Best Places to Stay in Ella, Sri Lanka (2026)
Ella is a charming hill town with a mix of hostels and guesthouses. The atmosphere is relaxed, with many places offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. You'll find options for every budget, from backpacker hostels to boutique stays.
Our picks in Ella
Budget Stays
- Cozy House Hostel — 5.0★: Indika, the owner, is praised for his kindness and hospitality. The hostel has a good breakfast and hot showers, though it's near the railway tracks.
- Ceylon Homies Ella — 5.0★: The breakfast is extremely delicious, and it's within walking distance of Nine Arches Bridge. A great spot for food lovers.
Cultural Experiences
- Arawe Retreat — 4.9★: Offers free tuk-tuk transfers into town and a cooking class. A good choice for those looking to engage with local culture.
- Majentra Ella — 4.8★: Offers beautiful views and quiet rooms, but it's a bit far from Ella city. Transportation is arranged for the last stretch.
Family-Friendly
- Walaa Kulu By Vela — 5.0★: Chef Raj's cooking is highly recommended, especially his curries. The villa is located on a tea plantation, providing a unique experience.
- Golden Rich View — 5.0★: Offers quiet surroundings and great views. Enjoy homemade breakfast and helpful transportation from the host.
- Senasuma Homestay — 4.6★: Located just 2 minutes walk to the main street of Ella, with an outstanding breakfast that includes coconut milk rice and honey.
- Majentra Ella — 4.8★: Offers beautiful views and quiet rooms, but it's a bit far from Ella city. Transportation is arranged for the last stretch.
All places to stay in Ella
- Restora Ella — 5.0★ (10): Restora Ella offers a warm and welcoming stay in the heart of Ella. With its friendly staff and comfortable rooms, it's perfect for couples and families lookin…
- Ceylon Homies Ella — 5.0★ (36): Ceylon Homies Ella, located in the serene hills of Ella, offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home right away. The attentive hosts ensure a frie…
- A lounge hostel — 5.0★ (13): Raveena Guest House is known for its spacious rooms, stunning mountain views, and friendly hosts. Breakfast is a highlight, but the Wi-Fi could use some work, …
- Walaa Kulu By Vela — 5.0★ (74): Walaa Kulu by Vela in Ella is a spacious villa perfect for family getaways. Nestled in the hills with breathtaking views, it offers a private chef and attentiv…
- Nifty Hostel Ella — 5.0★ (14): Nifty Hostel Ella, located just near the train station, offers a friendly, modern atmosphere perfect for travelers looking for comfort and cleanliness. With it…
- Golden rich view — 5.0★ (32): Golden Rich View, just outside Ella, offers a serene escape with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers, this guesthouse…
- Cozy house hostel — 5.0★ (73): Cozy House Hostel is known for its friendly owners, comfortable beds, and cleanliness. It's conveniently located near the train station and offers great vibes.…
- Ella thenulya — 4.9★ (20): Ella Thenulya, located in Kumbalwela just outside Ella, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The lodge offers a cozy atmosphere with clean accommodation…
- Hive ella — 4.9★ (129): Nestled in the heart of Ella, Hive Ella is a friendly social hostel ideal for backpackers and travelers seeking a communal vibe. With a deliciously local break…
- Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel — 4.9★ (89): Beyond Nomad Luxury Hostel in Ella offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere just five minutes from the city center. With stunning rooftop views, clean rooms, and…
- Kithaya Ella — 4.9★ (110): Kithaya Ella, located near the Kithal Ella railway station in Sri Lanka, offers a serene retreat for those seeking peace away from the bustle of Ella town. Wit…
- Arawe Retreat — 4.9★ (96): Nestled in the serene greenery of Ella, Arawe Retreat offers a peaceful escape with beautifully designed chalets that provide both comfort and privacy. Ideal f…
- The Triagle Villa Private Pool — 4.9★ (29): Experience a peaceful stay at The Triangle Villa in Ella, Sri Lanka. Nestled in a quieter part of the area, it offers a private pool, comfy accommodations, and…
