Today’s stage begins at Makulella, at the serene Allimale Bodhiya, a picturesque Buddhist temple that overlooks the lush Ambagaswatte Valley below. The valley is graced by a flowing river that eventually cascades into the famous Ravana Falls, a must-visit attraction along the Ella-to-Wellawaya road. Named after the legendary King Ravana from the Ramayana, the falls are steeped in lore. According to legend, King Ravana concealed Princess Sita in a cave behind this waterfall.

The stage starts at an elevation of 1,240 meters and gently descends to just over 1,000 meters by its conclusion. It begins with a delightful walk through a forested area. At 800 meters, the trail splits: one path veers right into the Ambagaswatte Valley, while the main track continues straight through a tranquil eucalyptus forest. Following the main track, you’ll reach another fork at the 1.45 km point; take the right-hand path as it curves through the trees.

Within 200 meters, the trail transitions into the upper tea bushes of an adjacent plantation, where you’ll find yourself walking amidst tea fields. To your right, the views are mesmerizing, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding valleys. The trail briefly cuts through a patch of jungle before emerging onto a broader path. From here, turn left and head towards another stretch of eucalyptus forest. This segment is a relatively straight and serene 2 km walk leading to the summit of Ella Rock.

Ella Rock, located at the 4.5 km point, is the highlight of the stage, offering a peaceful and less-traveled vantage point. From its summit, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive valley below, Little Adam’s Peak on the opposite side, and the rolling mountains and valleys stretching into the horizon.

The trail from Ella Rock descends steeply over the next 200 meters, passing through eucalyptus forest and local homesteads with cultivated gardens. This descent brings you to Kithal Ella Station. From here, the route follows the railway track for approximately 1.5 km, as no alternative trail currently exists. However, infrastructure improvements are underway. During this stretch, you’ll likely encounter friendly vendors selling snacks and fresh fruit.

The stage concludes at Ella Train Station, the 75th station on Sri Lanka’s Main Line, situated 271.03 km from Colombo. Ella is a vibrant hill-country town that draws travelers seeking to explore tea plantations, soak in nature’s beauty, and unwind in a laid-back atmosphere.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.