
Hotels and villas
Our team makes it easier to choose where to stay in Sri Lanka. We hand-pick hotels for consistent quality and reliable service, and group them by area: beach hotels, hill-country resorts, wildlife stays and more. You can also choose by style, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to camping, glamping and places that suit a careful budget.

Hotels in Colombo
Colombo is usually a one- or two-night stop, so the right hotel depends on what you want from those nights. Pick the seafront around Galle Face if you want to walk to Fort and Pettah. Pick Colombo 7 for quiet streets and a smaller house. Pick Mount Lavinia if you would rather wake up by the beach and drive in. The main areas Galle Face, Fort and Slave Island Most of the big international hotels sit along the seafront between Fort and Galle Face Green: Shangri-La, The Kingsbury, Hilton, Taj Samudra and the Galle Face Hotel, which has been on its site since the 1860s. Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon Lakeside are a few minutes inland, the second on Beira Lake. Fairway Colombo is a smaller mid-range option next to the Dutch Hospital. This is the easiest base for a first visit: Fort, Pettah and the Galle Face promenade are all close. Kollupitiya, Colombo 7 and the old residential streets A little south and inland, Cinnamon Red and the high-rise Mövenpick sit near Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park. Further in, Colombo 7 is the leafy part of town. Here you will find Tintagel, a former Bandaranaike family residence, the 11-suite Residence by Uga Escapes in a Victorian townhouse, Jetwing Colombo Seven, and Black Cat Cafe and Stay, the simplest and cheapest room on our list. Bambalapitiya and Wellawatte Down Galle Road the hotels get more practical. Mandarina, Ocean Edge Suites and Platinum One Suites all offer larger rooms or full apartments, which suits families and longer stays. OZO Colombo has a rooftop pool and is a short walk from Wellawatte beach. Mount Lavinia About 12 km south of Fort, the Mount Lavinia Hotel is a colonial-era beach hotel with a long history. Siddhalepa's Anarva nearby is a smaller Ayurveda-focused stay. At a glance Hotel Area Style Galle Face Hotel Galle Face Heritage luxury, sea-facing Shangri-La / Kingsbury / Hilton Fort and Galle Face International luxury Cinnamon Grand / Lakeside / Taj Samudra Galle Face and Beira Lake Large five-star Fairway Colombo Fort Mid-range Cinnamon Red / Mövenpick Kollupitiya Modern mid-range and luxury Tintagel / Residence by Uga Colombo 7 and Union Place Boutique Jetwing Colombo Seven Colombo 7 Mid-range Black Cat Cafe and Stay Colombo 7 Budget Mandarina / Ocean Edge / Platinum One Bambalapitiya Suites and apartments OZO Colombo Wellawatte Mid-range Best Western Elyon South-east of the centre Mid-range Mount Lavinia Hotel / Anarva Mount Lavinia Beach and Ayurveda Which to choose For a short stopover with sightseeing, stay near Galle Face. For a quieter, more personal stay, look at Colombo 7. Families who need space do better with the suite hotels on Galle Road. If you land late and fly out early, remember the airport is about 32 km north, which is 30 to 60 minutes by expressway. Read our Colombo travel guide for what to see, or browse things to do in Colombo. If you would rather stay near the airport, see hotels in Negombo. Quick picks Couples: Tintagel or Residence by Uga Escapes for a quiet, personal stay Families: Platinum One Suites or Ocean Edge Suites for space and kitchens Business: Hilton, Shangri-La or The Kingsbury, close to the World Trade Centre On a budget: Black Cat Cafe and Stay, or Fairway Colombo for mid-range comfort in Fort
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Hotels in Kandy
Kandy is small, but its traffic is not. Staying in town means you can walk to the lake and the Temple of the Tooth. Staying in the hills means better views and quieter nights, but a drive every time you go in. Many of our Kandy hotels fall into one of those two camps, with a handful of country estates further out. In town, by the lake Queen's Hotel faces the temple and is one of the oldest hotels in the country. Hotel Suisse sits on the lake in a building with a colonial past. The Radh, a 30-room boutique hotel, is right in the centre. OZO Kandy, Kandy City Hotel and Heaven Seven are simpler mid-range choices within walking distance of the lake. These suit anyone who wants to see the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth without a car. On the hills around the city Most of the bigger hotels look down on Kandy from the ridges. Amaya Hills, Hotel Topaz, Thilanka, the Grand Kandyan and Oak Ray Regency all have views across the valley and pools to come back to. Cinnamon Citadel sits on the Mahaweli River on the edge of town, and Earl's Regency and The Golden Crown are further east among paddy fields and hills. The Secret Kandy and The Elephant Stables are small boutique houses in former private homes, the first once owned by the lawyer and thinker Siddi Lebbe. Out of town Hotel Tree of Life is a colonial estate house in Yahalatenna, surrounded by tea. The Hermitage, a boutique villa, and Victoria Golf and Country Resort, with its 18-hole course, are both east of Kandy near the Victoria reservoir and the Knuckles range. These are for slower stays, not for a quick temple visit. At a glance Hotel Area Style Queen's Hotel Town centre Heritage mid-range Hotel Suisse Kandy Lake Heritage mid-range The Radh Town centre Boutique OZO Kandy / Kandy City Hotel / Heaven Seven Town and lake Mid-range Amaya Hills / Grand Kandyan / Earl's Regency / Golden Crown Hills around the city Luxury Cinnamon Citadel Mahaweli River Luxury Hotel Topaz / Thilanka / Oak Ray Regency Hills around the city Mid-range The Secret Kandy / Elephant Stables Hills above town Boutique Hotel Tree of Life Yahalatenna Estate, mid-range The Hermitage / Victoria Golf Victoria reservoir Boutique and golf resort When to book early Rooms fill months ahead during the Esala Perahera, usually in July or August. If you plan to see the Peradeniya gardens as well, the hotels on the west side save some driving. See our Kandy guide or browse things to do in Kandy. Quick picks No car needed: Queen's Hotel, Hotel Suisse or The Radh, all walkable to the lake Views and a pool: Amaya Hills, the Grand Kandyan or Hotel Topaz Something different: The Elephant Stables, The Secret Kandy or Hotel Tree of Life Golf: Victoria Golf and Country Resort Getting there Kandy is about 115 km from Colombo, around three to three and a half hours by road. Sigiriya is roughly two and a half hours north.
