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What Are The Best Ella Hotels? Where Can You Stay In Ella?

What Are The Best Ella Hotels? Where Can You Stay In Ella?

Mar 31, 2026

From enjoying a train ride on the Nine Arch Bridge to Ella Rock, Ella has endless adventures to offer.

Exploring the things to do in Ella is also easier as the Ella Hotels offer the most comfortable and safe accommodations.

As a backpacker, I chose to stay in a hostel on my first visit. However, you can find many budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels in this beautiful hill country town.

So, here is a list of the best hotels to stay in Ella.

What Are The Best Ella Hotels?

I have divided the best Ella hotels into three different categories. So, you will find a good mix of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels.

Furthermore, I have also included the hostels and the eco-stays here.

And here are the details.

1. Luxury Ella Hotels

There’s a quiet magic when birds sing in the morning, and mist hangs on the tea bushes.

Moreover, Ella has upgraded its luxury offerings, blending colonial roots with modern sustainable design.

• Nine Skies: Colonial Elegance

Just outside Ella in Demodara, Nine Skies is a five-bedroom tea bungalow restored from old stock.

Furthermore, it sits like a piece of the English Lake District transplanted into the tropics.

Also, you begin your day with a Sri Lankan breakfast and then swim in an infinity pool that stretches over endless tea fields.

Moreover, the lifestyle is classic tea country, wrapped in a dream-like hotel setting.

• 98 Acres Resort And Spa: Eco-Luxury

Overlooking Little Adam’s Peak, 98 Acres stands out as the region’s top hotel.

Furthermore, the chalets use upcycled railway sleepers and local granite, with genuine, hands-on design.

Moreover, their spa features treatments with herbs grown on-site. Just a 15-minute walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, it’s ideal for morning shots.

So, what else is there to say about this place?

• Hide Ella: Modern Panoramic Views

Hide Ella sits right into a 60-degree slope.

Every room faces the Ella Gap with clear, sweeping views.

The pool dips into the trees like you are floating through the canopy. It’s a clean, sharp design, with no frills.

Furthermore, it offers just pure view-focused living.

Why would anyone want anything else in Ella?

2. Mid-Range Ella Hotels

For a bed that works, a shower that flows, and a balcony with real views, without the honeymoon price!

Ella’s mid-range picks offer the best trade-off. Most focus on the view, which is Ella’s strongest selling point.

• Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel

It is set into the mountainside, and it is the most welcoming.

Cabins are clean, modern, with wood and concrete finishes.

They even include Yoga mats for stretching in the morning light.

If you want to go early to the Nine Arch Bridge, this is your only real shot, and it’s just 800 meters away.

It seems like a good fit for quiet travelers who value space and scenery.

• Country Homes Ella

It looks more like apartments than hotels.

Warm pine decor gives each suite a cozy feel.

The wide valley view from your room makes it hard to leave.

In particular, when you know breakfast is often brought right to your balcony by the owners.

You get coffee at the same time clouds drift through the gap, arguably one of the most consistent perks in town.

• Boutique Vibes: Morning Dew, EKHO, And Tip Top

It seems to be a recurring motif in Ella.

These hotels offer really amazing views and somewhat old-fashioned rooms.

Morning Dew, EKHO Ella, and Tip Top Boutique Hotel are, to some extent, this kind of hotel.

The furnishings in these places might give the feeling of the 1990s, but the rooftop pools and jacuzzis with a stunning view of Ella Rock offer a 5-star experience.

One of the advantages of choosing Tip Top is that you get the opportunity to see the train passing the Nine Arch Bridge from your private balcony.

3. Budget-Friendly Ella Hotels

Guesthouses once pulsed with life in Sri Lankan tourism.

Staying with a local family still gives the truest view of Ella.

You learn how daily routines move through the village. Nobody makes curry like a Sri Lankan grandmother.

• Rowinrich Cottages: The Jungle Hideaway

These loft-style cottages sit above a valley wrapped in jungle.

Backpackers find them ideal, glamping without dorm-sharing.

Forest sounds carry through at night.

Sunrises stretch across your terrace each morning. Just be warned: the road up is narrow and full of potholes. It’s not easy to drive.

• The Original Homestays: Idyll And Chamodya

Idyll Homestay opened early in town.

Anil, who once worked on tea plantations, now manages one of Ella’s most trusted homes.

Chamodya offers a clear view of Ravana Falls.

Both serve breakfasts packed with string hoppers, dhal, and fresh fruit, more than enough for hiking up Ella Rock.

Like my trip to Jaffna, I also chose a hostel to stay in Ella.

The hostel scene in Sri Lanka has really taken off over the past few years.

