfall with shallow pool. I needed a LOT of help reaching it, he helped me to clamber up some rocks in flimsy flip flops, but I made IG in the end with only a couple of hairy moments.

Just sat on our balcony watching the sun go down over the gorgeous Ella gap. It really has been a full fun packed day.

X

P.S. Lunch today consisted of an amazing kotthu rotti and yet again a honey and buffalo curd pudding with pineapple. Delicious.