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Hotels in Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura's ruins spread over a wide area, and most visitors see them by car, tuk-tuk or bicycle over one long day. Where you sleep matters less than how early you start. Even so, the four hotels we work with here are quite different from one another. Close to the sacred city The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa looks out over the Nuwarawewa reservoir and is about 5 km from Isurumuniya. It is a good choice if you want to be near the sites and see the water at sunset. Rajarata Hotel, on two acres with around 100 rooms, is also close to the main sites and is the practical pick for groups. Further out, with more space Forest Rock Garden is a four-star hotel set on 50 acres of ponds, boulders and waterways, with design taken from local temples and monasteries. Ulagalla by Uga Escapes is the most luxurious option: a five-star resort on 58 acres of paddy fields and orchards, with private villas and a pool some way outside the city. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa Nuwarawewa reservoir Mid-range Rajarata Hotel Near the sacred city Mid-range Forest Rock Garden Outside the city Boutique, four-star Ulagalla by Uga Escapes Rural, outside the city Five-star boutique Planning your visit Start early. The Sri Maha Bodhi and the great stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya are active places of worship, so wear white or light clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and expect to walk barefoot on hot stone. Mihintale, a short drive east, is best climbed in the early morning or late afternoon. Read our Anuradhapura guide or see things to do in Anuradhapura. Quick picks Closest to the sites: The Lakeside at Nuwarawewa or Rajarata Hotel A special stay: Ulagalla by Uga Escapes Nature and space: Forest Rock Garden How long to stay One full day covers the main sites of the sacred city. Add a second if you want Mihintale and the Aukana Buddha, or a slower pace with a rest in the heat of the afternoon. Anuradhapura also works as a base for a long day at Wilpattu National Park.
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Hotels in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is compact and flat, and its ruins are easy to cover by bicycle. Most of its hotels sit on the shores of Parakrama Samudra, the great reservoir built by King Parakramabahu, so you can see the water from almost anywhere you stay. On Parakrama Samudra EKHO Lake House is the most characterful choice: a 14-room boutique hotel built in 1870 as a circuit bungalow for British government agents, with a pool on the lake's edge. Hotel Sudu Araliya, a four-star hotel close by, has more rooms and suites and suits families and groups. Ruins Chaaya overlooks green paddy fields and gives easy access to the ancient city. At Giritale The Deer Park Hotel is a short drive north-west, on Giritale lake, with more than 80 villas spread through its grounds. It is quieter, and well placed for afternoon safaris at Minneriya as well as for the ruins. At a glance Hotel Area Style EKHO Lake House Parakrama Samudra Boutique, heritage Hotel Sudu Araliya Parakrama Samudra Mid-range, four-star Ruins Chaaya Edge of the town Mid-range The Deer Park Hotel Giritale Luxury villas Making the most of it One full day is enough for the Quadrangle and Vatadage and the Gal Vihara carvings. The site is hot and exposed by late morning, so begin at opening time, rest at the hotel in the afternoon, and use the evening for a lake walk or a safari. Polonnaruwa is roughly an hour from Habarana and a little more from Sigiriya, so you can also stay there and visit on a day trip. More in our Polonnaruwa guide. Quick picks Character: EKHO Lake House, in an 1870 circuit bungalow Families and groups: Hotel Sudu Araliya or The Deer Park Hotel Easy access to the ruins: Ruins Chaaya Getting around The ancient city is flat and the main sites are a few kilometres apart, so many visitors hire bicycles. A driver is better in the midday heat or if you are travelling with children. Your ticket covers the museum and the main monument groups.
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Hotels in Habarana
Habarana is a junction town, and that is its strength. Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and the elephant parks at Minneriya and Kaudulla are all within about an hour, so it works well as a three- or four-night base for the Cultural Triangle. The hotels Cinnamon Lodge is the most established, a five-star resort set among mature trees with its own organic farm and butterfly garden. Birdwatchers like it: the hotel counts around 130 species in its grounds. Next door, Habarana Village by Cinnamon is a quieter four-star option with cabanas set in forest. Sorowwa Resort and Spa sits in the village itself, with a pool and simple, comfortable rooms. Pinthaliya Resort and Spa is a short drive south towards Sigiriya and has a spa offering Ayurveda treatments. At a glance Hotel Area Style Cinnamon Lodge Habarana lake Five-star, nature resort Habarana Village by Cinnamon Habarana lake Mid-range, four-star Sorowwa Resort and Spa Habarana village Mid-range Pinthaliya Resort and Spa Towards Sigiriya Mid-range, Ayurveda Who it suits Habarana is ideal if you want one hotel for several days of sightseeing and safaris without packing up each morning. It is less suited to anyone who wants restaurants and nightlife; evenings here are quiet. If you would rather wake up with Sigiriya rock in view, look at hotels in Sigiriya instead. Timing safaris The elephant gathering at Minneriya usually builds from about July, peaking in August and September. From roughly October, herds often move towards Kaudulla. Your driver or hotel will know which park is better that week. See our Habarana guide or things to do around Habarana. Quick picks Birdwatchers: Cinnamon Lodge Quiet and good value: Habarana Village by Cinnamon In the village: Sorowwa Resort and Spa Spa treatments: Pinthaliya Resort and Spa Getting there Habarana is roughly four hours by road from Colombo. Trincomalee and the east coast beaches are about two hours further east, which makes Habarana a good last stop before a beach week from May to September.
