Among the many things to explore in Ella, Little Adam’s Peak ranks among the most popular locals and tourists alike. Having its name derived from its bigger brother, Adam’s Peak, Little Adam’s Peak is just that… little. However, little doesn’t generally mean size, but the trek up to the summit of the mountain is relatively easy. I’m trying to make this clever, so forgive me if it doesn’t work. Anyways, moving on… Here’s a guide to one of the top things to do in Ella!
Offering stunning views, steep slopes covered in lush tropical greenery, mountain ranges with the tops enveloped with mist like a cherry on top of a sundae, Little Adam’s Peak offers great bang for your buck; if the bang were the views it offers, and the buck was the short hike to get to these views.
WHERE IS LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK
Little Adam’s Peak is a fairly easy hike found in Ella, Sri Lanka and is a short 20-minute walk from the center of town. If you’re feeling lazy, you can always hitch a tuk tuk for 200 rupees. The entrance is easily located on Google maps, but just in case you still live under a rock and don’t own a cell phone with “data”, you can find the entrance between The Chillout Ella and the Ella Flower Garden Resort. The hike starts with a very slow ascent through a dirt path surrounded by tea fields and stunning views of the lush green valleys that shroud hill country. You’ll make your way along said path for about 15-minutes depending on your walking speed where you’ll see the stair case that leads all the way to the peak; you literally cannot miss it!
THE BEST TIME TO HIKE
The best time to climb Little Adam’s Peak would be sunrise. The rays of the sun rising illuminating the vast valleys below you as you stare out into the vast openness of greenery, perhaps spotting Ravana Falls from a distance is breathtaking. You’re never truly alone regardless of the time you climb Little Adam’s Peak, as there’s always a little furry friend looking for companionship. Yes, Little Adam’s Peak also has dogs roaming the grounds soaking in the views just as you do! Also, there aren’t many early risers, therefore you will beat the crowds if you go for sunrise. We unfortunately couldn’t make sunrise because of the rain and there were a lot of people during the afternoon hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Little Adam’s Peak has a great effort to view ratio which is why tourists flock here all year round to catch glimpses of the beautiful tea country laid out below. With the numerous viewpoints spread across a few mountainous peaks, you’re sure to catch some spots scarce of locals or tourists.
Little Adam’s Peak is easy to get to and fit for any type of traveler. We climbed it twice in the 5 days we spent in Ella, and I climbed it in flip flops on one of the occasions. Also, it’s completely FREE!
If you’re looking for more adventures in Ella, be sure to check out the beautiful Nine Arch Bridge