Shanta is very friendly and smiley. We asked whatever we wondered. He replied very kindly. We leaved from there a lot of beatiful memories.

Stayed in April 2025

Nothing

I will be honest, I was really looking forward to coming to this place. It was the penultimate stop on my trip to Sri Lanka and, of course, one of the most memorable. I am absolutely delighted. I will remember this place for many years thanks to the kind, friendly and caring monks and staff, comfortable rooms, peace, quiet and, of course, the opening landscapes. Such beauty around - it cannot be described. You have to see it. My expectations from staying at Meditation Monastery Stay were met 1000%. If you have the opportunity, be sure to come to Meditation Monastery Stay! I am very grateful to all the staff of Meditation Monastery Stay for their hospitality. Delicious breakfasts, beautiful, well-kept territory! Thank you, I will try to come back. p.s. As it was written before me, the easiest way to get there is from the station along the railway tracks. Unless of course you have suitcases. At first I decided to take the detour and that was a mistake. I chose a room with a terrace. While observing nature you can see and hear many different birds, giant squirrels and of course chipmunks

Stayed in January 2025

The breakfast was excellent. The staff were kind enough to pack a breakfast for us on the day of our departure as we had to get an early train.

Stayed in April 2025

This a wonderful location, quiet and peaceful with stunning views across the mountain. Gorgeous sunrise. Close to two waterfalls and Ella's rock. The staff were kind and generous. The prepared a simple lunch after our long journey, which was truly kind. The staff and host are lovely and friendly. The food was delicious and generous.

Stayed in March 2025

We liked everything

The staff and the monks were lovely . The food was amazing .We loved everything especially the view

Stayed in March 2025

Watch out for trains along the tracks, they come by frequently.

We had a nice, big, comfortable room with a great view. The breakfast is excellent and they provide drinking water. It's a trek to get to by road but once you learn about the shortcut along the track you can get to town or the train station in less than 10 minutes walking. You're far enough away from Ella that nights are quiet. Walk back to town along the temple road until you hit the larger road, turn left up the hill and across the road is a wonderful family restaurant for dinner. The sessions with the monk are just for the residents so you get tone of one on one time to discuss things. A really unique stay.

Stayed in February 2025

In our room, the bathroom was right next to the other room’s bathroom. There is a gap at the top of the wall so you can hear a lot. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. 😊

There are too many good things I would like to say. The rooms are basic but clean, big and comfortable. You don’t need anything else. The view is outstanding and it’s right in front of your room. The monks and the staff are lovely, attentive and will do anything to accommodate you. The breakfast included is fresh and good size. There’s loads of wildlife that you can spot without leaving the accommodation. It’s an easy walk to Ella centre on the train tracks - just listen out for any trains. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Stayed in February 2025

Of 4 days, there was only one meditation session, and it started 15 min late without any notification. In general, communication about meditation wasn't great. we were sitting in the center and only told 5 minutes late than there would be no session (several times.) If you're looking for a spiritual retreat this really isn't it. The place really feels quite deserted except for the hotel area.

it was lovely! The place was very clean, loved my little terrace that overlooked the mountains. Food was good, the people were very kind. It was also easy to get into town by walking down stairs and along the rail tracks. There was even decent wifi, which I wasn't expecting since it's not in the description.

Stayed in February 2025

The location is amazing, with the view on the mountains. It’s away from the craziness of the center of Ella but you can get there really easily by a short walk on the train tracks

Stayed in February 2025

We enjoyed the tranquility and exceptional hospitality

Stayed in February 2025

Bit of construction going on but not really an issue. Looks like they are expanding deck areas for other rooms which will be great

An oasis. Had the most relaxing 4 days at the accommodation. So peaceful and quiet but minutes from town. Delicious dinners, clean and comfortable rooms with actual hot water showers. Meditation sessions pleasant. Highly recommend

Stayed in February 2025

Amazing view and staff

Stayed in February 2025

Great place to stay! Quiet and recharging Perfect location: close to the city but outside of the busy and noisy center You can get to the City center walking 5 mins on the railways (don’t worry, it’s common!) People are friendly and very welcoming Dinner (upon request) and breakfast are delicious and made with love Best place in my entire Sri Lankan trip! Thanks 🙏🏼

Stayed in February 2025

Wonderful accommodation, peaceful and comfortable Amazing views and great fun walking down the train track (5-10 mins)into the lovely area of Ella with lot's of restaurants and cafés: Vegan and vegetarian friendly

Stayed in February 2025

Just outside busy Ella in a quiet place surrounded by nature with a great view. Lovely friendly people. Good food.

