Reviving a pleasant reverie ... Ella Adventure Park, Off Bandarawella, Sri Lanka !

This is a review I did of Ella for 'TripAdvisor', soon after my memorable week-long stay there.

Across the Ella-Wellaweya road, the park stretches over another 38 acres.

Here there are also eco lodges, jungle cabins and camp sites in the valley below, a 20-minute trek through jungle. Just after checking in, a late lunch was quickly put together for us - even though it was then close to tea-time.

Soon after we were taken in a 4x4 to the closest drop-off point, from where we trekked into the forest, with our knowledgeable guide Bandulla. The resort we saw after the brisk trek was straight out of my dream ! The last approach to the resort was after you cross a hanging rope bridge.

With no electricity and almost nothing mechanical, it was back to the basics (literally) !

I enjoyed the experience to the core. And, I sure would go back again. Hope it stays unchanged.

The rooms were all spacious and comfortably rustic. And there was a forest stream gurgling just behind where we stayed. It was beyond serene and beautiful. We never had any insect problems, though I'm not scared of the insects. I am also not scared of the dark, so it was not an issue.

Only kerosene lanterns were provided after sunset for lighting.

Food was typically local. Though not luxurious, it was not bad either.

The best part was the staff were very hospitable and many times, they went out of their way to make sure we were satisfied.

Honestly, I can't think of anything that I didn't quite like about that place.

• Stayed July 2006, travelled as a couple.

Location :

Ella lies in one of the most scenic parts of the hill country, on the road south from Nuwara Eliya, and relatively close to the lesser-known hill station of Bandarawela.

This eco-friendly park nestles on the banks of Kirindi River, six miles to the south of Ella village, and is at peace with a breathtaking terrain of tropical rain forest, majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls.