The cool mountain air, mist rolling over tea plantations, and sipping hot cuppas whilst taking in those imposing green mountain views. This is what Ella is all about.
I vividly remember coming off of the train and instantly falling in love with Ella. Its laid-back pace and sweeping, bosky views will do that to you. Yup, it’s a destination on the Sri Lanka backpacking trail I firmly recommend every traveller not skip. But trust me when I say that where you base yourself matters.
Pick the right area, and you’ll be able to wake up to birdsong, hike to remote waterfalls, and catch amazing sunsets from your own balcony. Choose the wrong one, you’ll find yourself in the middle of nowhere and spending half your time trying to hunt down tuk-tuks.
So, where exactly is the right area, I hear you ask?!?
That, of course, depends on what kind of travel experience you are after. But this guide on where to stay in Ella can help you decide.
Photo: @taya.travels
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Ella?
Despite being a relatively small town, there are a lot of hotels, hostels and Airbnb accommodation options in the area, with it being popular with backpackers in Sri Lanka. So, if you are looking for immediate guidance, here are my top three recommendations of where to stay in Ella.
Arawe Retreat | Best Hotel in Ella
Set deep in the rice paddies, this 150-year-old colonial cottage has been restored with care, keeping its character and history alive. From the balcony, the sound of birds carries across the open fields, with the landscape stretching out in every direction. The hot tub is there for slow, unhurried evenings, where the view becomes part of the experience.
Wild Bee Hostel | Best Hostel in Ella
Located near Ella Railway Station, this place is perfect if you want to experience nature on your doorstep without being far from the action. It’s nestled up a short hill and offers panoramic mountain views that change with the light. Sunrises and sunsets are truly something special here.
Black Bridge View Cottage | Best Airbnb in Ella
Tucked just beyond town and overlooking the famous rail Black Bridge, the Black Bridge View Cottage is one of the best places to stay in Ella for ferroequinologists. Engulfed by nature and solitude, you’ll enjoy unbeatable views from your balcony as the trains curve through the verdant hills.
Ella Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Ella
Ella Town
If it’s your first time in Ella, it’s a good idea to stay in Ella Town. This is where you’ll find the main hub of street food, cute cafés, bustling markets, and a nice collection of bars to keep your evenings lively.
Ella Railway Station
Just a short stroll from the centre of town, the area around Ella Railway Station is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s close to the action but provides you with a little more peace.
Kithal Ella
If you’re after something a little quieter and more local, Kithal Ella is the perfect spot. Just a couple of kilometres from the main town, it feels like a much more peaceful version of Ella Town.
Outside of Ella
If you’re after fresh mountain air, birdsong, and waking up to panoramic views with not another soul in sight, then it’s a good idea to stay outside of Ella.
Ella might be tiny, but it has a few distinct pockets in which to base yourself.
Ella Town is the buzzing heart of it all. It’s a place with reggae bars, funky cafés, and backpackers from every corner of the world. If you want to roll out of bed and straight into a roti shop, or hit up the bar scene after a day of hiking, this is where you should be. It’s super convenient, especially if you’re only in town for a couple of nights and want everything at your fingertips to tick off on your itinerary.
Just a short walk away is Ella Railway Station. I love this area because it provides the perfect balance between being close enough to the action, but just outside the tourist bubble. The views start getting better here, too. You’ll find cosy guesthouses with killer sunrise spots, and, as its name suggests, it’s very handy if you’re arriving by train (which, honestly, you should. It’s one of the most scenic rides in the world!).
Kithal Ella is quieter again. Tucked along the train tracks, it’s a little more rustic and a little more serene. You’ll wake up to birdsong instead of basslines, and chances are you’ll pass locals walking to work rather than other tourists speaking every language under the sun. It’s a great spot if you’re chasing that peaceful, jungle-y retreat.