Stayed in February 2025

-

Very special place to stay. Great view, tasty breakfast and dinner. Very inspiring meditations and talks with the monk. Via the railway tracks only 8 minute walk to Ella centre. Also, a stray puppy was dropped off randomly during our stay. Great to see he was accepted and cared for. We got him medicine, hopefully he will get better and stay a good boy.

Stayed in January 2025

This was the highlight of my travels in Sri Lanka. The property is clean, modern and comfortable with a stunning view of the mountains from the balcony relaxation space. Breakfast was fresh and healthy and so enjoyable every day and I would also recommend trying the dinners as I really enjoyed looking out at the view in the evening and eating the beautiful, authentic foods. This was also an educational experience for me and I really enjoyed partaking in the meditation sessions each evening. This was a very comfortable and welcoming space to ask questions and learn from the locals. This is perfect for travellers who want a relaxing stay out of the busy Main Street (but a 5 minute walk along the tracks to the centre), perhaps with an interest in Buddhism.

Stayed in January 2025

I loved my stay here. The rooms and beds are quite cosy and the view is fantastic. You only walk 5 minutes into town. I meditated every evening with the friendly monk who shared a lot of wisdom about Buddha. The staff was amazingly kind and friendly. If you are looking for some peace and a very special experience i can highly recommend this little gem.

Stayed in January 2025

nothing

Staying at the monastery for two nights was absolutely the highlight of our 16-day trip to Sri Lanka. It’s just a 6-7 minute walk along the railway tracks from the train station, while the regular road takes about 20 minutes uphill. The location is very convenient for hiking to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. The Chief Monk welcomed us personally with tea and introduced the temple’s program. Every evening at 6:30, you can join chanting and meditation. The breakfast was very hearty, and during our stay, we spotted small fish, shrimp, birds, and squirrels. Every evening, we enjoyed dinner at the monastery under the night sky—it was an incredible experience not to be missed. We were even able to see fireflies at night! The monastery provides a drying rack, which was very convenient. I highly recommend this unique and unforgettable stay.

Stayed in January 2025

Our stay was very welcoming and comfortable. We attended an insightful meditation and ate delicious home cooked Sri Lankan food everyday. Highly recommended for a unique experience and introduction into culture and religion.

Stayed in January 2025

This accommodation is truly a hidden gem! Nestled in nature yet conveniently close to vibrant areas, it offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. We stayed for three nights and couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The rooms are impeccably clean, featuring cozy blankets, a hot shower (!), and the most mesmerizing views of Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock. The staff is incredibly kind and goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is perfect. They provide delicious breakfast and dinner, laundry service, and serve the best tea throughout the day. With the added opportunity to learn about meditation, this is the perfect place to find peace within yourself. Thank you for everything - you made our stay truly unforgettable!

Stayed in January 2025

It was fully booked when I wanted to stay longer

I’ll definitely come back - amazing people and great room Sometimes you write a review because they asked. This review is straight from my heart. The monk and the people working there take so much time and effort to help you, to listen to you. It’s heart warming Highlight of the stay was the help I received when I needed it. My phone died and they went above and beyond in helping me. Room was very tidy, warm shower, very quiet, great for resting. Great food, big portions, healthy, much more affordable than eating in town. The meditation is nice for beginners like me, but also for the experienced. The monk has helpful conversations with the meditation group that can guide you and bring perspectives. He is very warm, down to earth and approachable.

Stayed in January 2025

The location is perfect! Beautiful mountain view, right next to the temple, great conversations with the really kind and helpful monk who is running the monastery stay and beautiful meditation sessions together at 6.30 am and pm.

Stayed in January 2025

Overall it met my expectations.

It's a nice monastery and a nice location. The monks were very pleasant - serving nice breakfast. We had a good discussion, chanting and some meditation in the main temple. It's a very short walk to the main street (even though doesn't look like this on the make - but you actually walk down the rail tracks for 5-10 min and you're there. It's faster than going by car / tuk tuk. The porch has a nice view in the morning / evening. The rooms / bathrooms are quite ordinary and clean. It's a great immersive experience yet not overly conservative for what a monastery stay may be - my kids enjoyed it.

Stayed in December 2024