Hike Little Adam's Peak

The village of Ella is a perfect little backpackers stop on southwestern edge of the central Sri Lankan hill country on the main train line between Badulla and the capitol, Colombo. No trip to Ella is complete without a quick hike to the top of Little Adam's Peak, or "Little Sri Pada" to locals. It gives incredible views of Ella, the surrounding tea plantations, and southwest through the Ella Gap to the coast. On a clear day you can see the Indian Ocean and on a clear night, the Great Basses Lighthouse.

To get there it's an easy walk from downtown Ella towards the Ella Flower Garden resort. There are signs everywhere, and most anyone in town can point you in the correct direction. Go right at the White Buddha, by the 68 Acres Resort.

The path leads up through tea plantations and above the worker housing. If you're with a guide, he can take you down into the housing where you can see the heartbreaking conditions of the people who do the work of the highest tea exporting country in the world.

There's a school just up the trail, so expect to see students coming and going in the morning and afternoon.

Follow the stairs up, which eventually turns into a clear use trail. There are two summits with a clear path between.

Directly across Ella Gap you can see Ella Rock, Ravana's Cave, and Ravana's Falls. 

There is no need for permits or a guide. Depending on the time of the year, expect constant rain and occasionally the Gap to be packed in with clouds, so go early.