About

WELCOME TO UPSIDE ELLA HOSTEL & CAFE — WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET GOOD VIBES. 🌿

Upside Ella is a social hostel in the green hills of Ella, Sri Lanka — created for travellers who want more than just a bed for the night.

SOCIAL, NOT PARTY. GOOD PEOPLE, GOOD VIBES, GOOD MEMORIES. 💙

We’re tucked away in a peaceful spot surrounded by mountains and tea country, while still within easy walking distance of Ella’s famous attractions. Little Adam’s Peak is a 5-minute walk and Nine Arch Bridge is around a 15-minute walk.

But what really makes Upside Ella special is the atmosphere.

Come for the mountains, stay for the people. Meet fellow travellers over breakfast, relax together in the evening, join a yoga session, plan your next adventure, or simply enjoy a slow morning with a coffee and a view.

MORE THAN A HOSTEL — A CAFE TOO. ☕

Our café is part of the hostel experience. Start your morning with freshly prepared breakfast and Ceylon tea or coffee, grab a fresh juice before heading out for a hike, or come back in the afternoon and slow down with a drink and good company.

FREE YOGA & WELLNESS 🧘

Take a break from travelling and join our rooftop yoga sessions surrounded by the hills of Ella. Our yoga experience is designed for both beginners and experienced travellers.

COMFORTABLE BEDS 🛏️

We believe backpacker beds should actually be comfortable.

Enjoy 25 cm AirSpring mattresses, fresh white linen, comfortable pillows, thick blankets, privacy curtains and a European-style plug at every bed.

PERFECT FOR EXPLORING ELLA 🌄

From Upside Ella, you can easily explore:

• Little Adam’s Peak
• Nine Arch Bridge
• Ella Rock
• Pekoe Trail
• Tea plantations & tea factories
• Diyaluma Falls
• Hidden waterfalls & swimming spots
• Local villages and cooking experiences

We can also help you organise trips, shared rides, hikes, safaris and onward transport around Sri Lanka.

COME FOR THE BED. STAY FOR THE VIBE. 🤝

Upside Ella is for travellers who enjoy meeting people, sharing stories, exploring together and making memories along the way.

This is not just another bunk to sleep in.
It’s a vibe on the Emerald Hills. 💙

Come as a traveller. Leave with new friends.

Linkup Events

Book now to join hostel-organised events over your dates.

Yala Safari with Transfers All inclusive

7 Nov

💦 DIYALUMA WATERFALL ADVENTURE! 🇱🇰🌿

7 Nov

MORNING FREE YOGA CLASS BY CHRISTINA

7 Nov

SHARED RIDE TO SOUTH COAST

7 Nov

PEOKE TRAIL

7 Nov

Elephant Safari Udawalawa with Transfers

7 Nov

MONASTERY VISIT FREE MADITATE WITH MONK

7 Nov

EVENING FREE YOGA CLASS BY CHRISTINA

7 Nov

Elephant Safari Udawalawa with Transfers

8 Nov

Yala Safari with Transfers All inclusive

8 Nov

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 23:00

Check Out

until 12:00

Taxes Included

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Facilities

Free Breakfast
Free Parking
Free City Maps
Free WiFi
Free Internet Access
Free Security Lockers
Free Luggage Storage
Bicycle Parking

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Reviews

9.6Superb(68)

Value for Money
9.7
Security
9.9
Atmosphere
9.3
Cleanliness
9.9
Staff
9.9
Location
8.6
Facilities
9.9

Summary of traveller reviews

Hostel Upside Ella offers a fantastic stay with incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Guests love the spacious, modern, and very clean rooms, featuring comfortable beds and great views. It's well-located for attractions like Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, though a walk to town is required. Ideal for solo travellers and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

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Stayed in Sept 2026

Max

Male, 31-40, Hong Kong China

So far the only hostel in Sri Lanka that I have nothing to pick on. The room was clean and spacious, with thick mattress on each bed. There was also individual locker for each guest. I was there during the low season, so there were not too many other guests, but Lucky has a very good play list to keep the vibe alive. The hostel was also at a strategic location to explore Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak. Being 2km away from the city centre provides guests with tranquility.

Stayed in Sept 2026

7.7

Chloe

All Female Group, 18-24, England

Nice enough but not very social. A little out of the way of the main town. However breakfast was lovely and nice that they had events on (although no one seemed to go to them when we were visiting!). Super clean too.

Stayed in Sept 2026

Avy

Female, 25-30, England

Such an amazing hostel, super clean and lovely chill vibe. Lots of games you can play when you have chill time, beautiful views and good facilities. Wish we could have stayed longer!! The hosts were also so friendly and helpful and were always around if you need them!!

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