Looking to find out more about one of the best hikes in Ella, Sri Lanka? Little Adam’s Peak has panoramic views over tea plantations and the misty valley below, while still being accessible to most travellers. This was easily one of our favourite things we did and should definitely be on your Ella Itinerary.
Despite the name, Little Adam’s Peak is much gentler to its big brother Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), a famous sacred mountain near Nuwara Eliya. It only takes around 30-50 minutes to reach the summit with breath-taking views, making it very popular with tourists.
In this blog, we share everything you need to know before you go: including how to get to Little Adam’s Peak trailhead, the best time to visit, sunrise tips, FAQs and where to stay nearby. Whether you’re solo backpacking or on holiday as a family, it’s one of the best things to do in Ella and a good alternative to the more challenging Ella Rock.
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Where Is Little Adam’s Peak?
Located just outside of the main town of Ella, Little Adam’s Peak is in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Surrounded by endless tea plantations and steep mountains, this hike is incredibly scenic. The peak is roughly 2km from Ella’s town center and can be reached in around 10 minutes by tuk-tuk or a 25 minute walk.
How To Get To Little Adam’s Peak Starting Point?
There are multiple ways to get to the Little Adam’s Peak Trail head:
- Tuktuk Taxi: A tuktuk will take less than 10 minutes and should cost no more than 300-500 LKR each way, make sure to agree on a price before getting in as the drivers are known to rip tourists off if you let them
- Walk: The start of the trailhead is a 25-30 minute walk from Ella Town past the Ceylon Tea Factory
- Rental Scooter/Tuktuk: We had a tuktuk rented so chose to drive ourselves and park here.
🗺️ Your Ultimate Sri Lanka Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Little Adam’s Peak Hike Description
Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll find a signposted path just past the Flying Ravana Zipline entrance, leading up through the tea plantations. The path is very easy to follow and well parked with signs. From here, the hike to the top will take no longer than 30-50 minutes depending on your pace.
We set off at midday, with the sun pounding down on our backs, as we took each step we sweated a little more. Starting at the parking spot just before the trailhead, we walked past the very tempting Ravana Infinity Pool and started the climb.
- Distance: Approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from Ella town centre
- Duration: 30–45 minutes to the summit; 1.5–2 hours round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Elevation Gain: A few hundred meters
- Trail Type: Well-marked paths and stairs
Hike Entrance & Costs
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Tuk-Tuk Ride from Ella Town: Approximately LKR 300–500 (USD $1.50–$3)
Entrance to Little Adam’s Peak is completely free, and the path is open from sunrise to sunset. Wear trainers, bring water, and don’t forget your camera—the views at the summit are incredible, especially early in the morning when clouds still hang low in the valleys. Tuktuks are readily available in Ella for a short ride to the trailhead.
Combine Little Adam’s Peak with Nine Arches Bridge
Once we finished our hike to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak and cooled off we decided to head straight to Nine Arch Bridge in our Tuktuk, however you can also walk using the following instructions:
- Walk past the 98 Acres Resort until you reach the main road (B113)
- Follow the road until you have the Newburgh tea factory on your right and a small road on your left
- Take the small road on the left, then follow a small path behind the cafe down the steps to the footpath
- You’ll then come to a break in the trees and see a glimpse of the bridge through the trees
Little Adam’s Peak Hike Guided Tour
If you don’t have long to spend in Ella and are looking to combine Little Adam’s Peak with Ella Rock and the famous Nine Arch Bridge, this day-tour has it all included in one day. Considering it’s all of the major attractions with transport included, it’s not too expensive. Although if you can, we recommend hiring a scooter or tuktuk and DIY’ing it.
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The Best Time To Visit Little Edam’s Peak Ella
The best time to do any hikes in Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April, when the skies are clear. Hiking in the early morning or late afternoon during these months might be a good idea to avoid the midday heat.
During the rainy and shoulder season months, the trails will be much less crowded however a higher chance of rain means leeches will be present! We hiked on a wet day in the Knuckles Mountain Range and the leeches came in the millions.
Visiting Little Adam’s Peak For Sunrise vs Sunset vs Daytime
- Sunrise = magical light, fewer crowds
- Daytime = clear views
- Sunset = golden hour light but crowded
Little Adam’s Peak Common Questions
Ravana Pool Club and Zipline
As you approach the trailhead, you’ll no doubt walk past the Ravana Pool Club, with an infinity pool overlooking the valley below. Although a little expensive, the views and pool looked incredible., with cocktails and brunch being served poolside. If you fancy treating yourself to a slice of luxury after Little Adam’s Peak Hike then this is the place.
Further up the trail, you’ll also come to the flying zipline area. Again, not the cheapest activity for the budget backpackers like us, but the friends we were travelling with gathered up the courage and flew down. With the option to go superman position or seated, this is a great heart pumping thing to do to get to the bottom instead of hiking.
What To Pack For Little Adam’s Peak
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, you could do this hike in flip-flops but you’ll be more comfortable in trainers
- Filtered Water Bottle, it gets hot in the midday heat!
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and suncream
Best Places To Stay In Ella
$ Budget
Hangover Hostel
The best place to stay for backpackers being one of Ella’s most social options with a large communal lounge and great atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers looking to meet others. Hangover Hostel hosts regular events like movie nights, group dinners and has private rooms as well as dorms.
$ Budget
Tunnnel Gap Homestay
Perched on the top of a hill, our friends stayed in the Tunnel Gap Homestay when we visited and found it to have nice, large and clean rooms. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by the warm family who runs it and be within walking distance from all the best cafes, restaurants and hikes.
$$ Mid-Range
Winwood Ella
A boutique style retreat just 600m from Ella’s train station, Winwood Ella has spacious, spotless rooms and balconies overlooking the jungle. The home cooked dinners and fresh breakfasts cooked up by the warming hosts don’t go unnoticed. A nice and comfortable stay in the heart of Ella.
$$$ High-End
Zion View Retreat
Set just a short walk from the main town and Ella’s best restaurants, this is a family-friendly luxury retreat with incredible mountain views, a stunning infinity pool and spacious family rooms. Still a super luxury experience, just at a fraction of 98 Acres price located away from Little Adam’s Peak.
Spacing
Final Thoughts on Little Adam’s Peak Ella Sri Lanka
Ella is one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, with nearly all travellers passing through this small mountain town. In recent years this has meant Little Adam’s Peak has had more and more travellers at the summit, all taking their own photos overlooking the beautiful tea plantations and valleys below.
We highly recommend walking up Little Adam’s Peak, especially during the morning hours when it’s less busy and combining it with a visit to the famous Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint to see the iconic trains passing over the bridge.