Nowadays, staying in a hostel is not only about finding a cheap bed; it is also about experiencing a community, having superfast Wi-Fi, and going on shared adventures.

• Bunk Station

A fairly new place in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere.

It’s a quiet location away from the noise, but you can still walk to the town in ten minutes.

• Hangover Hostel

Being part of a well-known chain of hostels in Sri Lanka, it is the best place to experience a social atmosphere.

You will get AC rooms here, and the location is very central near the train station.

• Backpacker’s Paradise

If you are looking for the genuine “simple life” experience, you can camp in tents that are set up under thatched roofs.

Moreover, it is a very basic, cheap option, and they even have their own little dogs as residents.

So, what else do you need?

5. Eco-Friendly Stays In Ella

Ella is a place that feels like home.

Furthermore, Ella’s environment is delicate, and these eco-friendly stays are actively preserving it.

• Living Heritage Koslanda

It lies halfway between Ella and Horton Plains.

Over the years, they’ve restored the forest and prioritized hiring local women, often left out of tourism jobs.

The place feels like a quiet, natural escape.

• Arana Eco-Lodge And Yoga Center

The lodge sits just ten minutes from town.

Rooms are treehouses built around living trunks.

Moreover, it operates like a forest monastery.

Also, electronics are minimal here. So, you can take part in sessions of Kundalini yoga and meditation here.

Moreover, vegan Sri Lankan meals take center stage here. You disconnect from Main Street noise and return to the wild.

Sibashree Bhattacharya

Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

Where Is Midigama Beach? What Are Best Surfing Spots And Other Things To Do?

BY Sibashree May 4, 2026

Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast. There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively. While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates. It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves. Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer. However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills. Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach. Where Is Midigama Beach? The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot. Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets. The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240. I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class. Where To Surf On Midigama Beach? I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another. So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves. 1. Ahangama Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years. It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers. Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here. 2. Ram’s Right Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start. Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here. 3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right. So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef. 4. Plantations It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates. The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn. Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts. 5. Coconuts Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience. Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach. However, the east end of the beach is choppier. 6. Weligama Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama. Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners. What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach? If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach. 1. Mirissa Beach Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening. The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here. 2. Galle Fort Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach. It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia. Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle. Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience. What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach? Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach. Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season. Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day. Where To Eat In Midigama Beach? The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places. Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy. If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant. It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies. Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach. Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos. Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach? You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach. However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice. It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session. Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach. Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve. Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots. Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.

Is an Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Worth It? How To Plan It?

