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Ella has been gaining popularity with tourists over the years and has earned its title as one of the hottest hiking hotspots in Sri Lanka.
I’m not exactly the fittest one in the lot, so I’m all about ROI’s when hiking. Yup, return on investment is extremely important when it comes to hiking.
And Little Adam’s Peak in Ella has an extremely high ROI.
Just a 20-30 minute easy hike up and you’re greeted with breathtaking views that you might even shed a tear or two (as I did).
Find out how to get to Little Adam’s Peak and reward yourself with a sunset you’ll never forget.
How to get to Little Adam’s Peak from Ella
From Ella town, you can either walk about 1.5 km to the start of the trail or get a tuk-tuk to drop you off at Ella Flower Garden Resort. The trail starts right next to it.
On the map, you’ll see it as Little Adam’s Peak Trailhead. The map outlines exactly where you’ll find Little Adam’s Peak, nicknamed Mini Adam’s Peak by the locals.
There’s also an alternate entry point marked at the 98 Acres Resort, easy to spot thanks to that huge white Buddha statue.
We decided to time our hike for sunset and let me tell you, it was magical.
Even stopping every few minutes to snap photos, the whole climb up took us less than an hour. We may have been the slowpoke crew, but who cares when the views are that breathtaking?
Hiking Little Adam’s Peak ranks among the most epic experiences of my entire Sri Lanka trip.
Little Adam’s Peak Entrance Fee
With everything costing a pretty penny nowadays, you’ll be happy to know Little Adam’s Peak is free to enter!
Little Adam’s Peak Trail
Sitting at 1,141m sea level, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of Ella’s mountain range.
The entire trail takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how quick you are.
You’ll pass beautiful tea plantations and get stunning views of Ella’s mountain range so you’ll probably be stopping for photos every few minutes though so you might take longer!
The climb itself isn’t tough and is a moderate incline on a dirt road until you reach a set of stairs that will take you to the top.
We went just in time for sunset, and it was absolutely breathtaking; probably one of the best sunsets I had ever seen with my own eyes! And I loved how easy the hike was.
Once you reach the top, you will have the option of either heading East or West for some slightly different views. There’s a statue of Buddha on the Westside, and there were many cute little puppies hanging around!
Sunset at Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is probably one of the best places you can watch the sunset in Ella.
I would budget more time to reach the peak so you can enjoy both the easterly and westerly viewpoints.
Sadly, we only had time for the western viewpoint after we arrived in from the 7-hour train ride from Kandy. I believe this is a popular way of planning your day as I recognized some other passengers from the same train ride as us!
If you take the 8.47 am train from Kandy, you will arrive in Ella around 3.45 pm (barring any delays), which would give you enough time to grab a quick lunch, check in to your hotel, and then start your hike up to Little Adam’s Peak by 5 pm.
We only set off from our hotel at 5.30 pm so we were a little late! The sun usually sets around 6.15 pm, but do check the exact times for the time you are traveling.
We stayed on Little Adam’s Peak until the sky was dark, so we needed the flashlights on our phones on the way down as the path was not lit.
A group of dogs followed/escorted us all the way down too, which made the experience even more memorable!
More things to do in Ella
Besides Little Adam’s Peak, there are plenty more amazing things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. Here are some that are worth exploring:
Nine Arches Bridge
I’ll bet you money if you’ve heard of Sri Lanka, you’ve definitely seen the Nine Arches Bridge somewhere.
This is the iconic railway bridge you see in the promotional photos of Sri Lanka and has become one of the most famous sights in Ella.
Walk along the tracks to capture photos of the nine arches against the backdrop of green hills and valleys.
And, it’s a functioning railway track so be sure to time your visit for when the trains pass by!
Just be prepared to share the experience with fellow Instagrammers!
Diyulama Falls
Swim on top of the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka! This was the highlight of my trip and I recommend you add it to your itinerary!
Read more: Diyaluma Falls: Swim at the top of Sri Lanka’s 2nd highest waterfall
Ella Rock
Possibly Ella’s top hiking trail, the climb to the summit of Ella Rock is challenging but rewarding with 360-degree views. Allow 3-4 hours for this 8km round-trip hike through tea plantations and cloud forests. Going with a guide is recommended.
Lipton’s Seat
No visit to Sri Lanka, the tea capital of the world, is complete without witnessing the brilliant green blanket of tea plantations cloaking the mountain slopes.