Finally, there’s the area outside of Ella, which is full of more remote stays that are tucked away in the hills and tea fields. These places often come with jaw-dropping views, infinity pools, and next-level tranquillity. You’ll need a tuk-tuk to get around, but if you’re wondering where to stay in Ella for a bit of romance, relaxation, or nature, this is where to be.
Ella’s Four Best Areas to Stay in
If you are wondering where to stay in Ella, you’ll be pleased to read that there are plenty of excellent accommodation options in town. Here are my recommendations for the four areas to consider.
1. Ella Town – Where to Stay in Ella for Your First Time
If it’s your first time in Ella, it’s a good idea to stay in Ella Town. This is where you’ll find the main hub of street food, cute cafés, bustling markets, and a nice collection of bars to keep your evenings lively. (Prepare to get your karaoke on!)
Photo: @taya.travels
Staying here means you’ll be right near the action, with some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka being just on your doorstep. It’s within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and you’ll even be able to complete some hikes like Little Adam’s Peak.
For a first-timer, Ella Town offers the perfect intro to Sri Lanka’s highland charm and is a great place to get your bearings. It’s busy without being overwhelming and has an infectious buzz.
Liyon Hotel | Best Hotel in Ella Town
You’ll feel like a celebrity if you stay at this outstanding five-star hotel, and you will certainly be treated like one.
Perched on a hill just outside Ella Town, this newly built accommodation provides incredible views of the valley, which you can enjoy from your own private balcony.
The elegant rooms are tastefully designed, and the onsite restaurant serves an excellent breakfast that will set you up perfectly for the day.
Hangover Hostels Ella | Best Hostel in Ella Town
If you are a backpacker wondering where to stay in Ella, then look no further than the Hangover Hostels. Due to its unbeatable location – just a few minutes’ walk from both Ella Town and the railway station – it’s a mecca for travellers.
Recently refurbished, this Sri Lankan hostel prides itself on being modern, comfortable and safe. It’s common spaces buzz with fellow adventurers, and the views over the valley are superb.
Idyll Home Stay in Ella | Best Airbnb in Ella Town
Idyll Home Stay is perched just on the outskirts of Ella Town. It provides sweeping views of Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and lush valley greenery that’ll make you gasp as soon as you open the curtains. Staying here almost feels like you’ve been included in a quiet painting. It is peaceful, scenic, and so, so genuine. I loved how you are immersed in nature here, but the town is only a short stroll away.
Things to See and Do in Ella Town
Photo: @taya.travels
- Hiking Little Adam’s Peak is a “must-do” activity. It’s an easy climb through tea fields that rewards you with panoramic views across the valley, especially at sunrise.
- Taking a short scenic train ride from Ella to nearby stops (even just to Badulla) will give a flavour of the iconic route without committing hours to it. The main highlight undoubtedly is crossing the famous Nine Arches Bridge. I’d recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
- Talking of the Nine Arches Bridge, it’s less than two kilometres from town and one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka 1000%!!! Make sure you go at sunrise, when the light hits the arches and the surrounding tea plantations start to glow.
- Visiting a local tea factory like Halpewatte lets you follow the fascinating journey of tea all the way from leaf to cup. Trust me when I say, you’ll enjoy one of the freshest brews you’ve ever had!
2. Ella Railway Station – Best Place to Stay in Ella for Convenience
Just a short stroll from the centre of town, the area around Ella Railway Station is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s close to the action but provides you with a little more peace.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
If you stay here, you’ll love how convenient it is to walk into town and then retreat to quiet views of the hills whenever you feel like it.
Of course, it’s also handy if you’re getting into Ella at night by train, and the ambience is more relaxed than the busy town centre.
Arawe Retreat | Best Hotel Near Ella Railway Station
Although it is just a few minutes’ walk from Ella Railway Station, Arawe Retreat feel worlds away from its hustle and bustle.
Nestled within rice paddies, this place is a lovingly restored 150-year-old colonial cottage that pulses with character. From your balcony, you’ll be serenaded by birdsong as the fields stretch out like a painting. You’ll also be able to enjoy a relaxing hot tub session as you take in the stunning views.