BY Sibashree Mar 26, 2026

Planning a day trip from Tokyo? Mount Fuji is the most obvious destination for such a trip. But do you know how to travel for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo and why it is so special? Let’s find all the details in this blog. Why Is A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo Special? Is It Overhyped? The volcanic mountain, Mount Fuji, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the Fuji Five Lakes area in Kawaguchiko offers amazing scenic views. Though a rewarding day trip, these days it is often overhyped by Instagram and other social media platforms. In most of the pictures, you will find a half-snowy Mount Fuji with its stunning landscape. However, you have to remember that Mount Fuji is also called the “Shy Mountain.” True to its name, it is only visible around 70-80 days in a year. That is why it is very important to plan the Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo at the right time. Do you think the summer months are the best for visiting Mount Fuji? You are making a mistake. In fact, the summer months are the most humid and the rainiest in Japan. So, clouds and mist make Mount Fuji rarely visible. Thus, winter months, which are also drier, are the best for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. Climbing And Touring Mt Fuji: Which One Is Better? If you are planning to climb Mount Fuji, you will need at least 2 days for the trip from Tokyo. However, if you want to take a tour of the mountain from the surroundings, it can be completed comfortably in a day. So, here is a comparison of climbing Mt Fuji vs. taking a tour of Mount Fuji. 1. Climbing Up Mount Fuji A sunrise trek to Mount Fuji is very popular, and you will find multiple stations on the trek route. Furthermore, climbing up the mountain is no easy task, and it takes 5 to 10 hours to complete this high-altitude trek. Though the Yoshida Trail, among the four trails leading to the summit, is beginner-friendly, you still need training, proper gear, and preparation to complete the trek. 2. Taking A Tour Of Mount Fuji This is the usual option for regular tourists. You will visit the Fuji Five Lakes and beautiful villages on the way. Also, if the weather conditions are good, you will get a good view of Mount Fuji. How To Travel For A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo? Yes, you can take a car on rent for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. However, Japan is famous for its trains. It also has a well-managed bus network. So, for a local experience and budget-friendly travel, these are the best options you can opt for. 1. Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Train Japan Railway (JR) has a limited express train service called the Fuji Excursion Train. The train runs between the Shinjuku Station and the Kawaguchiko stations and the Mount Fuji Station is between them. The Shinjuku Station is at a distance of about 5 km from Tokyo City. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes, and the ticket price is ￥600 for adults and 400 for children. Check out the timings of trains from Shinjuku Station and Kawaguchiko, and when they reach the Mount Fuji Station. I have enlisted the timings for the weekdays. Train timings differ on weekends and holidays (Source: Fujikyu Railway). Table 1: Train From Shinjuku Railway Station To Mt Fuji DepartureArrival 7:30 AM9:23 AM8:30 AM10:21 AM9:30 AM11:23 AM10:30 AM12:19 PM11:34 AM1:25 PM Table 2: Train From Kawaguchiko Railway Station To Mt Fuji DepartureArrival 2:08 PM2:16 PM2:58 PM3:06 PM3:39 PM3:47 PM4:48 PM4:56 PM5:41 PM5:49 PM You can directly book the train ticket from the online reservation service of the Japan East Railway. You can also buy a Japan Railway Pass for similar excursions. Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo By Bus You can also plan a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo by bus. Take the Mt. Fuji Highway Bus from the Shinjuku bus stop and get off at the Mount Fuji 5th Station. Also, the travel time is about 2 hours and 25 minutes. Furthermore, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults and 1900 JPY. Moreover, you can book the ticket online from Highway-buses.jp. How To Explore Mount Fuji? You can explore Mount Fuji in a car. However, it is super expensive and costs up to JPY 15000-20000 JPY a day. Furthermore, if you are planning to drive in Japan, you will need a 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) as an international tourist. Overall, it is a lot of hassle. So, you can choose the bus services available in Mount Fuji to travel in and around the area. 1. Fujikyu Or Omnibuses You can book the Fujikyu Omnibus sightseeing pass for 1 day or 2 days. The pass for 1 day costs 1500 JPY, and for two days, it costs 2000 JPY. Moreover, these bus services operate in three lines: the Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line. So, check your itinerary first and the places you want to explore before boarding a bus. 2. Climbers Bus Are you planning to climb up Mount Fuji? Then, you can plan to take this bus service. However, many of these services are seasonal, and here are the details. Moreover, these buses depart from the 5th Station and circle the mountain. Climber Bus RouteLineSeasonal Availability Fuji Subaru Line 5th StationM-LineEverydaySubhasiri 5th Station Q-LineSummer SeasonGotemba New 5th StationZ-LineSummer SeasonFujinomiya 5th StationL-LineSummer Season 3. Bus-Boat Kaba This is a special bus service on water. You can board the bus-boat Kaba and cruise through Lake Yamanaka. Furthermore, in usual seasons, the ticket price is 3800 JPY for adults, 1900 JPY for children, and 500 JPY for infants. Prices can further go up in the peak tourist season. Moreover, on weekdays, the bus boat services will run from 11:30 AM, 1:10 PM, 14:00 PM, and 15:40 PM from 1st April, 2026. On weekends, there are additional services (along with the usual times) at 9:50 AM, 12:20 PM, 2:50 PM, and 4:30 PM. Moreover, from April to September, there is a bus service at 5:20 PM on weekends. 5. Local Route Bus You will get buses departing from Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko Stations to Fujinomiya, Shin-Fuji Station, Kofu, Isawa Onsen, Mishima, and Gotemba. What Is The Best Time To Plan A Mt Fuji Day Trip From Tokyo? The winter months are ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Dry weather conditions and a lack of humidity in the air make it ideal for visiting Mount Fuji. Furthermore, spring and autumn months are ideal for a Mt Fuji day trip from Tokyo. These months coincide with the cherry blossom season in Japan and the autumn foliage. Read Also: Tokyo To Hokkaido Distance: Know About Various Modes Of Transportation Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Best Places To Travel Around The World And To See Flowers

What Is Badulla Famous For? What Are The Best Places To Visit In Badulla In 2026?