And there’s no better vantage point for this quintessential Sri Lankan scenery than the famous Lipton’s Seat in Ella.
I cover all these sights in my 9-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for First Timers: Everything You Need to Know guide!
Where to stay in Ella
I stayed at Marvellous Inn, which is a cozy family-run B&B with stunning mountain views, and the friendly host, Malli was extremely warm and hospitable.
It happened to be my birthday when we arrived, and she even helped my family plan a little surprise for me – complete with balloons and a birthday cake!
You’ll feel like you’re right at home!
Even better, it’s very affordable with accommodation prices starting as low as $22/night.
Hiking Little Adam’s Peak FAQs
How long does it take to climb Little Adam’s Peak?
Little Adams Peak is a popular hiking destination near Ella in the hill country of Sri Lanka. The hike to the summit of Little Adams Peak is relatively short and not overly strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Here’s an estimate of the time it typically takes to climb Little Adams Peak:
- Starting Point: The hike usually begins from the town of Ella or nearby guesthouses. You’ll need to walk or drive to the trailhead, which is well-marked and easily accessible.
- Hiking Time: The ascent to the summit of Little Adams Peak typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way. The trail is well-maintained and consists of a series of steps and pathways through tea plantations and lush greenery.
- Summit Views: Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and tea estates. Take some time to enjoy the scenery, snap photos, and relax before beginning your descent.
- Descent: The descent back to the trailhead usually takes less time than the ascent, around 20 to 30 minutes.
Overall, the entire hike, including time spent at the summit, can typically be completed in around 1 to 1.5 hours.
However, this estimate can vary based on your hiking speed, fitness level, and the amount of time spent at the summit enjoying the views.
It’s also a good idea to check weather conditions before setting out and to carry water and sunscreen, especially on sunny days.
Is Little Adam’s Peak difficult?
No, Little Adams Peak is not considered difficult for most hikers.
I’m probably one of the laziest people I know, and the slightest incline sends me into tears, but Little Adam’s Peak was one of the easiest hikes I’ve ever done while still being rewarded with a breathtaking view!
What is the story behind Little Adam’s Peak?
Little Adam’s Peak, located near Ella in Sri Lanka, gets its name from its resemblance to the larger and sacred Adam’s Peak.
However, unlike its namesake, Little Adam’s Peak isn’t a religious pilgrimage site; rather, it’s a popular tourist attraction renowned for its stunning views and relatively easy hiking trail.
Which is better: Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock?
Deciding between Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock ultimately depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience during your time in Ella, Sri Lanka. Here’s a comparison to help you choose:
- Difficulty: Little Adam’s Peak is generally considered easier in terms of hiking difficulty. The trail is well-marked and relatively short, making it suitable for hikers of various fitness levels, including families with children. On the other hand, Ella Rock involves a longer and more challenging hike, including some steep and rocky sections. If you’re looking for a more leisurely hike, Little Adam’s Peak is definitely the better choice!
- Scenery: Both hikes offer stunning scenery, but they differ in what they showcase. Little Adam’s Peak provides panoramic views of tea plantations, valleys, and distant mountains, while Ella Rock offers a more varied landscape with views of lush forests, tea estates, and rural villages. If you’re interested in tea plantations and sweeping vistas, Little Adam’s Peak may be more appealing, whereas Ella Rock offers a more diverse and immersive natural environment.
- Crowds: Little Adam’s Peak tends to be more popular and crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Ella Rock, while still a popular hike, generally receives fewer visitors, particularly if you opt for the longer route that avoids the main tourist trail. If you prefer quieter and less crowded trails, Ella Rock might be the better option.
- Time: Little Adam’s Peak can typically be completed in a shorter amount of time compared to Ella Rock. The hike to Little Adam’s Peak usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours round trip, while Ella Rock may take 3 to 4 hours or more depending on the route chosen and your hiking pace. If you have limited time or prefer a shorter hike, Little Adam’s Peak could be the more convenient choice.
Ultimately, both Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock offer unique hiking experiences with stunning scenery. If you have the time and stamina for a longer and more challenging hike, Ella Rock provides a more immersive outdoor adventure. However, if you’re seeking a shorter and easier hike with panoramic views, Little Adam’s Peak might be the better fit.
Or if you’ll be in Sirigiya, consider hiking Pidurangla Rock for more breathtaking views!
Where in the world was your favorite sunset? Or have you done the Little Adam’s Peak hike? Let me know in the comments below!
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