Wild Bee Hostel | Best Hostel Near Ella Railway Station
Enjoying an imperious location on a short, uphill path about 700 metres from Ella Railway Station, this luxury eco hostel feels like a cosy hive above the valley. Combining quiet seclusion and epic mountain scenery, with a laid-back social vibe, it provides visitors with the perfect balance of chill and connection.
White Moon | Best Airbnb Near Ella Railway Station
White Moon is a quirky A-frame cabin just a six-minute stroll from Ella Railway Station and about half a mile from Ella Town.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Ella that offers charm, views, and Sri Lankan authenticity, this place nails it. Tucked into a garden with sweeping mountain views, you can spend relaxed mornings gazing across tea-covered hills and chilled evenings watching trains roll by in the distance.
Things to See and Do Around Ella Railway Station
- Watch the iconic train roll into Ella Railway Station. Framed by misty hills and tea plantations, it’s one of the most scenic segments of the famed Kandy–Ella line.
- A hike from Ella Railway Station leads straight to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge. The best piece of advice I got was to grab a timetable. If you don’t, you might have to wait a long time to see the trains glide over the dramatic viaduct.
- Enjoy a local cooking class. You’ll learn how to blend spices and cook fresh, local speciality dishes like pol sambol, Fish ambul thiyal, and jackfruit curry.
3. Kithal Ella – Best Place to Stay in Ella for Peace and Relaxation
If you’re after something a little quieter and more local, Kithal Ella is the perfect spot. Just a couple of kilometres from the main town, it feels like a much more peaceful version of Ella Town.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
If you want to experience rural charm while still being close enough to all the action, this place ticks both those boxes. You are more likely to pass locals heading to work or tending gardens instead of the usual tuk-tuks and tour groups.
Guest Inn Avendra | Best Hotel in Kithal Ella
If you are wondering where to stay in Ella as a family, this option is something you should consider.
Situated along Kithal Ella’s Station Road, this property is perched on a gentle hillside and offers views that stretch over tea-covered hills and out towards Ella Rock in the distance. The hosts here are unbelievably warm and welcoming – Imantha and his family will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive!
Tomorrowland Hostel Ella | Best Hostel in Kithal Ella
Although it’s tucked about 3.5 km from Ella Railway Station along Passara Road, you can’t miss this hostel. Its architecture channels a Swiss alpine villa, is perched above rolling tea fields, and offers an unexpected hideout nestled in nature.
Despite being outside town, it has a buzzing, social energy you’ll love. Most nights comprise music, fire pit chats and backpackers from around the world swapping stories and travel advice under starry skies.
Ella Retreat Cottage | Best Airbnb in Kithal Ella
Located just minutes from Kithal Ella Waterfall, this earthy, architect-designed cottage offers serenity with soul. Blending perfectly into nature, this peaceful oasis is just a tuk-tuk hop from town.
It offers guests the chance to swim in the seasonal cascade and provides deluxe accommodation that comprises a designer-inspired cottage with excellent mod cons. With cookery classes, yoga and meditation, and Thai Massage available, it is somewhere you won’t want to leave.
Things to See and Do Around Kithal Ella
- The Kithal Ella Trail is a peaceful jungle path that starts near Kithal Ella Station through dense foliage and cascading waterfalls.
- The trailhead for the Ella Rock hike is just a short stroll from the main train station. I found it a moderate trek, although for others it may be a bit more strenuous. However, if you reach the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views over Ella Gap and tea fields.
- A short stumble from the station brings you to Kithal Ella Falls, a hidden waterfall tucked beside the tracks. Its shallow pool is the perfect way to escape the heat.
