Little Adam’s Peak hike in Ella – Complete Guide

When we were planning our Sri Lanka itinerary, Little Adam’s Peak was one of the first things we pinned on our Ella map. We’d already seen photos of those rolling green hills and dramatic mountain views, and we knew we had to see them for ourselves.

After a couple of days in Ella, we finally set off on the hike — and honestly, it was even better than we imagined. The trail was short, easy to follow, and full of that peaceful mountain air that makes you slow down and take it all in.

What we loved the most was that you don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy it. You get jaw-dropping views in under an hour, without breaking too much of a sweat.

We also loved how easy it was to combine Little Adam’s Peak with other top spots in Ella, like the famous Nine Arch Bridge. That’s exactly what we did, and it turned into one of our favorite days in Sri Lanka.

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan your hike — where to start, how long it takes, what to expect along the way, plus some tips we wish we’d known before we went.

Why we think this hike is worth it?

For us, Little Adam’s Peak was one of those hikes that totally surprised us with how much you get for so little effort. In less than an hour, we were standing on a ridge with rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and tiny villages stretching out below us.

We kept stopping just to take in the view — it really felt like one of those “wow” moments.

Out of all the hikes we did in Sri Lanka, this one stands out because it’s just so easy and enjoyable. We didn’t need hiking boots, special gear, or a guide — the trail is clear, safe, and doable for almost anyone.

Whether you’re here as a family, a couple, or traveling solo, it’s the kind of hike you’ll be glad you did.

Hiking Map

Best time to hike

Ella’s dry season runs from December to March, making this the most comfortable time of year to hike.

For the best experience, we recommend hiking for sunrise or sunset. At sunrise, you’ll watch sleepy Ella slowly light up in golden hues—an unforgettable start to the day. Sunset is just as magical, and both times are quieter than mid-morning.

Daytime hikes are still doable—we’ve done it—but on sunny days it can get very hot. Honestly, we’d say you should avoid the noon.

If you go during busy hours, climbing all the way to the last viewpoint is a great way to escape the crowds and enjoy the views in peace.

Getting to the trailhead

The start of the Little Adam’s Peak hike is only about 15 minutes from Ella town, so it’s super easy to get to. You can either walk or hop in a tuk-tuk—both are quick and inexpensive.

We were staying on the outskirts of Ella, and it still wasn’t far at all. On the day we hiked, we visited the Nine Arch Bridge in the morning on foot, then continued walking straight to the Little Adam’s Peak trailhead.

It made for a perfect, easy-flow day without needing extra transport. The trail starts at the Ella Flower Garden Resort (map).

If you want to skip the first stretch, you can take a tuk-tuk from the main road up to Ravana Pool Club, which saves about 10 minutes of walking.

We found it unnecessary—the path is flat, the views are already lovely, and it’s a nice warm-up before the climb—but if you’re short on time or want to save some energy, it’s a good option.

Joining a guided tour

If you want to see Little Adam’s Peak, the Nine Arch Bridge, and some stunning waterfalls in one perfect day—without worrying about transport or planning—this tuk-tuk tour is the way to go.

You’ll get hotel pick-up, a local driver-guide who knows all the best spots, and the freedom to just relax and enjoy the scenery. There’s even free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so you can book with confidence.

It’s the easiest way to fit Ella’s top highlights into a single, stress-free day, leaving you with nothing to do but take in the views, snap some epic photos, and enjoy the ride.

Little Adam’s Peak hike description

We started the trail by following a beautiful path winding through lush green tea plantations, with mountains peeking through the leaves in the distance.

We passed a small village on our left, waved to a few locals, and continued towards Ravana Pool Club. Big signs pointed us towards Little Adam’s Peak, so there was no chance of getting lost. Not long after, the incline began.

On the way up, we passed the Ravana Zipline—fun to watch if you’re not planning to try it yourself. From here, the trail turned into a series of stairs leading to the first viewpoint. We’ll be honest—this section took some effort, especially in the afternoon heat.

At the top, we found a small shrine with a Buddha statue and took a moment to catch our breath.

Just a little further, we reached another viewpoint. The views were similar to the first, but we were glad we kept going to the last viewpoint—this is where the hike really came alive.

From the first viewpoint, the trail followed the ridge before dropping into a steeper descent and then climbing sharply one last time to the final peak.

Up there, we were surrounded by mountains on all sides, with 360° views stretching for miles. One valley rolled out endlessly in front of us, while below, tea plantations and farms spread out in every shade of green.

Standing there, we completely forgot about the effort it took to get up.

Facilities on the trail

Before the start of the trail, there are a few small cafés where you can grab a drink or snack. Not far along, you’ll pass the Ravana Pool Club—a cool spot to hang out with an infinity pool overlooking the valley.

From there, there are no proper facilities—no food, no drinks, and no toilets.

That said, you might come across locals along the trail or at the viewpoints selling coconuts, small snacks, or souvenirs. It’s not something to rely on, so we’d still recommend bringing your own water and anything else you’ll need for the hike.

Flying Ravana Zipline

Right along the trail to Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll pass the Flying Ravana Zipline—and it’s hard to miss. Two parallel lines stretch across the valley, giving you a front-row seat to Ella’s sweeping mountain views at high speed.

We didn’t try it this time, but we stopped to watch a few brave riders zoom across. It looked like an absolute thrill and a fun way to break up the hike if you’re feeling adventurous.

The zipline is 500 meters long, reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, and takes less than a minute from start to finish. Tickets can be bought on-site, and there’s usually no long wait outside of peak tourist hours.

Apart from the zipline, there are many other fun activities at Ravana, like wall climbing, ATV, or air rifle. Check out the Flying Ravana website for more details and the zipline price.

FAQs

Is the trail suitable for kids?
Yes—Little Adam’s Peak is an easy to moderate hike, and plenty of families do it. Just be prepared for the stair section, which can be tiring for younger kids.

Is it wheelchair / stroller friendly?
Unfortunately, no. The stairs and uneven paths make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Is there shade along the trail?
Some, especially near the tea plantations and along the Ravana Pool Club, but large sections are exposed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—especially if you’re hiking in the afternoon.

Is cell service available throughout the route?
Yes—Ella generally has good coverage, and we had signal for most of the hike, though it may drop briefly in some lower areas.

Final thoughts

For such a short and accessible hike, Little Adam’s Peak delivers some of the best views in Ella. We loved the mix of tea plantations, rolling hills, and mountain peaks, all packed into a trail you can easily do in a few hours.

It’s the perfect balance of effort and reward—challenging enough to feel like an adventure, but not so hard that it takes all day. Whether you go for sunrise, sunset, or even in the middle of the day, it’s one of those places that makes you pause and just take it all in.

If you’ve got time in Ella, we’d say don’t miss it—and if you can, pair it with Nine Arch Bridge for a day of views you’ll be talking about long after you’ve left Sri Lanka.