Ella Jungle Resort

3.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Ella Jungle Resort

Exterior
Deluxe Room with River View
Exterior
Luxury Tent, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View
Sports facility

Reviews

7.8 out of 10

Good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
Karadagolla, Ella, 90090
  • Secret Waterfall
    11 min walk
  • Ravana Falls
    6 min drive
  • Kital Ella Waterfall
    13 min drive

Room options

Chalet with River View

  • 84 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Deluxe Room with River View

  • 84 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Luxury Tent, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View

  • 20 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Ella

Located in Ella, Ella Jungle Resort is on a river, a 1-minute drive from Secret Waterfall and 6 minutes from Ravana Falls. .This lodge is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Rakkiththa Kanda Rajamaha Viharaya and 7 mi (11.2 km) from Kital Ella Waterfall.

What's nearby

  • Secret Waterfall - 11 min walk
  • Ravana Falls - 6 min drive
  • Nine Arches Bridge - 15 min drive
  • Little Adam's Peak - 15 min drive
  • Ella Rock - 19 min drive

Getting around

  • Ella Railway Station - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chill Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • Barista
  • ‪360 Ella - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Starbeans Cafe - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪One Love - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Ella Jungle Resort

Riverfront lodge with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
Ella Jungle Resort offers 28 accommodations with complimentary toiletries. Rooms open to balconies. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Bathrooms include showers and bidets. Housekeeping is offered on a limited basis and hair dryers can be requested.
Recreational amenities at the lodge include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 28 individually furnished guestrooms. Rooms have private balconies. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and bidets. Conveniences include desks and desk chairs, and housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and tour/ticket assistance.
You can enjoy a meal at Vegetarian Meals Only serving the guests of Ella Jungle Resort, or stop in at the snack bar/deli. Full breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a 24-hour front desk.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Vegetarian Meals Only - This theme restaurant specializes in vegetarian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • No on-site parking available
  • Free off-site parking

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 7:00 AM–10:00 AM: USD 10 for adults and USD 5 for children
  • 1 restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Vegetarian Meals Only

Things to do

  • Free bike hire
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Ropes course
  • Volleyball
  • Yoga classes
  • Ziplining

Family friendly

  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in reception

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Housekeeping (limited)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets

Bathroom

  • Bidet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)

More

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Individually furnished

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: noon
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
Please note : This property offers vegetarian breakfast only

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 10 for adults and USD 5 for children

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Ella Jungle
Ella Jungle Resort
Ella Resort
Jungle Resort Ella
Ella Jungle Resort Ella
Ella Jungle Resort Lodge
Ella Jungle Resort Lodge Ella

Ella Jungle Resort Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 86 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 86 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Avoid like plague. Worst hotel ever. Rats in the rooms, exceptionally rude manager and rickety cable car to get to the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Amazing gem
Amazing hotel if you want to get away from it all, first car then jeep then cable car to the valley, amazing views, rice grown on site, amazingly friendly staff lovely accommodation just a bit to open for a wersterner I would have liked some glass and some walls but I throughly enjoyed my two days there and would recommend if you want to be disconnected from the world and back in touch with nature
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were on our honeymoon and had been staying in very luxury places but we fancied something different for a couple of days which would be an experience that we would remember. To get to the resort you have to get a 4x4 ride which is very bumpy (but you are going into the jungle so what do you expect!). After about 20 mins you make it to near the bottom of the valley. We were then put into a small cable car with our luggage for the final part of the trip which took 5 minutes. This was a really nice experience. At the bottom we were greeted by the manager Tharindu who was extremely friendly and accommodating. We were shown to our accommodation which was an Eco Jungle Chalet. We were very impressed with the room as to be honest we were expecting something a bit more basic. The chalet was lovely; it had a four poster bed in the middle, a tiled bathroom and a balcony looking out onto a river. The gable end of the roof is open air so you do hear all the sounds of the jungle and there are bugs (but you are in the jungle!). Bring plenty of Deet as we were still bitten by mosquitos. All the noises of the river and the crickets you could hear from outside were quite calming and I have to say we slept amazingly well. Dinner is buffet style, vegetarian and delicious! We did not miss meat whatsoever. The rice amongst other ingredients are grown in the resort. Breakfast is simple but perfectly nice. In the morning of our first day we met at 9:30am to trek to the near
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A stunning setting in the jungle,reached by dirt track and cable car.Rooms are clean,views and ambience are fabulous. The food is vegetarian only.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Lucy, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Our stay at Ella Jungle was really something else, it is an unforgettable experience in a setting that feels really wild! I was a bit disappointed that they were not running the yoga or meditation so be aware these activities are not a given, however the morning trek to the waterfall for a morning swim could be the most outstanding memory from the entire holiday. It was truly stunning.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sahitya, Chennai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great resort! Loved the activities offered! The trek, the natural pool were all exciting! We also zip lined across a river. The staff at the resort are very friendly. We were quite surprised by the rooms. No fans or air conditioners because they're open rooms. We were out most of the day and it got cold at night so we did not need either of them. There are nice cafes close to Jungle Resort incase you plan to step out for a bit to enjoy other parts of Ella. I would definitely stay in Jungle Resort again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Kesavan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Excellent experience. Great outdoor activities. Rooms need a fan!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Brian, gold coast Austalia

