The manager was extremely kind and helpful. He arranged for us a cheaper van for our transportation needs, he found us reliable guides for harder hikes and he kept bringing us fruits that he collected from the garden. The location may seem a little far but you won't take the usual road that maps show and you use the railway route to walk to the city and it takes like 15-20 mins after you get used to walking on the rails.

Stayed in September 2025

Travelling by car is difficult

Location, food

Stayed in August 2025

Wow..absolutely amazing. We spent 2 nights at Ayubowan Hotel at the start of August (2 adults, 2 teenagers). The property is in the mountains above Ella, you can walk into Ella town along the railway (15 min walk) it’s great, little cafes and a swing on the way to stop at if you wish. If you walk down the railway the other way (15 mins) you reach the start of the Ella rock walk, such a great location. The hotel is family run and we were greeted from our taxi at the top of the lane by the father, who drove us down the lane to the hotel, it’s a very narrow steep road, but such good fun to experience the drive down, our kids loved it. We were then greeted by the daughter and mother who were so very friendly and showed us our room and had a snack and drink ready for us. What really blew us away though was the view, it’s absolutely stunning, the mountains, the farm, the railway line, we loved watching the trains go by and sitting at night listening to all the animal sounds. We later met the hotel manager Dulaksha and owner Nalaka (the son), who both could not have been anymore helpful to us all. Not only did they make us feel very special during our stay, they also gave us so much advice for our travels, organised transport for us for all our journeys over the next 10 days of travelling at a great price and even sent us messages to check everything was ok. We have not got enough praise for this beautiful place and lovely people. We wish we could have stayed longer, but we will definitely be back and we can’t wait to see the changes you are making to the hotel. I highly recommend this hotel to anybody who wants to really feel what Ella is about, whilst being away from the main centre, but being able to access it if you want. After 2 weeks of travelling in Ski Lanka this was definitely at the top of our list of the most memorable experience.

Stayed in August 2025

We had a extremely fabulous break staying at this residence. All staff were very welcoming to start with a SriLankan tea and confectionery. The meals were first class accompanying some of the world famous Srilankan delicious organic cuisine, the rooms were cozy clean and comfortable with astonishing views overlooking the main railway and picturouse mountain ranges of Ella. It was a total delight within an eco friendly environment with very clean air and fresh water so we highly recommend this venue.

Stayed in July 2025

Very nice place with incredible views! Both the breakfasts and the dinner we did were very good. Dula was very friendly and very attentive to us! I would undoubtedly repeat .

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing. All good.

Amazing

Stayed in July 2025

I hate bugs, and there are quite a few at night, but I can't complain too much ;)

Thoroughly enjoyed the stay here at Ayubowan Ella. The view is truly worth the hype. Nalaka and his team were very gracious hosts and were extremely helpful during our stay. We ran into some car trouble and they were very quick to support with their staff and local contacts. The road leading up to the property is a hell of a ride, the elevation change is crazy, and it's not for the meek of heart to tackle at night, but it's part of the thrill! Food was great and the people, the view and the value is unmatched. 100% will be back again.

Stayed in May 2025

This is my best hotel in Sri Lanka. I can not explain the hotel room view. Brilliant view and never seen before my travel life. The staff are very kind and helpful. Room was super large and clean. I will go to Ella city on the railway track. It's very easy. Definitely | will come again. Thank you very much

Stayed in May 2025

The only problem was bumpy narrow road

Nice hotel with a breathtaking view and helpful staff. Also they have a restaurant. I'll come back next time.

Stayed in May 2025

Good vibes and view

Good atmosphere and Mr Nalaka the host was awesome and friendly

Stayed in May 2025

Ro rooms smell was nor fresh but it was a minor flaw.

Thw view from the rooms terace was amazing. So cool to watch the sunrise while having breakfast. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They arranged a small tour arround Ella and car service to our next destination.

Stayed in April 2025

In the hustle and bustle of Ella it’s nice to get far from the madding crowd and find some solitude. The room for our family was large , breakfast included and superb assistance from Nalaka with everything. But best of all is the stunning view and the train that appears out of the jungle to go right past you! And that also means an easy walk along the track into Ella. Perfect.

Stayed in April 2025

Riding own vehicle was little difficult due to bends and elevation since that's new experience. Later learnt it and the staff assisted us well.

The location, view and environment was perfect. Serene nature. It was a full moon day & the night view also great. Staff are always helpful & kind. Breakfast was delicious. Specially on the day of Sinhala Tamil New Year.

Stayed in April 2025

We loved our stay at Ayubowan! The views from our room were amazing and it was a lovely 15-20 min walk along the train track to Ella town. It’s a 5 min walk along the train track to the start of the Ella rock hike. The hosts were very friendly and gave us lots of recommendations for things to do in Ella and for the rest our trip in Sri Lanka

Stayed in April 2025

Beautiful views from the property, it was wonderful to eat breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley with its hills and railway track. The room was very spacious and clean and comfortable. The staff were really friendly and helpful, they organised taxis to pick us up from the train station, and to take us onwards to the South coast on departure. They also took us on a trip to Upper Diyaluma Falls which was a really nice experience, swimming in beautiful waterfalls in the hills, and then on to Nine Arch Bridge. The hotel is a little out of the centre of town but you can walk directly from the accommodation along the train track into the centre of Ella, it takes around 15/20 minutes I’d say, but is a lovely walk and a fun and novel experience to walk along a train track (just stay out of the grasses at the edge to avoid leeches!). The road leading to/from the accommodation is a bit crazy - it’s massively steep so is a little bit like being on a rollercoaster getting in and out by road, but the manager of Ayubowan Ella is a real pro at navigating it! 🙂

Stayed in February 2025

The accommodation was amazing. The staff went out of their way to help and drive us around. They picked us up whenever we needed them to. Nalaka was one of the kindest people we have ever met. He knows everything about Sri Lanka and gave us great tips what to do. Highly highly recommend this place for your trip to Ella!

Stayed in February 2025

Please, cut that palm 😃

The best view what i have ever seen from the hotels Helpful and talkative staff Amazing nice road to the Ella trough railway-jungle road

Stayed in February 2025

This was the best accommodation we had after spending 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. Nalaka is a fantastic host, he gave us great tips on visiting Ella and Ella rock and even arranged our transport to Udawalawa national park and then to Tangalle. Waking up to this amazing view was a great experience. Room was big and comfortable. Don’t miss out on staying at this place.

Stayed in February 2025

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Excellent location - close to the city, but at the same time already in nature, nearby restaurants, walking trails, the famous railway runs past the hotel, excellent view from the balcony, good breakfast and dinner

Stayed in February 2025

The room view is really good and all of stuff are super nice. And they provide the good dinner even can change cook way if you want. If future have chance to back, I definitely will back to living again. Thanks for their kindly services.

Stayed in February 2025

🥰

Stayed in January 2025

Fantastic view, great staff, clean room

Stayed in January 2025

Great views and the owners are very nice and helpful . The owner is one of the kindest men we met along Sri Lanka , thank you , Sir for your advices about sarong :) !

Stayed in December 2024

Its a difficult to get to unless you have a very small vehicle or a tuktuk (or are backpacking and walk along the rail road)

Breakfast was good.

Stayed in December 2024