Ella, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#882
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ella is a small town located in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka, known for its lush tea plantations and stunning landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 5,000 residents, with a mix of locals and tourists. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speeds around 25 Mbps, good for remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 364 LKR. ATMs are widely available; however, credit cards are accepted only in major establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without purification; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Sri Lankan standard: 230V, 50Hz, and Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel are reliable mobile service providers offering data plans suitable for tourists. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most places accept cards, but it's advisable to carry cash for local markets and smaller vendors. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to boutique hotels like 98 Acres Resort. Airbnb is also available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; major hotels and restaurants accept cards, but cash is preferred in local shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and booking.com, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Places like The Chill Pill Resort offer budget stays starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Ella town center offers proximity to attractions and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near Ella Rock or the Nine Arches Bridge for stunning views and tranquility suitable for long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Secret Garden offers a peaceful environment for remote work, with Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Chill is popular among digital nomads for its relaxed atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups and coffee gatherings can be found on Facebook groups like 'Sri Lanka Digital Nomads'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the monthly 'Ella Expat Meet' at various venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most reliable ride-hailing app available in Ella. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available at local shops starting from $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 50 km away at Unawatuna, about a 1.5-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines connects major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways provide international connections to Colombo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the A5 highway, leading to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ella Railway Station connects to Colombo and other major towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; buses and trains are pay-per-ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains provide affordable rates to nearby towns; trains are recommended for scenic views. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ella Hospital for basic medical needs; better facilities are available in Nuwara Eliya. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamboo Garden offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; some hotels have basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries offer service starting at LKR 200/kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | BoxIt provides food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Sri Lankan Rice & Curry, widely available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The kindred spirit cafe offers excellent vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dream Cafe is known for its delicious homemade pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ella Market offers fresh fruits and local products at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk for local online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery shopping is minimal; best to visit local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Forest Lodge has a bar that hosts special events occasionally. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lion Brewery is one of the local brands; not many tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few options; most bars serve local beer. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell kottu and fresh juices along the main road. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cafe Chill offers a good mix of international dishes alongside local options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock are iconic sights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Little Adam's Peak provides great trekking but limited formal museum offerings. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Dhowa Rock Temple is a nearby historical gem. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Ella Sri Siddhartha Buddhist Temple is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ella Jazz Festival held annually is a major highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ella town offers cultural experiences, especially around the markets. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performing arts; local celebrations often include dance and music. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ella Market is popular for fresh produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Occasional performances at bars; local musicians frequently play at gatherings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Not prominent; some local art in cafes and hotels. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops available at local guesthouses focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but some local artists display work at cafes. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings in the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Explore local traditions at festivals and community events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Horton Plains National Park is around a two-hour drive offering spectacular views and biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Uda Walawe National Park, famous for elephants, is about a two-hour drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails abound; popular paths include those to Ella Rock. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Little Adam's Peak is a great spot for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ella is rich in biodiversity; birdwatching opportunities are plentiful, especially near tea plantations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some hotels offer bonfire facilities; public areas may be used respectfully. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services available; international services may take time. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; better services can be found in larger cities. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Not commonly available; some guesthouses may have facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Limited, informal options; online learning might be more practical. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes offer comfortable spots for reading or studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Occasional cultural gatherings at local temples or community halls. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not typical; most entertainment revolves around cafes and outdoor activities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available; gambling isn't common in the region. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 12,000,000 per m² (40 m² = LKR 480,000,000) for prime location property. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 6,000,000 per m² (40 m² = LKR 240,000,000) in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 10,000,000 per m² (60 m² = LKR 600,000,000) in key areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 5,000,000 per m² (60 m² = LKR 300,000,000) outside main attractions. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. LKR 9,000,000 per m² (80 m² = LKR 720,000,000) in high-demand areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. LKR 4,500,000 per m² (80 m² = LKR 360,000,000) in suburban locations. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently at 28%. Tax incentives available for specific industries. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable rate is 14%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Sri Lankan residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 24%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 8%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Non-existent; investments are currently tax-friendly for expats. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax on property based on market value with rates varying by locality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally, stamp duty of 3% applies during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Expatriates may enjoy certain tax benefits, primarily low rates for long-term residents. |