Great concept
The idea for this hotel is great but unfortunately a lot of work still needs to be done. I am not sure how it got such a high rating but most things are not that great here. We stayed for 2 nights in supposedly the best and most expensive rooms on the ground floor but on our first night we hardly got any sleep as the floor boards above us were like a drum. We could hear everything they said upstairs and also see light through the floor boards. The next day we told them that we were leaving and they changed us to another section with no one above us. The power kept going out on us and I asked for a torch at least a dozen times but never got one. They kept saying ok ok I will get you a torch but we never got one. Some areas in this hotel including the steps to the rooms are very dangerous and definitely not a place for elderly or physically impaired guests. The staff are nice but struggled with English. The vegetarian food was easily the worst we have had in Sri Lanka. Overall not too many positives which is a shame because it could be so great and has great potential but really needs a good manager to understand what you need to make a good hotel, really lacking any class and reminds me more of a school camp.It is called a jungle resort but I think they should change it to a jungle camp.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

dave, marrickville

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wild place for adventurous tourists
Had a great time though it was not very comfortable. Room right on the river was exciting but very hot. Fans would be useful. Food was great, including veg Sri Lankan food we didn’t find elsewhere and jungle trek was fantastic. Lack of alcohol should be more prominently advertised on the website
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A wonderful nature experience - so relaxing
We had the most amazing time highlighted by the best service I have experienced in a long time, from the initial exciting experience arriving by 4WD and the trolley car down to the resort to the most enjoyable and tasty Vegetarian food. This was my first experience with a full vegetarian menu and I loved it. Make sure you have the Hoppers with egg Yum:) We were taken on a most spectacular walk to the waterfall nearby and swam there as a relief from the heat. Our Guide was great and the rope climb up the rock face was so much fun. From the Zip line to the general surrounds and trails by the river it makes for a great experience. Evenings sitting around the huge bon fire was a treat, again a most relaxed environment. You must have the Juggary ( lol not sure of the spelling and the buffalo curd with local honey. Loved it Loved it Loved it - if you want to drink take your own alcohol. A real experience but don't whinge if you are looking for a five start resort, this is a different experience back to nature.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Carly, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What an Amazing place to stay
My friend and I stayed here for two nights and it was my favourite place in Sri Lanka. It was also possibly one of the coolest places we have ever stayed at. The hotel is down in the valley of the mountain and is a get away from the hustle and bustle. The scenary is amazing and the river running past the rooms made for a very peaceful sleep. The private waterfall on the property is a hidden gem that you can swim in. The staff were also very friendly and went out of their way to help us. Also the food is grown on the property and you can tell because it tasted delicious. I would recommend this to everyone as we loved it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Getting to the hotel itself was an experience through the jungle. Our favourite was going with Abi on a walk to a waterfall hidden away. This resort is a magical place!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A night in Ella
Was one of the best stays ever, you get the jungle feel, you're isolated from the modern world, relaxing and was an amazing one!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2018

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pictures are deceiving, however beautiful setting!
We arrived at Ella Jungle Resort and were greeted by very friendly staff who were extremely accommodating and polite. We shortly after embarked on our exciting journey 2km down a dirt track to then get our cable car. We were amazed by the beautiful scenery and views, however this was as far as our enjoyment and excitement went. We arrived down into the “resort” to find the facilities to be very limiting. We asked for a couple of cold drinks, water or a bottle of coke to get some sugar into us and were told they have non. We were then able to get some fresh water melon juice which was a nice alternative. We asked where the restaurant was to buy lunch, we were informed that no lunch would be served we had to wait until dinner. We asked to have a look at the menu for dinner, we were then told no menu it’s vegetable curry and rice. That was it. No other alternatives, starter or desserts. it appeared to me that due to being low season it was running on low staff and they were doing the bare minimum they could get away with. Moving on to the rooms, at first glance it’s very beautiful by the river, however upon further inspection you can see there is large gaps between the walls and the roof big enough for birds/bats to fly into the room along with the hundreds of other insects living in the jungle. My girlfriend was immediately terrified watching dozens of insects and lizards crawling around the walls,roof and floor. Sheets dirty.We didn’t stay and checked out into another hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Set in a magnificent natural environment. Experience a great adventure from begining to end
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Nature Retreat!
What a cool place!! Amazing location in the middle of the Ella Jungle. Disclaimer: NOT for the typical tourist. If you just want a normal, boring hotel - this is not it! This place was a great retreat into the beautiful nature of Sri Lanka's mountains. The property is breathtaking, the rooms are great, the food is delicious, and the staff is super friendly. Highly recommend the waterfall hike :)

