Southern Expressway to Ella (A2/A4)
Sri Lanka, asia
230 km
1,500 m
moderate
January to March
The route from Galle to Ella via the A2 and A4 roads is one of Sri Lanka's most scenic driving journeys, covering approximately 230 kilometers from the historic colonial fort town of Galle on the southwest coast up into the misty tea country of the central highlands. The road climbs from sea level through dense tropical jungle, rubber plantations, and spice gardens before reaching the spectacular tea estates of the hill country at elevations above 1,500 meters.
The final stretch approaching Ella is particularly dramatic, with the road winding along precipitous ridgelines offering views across valleys filled with tea plantations and punctuated by waterfalls including the 263-meter Bambarakanda Falls, Sri Lanka's tallest. Ella itself sits at a gap in the mountains with sweeping views south to the coast on clear days. The route passes through a remarkable range of ecosystems and cultures, from Muslim fishing villages on the coast to Sinhalese Buddhist temples in the lowlands to Tamil tea-picker communities in the highlands.
Where is it?
Southern Expressway to Ella (A2/A4) is located in Southern and Central Provinces, Sri Lanka (asia). Coordinates: 6.8667, 81.0500
Driving Tips
Allow a full day for the drive and make frequent stops. Visit a working tea factory in the hill country for a tour and tasting. The Nine Arches Bridge near Ella is a must-see. Hike Little Adam's Peak for sunrise views. Drive slowly in the hill sections as the road is shared with tuk-tuks, buses, and pedestrians. Book accommodation in Ella in advance during peak season.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Southern and Central Provinces
- Length
- 230 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- January to March
- Coordinates
- 6.8667, 81.0500
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