Hiking through private tea estates near Ella safely
5 Answers from travellers
Tea estates are private property, but walking on the established dirt tractor paths is generally tolerated. NEVER walk directly through the tea bushes themselves, as this damages the valuable crops and angers the estate managers. The main dangers are leeches (especially after rain), sudden heavy fog that ruins visibility, and occasional wild boars. Stick to the dirt tracks and smile at the tea pluckers.
There are leopards in the hill country, but they are extremely shy and avoid human paths. You are very unlikely to see one.
If a guard tells you to turn back, just apologize and do it. Do not argue about right-of-way.
Download Maps.me. Google Maps does not show the estate tracks accurately and you will get lost.
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.
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