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Hotels in Sigiriya
Staying in Sigiriya means you can be at the gate when it opens, before the heat and the tour buses. The hotels are spread across a few kilometres of farmland and forest around the rock, so think about whether you want a rock view, a quiet nature setting or simply good value. Close to the rock Hotel Sigiriya is the closest on our list, near enough that you can see the rock from the pool. Sigiriya Village, with about 120 cottages, is a short drive away with the rock as its backdrop. Both make sense for an early climb of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala at sunrise. Luxury in a natural setting Jetwing Vil Uyana is built around a man-made wetland, with villas over the water and among paddy fields; its name means "garden of lakes". Sigiriya Jungles and Aliya Resort and Spa are both set in forest and farmland with views back to the rock. Mid-range and wellness Camellia Resort and Spa, Oak Ray Elephant Lake and Fresco Water Villa are comfortable mid-range hotels within about 15 minutes of the rock. Kaveri Ayurveda Resort has 18 rooms and a well-regarded Ayurveda spa, and is family-friendly. At a glance Hotel Area Style Jetwing Vil Uyana South of the rock Luxury boutique Sigiriya Jungles / Aliya Around Sigiriya Luxury Hotel Sigiriya Next to the rock Mid-range Sigiriya Village Below the rock Mid-range, cottages Camellia / Oak Ray Elephant Lake / Fresco Water Villa Around Sigiriya Mid-range Kaveri Ayurveda Resort Sigiriya Ayurveda and wellness Plan around the heat The climb is about 1,200 steps, and most of it is exposed. Go at opening time or in the late afternoon, and bring water. Dambulla's cave temples are about 30 minutes away, and the Minneriya and Kaudulla elephant parks are also within easy reach. Read our Sigiriya guide, or compare with hotels in Dambulla. Quick picks A view of the rock: Hotel Sigiriya or Sigiriya Village Honeymoons: Jetwing Vil Uyana Wellness: Kaveri Ayurveda Resort Value: Camellia Resort or Oak Ray Elephant Lake
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Hotels in Dickwella
Dickwella sits on the far south coast, roughly three hours from Colombo by expressway. It has two moods: the small horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya, which is all surf boards and cafes, and the calmer beaches around Dickwella town, where you can swim and do very little. Choose your hotel by which of those you want. For surfers: Hiriketiya Villa Hiriketiya is a simple, affordable resort about 50 metres from the beach. It is the obvious base if you plan to surf at Hiriketiya every day and eat out in the evenings. For a quiet beach stay Dikwella Resort and Spa is a mid-range resort aimed at families, with the reef close enough for snorkelling. Soul Resorts Dickwella is a smaller mid-range boutique hotel on an uncrowded stretch of sand. UTMT, Under the Mango Tree, is the most individual of the four: a chic beachfront hotel with a club-like feel and a programme of activities for guests. At a glance Hotel Area Style Villa Hiriketiya Hiriketiya Budget, surf Dikwella Resort and Spa Dickwella beach Mid-range, family Soul Resorts Dickwella West of Dickwella Mid-range boutique UTMT, Under the Mango Tree Dickwella coast Boutique Seasons and nearby sights The south coast is at its best from about November to April, when the sea is calmer. Within a short drive you can see the Hummanaya blowhole, the Weherahena temple, and the beaches of Tangalle to the east and Mirissa to the west. See our Dickwella guide and things to do in Dickwella, or look further east at hotels in Tangalle. Quick picks Surfers: Villa Hiriketiya Families: Dikwella Resort and Spa Couples: Soul Resorts or UTMT Getting there and around The Southern Expressway runs close to Dickwella, which makes the drive from Colombo or the airport straightforward. Tuk-tuks link the beaches, and Mirissa's whale-watching boats are about 40 minutes west. Matara, the nearest large town, has banks, shops and the railway station.
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Hotels in Dambulla
Dambulla is a market town on the main road north, best known for its cave temples. It is also about 30 minutes from Sigiriya, so many travellers use it as a base for both. All four of our Dambulla hotels are in the luxury bracket, but they feel very different. On Kandalama reservoir Heritance Kandalama, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, is built into a cliff above the Kandalama reservoir and is wrapped in forest, with Sigiriya visible in the distance. It is a destination in itself for anyone interested in architecture. Amaya Lake, nearby on the same water, is a resort of chalets and villas set across about 50 acres, with an eco-friendly approach. Closer to town Jetwing Lake is a modern five-star hotel overlooking an old reservoir, with a strong focus on sustainability. The Paradise Resort and Spa has 65 rooms and suites furnished in teak, and is the most convenient for the cave temples. At a glance Hotel Area Style Heritance Kandalama Kandalama reservoir Five-star, Bawa design Amaya Lake Kandalama reservoir Luxury, eco resort Jetwing Lake West of Dambulla Five-star The Paradise Resort and Spa Dambulla Luxury Making the most of a stay Visit the cave temples early or late in the day; the climb to the caves is steep and exposed, and shoulders and knees must be covered. A sunrise hot air balloon flight is also possible in season. The ancient image house at Nalanda Gedige is a quiet stop on the road south towards Kandy. Read our Dambulla guide, or compare with hotels in Sigiriya. Quick picks Architecture lovers: Heritance Kandalama Nature and space: Amaya Lake Close to the caves: The Paradise Resort and Spa Modern and sustainable: Jetwing Lake Dambulla or Sigiriya? They are close enough that it rarely matters for sightseeing. Choose Dambulla for the Kandalama hotels and an easy start towards Kandy; choose Sigiriya if you want to climb the rock at opening time.
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Hotels in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is a long, thin peninsula on the north-west coast, around three to four hours from Colombo. People come here for two things: wind and dolphins. The hotels are small and spread out along the sand, so this is a place to settle in rather than move around. The hotels Bar Reef Resort and Palagama Beach Resort share a 2 km stretch of beach backed by scrub and mangroves. Both are four-star resorts that welcome families and groups; Palagama was designed by the engineer and architect Cecil Balmond. Dolphin Beach Resort is a smaller eco-friendly three-star option on the same coast. Villa Santé, further north, is a boutique beachfront hotel and the most polished of the four. At a glance Hotel Area Style Bar Reef Resort Kalpitiya beach Mid-range, four-star Palagama Beach Resort Kalpitiya beach Mid-range boutique, four-star Dolphin Beach Resort Kalpitiya coast Eco-friendly, three-star Villa Santé North Kalpitiya Boutique When to go Kalpitiya has two windy seasons for kite surfing: a stronger one from about mid-May to mid-October, and a gentler one from about mid-December to mid-March. Dolphin watching runs from roughly November to April, when the sea is calm; boats usually stop in the windy months. December to March is the overlap if you want both. Getting here The drive north passes Negombo, Chilaw and the Puttalam lagoon. Wilpattu National Park is close enough for a day safari from Kalpitiya. See our Kalpitiya guide or things to do in Kalpitiya. Quick picks Families and groups: Bar Reef Resort or Palagama Beach Resort A light footprint: Dolphin Beach Resort Couples: Villa Santé Good to know Kalpitiya is remote, and resorts are spread out, so most meals are taken at your hotel. Bring cash; ATMs are limited outside Kalpitiya town. Many kite schools are attached to hotels, and lessons can be booked on arrival.
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Hotels in Negombo
Negombo is the closest beach town to Bandaranaike International Airport, about 10 km or 20 to 30 minutes by road. That makes it the natural choice for your first or last night in Sri Lanka. The beach is long and wide, and the hotels line up along it north of the town. On the main beach Jetwing Blue is a 120-room beachfront hotel with a contemporary design and a long pool facing the sea. Heritance Negombo, a short way along, is a modern five-star hotel with an outdoor pool and spa. Goldi Sands Hotel is a four-star, better-value option on the same strip, with a pool and access to water sports. Away from the strip Arie Lagoon sits between the ocean and the lagoon, about half an hour from the airport, and is quieter than the main beach. Suriya Luxury Resorts is further north at Waikkal, a secluded five-star resort for those who want a proper rest rather than a transit stop. At a glance Hotel Area Style Jetwing Blue Negombo beach Luxury Heritance Negombo Negombo beach Luxury Goldi Sands Hotel Negombo beach Mid-range, four-star Arie Lagoon Between lagoon and sea Mid-range Suriya Luxury Resorts Waikkal Luxury, secluded Things to do Even one afternoon is enough for the fish market and a boat ride on the Negombo lagoon and its mangroves. St Mary's Church and the old Dutch fort are in the town. The sea is best for swimming from about November to April. Read our Negombo guide, or if you need the city instead, see hotels in Colombo. Quick picks Last night before a flight: Goldi Sands or Arie Lagoon, both close to the airport road Beach and pool: Jetwing Blue or Heritance Negombo A proper rest: Suriya Luxury Resorts at Waikkal Negombo or Colombo? Choose Negombo if you land late, fly early or simply want a beach. Choose Colombo if you want restaurants, shopping and the city's sights; it is about 30 to 60 minutes from the airport.
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Hotels in Wadduwa
Wadduwa is the first real beach stop south of Colombo, about an hour away by road. Its hotels sit along a quiet stretch of palm-lined coast with few shops or bars, which is exactly why people choose it. It suits a short break from the city, a first beach night after arriving, or a week of Ayurveda. The hotels The Blue Water is a five-star hotel originally designed by Geoffrey Bawa, with the open plan and long views that mark his work. Taprobana Wadduwa, next door, is a cheerful, colourful luxury hotel that works well for couples and families. Reef Villa and Spa is a small all-suite boutique hotel in a tropical garden with about 65 metres of beachfront and a colonial feel: four-poster beds, high ceilings and teak. Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort spreads over seven acres of trees and medicinal plants and is run by a long-established Ayurveda company; it offers treatment programmes as well as simple beach stays. Oak Ray Haridra Beach Resort is a smaller mid-range hotel on an uncrowded part of the beach. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Blue Water Wadduwa beach Luxury, Bawa design Taprobana Wadduwa Wadduwa beach Luxury, family-friendly Reef Villa and Spa Wadduwa beach Boutique, all-suite Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort Wadduwa Ayurveda, mid-range Oak Ray Haridra Wadduwa beach Mid-range Before you book The west coast is at its best from about November to April. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas, and swimming is often unsafe. Kalutara, with its white dagoba, is a short drive south. See our Wadduwa guide, try an Ayurveda spa day, or compare with hotels in Kalutara. Quick picks Design and calm: The Blue Water Families: Taprobana Wadduwa Couples: Reef Villa and Spa Ayurveda: Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort Getting there Wadduwa is about an hour south of Colombo by road, and roughly an hour and a half from the airport. The coastal railway also stops here, if you prefer the train.
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Hotels in Kalutara
Kalutara stands where the Kalu Ganga meets the sea, about an hour and a half south of the airport. Its hotels fall into two groups: the luxury resorts on the narrow spit between river and ocean, and the larger beach hotels strung out to the north towards Waskaduwa. Between river and sea Anantara Kalutara and Avani Kalutara both sit on the spit at the river mouth, with water on two sides. Anantara is the more luxurious, with views across the estuary; Avani has big gardens and a mix of Sri Lankan and modern design. Both suit couples who want a resort with plenty to do on site. Along the beach to the north Turyaa Kalutara has 199 rooms, suites and cabanas on six acres of oceanfront. Citrus Waskaduwa, with 150 rooms, faces a broad, quiet beach. Tangerine Beach Hotel, a large mid-range hotel with mostly ocean-view rooms, and Coco Royal Beach Resort are good-value choices for families. At a glance Hotel Area Style Anantara Kalutara River mouth Luxury Avani Kalutara River mouth Luxury Turyaa Kalutara North Kalutara Luxury, large Citrus Waskaduwa Waskaduwa Luxury Tangerine Beach Hotel Kalutara beach Mid-range Coco Royal Beach Resort Kalutara beach Mid-range Around Kalutara The hollow white stupa at Kalutara Bodhiya is beside the main road and the bridge, and Richmond Castle, an Edwardian mansion, is a short drive inland. As elsewhere on the west coast, the best beach months are roughly November to April. Read our Kalutara guide, or look south at hotels in Beruwela. Quick picks Couples: Anantara Kalutara Families: Avani Kalutara, Turyaa or Tangerine Beach Hotel Quiet beach: Citrus Waskaduwa Value: Coco Royal Beach Resort Getting there Kalutara is about an hour and a half from the international airport and a little over an hour from Colombo by road, which makes it a good first or last beach stop. Bentota is about 30 minutes further south.
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Hotels in Beruwela
Beruwela is a fishing town on the south-west coast, a little north of Bentota. Its beach is long and its three hotels on our list sit close together, so the choice comes down to style rather than location. The hotels The Eden Resort and Spa is a large five-star beachfront hotel with all the facilities you would expect, and works well for families. The Palms is a mid-range beach resort on the same stretch, with comfortable rooms and suites. Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara is different: it is a dedicated Ayurveda resort, where most guests come for a structured programme with consultations, treatments and a matching diet. It is not the place for a party, but it is one of the best-known Ayurveda hotels on the coast. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Eden Resort and Spa Beruwela beach Luxury The Palms Beruwela beach Mid-range Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara Beruwela beach Ayurveda and wellness, luxury Around Beruwela Early risers can watch the catch come in at the harbour and fish market. Bevis Bawa's Brief Garden is a short drive inland, and Bentota's water sports and his brother Geoffrey's Lunuganga estate are about 15 minutes south. When to come From about November to April the sea is calmer and the skies clearer. During the south-west monsoon, roughly May to September, expect rain and rough water, though Ayurveda programmes continue all year. See our Beruwela guide, or compare with hotels in Bentota. Quick picks Families: The Eden Resort and Spa Value: The Palms Ayurveda: Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara Booking an Ayurveda stay Ayurveda programmes usually last at least a week, and many guests stay two or three. Treatments start with a consultation with the resort's doctor, and food is matched to your plan. Tell us about any medical conditions in advance so the resort can advise.
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Hotels in Bentota
Bentota is the busiest resort on the south-west coast, with a wide beach, a river and a lagoon used for water sports. It is about an hour and a half from Colombo on the expressway. The hotels range from big resorts to small villas, and several have a link to Geoffrey Bawa, who lived and worked nearby. Classic beach resorts Avani Bentota was designed by Bawa, with inspiration from an 18th-century Dutch village, and has 75 rooms. Taj Bentota is a large five-star hotel on the beach. EKHO Surf runs along a kilometre of sand and is a good choice for families. Centara Ceysands sits on a strip of land between the sea and the Bentota river and is reached by a short boat ride. Boutique and quiet Saman Villas, perched on a rocky headland south of the centre, has suites with private pools and sea views. Taru Villas Rock Villa is a small boutique retreat in a 170-year-old walauwa. Pandanus Beach Resort is further south at Induruwa, on an isolated stretch of beach. At a glance Hotel Area Style Avani Bentota Bentota beach Luxury, Bawa design Taj Bentota Bentota beach Luxury Centara Ceysands Between river and sea Luxury EKHO Surf Bentota beach Mid-range Saman Villas Headland south of Bentota Boutique, suites Taru Villas Rock Villa Bentota Boutique, heritage Pandanus Beach Resort Induruwa Mid-range, quiet What to do Water sports on the lagoon, a boat trip up the Madu or Bentota river, and a visit to Bawa's country estate at Lunuganga fill a few days easily. Go between about November and April for calm seas. See our Bentota guide or things to do in Bentota. Quick picks Design lovers: Avani Bentota Families: Taj Bentota or EKHO Surf Couples: Saman Villas or Taru Villas Rock Villa Quiet: Pandanus Beach Resort at Induruwa
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Hotels in Ahungalle
Ahungalle is a quiet beach village between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, about 75 km south of Colombo. There is not much of a town here, so most visitors stay inside their resort and head out for day trips. The hotels are large and well equipped. The hotels Heritance Ahungalla is one of Geoffrey Bawa's best-known beach hotels, with open spaces that lead out to the sea and minimal decor. RIU Sri Lanka is a big all-inclusive resort with around 500 rooms, popular with families who want everything in one place. Hotel Shinagawa Beach is a five-star beach hotel with spacious rooms. A little north, The Habitat sits on the sands of Kosgoda, known for its turtle hatcheries. At a glance Hotel Area Style Heritance Ahungalla Ahungalle beach Luxury, Bawa design RIU Sri Lanka Ahungalle beach Luxury, all-inclusive Hotel Shinagawa Beach South of Ahungalle Five-star The Habitat Kosgoda Beach resort Things to do nearby Visit a turtle hatchery at Kosgoda, then take a boat through the mangroves on the Madu river, which runs into the sea at Balapitiya. Galle Fort is under an hour south, and Bentota's water sports are about 20 minutes north. When to come The beach season runs from about November to April. In the south-west monsoon the sea is rough and red flags are common, so check with the hotel before swimming. See our Ahungalle guide, or compare with hotels in Bentota and hotels in Hikkaduwa. Quick picks Design lovers: Heritance Ahungalla Families who want everything included: RIU Sri Lanka Turtle beach: The Habitat at Kosgoda A note on the hotel list Villa Raha, which appears on this page, is a boutique villa in Colombo, not in Ahungalle. If you are looking for a city stay, see our hotels in Colombo instead. Getting there Ahungalle is just off the Galle Road, about two hours from the airport via the Southern Expressway. The coastal railway stops nearby at Ahungalle and Kosgoda, though most guests arrive by car.
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Hotels in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is the south-west coast's most sociable beach town, with surf breaks, a coral reef close to shore and plenty of bars. It is about two hours from Colombo on the expressway and 30 minutes north of Galle. The hotels Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is the liveliest, a design-led beach hotel with music and colour built into the experience; it suits couples and younger travellers. Citrus Hikkaduwa is a modern beach hotel with comfortable rooms and a quieter feel. Avenra Beach Hotel, a little south, is a mid-range option that also hosts events and weddings. At a glance Hotel Area Style Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hikkaduwa beach Luxury, lively Citrus Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa beach Mid-range Avenra Beach Hotel South Hikkaduwa Mid-range What to do Surfing is best from about November to April, when the swell is clean and the sea calm enough for beginners on the inside breaks. Snorkelling and diving are possible over the reef and on nearby wrecks in the same months. Sea turtles are often seen feeding in the shallows. In the evenings, the beach bars are the main event. Who it suits Choose Hikkaduwa if you want a beach with life around it. If you prefer quiet, look south at Unawatuna or north at Ahungalle. See our Hikkaduwa guide, or browse hotels in Galle. Quick picks Couples and night owls: Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon A quieter stay: Citrus Hikkaduwa Events and weddings: Avenra Beach Hotel Getting there The Southern Expressway gets you from Colombo in about two hours, and the coastal train stops in town. Galle Fort is about 30 minutes south by tuk-tuk, an easy half-day trip. Hikkaduwa's main beach is a short walk from all three hotels. When to come November to April is the season, with the clearest water for diving from about December to March. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rain and big, messy waves, and many dive shops close.
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Hotels in Galle
The big decision in Galle is whether to stay inside the walls of the Dutch fort or outside them. Inside, you can walk out at dawn when the lanes are empty and come back after dark. Outside, you get pools, sea views and more space, with the fort a short tuk-tuk ride away. Inside Galle Fort Amangalla is the grand old name, in a historic building with gardens and a famous verandah for high tea. Galle Fort Hotel and Fort Bazaar are smaller boutique hotels in restored merchant houses, and The Heritage Galle Fort was once a shop known as Kotuwa Kade. Le Grand is the newest and largest of the fort hotels on our list. Outside the walls Jetwing Lighthouse is a Geoffrey Bawa building on the rocks north of town, with long views over the ocean. Tamarind Hill is a colonial-style boutique house in gardens a few minutes from the fort. Amari Galle is a five-star resort further north, with a large pool facing the sea. At a glance Hotel Area Style Amangalla Inside the fort Boutique, heritage luxury Galle Fort Hotel / Fort Bazaar / The Heritage Inside the fort Boutique Le Grand Inside the fort Luxury Jetwing Lighthouse North of the fort Luxury, Bawa design Tamarind Hill Outside the fort Boutique Amari Galle North of Galle Five-star resort Who should stay where For first-timers who want history on the doorstep, stay in the fort. Families and anyone who wants a pool and a beach feel are better outside. There is no swimming beach inside the walls; Unawatuna and Jungle Beach are about 15 minutes away. Read about the Galle Fort experience, see our Galle guide, or compare with hotels in Unawatuna. Quick picks Heritage luxury: Amangalla Small and stylish: Fort Bazaar or Galle Fort Hotel Pool and ocean: Jetwing Lighthouse or Amari Galle Gardens: Tamarind Hill
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Hotels in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a sheltered bay a few kilometres east of Galle, with calm water for much of the season and a good choice of places to eat. Our hotels here are spread between the bay itself, the Rumassala headland and the quieter coast at Thalpe further east. Unawatuna and Rumassala Cantaloupe Levels is a white, contemporary boutique hotel on the Rumassala cliff, with views over the jungle, the ocean and across to Galle Fort. Calamander Unawatuna Beach is one of the most family-friendly hotels on this coast, with activities such as ocean kayaking on site. Epic Unawatuna is a boutique hotel that suits couples, families and groups of friends. Thalpe East of Unawatuna the coast gets quieter. Cantaloupe Aqua, the group's first hotel, sits on the beach at Thalpe, and Apa Villa is a colonial-style boutique house about 5 to 10 minutes' drive from Unawatuna beach. These suit people who want privacy and a pool more than a busy beach. At a glance Hotel Area Style Cantaloupe Levels Rumassala Boutique luxury Calamander Unawatuna Beach Unawatuna Mid-range, family Epic Unawatuna Unawatuna Boutique, mid-range Cantaloupe Aqua Thalpe Boutique luxury Apa Villa Thalpe Boutique villa Things to do Walk over the headland to Jungle Beach, climb to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for the view, or snorkel and dive on the reef. Galle Fort is about 15 minutes away. The best season is roughly November to April. See our Unawatuna guide, or compare with hotels in Galle. Quick picks Views: Cantaloupe Levels Families: Calamander Unawatuna Beach Groups of friends: Epic Unawatuna Privacy: Apa Villa or Cantaloupe Aqua Getting there Unawatuna is just off the Southern Expressway's Galle exit, about two hours from Colombo. Tuk-tuks run between the bay, Thalpe and Galle Fort, and most hotels can arrange a driver for day trips to Koggala and Mirissa.
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Hotels in Koggala
Koggala lies about 20 minutes east of Galle, between a long beach and a large lake dotted with islands. It is quieter than Unawatuna and has some of the most interesting boutique hotels on the south coast, set back from the sea in the hills around the lake. On the beach The Fortress Resort and Spa is a boutique luxury resort with interiors that mix colonial and modern styles. The Long Beach Resort, as its name suggests, sits on a broad stretch of sand, and is a good mid-range choice for families. Garton's Cape, a few minutes east in Ahangama, is an affordable beachfront hotel with views of both ocean and lagoon. By Koggala lake Kahanda Kanda is a set of villa suites on a hill overlooking the lake, with a strong design focus. Hotel Tri is a contemporary eco-retreat on a lakeside hill, known for its architecture and its yoga and wellness programme. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Fortress Resort and Spa Koggala beach Boutique luxury The Long Beach Resort Koggala beach Mid-range Garton's Cape Ahangama Mid-range, affordable Kahanda Kanda Koggala lake Boutique villas Hotel Tri Koggala lake Boutique, wellness What to do Take a boat on Koggala lake to visit its islands, look for the stilt fishermen along the coast road, and surf in Ahangama. Galle Fort is an easy half-day trip. The sea is calmest from about November to April. See our Koggala guide, or browse hotels in Unawatuna. Quick picks Design lovers: Kahanda Kanda or Hotel Tri Families: The Long Beach Resort Value: Garton's Cape Beach luxury: The Fortress Resort and Spa Getting there Koggala is roughly two hours from Colombo on the Southern Expressway. The coast road links it to Galle, Unawatuna and Weligama, all within half an hour or so by car or tuk-tuk.
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Hotels in Weligama
Weligama's wide, gently sloping bay is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn to surf. It is about two hours from Colombo on the expressway and 30 minutes from Galle. Most of our hotels face the bay; one sits high on a headland to the west. On the bay Weligama Bay Marriott is the big five-star resort, with spacious rooms and a long pool. Brizo, We Escape and Weligama Bay Resort are smaller mid-range hotels within walking distance of the surf schools. The Elephant Stables Weligama has only four rooms, and is the choice for a quiet boutique stay right on the beach. On the headland Cape Weligama sprawls over 12 acres on a cliff about 40 metres above the sea. Its villas and suites are among the most luxurious on the south coast, and the views across the bay are the main attraction. At a glance Hotel Area Style Weligama Bay Marriott Weligama bay Five-star Cape Weligama Headland west of the bay Boutique luxury The Elephant Stables Weligama Weligama bay Boutique, four rooms Brizo / We Escape / Weligama Bay Resort Weligama bay Mid-range What to do Surf lessons run along the beach, with soft waves for beginners. In season you can also snorkel and dive nearby, or see the tiny Taprobane Island just offshore. Mirissa, for whale watching, is about 15 minutes east. The best months are November to April. See our Weligama guide, or compare with hotels in Mirissa. Quick picks Learning to surf: Brizo, We Escape or Weligama Bay Resort Families: Weligama Bay Marriott Honeymoons: Cape Weligama Small and quiet: The Elephant Stables Weligama Getting there Weligama has its own stop on the coastal railway and is close to the Southern Expressway. Tuk-tuks are easy to find along the bay road, and surf schools rent boards by the hour.
