Ella is like paradise in secluded mountain form.
It’s a place where you can really get in touch with nature during your trip to Sri Lanka, whilst never being too far off from civilization.
At the same time, though, it’s a place of contrasts due to the conflicting nature of the center and its surrounding peaceful corners (the latter being my top pick for sure).
And that’s why choosing a hostel here is a decision that can highly influence the experience you’ll end up having… It helps to know what you’re after too!
But I spent quite some time there, so I hope I can help guide you into making the right decision 🙂
Photo: @taya.travels
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Here’s where I’d stay in Ella
Here’s how these hostels compare
As I said in the intro, hostels in Ella can vary vastly based on their location. I’m gonna give you a rundown below of what that actually means so you can plan accordingly.
1. Tomorrowland Hostel – Best for Chill Mountain Vibes
- Price: $
- Best for: The ‘vibes over convenience’ crowd
- Highlights: The view, the festival vibes, free tours
- Dorms from: $7
- Private rooms from: $25
- Location: In the mountains
Tomorrowland is hands down the best hostel I found in Sri Lanka. It’s deep in the mountains, and definitely a special place for travellers of all kinds – I see it as a hippie paradise of sorts. It’s a little out of town, away from the hustle and bustle of Ella, but easy enough to reach via tuk tuk (they can also arrange rides there). The entire atmosphere of this hostel is what’s the rush, dude.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Insane Views: You’re high enough up that the morning mist makes you feel like you’re in a cloud, far away from civilisation.
- The Vibe: It’s a bit weird, a bit trippy, and has its own DJ booth. If you’re tired of the cookie-cutter ‘live, laugh, travel’ hostel decor, this place actually has some character (with a crowd to match).
- The Staff are Legends: The staff handles the logistics of being so high up in Ella’s hills. They’ll shuttle you into town and guide you to the peaks so you don’t have to pretend to know where you’re going.
On the nights that live music isn’t hosted, you can all gather around the fire pit in the beer garden. Here, you can stay up until the early hours of the morning sipping drinks and making memories with people from all walks of life. Just watch out for the rooftop during the day – it gets HAWT. For a real outdoor experience, opt for a private tent and drift off under the stars.
2. Bunk Station Hostel – Best for Solo Travelers
- Price: $$
- Best for: Solo backpackers looking for a social atmosphere
- Highlights: Peaceful atmosphere, central location, theme nights
- Dorms from: $16
- Private rooms: not available
- Location: 1km from Ella Town
Bunk Station is a really solid choice if you want to meet people without staying in a full-on party hostel. It sits just outside the center of Ella, which keeps things easy and practical while still giving you a calm place to come back to after a day out.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The Peace: Bunk Station is all about friendly, laid-back energy, so it works especially well if you want social travel without constant noise.
- The Solo-Travel Sweet Spot: The common areas, kitchen, and theme nights make it easy to meet people even if you’re travelling alone.
- The Staff: Place is super well-run and easygoing!
3. Avocado Hostel – Best for Hiking
- Price: $
- Best for: Hikers
- Highlights: Trail access, balcony views, attached bathrooms
- Dorms from: $10
- Private rooms: not available
- Location: Close to Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge
Avocado is a strong pick if your main goal in Ella is getting out on the trails.
The hostel is set up well for active days, with a location that makes sunrise hikes, waterfall trips, and other nature plans feel very doable. You won’t really be close to nightlife areas, so you can rest assured you’ll get a great night’s sleep – which is useful after a day in nature!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The Hike-Friendly Base: The location is ideal for walking to Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, and other outdoor highlights around Ella.
- The Setup: All rooms are on the top floor, with attached bathrooms and shared balconies that make the place feel practical and social.
- The Nature Angle: The hostel’s own social setup leans into hikes, waterfall visits, and nature-focused activities, which fits the whole Ella experience nicely.
4. Downtown Hostel – Best for Party Vibes
- Price: $$
- Best for: Central access
- Highlights: Town access, station access, close to nightlife
- Dorms from: $14
- Private rooms: not available
- Location: In central Ella
Downtown Hostel is the sort of place that makes transport, restaurants, and sightseeing simple, especially if you’re only in town for a short stay. It’s the easiest option if you want to stay close to the action, which also means it’s a good bet if you want a bit of a partaaaay.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The Location: Being central is the main advantage, especially if you want to move around town on foot.
- Clean and Comfortable: Clean rooms and a straightforward, reliable stay.
- The Breakfast: The breakfast is pretty solid here!!
5. Ella Escapade Hostel – Best for Quiet Times
- Price: $$
- Best for: Nature lovers
- Highlights: Scenic setting, relaxed atmosphere, helpful staff
- Dorms from: $12
- Private rooms from: $30
- Location: Outside the center, near the hills
This hostel has all the ‘cosy country house’ kinds of vibes that I think you will love. Hidden in the panoramic mountains and right by the paddy fields of Ella, this entire area is a tranquil oasis. It’s got a whimsical atmosphere that you never really get with hostels – you’ll wake up with the birds and spend your mornings sipping coffee surrounded by the lush forest.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- The Setting: It’s peaceful, scenic, and tucked away in nature rather than in the middle of the town buzz.
- The Staff: Not enough praise for the helpfulness and hospitality of the team!
- The Pace: This is the kind of hostel that works best when you want a break from noise and a more relaxed Ella base.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for 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.
Still not sure where to stay in Ella?
All of these hostels are unique in their own right, but my top pick in Ella will always be Tomorrowland Hostel for the times that I’ve spent there. I’ve stayed in LOADS of hostels throughout my life, so trust me when I say: it is really one of a kind.
I hope you found this guide useful and feel free to drop your own questions, if you have any, in the comments below. If I didn’t cover your favourite hostel in town, I’d love to hear it!
Photo: @themanwiththetinyguitar
