Fake shortcut guides on the Ella Rock hiking trail
4 Answers from travellers
Yes, this is the classic Ella Rock scam. The bridge is never broken. Locals will intentionally misdirect tourists onto difficult, overgrown paths, get them completely lost, and then demand 3000 LKR to "rescue" them and guide them to the top. Just ignore them, keep walking straight on the tracks until you reach the Kithalella station turn-off, and use Maps.me.
If you do want a guide, hire one through your guesthouse, not a random guy on the tracks.
They even paint fake arrows on the rocks to confuse you. Trust your GPS app over the hand-painted signs.
Scam Watch: ella
People outside stations offer to "help" buy tickets but charge large markups. They may buy cheap third-class tickets and sell as more expensive classes.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Ella Rock sunrise hike leaving from a local homestay in the dark4 answers
- Fake shortcut guides on the Ella Rock hiking trail4 answers
- Is it legal to walk on the train tracks to Nine Arch Bridge?3 answers
- How to avoid the fake guide scam at Ella Rock.2 answers
- Safe hidden waterfalls to visit while hiking Ella Rock4 answers
- What is the best hidden viewpoint for the Nine Arch Bridge.1 answer
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture