Ella works because several things coincide - a dramatic valley gap with a view 40 kilometres south, tea estates within walking distance of the village, the Nine Arch Bridge as the island’s most photographed structure, and a genuinely good independent food and cafe culture. The village is small, the pace is right, and at the correct time of morning, early, mist still in the valley, it is very close to perfect.
Kitulgala
Rainforest gorge, Grade 4 rapids and a David Lean filming location
The Kelani Ganga at Kitulgala runs Grade 3 to 4 rapids through a gorge where the rainforest comes down to the water on both sides. The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed here in 1957 and the original bridge supports are still visible in the river. About 12 kilometres of water, certified operators and safety kayakers throughout. Finished by noon, with the afternoon free.
