Little Adam’s Peak at Ella
A hike up the conical Adam’s Peak is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. Legions of people complete the hike daily, both pilgrims and travelers. Jürgen and I are always primed for an adventure… as long as it’s convenient. After learning that you must embark for the the summit at 2am, we immediately, instantly scratched Adam’s Peak from our list. Call us lame if you want, I won’t protest. But no way. Besides, we had just read about another hike called Little Adam’s Peak, near Ella. “Close enough!”
For our ascent up Little Adam’s Peak, we left at 8am. It was a blissfully easy hike — simple directions led outside of Ella, and up through the Newbourg Tea Plantation to a dirt track with signs clearly pointing the way. The path was only slightly uphill, almost as if designed to be as effortless as possible. The other hikers we passed, on their way back down, all had big smiles on their faces. Light exercise in gorgeous nature: it’d be hard to imagine a better way to begin the day.
Little Adam’s Peak lays on the eastern edge of the Ella Gap, straight across from the (much higher) summit at Ella Rock, which we had climbed two mornings prior. The views are similar, but from Little Adam’s Peak you can see the Ruwana Falls, which border the highway headed south.
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Hi,Nice story and beautiful pictures…And, about the Adam’s Peak.. there is no define time to climb Adam’s Peak. You can go their at any time….Best Regards,Chaturanga
Thank you for the comment. You are right, it would have been probably amazing at any time of the day. But the sunrise probably would make at a real unforgettable moment.
Hi,Just came across this awesome blog. Great job.The pic below the tea factory – it appears to be cabanas or cottages. Looks really beautiful. Can you tell me more about it? Looking for places to stay around Ella.Thanks,Gihan
Gihan, thank you so much for the comment. These cabanas are called 98 Acres. We went over there after the hike for some iced tea (can only recommend to do so as well). The places looks incredible! But was over our budget. When we asked they wanted $120 per night.
Hi! Great post! I have a question for you, during your excursion did you had the chance of seeing tea-pickers on your way through Newbourg Tea Plantation? Thank you very much in advance! Juan
Hello Juan, I don’t remember seeing them but if there are tea trees there will be pickers. I guess it depends on the season? Not sure.
Hi, perfect article, very helpful, thanks ! I have a little question : If we have one day in Ella, would you recommend doing both Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock (one during sunrise and the other for sunset), or just one of them is enough ? If you recommend doing both, which one would you recommend starting with ?
Thank you very much ! Best
Doing both might be a lot for a single day, but if memory serves, neither was too long. If you decide to go for it, I’d suggest Ella Rock in the morning and then Little Adam’s Peak in the afternoon. Both were nice, but Little Adam’s Peak was easier and more beautiful, which might be welcome near the end of a long day. Leave another comment, to let us know how you like Ella!