BY Sibashree Jul 9, 2026

It’s great that Badulla has slowly and steadily bounced back after the rampage of Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025. With proactive measures, the Badulla–Haputale railway line was restored in just 18 days, and it’s great that in 2026, with its iconic landmarks such as the Demodara Railway Loop remaining a serene hill-country town. Moreover, this serene stop on the iconic Kandy-to-Ella railway route has ancient temples, cascading waterfalls, and misty tea plantations. So, if you want to enjoy a place with a cooler highland climate such as Nuwara Eliya, Badulla will be the go-to place. In this article, I will discuss why Badulla, the capital of Sri Lanka's Uva Province, is famous. The places to visit and more. However, let’s begin with its location. Where Is Badulla, Sri Lanka? Badulla is in the southeastern part of the central hill country of Sri Lanka. Furthermore, it is at an elevation of 680 meters. So, it enjoys a misty, cool climate. In addition, the surrounding tea gardens and the Badulu Oya River make it a sought-after hill station. In addition, the Namunukula mountain range overlooks this hill country town as the supervising guardian. Moreover, it is located at a distance of around 230 km east of Colombo. Why Is Badulla Famous? Badulla, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is cherished for its unique colonial engineering. At the same time, it is a place where nature and history meet. However, the most significant aspect of this highland is its spiritual heritage. As a result, Badulla is an iconic ecotourism destination, and it is also ideal for someone who is fascinated by architecture and history. Scenic Wonders And Ecotourism Cascading waterfalls and a dramatic mountain terrain dominate the landscape of Badulla. The Dunhinda Falls, with its height of 64 meters, is the iconic landmark that draws visitors from across the globe. Again, the majestic Namunukula mountain range surrounds the central highland. This mountain range, further, is a sanctuary for avid hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts seeking panoramic vistas of the Uva Province. Moreover, thanks to the geographical features, Badulla has a microclimate ideal for growing some of the world's finest high-grown Ceylon teas. So, Badulla has endless green estates terracing the valley walls. Historic Architecture And Heritage Sites Badulla is not just an ecotourism hotspot. It is way beyond a living museum depicting the diverse history of Sri Lanka. The Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is at the heart of Badulla. It is an ancient temple complex, and it is sanctified by a visit from Gautama Buddha. So, it is a significant pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Another significant architectural marvel on the site is the Bogoda Wooden Bridge. This 13th-century bridge has no metal nails. Again, the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge is a classic example of colonial architecture. This iconic stone railway viaduct stands as a testament to early 20th-century British engineering and remains a globally recognized symbol of Sri Lankan travel. What Are The Places To Visit In Badulla? Badulla is versatile, as I have already mentioned. So, I have divided the places to visit in Badulla into three main sections: the natural attractions, the spiritual and religious places, and the architectural attractions. Natural Attractions To Explore In Badulla It goes without saying that Badulla, as an iconic ecotourism hotspot, will have many natural attractions. 1. Dunhinda Falls The Bride’s Veil Falls, or the Dunhinda Falls, is very close to Badulla Town. I could hear the roaring sound of the waterfall from a distance. As I followed the roar and reached the waterfall, the journey culminated in an amazing view of plunging water. 2. Diyaluma Falls The second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, the Diyaluma Falls, stands at the end of an adventurous hike from Badulla. It is around 60 km away from Badulla, and the travel time is around 2 hours. Furthermore, the Diyaluma Falls are so beautiful that after reaching the base, I opted for an adventurous hike to the top. The views were incredible, and I even took a dip in the refreshing pool formed below. However, always listen to the local guides and check the weather updates before visiting the Diyaluma Falls. 3. Tea Plantations And Viewpoints Badulla looks like a carpet of green with the tea plantations on the hillsides. These tea gardens do not just offer lush greenery. These are also great locations for learning how tea is processed and how the transformation from leaves to cup happens. Religious And Spiritual Places To Visit The Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara and Dowa Rock Temple are two important religious landmarks in Badulla. Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara You can find the mention of the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara in the Mahavamsa chronicle itself. King Indaka, a chieftain of the Deva tribe, built this Vihara in the 5th century. However, King Devanampiyatissa transformed this structure into a formal temple complex. This temple is so significant as Lord Buddha visited it. Furthermore, the Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara has impressive architecture. The stupas and the stone structures here are the quintessence of important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, such as the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and the Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa. Dowa Rock Temple The power of unfinished art and what it signifies! Everything is for you to interpret, and there are thousands of possibilities about why the art could not be completed. This is what I felt after seeing the Dowa Rock Temple. Carved into a giant rock face, this temple has an unfinished and giant statue of Lord Buddha. The scale and the intricate carvings of the temple were amazing, and they showed the mastery of the Sri Lankan artisans in the ancient age. You will even get a glimpse of the religious and artistic heritage of the island country. Architectural Marvels In Badulla Walking on the Bogoda Wooden Bridge is like connecting to ancient times. The air there felt very different, and it immediately transported me 400 years back. Furthermore, the tiled roof of the bridge is a telltale of the Sri Lankan engineering excellence in ancient times. Moreover, when you are in Badulla, don’t miss the spicy vegetable and meat curries and rice.

What Are The Best Ella Hotels? Where Can You Stay In Ella?