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Hotels in Mirissa
Mirissa is a small, curved bay on the south coast, best known as the departure point for whale watching. It is about two hours from Colombo on the expressway. The hotels are small, which suits the place; you will not find large resorts here. Boutique villas Sri Sharavi Beach Villas and Spa and Ubuntu Beach Villas by Lantern are both on the eastern side of the bay, with villas and suites set in gardens. Villa Atulya at Ocean's Edge is a small, friendly villa right by the water, west of the main beach. Mid-range Number One Mirissa is a mid-range boutique hotel in colonial style, and Ballena Regency is a straightforward mid-range hotel a little further west towards Weligama. Both are good bases if you will be out at sea early. At a glance Hotel Area Style Sri Sharavi Beach Villas East Mirissa Boutique villas Ubuntu Beach Villas East Mirissa Boutique villas Villa Atulya at Ocean's Edge West Mirissa Small villa, mid-range Number One Mirissa West Mirissa Mid-range boutique Ballena Regency Towards Weligama Mid-range Whale season and other things to do Whale watching runs from about November to April, with December to March usually the best; boats leave the harbour around dawn. The same months are best for swimming and surfing. Don't miss sunset from Coconut Tree Hill. See our Mirissa guide, or look at hotels in Weligama. Quick picks Couples: Sri Sharavi or Ubuntu Beach Villas Small and friendly: Villa Atulya at Ocean's Edge Value: Number One Mirissa or Ballena Regency Getting there Mirissa is close to the Southern Expressway and has a stop on the coastal railway. Weligama is about 15 minutes west and Matara about 20 minutes east by road. Who it suits Mirissa is a small place, which makes it easy to walk between your hotel, the beach and the restaurants. It suits couples and friends more than families who need lots of space, and it gets busy from December to March.
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Hotels in Tangalle
Tangalle is where the south coast gets wilder: long empty beaches broken by rocky headlands, with few big towns. It is about two and a half to three hours from Colombo by expressway. Our hotels here are mostly high-end, with one surf and yoga retreat. Luxury on the coast Amanwella is a five-star hotel of clean, modern design above a crescent beach. Anantara Peace Haven sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is the larger and more family-friendly of the two. Small and personal Coco Tangalla is a black-and-white beach villa with bohemian touches and antique furniture. Maya Tangalle is a restored manor house inland, with modern interiors. Talalla Retreat, at Talalla bay to the west, is a boutique hotel focused on surf and yoga; its story goes back to the 2004 tsunami, when it was rebuilt with help from local people. At a glance Hotel Area Style Amanwella Godellawela beach Boutique luxury Anantara Peace Haven Goyambokka Luxury Coco Tangalla Tangalle coast Boutique villa Maya Tangalle Inland Boutique manor Talalla Retreat Talalla bay Mid-range, surf and yoga What to do Go to the beaches at Goyambokka, visit the rock temple at Mulkirigala, or watch turtles nesting at Rekawa at night. The sea can be rough, so swim where your hotel advises. Best months are November to April. See our Tangalle guide, or compare with hotels in Dickwella. Quick picks Design and privacy: Amanwella Families: Anantara Peace Haven Something personal: Coco Tangalla or Maya Tangalle Surf and yoga: Talalla Retreat Getting there The Southern Expressway runs close to Tangalle. Yala and Udawalawe are both within about two hours, so a safari fits easily into a beach week. Who it suits Tangalle is for travellers who want space and quiet more than bars and shops. It suits honeymooners, families who want a pool and a big garden, and anyone ending a long trip with a few slow days.
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Hotels in Trincomalee
Trincomalee is the east coast's main town, built around one of the world's great natural harbours. Its beaches are to the north, and they come into their own from about May to September, when the west and south coasts get the monsoon. Choose your hotel by which beach you prefer. Uppuveli, close to town Trinco Blu by Cinnamon is a four-star beachfront hotel with a retro 1970s design. Amaranthe Bay, by the Pillaikulam river, offers suites and rooms close to the sand. From here, the town, Fort Frederick and Koneswaram temple are a short tuk-tuk ride away. Nilaveli and beyond About 30 minutes north, Nilaveli has a longer, quieter beach facing Pigeon Island. Anilana Nilaveli is a stylish five-star resort, and Pigeon Island Beach Resort is a simpler, budget-friendly option close by. Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes is further north still, a five-star boutique hotel between the sea and a lagoon, with cabins set in the forest. At a glance Hotel Area Style Trinco Blu by Cinnamon Uppuveli Four-star, retro Amaranthe Bay Uppuveli Luxury Anilana Nilaveli Nilaveli Five-star Pigeon Island Beach Resort Nilaveli Budget Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes North of Nilaveli Boutique luxury Planning tips Snorkelling trips to Pigeon Island run in the calm season. The town is about five to six hours by road from Colombo, and around two hours from Habarana. See our Trincomalee guide, or compare with hotels in Pasikuda. Quick picks Close to town: Trinco Blu or Amaranthe Bay Long, quiet beach: Anilana Nilaveli Budget: Pigeon Island Beach Resort Seclusion: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes Getting there Trincomalee is about five to six hours by road from Colombo and around two hours from Habarana. Uppuveli is a few minutes north of town by tuk-tuk; Nilaveli is about 30 minutes. Whale-watching boats leave from Trincomalee in season.
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Hotels in Pasikuda
Pasikuda's bay is famously shallow: you can wade out a long way before the water reaches your chest. That makes it one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for families with small children. The hotels stand side by side along the bay, so the choice is mainly about style. The hotels Uga Bay by Uga Escapes is a five-star beachfront hotel with a large pool, spa and gym, and a more boutique feel. Sunrise by Jetwing is known for having one of the longest pools on the east coast. The Calm Resort and Spa is a large beachfront hotel with meeting facilities, which suits families and groups. At a glance Hotel Area Style Uga Bay by Uga Escapes Pasikuda bay Boutique luxury Sunrise by Jetwing Pasikuda bay Luxury The Calm Resort and Spa Pasikuda bay Beach resort When to come The east coast is dry and calm from about May to September, when much of the west and south coast is wet. From roughly November to January the north-east monsoon arrives, and Pasikuda's season is over. What to do Swimming and water sports at Pasikuda and Kalkudah are the main activities. Batticaloa, about an hour south, has a Dutch fort, a lagoon and the Kallady bridge, where "singing fish" are said to be heard on still nights. Polonnaruwa is around two hours inland. See our Pasikuda guide, or look north at hotels in Trincomalee. Quick picks Small children: Any of the three: the bay is shallow in front of them all A boutique feel: Uga Bay Pool lovers: Sunrise by Jetwing Groups: The Calm Resort and Spa A note on the hotel list Anantaya Resort and Spa, which appears on this page, is in Chilaw on the west coast, not in Pasikuda. Ask us about it separately if you plan to stay on the west coast.
