Ella Sri Lanka has always been at the forefront of offering visitors to Sri Lanka something different. This charming village visited by travellers on their way to somewhere else has over the past 20 years, gradually became a destination in itself. Now it has something nowhere else in Sri Lanka has, a zipline in Ella named Flying Ravana Zipline.
As an acknowledgement to the legendary Ravana, king of Sri Lanka and his association with Ella, the zip line is called “Flying Ravana Zipline Ella.’’ It is Sri Lanka’s first two-laned zip-line in Ella. It stretches half a kilometre and claims to be the second-longest in South East Asia.
Read All things to do and see, in Ella Sri Lanka.
It’s a venture by the holding company of the popular 98 Acres Resort in Ella. Since its launching, it has made its name to the top, as the thing to do in Ella.
Actually, this spectacular affair is not Sri Lanka’s first zip line. That came in the 19th century when enterprising tea planters erected single zip lines as a way to send sacks of tea (not people) downhill to a depot for collection.
If you have bungee jumped or been skydiving, Sri Lanka’s only zipline won’t blow your socks off, but it’s certainly a thrill. It is a short scenic float through amazing scenery, wafted by the chill Ella breeze. It is a great activity for a family or a group of friends, a fun day for thrill-seekers, even for the non-adventurous.
Getting to Flying Ravana Zip Line at Ella Sri Lanka
Take off on the “Flying Ravana Zipline Ella” zip-line is located about 4km from the main strip of Ella town as you go towards the Ella – Passara road. There’s a small gravel road branching off, next to the Ella Flower Garden Resort. You can’t miss the mega signboard which reads “Flying Ravana ZipLine Ella”
This is also the path that leads to the mini Adam’s Peak, an easy hike with steep steps and a great view across the tea plantation.
Half a kilometre into the walk there’s another signboard with a closed gate for vehicles. Walking through that, just before the Mini Adam’s Peak trail is the “Flying Ravana Zipline Ella” ticket office.
Requirements to go on the zip line
At the charming eco hut before the departure deck, there is a set of strict requirements a potential zipper needs to follow. Minimum weight 30kg, maximum weight 110kg, minimum height 90cm, maximum height 210cm. If you meet these requirements and a sign a liability waiver, you’ll be directed by the crew to make payment: US $20 for adults and $15 for children.
To record the adventure, a safety waterproof phone pouch with neck strap and GoPro’s are available for rent at the office.
Safety and more safety
We were given a private locker to put away all our personal belongings. The locker key is strapped to the owner’s wrist along with the identification band. After that, the safety instructors proceeded to strap us with a full-body harness that wraps around the legs and over the shoulders, along with other safety gear. Multiple checks were done confirming that we were comfortable with the gear.
When zip-lining, it’s best to keep it simple. Tie your hair up in a ponytail, ditch bracelets and bangles, and make sure you don’t have sharp objects with you. If you wear glasses, you’ll need a strap to hold them on. Unnecessary accessories get in the way of your harness and other safety equipment. If you’re carrying a camera, make sure it is properly secured. Wrap the strap around your hand twice, so it’s safe and secure.
On the Flying Ravana Zipline Ella Sri Lanka
A three-minute walk from the office is the Flying Ravana zipline Ella take-off deck.
The instructors at the deck inspired confidence as they patiently explained the do’s and don’ts. Despite the chilly environment they knew what they were doing and were serious with the equipment, making us feel pretty safe.
With the final inspections and a confirmation on the walkie-talkie to the crew waiting at the other end, we were ready to go on the zip-line. Gates opened and we were airborne. It’s was a pretty cool feeling, especially floating above the mind-blowing scenery of Ella.
If you haven’t been on a zip-line, keep in mind that it’s normal not to go straight and you’ll swing, depending on the wind and how you move your body. But fear not, you’ll still land in the designated landing area, as there are automatic brakes and the whole safety works. It’s impossible to go wrong. Focus on the fun, trust your equipment, let your hands loose.
The landing at Flying Ravana Zipline Ella
At the landing deck, we were told our speeds by a crew member who was monitoring with a speed gun. From there a vehicle drove us back to the office where we collected our personal belongings from the locker. From the office, we enjoyed the view of the Ella mountains overlooking the two-laned zip-line.
As the 1946 song says:
“Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!
My, my, it’s a wonderful day!”
It really was.
Read: How to spend a day in Ella
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Ella is a great place to have fun. However, for the zip-line ride, don’t show up with a hangover.
Don’t turn up with lots of accessories and gadgets; you’ll be advised to leave them in the locker.
Loose clothing is not recommended in case it flies off, so wear close-fitting, comfortable clothing. Footwear should be well secured; slippers will drop off.
We recommend you go zip-lining in the afternoon, perhaps before trekking to Mini Adam’s peak for the sunset.
