The Secret View Homestay in Ella was my first little pocket of calm in Sri Lanka’s busy hill country.
Tucked just outside Ella’s lively main street, this colourful, cosy homestay felt peaceful from the moment I arrived, with a balcony overlooking the green valley below and a quiet breakfast terrace where the views do most of the talking.
I stayed here for two nights during my Sri Lanka trip and used it as my base for exploring Ella and hiking Ella Rock.
If you’re looking for a friendly, comfortable homestay in Ella with character, kind hosts and lovely views, it’s a sweet little find.
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At a Glance: Secret View Homestay Ella
Secret View Homestay, Ella is a small, family-run homestay just outside Ella’s busy centre.
It’s close enough to walk into town for food, cafés and onward transport, but far enough away to feel calmer and more tucked into the hills.
I stayed in a double room with a private bathroom and balcony, and found it comfortable, clean and very good value for Ella.
- Best for: Couples, backpackers and budget-conscious travellers who want comfort, views and a peaceful base
- Location: Around a 10-minute walk from Ella’s main street
- Tuk-tuk from Ella station: Around 500 LKR should be a fair price
- Breakfast: Worth including
Pros
✅ Peaceful location close to Ella town
✅ Lovely valley views from the balcony and breakfast terrace
✅ Comfortable room with air con, hot water, fridge and kettle
✅ Friendly, helpful hosts
✅ Big breakfast served on the terrace
✅ Great communication over WhatsApp
Cons
❌ Balcony access is shared with the adjoining room
❌ Some room views may be slightly obstructed
❌ There are stairs, so it may not suit travellers with mobility issues
❌ At times, weak water pressure and inconsistent temperatures
🌟 My top pick >> This Discover Ella tour includes Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, so it’s a brilliant option if you want a full sightseeing day without organising it all yourself.
Takeaway
Secret View Homestay Ella is a lovely choice if you want a cosy, comfortable and good-value accommodation in Ella with kind hosts, a quiet setting and beautiful views. It’s not luxury, but it has plenty of charm.
🏨 BOOK: Stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
How I Found Secret View Homestay Ella + Who It’s Best For
I’d already stayed at a beautiful hilltop guesthouse in Kandy, so I was keen to find another peaceful stay with views in Ella; however, Ella pickled my brain a little when I was researching where to stay.
I wanted a base that made it easy to explore the best things to do in Ella without staying right in the busiest part of town.
In the end, I couldn’t decide between two places: this charming homestay with sweeping views and a more stylish boutique bed and breakfast, closer to town, so I booked two nights in each.
Secret View Homestay was my first base.
Best for/not for:
- It’s ideal for couples, backpackers who want comfort over a party hostel, and anyone planning early starts for hikes.
- It’s not the best choice if you want a polished hotel, a completely private balcony space or step-free access, but for a friendly homestay in Ella with lovely hosts and a calm hillside feel, it worked really well for me.
🏨 BOOK: Your stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
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Getting to Secret View Homestay from Ella Train Station
Secret View Homestay in Ella is less than a kilometre from the train station, so on paper it looks like an easy walk.
I arrived after taking the famous Kandy to Ella train, one of the most scenic journeys in Sri Lanka, and when I left the station, I was met by the usual wave of tuk-tuk drivers.
I got quoted what felt like a ridiculous price, so, in a small act of stubborn pride, I decided to walk instead.
I later found out a fair tuk-tuk price from Ella Station to Secret View Homestay should be around 500 LKR.
The walk itself isn’t far, but I made it harder by taking the wrong route – so don’t do this. Instead, follow along the train tracks, then turn right (here) and finish with a small climb.
Insider tip: If you have a big backpack or suitcase, take the tuk-tuk. Secret View Homestay is close to Ella Station, but after the long train journey, the hills and stairs feel much more exhausting than they look on Google Maps.
Check-In
After my accidental mini-hike from Ella Station, arriving at Secret View Homestay felt like a bit of a relief.
Check-in was relaxed and homely rather than formal, which is exactly what I wanted after the long train journey.
