Budget — Ella

Ella is one of the cheapest stops in Sri Lanka — that's largely what has made it so popular with European and Israeli backpackers for fifteen years. A baseline of €40 per person per day covers a double room in a decent guesthouse, three backpacker-restaurant meals, tuk-tuk transport and one guided hike.

Accommodation covers every band. Bed in a backpacker hostel dorm (Ella Backpackers Hostel, Beauty Mount Hostel): £7-13 per night. Double room in family guesthouse (Sun Top Inn, Vista Cottage, Ella Flower Garden Resort): £22-45/night with breakfast. High-end boutique hotel with panoramic view (98 Acres Resort, Mountain Heavens): £130-220/night — the exceptional experience if budget allows, with infinity pools facing Ella Gap. Luxury resort (Ella Jungle Resort, Forest Glen): £170-350/night.

Dining is very affordable. Rice-and-curry in a local canteen (Matey Hut, Curd Shop): £1.70-3.50 per person. Meal in a tourist restaurant (Cafe Chill, Dream Cafe, AK Ristoro): £5-10/person for pizzas, burgers, international dishes. Gastronomic dinner at 98 Acres Resort restaurant: £22-35/person. Lion beer: £1.30-2.20 in restaurants, £0.85 in neighbourhood shops.

Activities are free or cheap: Little Adam's Peak hike free, Ella Rock 1,500-2,500 LKR (£4-7) for a local guide (recommended), Nine Arches Bridge free. Ravana Falls free. Sri Lankan cooking class: £22-35/person for a half-day including market and meal.

Transport: tuk-tuk to Nine Arches Bridge 300-500 LKR (£0.85-1.30) one way, tuk-tuk to Ravana Falls 1,000 LKR (£2.70) round trip. Ella-Kandy train 1,500 LKR in 1st class (£4), Ella-Galle 5-6 hours for 800 LKR (£2), Ella-Tissamaharama (for Yala) bus 200 LKR (£0.50) in 3 hours.