- Within Hindu mythology, Ravana’s Cave is a legendary place. This cave is said to be where Ravana hid Sita after abducting her. Located at a height of about 4,500 feet, it has a vibe that is somewhat ethereal. I went on a cycling tour there and found it one of the coolest places to visit in Ella.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Outside of Ella – Best Place to Stay in Ella for Nature Lovers
If you’re after fresh mountain air, birdsong, and waking up to panoramic views with not another soul in sight, then it’s a good idea to stay outside of Ella.
Photo: @themanwiththetinyguitar
Accommodation here is scattered through tea plantations, jungly hillsides, and quiet villages, but all are within tuk-tuk distance of town. If you stay here, you’ll trade convenience for calm, but really, that’s the whole point!
This is a very romantic place for couples to stay, and those who want to be inspired by the beauty of nature.
96 Acres Resort | Best Hotel Outside of Ella
The wonderful 98 Acres Resort & Spa resides in a peaceful tea estate outside of Ella. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of seeing endless greenery rolling down to Little Adam’s Peak from the comfort of your balcony.
Built with eco charm in mind, the resort consists of granite, thatched roofs, and recycled wood that feels luxurious and artfully designed. Its onsite restaurant serves some of the best food in town.
Paradise View Hostel | Best Hostel Outside of Ella
You’ll get to enjoy sensational panoramic views and exceptional sunsets over Ella Rock and the valley if you stay on this charming hillside. And that’s not the best aspect of this accommodation!
The owner, Ajith, is what makes this place so special. Offering genuine hospitality, he’ll do anything to make his guests feel as comfortable as possible and even drive them to hidden waterfalls many other tourists don’t see.
Black Bridge View Cottage | Best Airbnb Outside of Ella
As its name suggests, this fabulous cottage is perched above the railway’s famed Black Bridge, just outside of Ella. From its terrace, you’ll be able to watch trains cut through the tea-draped hills as they glide effortlessly along tracks.
Here, you’ll get an unfiltered sense of privacy and peace in extremely comfortable accommodations. And while it’s remote, it’s close enough to Ella Town to visit its main attractions so you won’t feel completely cut off.
Things to See and Do Outside of Ella
- Ellawala Waterfall is about a 45-minute drive from Ella, and a must-do on your Sri Lanka itinerary. Few visitors get to it; those who do can enjoy a serene dip in its tranquil, mossy pool.
- Take a sunrise trip to Lipton’s Seat, where you can enjoy the magnificent sight of endless tea plantations glowing under first light as the day breaks across the highlands.
- Go waterfall chasing to Diyaluma Falls and Ella’s other secret waterfalls. Sri Lanka’s second-tallest waterfall, if you hike the trail to the top of Diyaluma Falls, you’ll be able to swim in its naturally tiered pools. Trust me, it’s a brilliant experience!
- Take a ride on Sri Lanka’s first-ever certified mega zip-line and marvel at the fabulous views of Ella’s lush estates from a height.
FAQs About Where to Stay in Ella
Still unsure where you’re staying in Ella? I’ve put together a list of some questions asked often by your fellow travellers, which hopefully covers all your queries.
What To Pack For Ella
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ella
Sri Lanka is super safe, but unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Ella.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Ella
Ella might be small, but where you stay will definitely shape your whole experience.
If it’s your first time visiting or you want to be where the action is, I’d recommend staying at Ella Town. You’ll get the buzz and accessibility to make the most of your time here, plus there are tons of cool accommodation options like Idyll Home Stay in Ella.
However, if you want peace and quiet, head out to Kithal Ella or outside of Ella to enjoy sunsets, serenity and sensational views of nature. The Railway Station area is also good for those who want to enjoy lazy days of sipping tea and watching the trains roll by.
That said, regardless of where you choose to stay in Ella, its charm will always be right outside your door. Its tea-covered hills, laid-back ambience, and the warmest locals you’ll ever hope to meet will capture your heart immediately.
Photo: @themanwiththetinyguitar
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Sri Lanka.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Ella
- Planning out an itinerary for Sri Lanka is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
