12 Hidden Gems for 2026: Underrated Spots to Visit Before They Go Viral

By

Lau Racciatti

December 2, 2025

8. Ella, Sri Lanka

Photo Credit: Getty Images @Yarnit

Ella is a compact hill town set amid tea plantations and impressive viewpoints, and it stays quieter than Sri Lanka’s coastal hotspots. The area’s ease of access — often via scenic train from Kandy — makes it ideal for travelers seeking short treks and stunning panoramas without long overland journeys. Key experiences include hiking Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise, photographing the Nine Arch Bridge, and visiting small tea estates offering tastings and guided walks. Accommodations range from family-run guesthouses to boutique bungalows that offer close contact with local hospitality. For readers planning trips from North America, combine Ella with a circuit that includes cultural sites and coastal beaches to balance mountain calm with island time. Train travel is part of the experience, but popular routes can sell out so reserve tickets through official rail channels when possible.

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