Ella, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
#882
6.873605, 81.048992
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ella is a small town in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, famous for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 360 LKR. Major banks include Commercial Bank and Peoples Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type D/M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Dialog and Mobitel provide good coverage and are the recommended mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are generally accepted; facilities for cash withdrawal available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; cards accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals available; pricing varies from $15 to $70 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Ella's Edge and Backhome are available starting from $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Secret Garden, offering a serene environment and good amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Chill, known for its comfortable seating and good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups at cafés or organized events at hostels; check community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Online groups like 'Expats in Ella' on Facebook for community discussions. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PickMe is the most popular local app for hailing rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at various shops; pricing around 1,500 LKR per day for scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Unawatuna Beach is about 2.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | SriLankan Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include Emirates and Qatar Airways. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the A5 highway connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ella Railway Station, connecting to major locations like Colombo and Kandy. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus services are available; no specific passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent buses and trains connect to nearby locations like Nuwara Eliya. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ella General Hospital provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Hills offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local guesthouses sometimes have basic gym facilities; limited options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many guesthouses provide laundry services; around 200-500 LKR per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates in some locations, else local takeout options are available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sri Lankan rice and curry is a must-try dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Chill Cafe offers various vegan and vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery, famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Ella Supermarket provides local groceries at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Daraz.lk is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; local stores usually offer home delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Few bars exist, but the Chill Cafe host events sometimes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local breweries are limited but some bars serve imported beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited; few places offer wine, focused primarily on local flavors. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Found throughout the town, offering snacks like vadai and roti. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Chill offers variety including Italian and Asian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nine Arches Bridge and the Ella Rock hike are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ceylon Tea Museum in nearby towns is recommendable. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Ella's colonial-era architecture adds to its charm. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Dhowa Rock Temple is a significant site to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ella is known for several local festivals; inquire locally for dates. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main street houses many cafes and boutiques. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited, but local cultural events may pop up at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets sell local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Café Chill often hosts live music performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited but some murals can be found around Ella. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are available at various local homes; ask around. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries often showcase Sri Lankan artists; frequented by tourists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old tea factories around provide a glimpse into the past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Tea plantation culture is strong; visit local estates for tours. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Yala National Park is a couple of hours away, known for wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Horton Plains National Park is accessible and popular for trekking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails through tea plantations are abundant; good for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak offer stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Many spots near the Ella Gap are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some guesthouses provide bonfire facilities; inquire locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL provides services in nearby towns; check for local options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; local shops may offer basic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses may have facilities; not widely available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Interest-based classes may be organized sometimes; ask around. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited; most cafes offer quiet corners for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings often held at local temples or hall. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options; small internet cafes may offer games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not present; gambling is limited in the region. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 25,000,000 LKR (e.g., 40 m² = 1,000,000 LKR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 15,000,000 LKR (e.g., 40 m² = 600,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 30,000,000 LKR (e.g., 60 m² = 1,800,000 LKR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 20,000,000 LKR (e.g., 60 m² = 1,200,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 35,000,000 LKR (e.g., 80 m² = 2,800,000 LKR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 25,000,000 LKR (e.g., 80 m² = 2,000,000 LKR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% in Sri Lanka. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Sri Lankan tax system based on residence. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 24% for income above 3 million LKR. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for certain foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% on property transactions. |