A backpacker mountain town famed for its views and train rides, Ella is a favourite for digital nomads and laid-back evening events.
Ella is Sri Lanka's backpacker hub in the highlands, with hostels and guesthouses lining the main street and the road to the Nine Arch Bridge. The town is compact and walkable — most beds are within 5 minutes of the train station. Dorm beds start from LKR 1,000; private rooms from LKR 2,500. Peak season is January–March; book ahead as the Nine Arch Bridge area fills well in advance over the dry season.
Compare hotels, guesthouses and hostels on Booking.com
Dorm beds in Ella typically cost LKR 1,000–3,000 per night, with private rooms from LKR 3,000–8,000 depending on location and amenities. Each listing on friday.lk shows current pricing.
Filter the listings below to find Ella hostels with free WiFi, breakfast included, pools, and lockers. Amenities are listed on each hostel's detail page.
Most Ella hostels accept walk-ins when beds are available, but rooms fill fast in peak season (December–April on the south coast, May–September on the east coast). Contact details and WhatsApp numbers are on each listing — message ahead to confirm availability.