Amba Estate Farmstay
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About
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#2 of 50 B&Bs in EllaLocation
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Amba Estate is a working organic farm in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. The farm is approximately 30 minutes drive from Ella, perched in a small valley above the Ravana-Ella Waterfalls, with views of Ella Rock and Lipton Seat. We produce a range of artisanal teas, coffees, spices and preserves, and we work with the local community to support a variety of educational, economic and environmental initiatives. The old estate farmhouse, the original estate line-rooms (tea-workers’ quarters) and 2 neighbouring bungalows are now operated as a full-service guest-house, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about organic farming and artisanal tea-making, and enjoy our little corner of paradise. Built 100 years ago by one of the first local families to develop their own tea estate, the bungalow has 4 double guest bedrooms, as well as a small study, where we can set up 2 extra single beds. There are two shared bathrooms. The line-rooms have 3 double or twin rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. Clove Tree House, a 1930s planter’s bungalow about 200 metres from the Amba farmhouse, has 1 family suite, 1 double room and 1 twin room, all with ensuite bathrooms. Clove Tree Cottage, a newer annex to Clove Tree House, has 1 family suite and 1 triple room, both with ensuite bathrooms. All the houses have their own kitchens, living and dining areas, and spectacular views across the valley. For larger groups looking for the ideal place for a group retreat, we can also make arrangements with a couple of nearby guesthouses - offering up to 25 rooms in total. Meals are eaten together, and food is mainly vegetarian, using as much of our own organic produce as possible (including of course our famous Amba tea and coffee!). We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and can also prepare picnics for excursions. Guests can also enjoy snacks throughout the day at the newly-opened Amba café. We are not licenced, but guests are welcome to bring their own beer, wine and spirits. We recommend staying at least 2 nights so that you have time to enjoy the excellent hikes and stunning sunsets and sunrises in the valley. There are a variety of hiking trails in and around the valley, including gentle walks around the estate and more strenuous climbs - up Ella Rock or St Catherine's Mount, or down to the secret pools atop the waterfall or through our own mini forest reserve. The valley is home to a wide variety of birdlife and wildlife, including deer, wild boar, mongoose, porcupine, peacocks, kingfishers and much more. We also have several bikes, binoculars, badminton, boules, and a big selection of books and board-games that guests are free to use. If you want to explore, there are number of lovely spots just a short drive away: spectacular views at Lipton Seat and Pilkington Point, the monolithic Buddha statues at Buduruwagala, and the wild elephant pools at the top of Diyaluma Falls. Arugam Bay, Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains are all within 2-3 hours drive. Please note: we also offer public tours of our organic farm and our artisanal tea and coffee production every day at 11am. The tour itself is free, and you can also do an optional tasting after the tour for Rs.600 per person.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Yoga room
Pool / beach towels
Free breakfast
Badminton
Bicycles available
Books, DVDs, music for children
Indoor play area for children
Secured parking
Swimming pool toys
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Game room
Hiking
Patio
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
First aid kit
Laundry service
Room features
Interconnected rooms available
Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Sinhala and 1 more
Location
Ambadandegama, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Getting there
Castlereigh Reservoir Water Airport
52.4 km•
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Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
61 km•
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189 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
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I stayed here for 2 nights as part of a G Adventures tour of Sri Lanka. We stayed in the new rooms that had ensuite bathrooms. These rooms area lovely with 4 poster beds.
This estate is just beautiful with lots of tea bushes and groomed walkways where you can walk and enjoy the country side. The food was excellent even though it was vegetarian. We had breakfast and dinner at the estate.
We also enjoyed the tea tasting as well and learned a lot about artisan tea.
This estate is just beautiful with lots of tea bushes and groomed walkways where you can walk and enjoy the country side. The food was excellent even though it was vegetarian. We had breakfast and dinner at the estate.
We also enjoyed the tea tasting as well and learned a lot about artisan tea.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I recently visited Amba for the second time to celebrate my 50th birthday. I chose it not only because of the stunning location, but because of the food I had previously experienced. I brought 12 friends along with me and each and every one of them were wowed by the scenery, hospitality and food. And are planning to return. We rented the Clove Tree House and Cottage Cottage which are incredibly comfortable and cosy to simply hang around. And Simon, John, Cindy and the crew are superstar hosts. Whether it be from the initial booking to waving goodbye they were always exceptionally welcoming, thoughtful and accommodating. Can not wait to return for a third time.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
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Service
Room Tip:Â If a small group or with children book Clove Tree House. If a couple or a group of couples, book...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My first visit to Amba estate was in 2011. Since then, my mother and I have been back to stay three times. We have seen the place transformed: the original smallish bungalow converted into a cosy homestay; the Art Deco Clove Tree bungalow and separate annex a short walk away also converted with guest accommodation and sitting/dining areas; a bright, airy new cafe and shop; and the line rooms next door also converted to guest rooms. We celebrated Christmas 2018 with friends at Amba, staying in the old bungalow. This time we saw the New Year in staying at Clove Tree cottage, sitting on the covered verandah facing Ella Rock late into the night. The setting is breathtakingly sylvan and peaceful, quite in contrast to the tourist tat and clutter of Ella town on the other side of Ella Rock. Here you get a combination of tea estate ambience and hill-country Sinhala village life. There are lovely walks all around. Climb up to Ella Rock and walk along the railway track to Ella station on the other side. Go up to Eagle Rock, only 15 to 20 minutes from the bungalows, to see the sunrise or sunset. The estate's dogs will keep you company on the way up and down. The staff make you feel at home and cook healthy, tasty village food, with spiciness toned down to suit non Sri Lankan palates. If they are around, Simon and John, the owners, will take you on walks around the estate, instruct you on the art of tea drinking, and generally keep you entertained with civilized conversation. Finally, for all you get here, the prices are very reasonable. I hope to be back later this year.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My boyfriend and I visited here with a group as part of a G Adventures tour and it was one of our favourite spots in our three week Sri Lankan visit. The food here was so so so delicious. All vegetarian and Sri Lankan style. The breakfasts are also yummy with all home made jams and marmalades. The estate is about an hour outside of Ella so would recommend staying here before/after going to Ella. The staff are wonderful and the tea tour was very informative. We also had a cooking lesson which was excellent. Also the doggies are super friendly. Very comfortable beds too.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely excellent stay. Stayed at Clove tree house which is gorgeous, lovely room and bathroom. Breakfast and dinner were delicious. Every dinner was different during my time, if you like a bit of spice just ask and they will kindly prepare some chilli paste. You eat with other guests which is fine. The staff are extremely helpful and kind. Great place to switch off, go for walks, relax and drink lots of tea!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the most special traveling experiences I’ve ever had. The people here are so kind and welcoming, the food was the best we’ve had on the island (everything is grown & homemade at the property), the estate is surrounded by lots of great hikes and swimming holes, and the tea tour was very interesting. Could not recommend this place more!
