MOI Ella by DBI

The hotel is situated at a distance of 14 Kms from the Elle Railway station. After eight hours in the train it looked quite a long journey to us. The hotel is in middle of a very very dense forest and there is hardly anything around it. The room was too basic for our comfort. The hotel reception manager Mr Sahiru is a very helpful person. We were told that since there are very few guests we have to choose from a set menu, one starter, one main meal and one dessert. It was getting late still I requested Mr Sahiru if they can make food of our choice without altering the quality. He called up chef and it was arrange. The food served was quite tasty and quantity was too plateful. The view of the forest from the top is just amazing but the top most platform to step up is quite risky. The steps are very high, it must be addressed. The mesmerising view is able to connect with the nature. However, we decided to cut short our visit by one day and head to Weligama by paying extra money to them. Since we were leaving early the next day our meal plan of breakfast and dinner was converted in Breakfast and lunch. Again the food was great and chef and staff were very very polite and helpful. Actually the manager felt bad that we are leaving early and offered us to change the room but we politely told them it is not about the room, it is about the isolated location and we can’t do anything in two days. They have a superb swimming pool which we saw the next day kids were enjoying a lot. If you are looking for an absolutely quiet place to spend your stay and you don’t care about staying with luxury you must stay at this place. In the end our gracious thanks to Eranda, Ishaan, Sahiru, and Manjula, at Moi Ella. You were all wonderful people but somehow we were looking for something else. Your Sri Lankan cuisine was out of the world and we loved it. A comment for visitors, all the websites will tell you to visit 9 Arches bridge in Elle but you must note that it is quite a steep and long walk from the road. You can take take a Tuktuk from the road but it will still leave you almost one and half kilometres of very steep downwards and upwards climb. My wife could not do it but went but it was quite a huffing and puffing while coming up. You might decide to go tere depending on how fit you are. As compared to many pictures there is no train ever passing through the nine arches track. Rather there are hundreds of youngsters sitting all over taking selfies.

This is a modern hotel in a quiet and beautiful location but some distance from Ella town. Generally good, clean and well organised however the standard (budget) rooms are rather small. There is a beautiful infinity swimming pool. There is also a viewing point on the top floor to see the sunrise. Staff were good and attentive.