- Ella Nine Peaks — 4.8★ (241): Ella Nine Peaks, located in the serene hills of Sri Lanka, offers a peaceful retreat with stunning mountain views that are perfect for a family getaway or a qu…
- Chill Ville,View Point Hotel — 4.8★ (370): Chill Ville, located just outside Ella, offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for couples and nature lovers, the hotel features spacious roo…
- Noname Hostel & Cafe — 4.8★ (460): Discover Noname Hostel & Cafe in the heart of Sri Lanka, a cozy spot perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere. With friendly owners, delicious local …
- Tea cabins — 4.8★ (136): Located slightly outside Ella, Tea Cabins offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful cabins featuring private pools and stunning views. It’s ideal for couples an…
- Majentra Ella — 4.8★ (139): Majentra Ella, located in the serene hills near Ella, offers stunning mountain views and spacious accommodations, perfect for families or couples looking for a…
- Bunk station — 4.7★ (80): Discover Bunk Station in Ella, a cozy hostel just a short walk from the main street. With friendly staff, great breakfast, and spacious, clean rooms, it's perf…
- Tea Hill Ella — 4.7★ (59): Tea Hill Ella, located in the serene hills of Sri Lanka, offers a refreshing escape with stunning mountain views. The friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosp…
- The residence ella — 4.7★ (77): The Residence Ella is a cozy and quiet spot just a short walk from the center. Guests rave about the friendly staff and tasty breakfasts, though some rooms cou…
- Pepper hills hostel & cottages — 4.7★ (75): Nestled in the hills near Ella, Pepper Hills Hostel & Cottages offers a serene escape with beautiful views and a natural pool. It's perfect for nature lovers a…
- Te Dalu Resort & Spa — 4.7★ (280): Nestled in Ella, Te Dalu Resort & Spa offers a serene escape with stunning mountain views that make it a perfect sanctuary for relaxation. The spacious rooms, …
- Dream ville — 4.7★ (134): Dream Ville in Sri Lanka offers a unique escape nestled in the mountains, surrounded by nature's beauty. It features cozy accommodations with stunning views an…
- River splendour homestay — 4.7★ (171): River Splendour Homestay has a lovely, tranquil location near a waterfall, making it feel peaceful yet close to Ella town. Guests rave about the friendly hosts…
- Eyeful Ella Hostel — 4.7★ (77): Nestled in Ella, Eyeful Ella Hostel offers a comfortable retreat just a short walk from the bustling town center. With clean, modern rooms and attentive staff,…
- The 1964 holiday bungalow — 4.7★ (112): The 1964 Holiday Bungalow offers stunning views and a peaceful vibe, ideal for relaxation. Guests rave about the friendly hosts and delicious food, especially …
- Shining Green View — 4.7★ (203): Discover Shining Green View, located in the serene hills overlooking Ella. This peaceful retreat offers stunning views, clean and comfortable rooms, and a vari…
- Mountain Face Inn — 4.7★ (85): Mountain Face Inn, located in Ella, offers a refreshing escape with its breathtaking views and cooler climate. Enjoy delicious homemade breakfasts from a frien…
- Rainbow Sky Cottage — 4.6★ (167): Rainbow Sky Cottage in Ella offers a peaceful retreat away from the busy town, perfect for families and those seeking connection with nature. With breathtaking…
- Minthu homestay — 4.6★ (141): Minthu Homestay offers stunning mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests rave about the delicious, varied breakfasts and the helpful hosts, though the…
- Maleesha Homestay — 4.6★ (71): Nestled in Ella, Maleesha Homestay offers a cozy retreat just a two-minute walk from the town center. Guests appreciate the warm hospitality from the mother-da…
- Ivory Canopy Resort — 4.6★ (33): Ivory Canopy Resort in Ella offers a relaxing getaway with clean, comfortable rooms and stunning views. The attentive and friendly staff ensure you feel at hom…
- Ella escapade hostel — 4.6★ (153): Ella Escapade Hostel offers a peaceful escape with a stunning location along the train tracks. It's a fair walk to town, and while breakfast isn't included, th…