On arrival, I had to fill in my details in a guest book, and payment was made in cash at the end of my stay.
It was all very simple, and I imagine if you arrived really late or were exhausted from the train, they’d likely let you sort the details in the morning.
The hosts were friendly from the start, helped me get settled and were easy to ask questions throughout my stay, as they spoke good English.
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Best Tours and Activities in Ella
🌟 My top pick >> This Discover Ella tour includes Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, so it’s a brilliant option if you want a full sightseeing day without organising it all yourself.
One of the reasons the Secret View Homestay worked so well for me was that it made a peaceful little base for exploring the area.
Ella is one of those places where you can do a lot independently, especially if you enjoy walking, but booking a tour can be useful if you’re short on time.
Tours to consider:
- Best for hikers: Ella Rock guided hike
- Best relaxed activity: Sri Lankan cooking class in Ella
- Best cultural stop: Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory tour
- Best easy sightseeing day: Ella highlights tour
- Best onward adventure: Udawalawe safari transfer from Ella
Read Next: If you’re planning to hike while staying here, read my full Ella Rock hike guide before you go. And for an easier morning, you can pair your stay with a visit to Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella’s most famous sights.
Accommodation Type
Secret View Homestay Ella is exactly what the name suggests: a homestay rather than a hotel. It’s small, simple and family-run, with a cosy, colourful feel.
For me, this was part of the charm. It felt personal and relaxed, with the hosts nearby if I needed anything.
Room Review: Double Room with Private Bathroom
I stayed in a double room with a private bathroom, and while it was simple, it had everything I needed for a comfortable stay in Ella.
The room was cute and cosy, with a super comfortable bed, working air con, hot water (most of the time) and enough space to properly unpack after the long train journey.
The room also had a few handy extras:
- Small fridge with beers, soft drinks and water
- Kettle with tea and coffee
- Two beers from the minibar cost 2,000 LKR
- A bottle of water from the minibar costs 130 LKR
- Handy if you want something in the room, but not the cheapest option if you’re watching every rupee
Pro tip: The main thing to know is that the room is accessed by stairs, so it’s not ideal if you have mobility issues or very heavy luggage.
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The Balcony and Valley Views
The name Secret View doesn’t lie. My room opened straight onto a balcony overlooking the green valley below, and it was one of my favourite parts of the stay.
There was a swinging seat and a small table and chair set outside, so it felt like a proper little place to sit with a coffee, read, or just stare into the hills for a while.
That said, the view from some of the rooms is slightly obstructed by the buildings in front, so if the view is really important to you, I’d recommend asking which room you’re booking before you confirm.
The only other thing to know is that the adjoining room was accessed via my balcony, which made it feel a little less private than I expected.
It wasn’t a huge issue, and the balcony spaces are still separated, but it’s worth knowing before you book.
🏨 BOOK: Stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
Breakfast at Secret View Homestay, Ella
Breakfast at the Secret View Homestay was served on the terrace above the rooms, where you get the best full view of the valley.
The breakfast terrace feels much more open, with green hills stretching out in front of you as you slowly wake up with a cup of tea or coffee – it was perfect!
The breakfast itself was also fantastic: big, fresh and genuinely worth including. Mine came with:
- Eggs
- Yoghurt
- Fresh fruit
- Toast and spreads
- Tea or coffee
- A traditional Sri Lankan sweet dish made with crepes stuffed with grated coconut
I also really appreciated that the hosts were flexible with timings.
When I planned to leave early for Ella Rock, they arranged an earlier breakfast for me, which made the morning feel much easier and saved me from attempting a hike on an empty stomach – never a wise life choice.
🏨 BOOK: Stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
Hosts and Hospitality
The hosts were lovely and made the stay feel very easy.
They were friendly, happy to answer questions and always seemed willing to help with little things that make travel days run more smoothly.
They gave me tips for the area, offered a laundry service and even drove me to my next hotel in Ella for a very reasonable price, which saved me from wrestling with my backpack up and down the hills again.
A tiny victory for common sense, honestly.