4/10 Poor

Pam, Canada

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We wanted to love it
I backpack with a friend every year through India etc. We typically stay at hostels and moderately priced hotels, with one splurge per trip. This was our splurge at $275 CAD for the night. It was 1.5 miles down a very bumpy road by truck, then a cable car ride further down. This is fair enough, but we were unawre that it was $1500rupees for a ride back to the road to go for a bite to eat since dinner isn't available till 7:30pm. No alcohol if that matters to you. Food....not good at all. There was a large rodent in our room. They offered us a room, 1/2 the size, no fans and an outside toilet. We opted to put traps in our room. It ate 2 holes in my ftiends luggage. Once the rodent was caught, we let the staff know. Over an hour later we removed the trap ourselves because no one showed up. There were no concessions made what so ever for having this disgusting experience. There are no phones in the room, so anytime you need to communicate with staff, you have to go and find them. Once we were ready to leave, the brought the truck for pick up. We traveled to the top with 5 staff members and 2 large containers of diesel. The smell was brutal, again...unacceptable in my opinion for an expensive hotel. Far from princesses....but certainly not the experience we had in mind for that price. Staff are nice, but very young and lacking in experience perhaps. Take your money elsewhere!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

Thierry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing rustic luxury experience.
Amazing place with lots of untapped potential, mostly around the service and the food (breakfast is the main thing that needs improvement and it should be fixed shortly). The people are amazing and the new managers (3 days in !) a pleasure to talk to. They will take this place to 5 stars so be sure to ask them questions to know the improvements when you book. The deluxe chalet was uber cool with beautiful wood floors, high ceilings, large bathroom with hot water with solar panels (was not there before) and sounds of the river to put you to sleep. Free activities include a great jungle walk to the water hole and a fantastic zip line above the river. Abe will take you to these places, he's a very kind and experienced guide from our experience. You got to be an adventurer and love rustic luxury, but if that's the case, dont't miss it !

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cable Car on arrival
After thinking I was spending time in the jungle and being awake all night at the previous hotel, this jungle resort required a 3km journey then a cable car to an oasis of zen. The staff were so helpful and friendly. I had meals specially prepared that were some of the best Sri Lankan food I have had to date. I only stayed one night but could have easily stayed longer. They were very helpful with transport so even though it’s a bit out of the way -whilst there you want for nothing and they can take you back to station quickly when needed. Recommend +++
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

Barry, UK

Liked: Staff & service
Beautiful location, amazing walks.
Dry hotel, no alcohol which we didn't expect. Went in to town to buy some wine. Food was really good, local Sri Lankan. If you have kids might be a problem. Stayed for 2 nights, that was enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

2/10 Terrible

sukumia, malaysia

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Poorly Managed, Over-priced
The place is not a resort - a dirty run-down farmhouse. The cable car was not working and we had to hike to get to the resort. At the dining, there were mice scampering about. They charged us for the transport to get into the 'resort' from the main entrance at LKR3650. The billing was also incorrect as they charged us LKR2900 for a dinner menu that was quoted at LKR1850 (??) What a rip-off....

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Good and pesfull place
I was recommended this place to stay for holiday and good price

10/10 Excellent

Antonia, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Incredible jungle experience
This hotel has mixed reviews so it was a bit of a punt. Most of the good and not so good reviews are true but it is a unique experience that made my mum's and my trip to Sri Lanka. You take a 4wheel drive vehicle from the road down a steep track until you can get no further and from here you get the cable car over to the main hotel. The hotel is not posh and the layout quite strange. The noise of the stream, especially after a rainy day, is loud. The steps up to the bathroom from the room are steep and there is no safe in the room to lock up valuables (but you can give them to the manager). My mum is a very active 79 year old. The guided walking tours taken from the hotel are stunning and quite hard going even for the 25 year olds we were with, but so worth it. The guides were truly lovely and supportive of my mum. In the morning we climbed up a jungle path, across streams and at one point climbing up rock using a rope. Viewing monkeys chillaxing on a tree stump and butterflies. The path is about 2.5km of climbing before you reach an amazing natural swimming pool with a waterfall and deep enough to jump from about 2.5m. There are fishs that nibble at your dry skin so you get a spa treatment thrown in but I found it quite ticklish so kept moving. Views wow! The afternoons hike was to three waterfalls quite precarious but not as hard a hike as the morning but beautiful. To finish off we zip wired across the river about 300m. The food was excellent Sri Lankan set menu.