- 90 Degrees Ella — 4.6★ (103): 90 Degrees Ella is a cozy hotel nestled just a five-minute walk from Ella town, offering a peaceful retreat without sacrificing convenience. With clean rooms a…
- Senasuma Homestay — 4.6★ (81): Hotel City Grand Ella, nestled in the heart of Ella, offers a cozy stay with friendly, helpful staff who go out of their way to assist guests. The convenient l…
- Viewfront Ella — 4.6★ (92): Nestled in Ella, Sri Lanka, Viewfront Ella offers stunning views and a comfortable stay. While reaching your room involves descending about 150 stairs, many fi…
- Area 4 -Eco Cubes — 4.6★ (250): Discover Area 4 - Eco Cubes in Ella, a tranquil retreat nestled in the jungle. With cozy, well-designed eco-cubes and a welcoming team, it's a serene spot for …
- Okan Rock Hostel Ella — 4.5★ (20): This cozy hostel in Ella offers stunning views and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for solo travelers and couples looking to connect with others. Enjoy cooking …
- Hilltop guest house — 4.5★ (175): Hilltop Guest House offers stunning views of Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, along with clean, comfortable rooms. The hosts are friendly and helpful, making …
- Rock Grand View — 4.5★ (83): Nestled in Ella, Rock Grand View offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the valley and surrounding nature. The welcoming staff ensure a comfortable stay,…
- Namara Green Ella — 4.4★ (65): Discover Namara Green Ella, a peaceful stay just outside the bustling town of Ella. With spacious, clean rooms that offer beautiful views, it’s perfect for tho…
- Ayubowan Ella — 4.4★ (25): Ayubowan Ella, located in the charming town of Ella, offers cozy accommodations with breathtaking mountain views and friendly, attentive staff. It's an ideal s…
- Gaga Bees Ella — 4.4★ (95): Gaga Bees Ella is a rustic retreat in Sri Lanka’s beautiful Ella, surrounded by nature and a serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway…
- Tomorrowland Hostel — 4.3★ (246): TomorrowLand offers a unique hostel experience with stunning mountain views and a friendly atmosphere. It's perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups loo…
- 02 Villas Ella — 4.3★ (381): O2 Villas Ella, nestled in the heart of Ella, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere thanks to its attentive staff. While the accommodations and pool could use so…
- Seenbest Ella — 4.3★ (95): Seenbest Ella offers a peaceful retreat in Ella, Sri Lanka, with stunning mountain views and a warm atmosphere. The attentive staff ensures a comfortable stay …
- Rock view hostel ella — 4.2★ (273): Rock View Hostel in Ella is a cozy spot with stunning views of Ella Rock, making it great for solo travelers and those wanting to soak in the local scene. The …
- Burning Mountain Chalet — 4.2★ (6): Burning Mountain Chalet, located just outside Ella, offers a cozy retreat with beautiful views and a homely atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a pe…
- The Cabin Ella — 4.1★ (92): The Cabin Ella, located in the heart of Ella, offers stunning views of the iconic Nine Arches Bridge that shouldn’t be missed. Ideal for nature lovers and coup…
- Green Hill — 4.1★ (324): Green Hill in Ella offers a relaxing stay with stunning mountain views that greet you from your balcony. The spacious rooms and attentive service by Akila and …
- Heart Of Ella — 4.0★ (302): Heart of Ella offers a budget-friendly stay with stunning mountain views. It's a family-friendly guesthouse where the owner goes above and beyond to assist gue…
Local knowledge
What's the best area to stay in Ella?
Staying 1-2km out of the town center is recommended for quieter surroundings and better views. Look for places on the Waterfall Road or Passara Road.
Are there budget options in Ella?
Yes, there are several budget hostels and guesthouses around Ella. Options like Cozy House Hostel and Ceylon Homies Ella are popular among backpackers.
What should I expect from the weather in Ella?
The weather in Ella is cooler than other parts of Sri Lanka, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-24°C. Evenings can drop to 10-15°C, so pack warm clothing.