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SIMON BELL, Owner at Amba Estate Farmstay
Responded 28 Nov 2021
Thank you! It's wonderful to have guests back again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The owners and management of the Amba estate have created a wonderful experience for guests to discover the Ella area and how Tea can be made sustainably to support the local community. Emphasis is placed on reinvestment in the local community and the staff are all consistently friendly and helpful. Hopefully this is a genuine reflection of the ethos of Amba. The tour of the tea making process is not to be missed giving the history of tea through to the economics of its production today and social consequences. This is before we get to the local hikes with handy maps and the delicious meals prepared by the staff with food organically grown on the farm itself and the tea tasting. Would recommend those coming to Sri Lanka to definitely experience Amba.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Requested the farm stay organise our transfer from the Heel Oya train station and to our next...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Small scale non industrial tea production of very high quality teas. Super informative tea tour and the "factory" is just next to the cottages - but you would know it. If you have seen a large scale tea production and heard or seen about the pay and conditions, then this is the antithesis. The farm is a social enterprise. We stayed in a large cottage and had fantastic local produce cooked for us 3 times a day (lunch was extra but well worth it). Its a short walk to the river where you can bath in rock pools and small waterfalls.
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Date of stay: March 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a 2 night stay at Amba Estate as part of a G Adventures tour and it was amazing place. The rooms at the homestay were really comfortable and had everything you would need.
The estate is beautiful and has a number of trails you can follow and they are also able to help organise excursions.
The best thing about Amba Estate is the staff, they were all amazing and couldn't do enough, I was made to feel so comfortable there that it was more like being a part of the family.
The food was delicious and there was soooo much of it. Would definitely visit again.
The estate is beautiful and has a number of trails you can follow and they are also able to help organise excursions.
The best thing about Amba Estate is the staff, they were all amazing and couldn't do enough, I was made to feel so comfortable there that it was more like being a part of the family.
The food was delicious and there was soooo much of it. Would definitely visit again.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SIMON BELL, Owner at Amba Estate Farmstay
Responded 27 Sept 2023
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We are incredibly lucky to be located in such an idyllic spot and supported by such a dedicated team and community. Please do come and visit again, and please tell all friends and family to come and enjoy our little corner of paradise!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have stayed for 3 nights in clove cottage. We have loved it. You are around 40 minutes from Ella, so you’ll have to eat at the estate. A real punishment, every morning fresh fruit, homemade jam, chutney, pancakes or eggs. And for lunch a light curry. In the evening different curries with rice and deserts. The best coffee you’ve had in Sri Lanka.
The cottage is great with a wonderful view. You’ll get info about walking trips.
But the best off all is the staff!!! What a kind and loving people!
Worth going back.
The cottage is great with a wonderful view. You’ll get info about walking trips.
But the best off all is the staff!!! What a kind and loving people!
Worth going back.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Sorry for slow reply, only just saw the question in my inbox. Use this web site to obtain a phone number and email address. Simon will be very helpful. amba estate . com. There is a bit of building going on as far as I know, and an equally nice alternate venue a couple of hundred meters away is available, though the building may well be finished by the time of your trip in January, so you may have the new facilities and extra accommodation to choose from. Regards,
Hi, we do not have safes in the rooms. as a community-based enterprise, security is really not an issue. however, if you are travelling with some particularly valuable items, we can always keep them in the safe in the farm office. hope that helps, Simon
Hi, we are very busy in late July, but please email us at and we will check. we are not allowed to give email addresses on tripadvisor, but google ambaestate and you'll find the email address! Thanks, Simon
"There are leeches on the trails, and special socks are provided if leeches are a concern. Advice is provided about dealing with leeches"Read full review
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LOCATION
Sri LankaUva ProvinceElla
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amba Estate Farmstay
Which popular attractions are close to Amba Estate Farmstay?
Nearby attractions include Honey Bee Garden (4.4 km), R. M. S Antique And Brassware (4.8 km), and A Lanka Tours (7.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Amba Estate Farmstay?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Amba Estate Farmstay?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Amba Estate Farmstay?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Amba Estate Farmstay?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Barn By Starbeans, Cafe Chill, and AK Ristoro.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Amba Estate Farmstay?
Yes, guests have access to a yoga room during their stay.
Are pets allowed at Amba Estate Farmstay?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Amba Estate Farmstay?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Tamil, and Sinhala.
Are there any historical sites close to Amba Estate Farmstay?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Lipton’s Seat (7.5 km) and Ella tuk tuk (5.7 km).
Does Amba Estate Farmstay have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.