Sri Lanka Day 71 (Badulla & Ella): Waterfalls Hopping
Badulla has cooling weather. In the morning it is usually warm but it gets colder at night.
This was the room we stayed in last night at Greenwoods Holiday Inn. Comfortable and affordable! (:
The start of the hiking trail to Dunhinda Falls is actually very easily accessible by bus from the bus station. Before we set off, we had breakfast first in the town. I had parata for breakfast
Headed off to Dunhinda Falls and went through an easy hike to the waterfall. It does get more difficult near the waterfalls because of the steepness and you have to go through the rocks instead of a proper path.
Go there early for good photos because after a while, the crowd will start to come in. Managed to capture a few good shots! The waterfall is really spectacular and I am glad we came to Badulla even though other than this waterfall, there is almost nothing else to do.
There is actually a mini Dunhinda Falls as well but it couldn’t be reached by foot so all you could do was only to observe it from afar and the observation point is located near the toilet. We managed to find it only with the help from a local. People here are really genuine!
Back to our guesthouse to take our things and then took a bus to Ella, when we passed by a campaigning place well guarded. Sri Lanka General Election is in August next month!
Once we reached Ella, we looked for food immediately. TOO HUNGRY! I highly recommend this restaurant- Jade Green Tea Center & Restaurant. The food is so delicious. Probably the best pasta I have eaten here in Sri Lanka and guess what? It was only $4.40 nett.
Placed our things in the guesthouse, Samadhi Guest Inn Ella, which was just a short distance away from Little Adam's Peak.
On the way up to Little Adam's Peak, you will get to enjoy the view of tea plantations which definitely makes the hike much easier than it already is.
The view was so beautiful! You get to see the beauty of Ella. You can see the roads built through the mountains. Simply amazing.
Next, we embarked on the hiking trail starting from the railway track to Ella Rock and sad to say, we didn't manage to find the way up. Usually people get a guide and there are just so many locals up there trying to be your guide. If you really don't want a guide due to tight budget, make sure that you reject them. There is hardly anyone who will bring you there without asking for monney in the end.
I wouldn't say that it was a wasted trip because you get to enjoy the scenery as you walked as well. Also, on the way there you will be able to get Ella Gap Waterfall and sit on top of it.
Last stop at Ruwana Falls, w hich is just by the road side. Lots of locals bathing and swimming there.
So we managed to complete Ella in one day!
We stayed 1 night at Samadhi Guest Inn Ella and I really love the place with very nice and helpful hosts. Also, because it is technically a house, it has a very cosy feel to it. Us and the other tourists sat down together to share about our travels. It was really a good opportunity to see how a Sri Lankan family is.
Dinner: Super plain butter noodle
