Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic
This is the #1 top-rated hostel in Ella!
Ratmalkanda Estate, Kithal Ella
Ella
(see all 14
Ella hostels)
Hostelz.com Overall Score
9.1
9 = Extraordinary
7 = Good
3 = Not so good
1 = Run away
Based on 115 guest ratings.
Features & Details
Free Amenities
Bedsheets
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Fee Services
Lockers in Lobby
Towels
Other Features
24 Hour Security
Entirely Smoke-free
Food/Restaurant
Hot Showers
Laundry
Lounge Area
Videogames
Not Offered
Credit Card Payments
Details
Curfew:
No Curfew
Booking
Photos
+22
Description
The Hostelz.com Review
Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic is an absolutely awesome hostel. The location can at first seem to be a problem, but this is actually a big plus. You and all the guests will be tucked away in the hills together, at the very base of Ella's Rock, in what is essentially a converted villa. There's a really sociable atmosphere here, which travelers of all ages and types will enjoy, and the meals served throughout the day are a great way to meet people.
The Location
You can get a tuk tuk, but the walk here -- along the train tracks! -- is a real adventure. This is perfectly safe and even recommended by the hostel -- just listen out for trains. When you're at the station, walk along the platform in the direction of the small brick building which you should see on your left. Jump on to the tracks and walk for approximately two kilometers. You'll walk through some impressive scenery and eventually get to another small station called Kithalella. The hostel is located just past this, alongside the train track.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms aren't great, but you'll probably be so tired from hiking or up late talking that you won't notice. Bunks are a bit rickety and the beds are quite hard. Make sure you bring ear plugs, as guests getting ready at 4 a.m. for the sunrise hike are common. Small lockers are available and air conditioners/fans aren't needed as the hostel's location in the hills is very cool at night -- you might even be too cold. En suite bathrooms and a large bathroom area near the common area are present, and these have lovely hot showers.
Common Spaces
Overlooking the train tracks, there are a few big tables, hammocks, and some comfy seating. The layout makes it easy to grab a chair and start chatting with people, and this area will be busy with guests at breakfast time and in the evening. You'll probably end up staying up late talking here. There's a guitar to play, a book exchange, and some board games. There's also free tea and coffee and a free breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, and fruit. Wi-Fi isn't very good, but this is definitely the kind of place where you'll want to put your phone away and chat.
Summary
You'll be really glad you stayed here. Everyone will be planning hikes, waterfall trips, and scooter rides, so you'll definitely be able to team up with others. And in the evening, the hostel serves as a brilliant place to retreat to and share travel experiences over dinner and few beers.
The Location
You can get a tuk tuk, but the walk here -- along the train tracks! -- is a real adventure. This is perfectly safe and even recommended by the hostel -- just listen out for trains. When you're at the station, walk along the platform in the direction of the small brick building which you should see on your left. Jump on to the tracks and walk for approximately two kilometers. You'll walk through some impressive scenery and eventually get to another small station called Kithalella. The hostel is located just past this, alongside the train track.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms aren't great, but you'll probably be so tired from hiking or up late talking that you won't notice. Bunks are a bit rickety and the beds are quite hard. Make sure you bring ear plugs, as guests getting ready at 4 a.m. for the sunrise hike are common. Small lockers are available and air conditioners/fans aren't needed as the hostel's location in the hills is very cool at night -- you might even be too cold. En suite bathrooms and a large bathroom area near the common area are present, and these have lovely hot showers.
Common Spaces
Overlooking the train tracks, there are a few big tables, hammocks, and some comfy seating. The layout makes it easy to grab a chair and start chatting with people, and this area will be busy with guests at breakfast time and in the evening. You'll probably end up staying up late talking here. There's a guitar to play, a book exchange, and some board games. There's also free tea and coffee and a free breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, and fruit. Wi-Fi isn't very good, but this is definitely the kind of place where you'll want to put your phone away and chat.
Summary
You'll be really glad you stayed here. Everyone will be planning hikes, waterfall trips, and scooter rides, so you'll definitely be able to team up with others. And in the evening, the hostel serves as a brilliant place to retreat to and share travel experiences over dinner and few beers.
by Chris
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
2018-12-04
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
Map
(Location is approximate. You may need to pan/move to find "Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic" at Ratmalkanda Estate, Kithal Ella.)
Location/Contact
- Address
- Ratmalkanda Estate, Kithal Ella, Ella, Sri Lanka
- Coordinates
- 6.861190, 81.043120 (accuracy not guaranteed)
- Location
-
- Website
- None (if you know the URL of their website, tell us and we'll add it)
- Telephone
- +94-753272620, +94-777871393, +94-753272620
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
How is Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic rated on other websites?
| Cleanliness | Staff | Location | Atmosphere | Security | Overall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostelworld |
94%
|
80%
|
96%
|
92%
|
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| HostelBookers |
Not listed on HostelBookers.
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| HostelsClub |
Not listed on HostelsClub.
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| Hostels.com |
No reviews yet.
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| Average |
94%
|
80%
|
96%
|
92%
|
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