Looking for a short and easy hike with breathtaking views in Sri Lanka? Look no further. Little Adam’s Peak in Ella is a small Westernized town popular for hiking and magnificent views of surrounding hills and plantations. True to its name, the hike is for a ‘little’ distance, and any beginner can easily climb the peak.
In this article, we take you through all the information required for a safe and enjoyable climb up and down this hill. How to get to Little Adam’s Peak, the path to the summit, and the best time to visit the place; we will take you through all this and more in this brief guide. So without further ado, let’s get right to it.
Hiking Guide To Little Adam’s Peak, Ella
Table of Contents
How To Reach Little Adam’s Peak’s Hiking Base From Ella Town?
By Tuk-tuk
You can hop on a tuk-tuk and reach the base near the Ravana Pool Club from your accommodation. They will charge anywhere from 2000 to 3000 for one way, depending on the season and your place of stay.
By Walk
Walk about 1 km from Ella town towards the Ella Flower Garden Resort. The direction markings would guide you to Little Adam’s Peak base.
Follow the left path that marks the way for the Flying Ravana mega zipline. Keep walking for about a Km along the tea estates on the motorable road until you reach the Ravana Pool Club entry gate. This marks the starting point of the hike.
Note: The public buses to Passara pass through the Ella Flower Garden Resort. You can ask if they will stop at the Adam’s Peak entrance (near the Ella Flower Garden Resort) and then board the bus.
Network Availability
Little Adam’s Peak has excellent connectivity with Dialog and Airtel on the trail until the summit.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs available in Ella town. However, it is always better to have some cash with you.
Languages Spoken
People commonly speak the regional language, Sinhalese. However, a few can also converse in Tamil and English.
Parking Availability
There is a small parking space near the Ravana Pool Club’s entrance at the base of the hike.
Restroom Facilities
Restrooms are not available. You can use the restrooms available at Ravana Pool Club after requesting the staff. Come prepared, as you might need to answer nature’s call outdoors.
Related: Use these super helpful public restroom tips during your travels.
Best Time To Visit Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is a small hike, but to enjoy it thoroughly, you must do it in pleasant weather. So, the best time to visit the peak is between January and May. The weather is too hot or rainy for the rest of the year. Irrespective of the month, start your hike early in the day. This way, you can beat the rush and the heat.
Where To Eat?
Numerous restaurants are lined up in Ella Town, where you can find Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Sri Lankan, and several other cuisine options. Most of these restaurants serve alcohol, too, if you’d like to have a couple of drinks.
Besides these, you’ll also encounter vendors and hawkers along the tea estates. They offer coconut water, snacks, and basic refreshments. On the hilltop, only one person sells passion fruit juice and lemonade. These are quite fresh, and no additives are used, including sugar.
Note: Online home delivery services like Uber Eats are unavailable in the region.
Where To Stay?
Right from hostels to luxurious resorts, Ella has everything. Choose an accommodation based on your budget. We stayed at Ella City Reach Hostel ($) with dorm beds and private rooms. Here are our few other accommodations.
- 59B Rest Inn Ella ($)
- Down Town Hostel Ella ($)
- Ekho Ella ($$)
- Ella Heritage Hotel ($$)
- Hide Ella Hotel & Resort ($$$)
- Morning Dew Hotel ($$$)
- 98 Acres Resort & Spa ($$$)
Things To Do In Little Adam’s Peak
Hiking the Little Adam’s Peak is the most popular activity in the region. People also chill in the Ravana Pool Club located en route and engage in adventure activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, giant swing, etc. in the Ravana Pool club.
Hiking Details
Distance to the base: 2 Km from Ella town
Entry Fee: Free for all nationals.
Registration: No registration or pre-online booking is required.
Timings: From 5 AM to 7 PM
Duration: 1 hour for the ascend and 1 hour to descend.
Maximum Altitude: 1051 m
Hike Distance: 1 Km, one way
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate, highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: steps, rocks, and huge boulders
Hiking Route:
The hike starts from the Ravana Pool Club. Climb about 320 steps to proceed onto a hiking path. Climb another 70 steps and move forward on the visible trail.
You’ll reach a junction where you’ll see small hills on the right. This is Little Adam’s Peak.
At The Little Adam’s Peak Summit:
From Little Adam’s Peak, you can witness the upper Ravana waterfall, the zig-zag roads on the opposite mountain, and the other surrounding mountains.
We also hiked to the left side of the peak to get a beautiful 360° view of the surroundings. We saw multiple folds of mountain ranges, and the zig-zag roads were clearer from this point. However, hiking to this side of the hill was slightly tricky as it involved scaling steep paths and huge boulders. You also have to descend a hill and walk up a hill beside it. But, believe us, the view is worth every drop of sweat you shed.
Important Things To Remember
- A guide is not required to hike Adam’s Peak as there’s a clear route until the summit.
- The use of plastics and smoking is strictly prohibited. As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Collect and bring back the waste and dispose of it in dedicated bins.
- There is no water stream once you start your hike. However, as mentioned above, you can get lemon or passion fruit juice at the peak.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1 L of water per person.
- Take some energy bars and snacks.
- Have your first aid kit handy.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the summer heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat in case it rains.
- Above all, ensure you wear comfortable shoes with good traction and grip.
Read the blog to know more about what we usually carry for day hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Little Adam’s Peak and Adam’s Peak the same?
No. Little Adam’s Peak is situated in Ella, while the bigger hill called Adam’s Peak or Sripada is situated on the border between the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province. So don’t be confused between the two and ensure you reach the hill you intended to.
Is a guide required for Little Adam’s Peak?
The probability of getting lost in the Little Adam’s Peak hike is nil. The straight visible route will lead you to the summit. Therefore, a guide is not required to hike Little Adam’s Peak.
Is camping allowed in Little Adam’s Peak?
No, camping is strictly prohibited in Little Adam’s Peak since it is located on private property.
Is a GPS file required to hike Little Adam’s Peak?
The hiking path is visible and straight, so you don’t require a GPS file. If you need a GPS file, drop an email to hello@twinsontoes.com
Can Little Adam’s Peak hike be done in a day?
Little Adam’s Peak hike is usually done in half a day. You can reach back to your place of stay after the hike.
Other places to visit nearby Little Adam’s Peak?
You can visit the Nine Arches Bridge right after the hike, as it is very close by.
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