Facilities and Extras
The Secret View Homestay accommodation is simple, but my room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. For a small homestay in Ella, the set-up felt thoughtful and practical.
Facilities and extras included:
- Private bathroom
- Hot water
- Working air con
- Comfortable double bed
- Fridge/mini bar, kettle, tea and coffee
- Balcony seating
- Breakfast terrace
- Laundry service
- Local tips from the hosts
- Tuk-tuk / transfer help
For me, the best bits were the balcony, the breakfast terrace, and the hosts’ help. Those are the things that made the stay feel more personal, rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Accessibility
One thing to know before booking Secret View Homestay Ella is that the property does involve stairs. My room was accessed by steps, so it may not be the best choice if you have mobility issues or very heavy luggage.
Ella is also a hilly town in general, and while the homestay is close to the train station and main street, the walk can still feel tiring with a suitcase.
I’d definitely recommend arriving by tuk-tuk if you’re carrying heavy luggage, especially after the Kandy to Ella train journey.
Once you’re there, the peaceful hillside setting is part of the charm, but it’s worth knowing it’s not completely step-free or effortless to access.
🏨 BOOK: Stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
Things To Do Nearby
The location makes a good base for exploring the main sights around Ella, especially if you’re planning a mix of hiking, viewpoints and a few slower moments in town.
Some of the best things to do nearby include:
- Ella Rock: one of the best hikes in Ella, with sweeping views over the highlands. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in Ella in the first place.
- Nine Arch Bridge: the famous railway bridge surrounded by jungle and tea fields. Go early if you want it to feel a little less hectic.
- Little Adam’s Peak: an easier hike than Ella Rock, but still with beautiful views.
- Demodara Railway Loop: for something a little more offbeat, I’d also recommend walking from Nine Arch Bridge to the Demodara Railway Loop.
- Ravana Falls: easy to visit from Ella, although it can get busy.
- Ella town cafés and restaurants: the main street has plenty of places to eat, drink and recover after hiking.
Read Next: If you’re still planning your time in town, my 2 days in Ella itinerary shows how to fit the main sights together.”
End Note: Is Secret View Homestay Ella Worth It?
Yes, I think Secret View Homestay Ella is worth it if you’re looking for a comfortable, affordable and peaceful place to stay in Ella.
It’s not a luxury hotel, and it does have a few little quirks, especially the shared balcony access and the stairs, but for me, the positives outweighed those small drawbacks.
I loved the calm location, the cosy room, the helpful hosts and the views from the breakfast terrace. It felt like a gentle first base in Ella: close enough to walk into town, but far enough away to escape the busiest part of it.
I’d stay here again, especially if I wanted a simple, friendly homestay with character and valley views rather than a polished boutique stay.
🏨 BOOK: Stay at the Secret View Homestay in Ella
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FAQs About Secret View Homestay Ella
Is Secret View Homestay in Ella close to the train station?
Yes, Secret View Homestay in Ella is less than a kilometre from Ella Train Station. You can walk, but I’d recommend taking a tuk-tuk if you have luggage, as the route is hilly and can feel tiring after the long Kandy to Ella train journey. Around 500 LKR should be a fair price.
Is Secret View Homestay in Ella close to Ella town?
Yes, it’s around a 10-minute walk from Ella’s main street, so you’re close enough for restaurants, cafés and shops, but slightly away from the busiest part of town.
Does Secret View Homestay, Ella have good views?
Yes, the homestay has lovely valley views, especially from the breakfast terrace. My room also had a nice view from the balcony, although some room views may be slightly obstructed by the buildings in front.
Is breakfast worth adding at Secret View Homestay, Ella?
Yes, I’d definitely recommend adding breakfast. Mine was generous and included eggs, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast, spreads, tea or coffee and a traditional Sri Lankan sweet dish made with crepes stuffed with grated coconut.
Is Secret View Homestay Ella good for hiking to Ella Rock?
Yes, Secret View Homestay in Ella worked well as a base for hiking to Ella Rock. The hosts were helpful and arranged an earlier breakfast for me before I set off, which made the morning much easier.
