AMBA Estate, Ella

Amba estate is an organic farm-stay social enterprise located in the Uva Highlands just a short drive from the popular town of Ella. Set in 130 acres of mountains, waterfalls, caves, and forests it offers a chance to relax in unspoiled nature and support an initiative bringing opportunity and education to the local community. 

Nestled in tea fields in a remote valley, the estate was renovated with the aim to create a model of economic opportunity and now supports over 100 local families. The staff love to share stories and experiences with visitors and will show you around the tea plantation and factory. For those wanting to explore the hill country, you can collect honey with estate workers in the forest or follow hiking trails from the guesthouse to hidden waterfalls. 

AMBA has created a simple but authentic, full-service guesthouse in the renovated old teahouse, tea worker’s cottages and two separate bungalows. The Old Estate Farmhouse is perfect for families with four double/twin rooms and a single room along with shared bathrooms. Clove Tree House, a 1930s planters’ bungalow, is also a great setup for families with a suite, a double and a twin room. For solo travellers and couples the Amba Line Rooms are great for comfortable privacy. 

One of the great things about staying here is the opportunity to meet and spend time with the local people whose livelihoods AMBA supports. Your food will be prepared by staff in your house and eaten communally. Fresh, vegetarian and straight from the fields around you, it is a definite highlight.  
 
We recommend staying at least two nights at AMBA to enjoy the hiking, sunsets and waterfall swims on offer. As well as exploring a less visited part of Sri Lanka we think this stay will leave you with a deeper understanding of the people working hard to preserve it for the future. We think everyone will love the community atmosphere and families will enjoy the space to run around and explore nature.