The Hill Country, Sri Lanka
A growing number of hostels cater to backpackers and solo travelers, offering affordable dorm beds and private rooms. Hangover Hostels, Ella Tree Houses and Cabins, and Lazy Llama Hostel. They have social common areas.
The most common and popular type of accommodation in Ella. These range from basic rooms to charming, family-run properties, often with stunning views and home-cooked meals. They bring an authentic local experience, with interaction directly with Sri Lankan families.
Several stylish boutique hotels and villas exist. Many feature infinity pools and panoramic views, offering a mid-range to upscale experience with personalized service and unique designs.
A few high-end options offer exquisite comfort, refined service, and breathtaking vistas. Properties like 98 Acres Resort & Spa are in this category, often at a higher price point.
Some properties offer accommodation in treehouse-style cabins. These are for an unique, nature-immersed experience, with guests feeling closer to the natural environment.
While less common directly within Ella town, nearby tea regions like Nuwara Eliya or Haputale offer colonial-era tea estate bungalows. These are sometimes managed by large tea companies and show a glimpse into the region's heritage and a more secluded stay.
Available through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb. These rentals range from single rooms in shared homes to entire villas or apartments. They suit families or travelers planning longer stays, with more space and often kitchen facilities.
Formal campgrounds are not common directly in Ella. However, some remote eco-lodges or adventure tourism companies in the wider hill country region might have glamping experiences.
Ella's small size still has distinct areas for choosing accommodation, each with its own character and advantages.
Generally safe, but standard precautions against petty theft apply in crowded areas.
Safe, but walking back on unlit paths late at night might warrant caution. A tuk-tuk for late-night returns is advisable.
Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodation at suitable prices, especially during peak travel times.
Cultural significance in Ella often lies in the immersive experience of staying in a local homestay and interacting with the family. This brings guests learning about their way of life and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality and home-cooked meals.
Find your perfect stay: Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo, TrustedHousesitters.
Ella has choices for every budget and preference. Here are some recommendations across different categories.
Dorms and a social atmosphere:
Simple, clean rooms, often with friendly hosts:
Comfortable rooms with stunning panoramic views:
High-end comfort, privacy, and exceptional services:
Hostels with dorms and common areas excel for meeting other travelers. Guesthouses with single rooms or known for friendly owners also serve well for a personal experience.
For stays of a week or more, consider booking a private apartment or a guesthouse that has discounts for longer durations. Airbnb often features good options for extended stays, bringing more space and facilities.
Ella itself does not feature many historical hotels. The cultural significance in Ella often lies in the immersive experience of staying in a local homestay and interacting with the family.
Many guesthouses in Ella operate as homestays, where you stay in a room within a local family's house. This setup permits direct cultural exchange.
Often includes opportunities to share meals with the family and learn about their daily lives and local customs.
These are typically individual family ventures, directly supporting local households and their economy.
Experience genuine Sri Lankan hospitality and home-cooked meals in a personal setting.
Look for guesthouses or small hotels that have family rooms, triple rooms, or connecting rooms. Properties with gardens or a swimming pool are ideal for children.
Hostels with dorms and common areas are excellent for meeting other travelers and making friends.
Available through platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb. Suitable for families or longer stays.
Near Ella, like in Nuwara Eliya or Haputale. Colonial-era bungalows offer a glimpse into the region's heritage and a secluded stay.
Some properties have accommodation in treehouse-style cabins, bringing an unique, nature-immersed experience.