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Hotels in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's best-known surf town, a long way from anywhere: about seven hours by road from Colombo. It is a small village strung along one road, with the main point break at its southern end. Our hotels range from simple to quietly luxurious. In the village Hideaway Resort has been running since 1979, with 14 rooms set in six acres of gardens; it is a long-time favourite. Arugambay Roccos is a contemporary hotel of 22 white cubes on the sand. The Blue Wave Hotel is a mid-range option close to the beach and the surf. North of the bay Jetwing Surf is a set of cabanas inspired by the shape of a conch shell, built with sustainability in mind. Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing is a four-bedroom house on a coconut estate, ideal for a family or a group. At a glance Hotel Area Style Hideaway Resort Arugam Bay village Boutique, mid-range Arugambay Roccos Arugam Bay village Mid-range The Blue Wave Hotel Arugam Bay village Mid-range Jetwing Surf North of the bay Luxury Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing North of Pottuvil Private house When to come The surf season runs from about April to October, with the peak in June to August. Outside this window, many places close or slow down. Surfing is the main draw, but you can also take a Pottuvil lagoon safari, visit Kumana National Park, or try yoga. See our Arugam Bay guide. Quick picks Long-time favourite: Hideaway Resort Families or groups: Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing Eco design: Jetwing Surf Close to the waves: Arugambay Roccos or The Blue Wave Getting there Arugam Bay is about seven hours from Colombo and around three hours from Ella by road. Most visitors arrive from the hill country and leave for Yala, the south coast or the Cultural Triangle.
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Hotels in Knuckles Range
The Knuckles range rises north-east of Kandy, a UNESCO-listed area of cloud forest, tea and small villages. Roads are narrow and winding, so wherever you stay you will spend most of your time on foot. Our hotels are all small, set in tea estates or on the edge of the forest. The hotels Santani Wellness Resort and Spa is a design-led wellness retreat with a focus on sustainability, healthy food and spa treatments. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is a four-star lodge in the middle of a working tea estate, with an infinity pool. Hatale Tea Estate Bungalow, also in Madulkelle, is a classic planter's bungalow. Sir John's Bungalow is inside the conservation area itself; it was once a planter's home and later a holiday house of Sir John Kotelawala, Sri Lanka's third prime minister. At a glance Hotel Area Style Santani Wellness Resort Knuckles foothills Boutique, wellness Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge Madulkelle Boutique eco lodge Hatale Tea Estate Bungalow Madulkelle Tea bungalow Sir John's Bungalow Knuckles conservation area Heritage bungalow What to do Hiking is the reason to come: walks range from easy estate trails to full days on the ridges. Go with a guide, as paths can be hard to follow in mist. Visit Meemure, one of the most remote villages in the area, or the Pitawala Pathana grassland. Expect rain at any time of year, and leeches after it. See our Knuckles Range guide. Quick picks Wellness: Santani Wellness Resort Families: Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge Heritage: Sir John's Bungalow or Hatale Tea Estate Bungalow Getting there Most of these hotels are reached from Kandy, between one and three hours away depending on the road and the hotel. The last stretch is often narrow and steep, so arrive in daylight. When to come The Knuckles is driest from about January to April. Mist and rain can roll in on any afternoon, so plan long walks for the morning.
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Hotels in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya sits at about 1,900 metres, and nights are cold, so check that your room has heating or plenty of blankets. The town was a British hill station, and several hotels still feel like it. Our list splits into the colonial hotels in town, modern hotels nearby, and stays out in the tea. Colonial classics The Grand Hotel, built in 1891, sits on manicured lawns near the town centre and is the best-known name in Nuwara Eliya. The Hill Club, an old gentlemen's club with 39 rooms, has kept much of its old club atmosphere. Modern hotels in and near town Araliya Green Hills is a large hotel with a heated pool. Heaven Seven Nuwara Eliya looks over the racecourse, and Stamford Star Hotel is a simpler mid-range option close to the shops. Galway Heights is on the edge of a forest reserve and is popular with birdwatchers. In the tea country Heritance Tea Factory is a converted tea factory on the Hethersett estate, with 54 rooms. The Waterfall Villas is a boutique property in Talawakele, west of town, popular with honeymooners. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Grand Hotel Town centre Colonial luxury The Hill Club Town centre Heritage club Araliya Green Hills Town Luxury Galway Heights Edge of town Luxury, birdwatching Heaven Seven / Stamford Star Town Mid-range Heritance Tea Factory Hethersett estate Luxury, converted factory The Waterfall Villas Talawakele Boutique Getting here The hill-country train from Kandy to Nanu Oya has been out of service since Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, so arrive by road: about three and a half hours from Kandy. Trains from Nanu Oya on to Ella are running again. In town, walk around Lake Gregory, visit a tea factory, or go to Horton Plains at dawn. See our Nuwara Eliya guide. Quick picks Colonial atmosphere: The Grand Hotel or The Hill Club Tea country: Heritance Tea Factory Birdwatchers: Galway Heights Value: Stamford Star or Heaven Seven
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Hotels in Ella
Ella is a small hill village with a big view: the gap in the mountains that gives it its name. Most visitors come for walks, the train and the cafes. Our hotels range from a backpacker-friendly resort in town to a tea-estate retreat, with the best views on the ridges above the village. Views of the Ella Gap Hotel Heaven's Edge is on high ground with views over the gap and Ravana Falls. The Mountain Heavens is nearby, with spacious deluxe rooms. Both suit couples who want to watch the sunrise from the balcony. Tea and jungle 98 Acres Resort and Spa sits on a tea estate of that size, with chalets made partly from recycled material and thatched roofs, and is the most upmarket option. Ella Jungle Resort is on the banks of the Kirindi Oya, surrounded by forest and streams, for people who want to sleep close to nature. In town Ella Soul Resort is a simple, affordable place popular with backpackers. Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel is a three-star hotel close to the centre. At a glance Hotel Area Style 98 Acres Resort and Spa Tea estate above Ella Boutique luxury Hotel Heaven's Edge Ridge above Ella Mid-range, views The Mountain Heavens Ridge above Ella Mid-range, views Ella Jungle Resort Kirindi Oya Mid-range, nature Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel Ella town Mid-range Ella Soul Resort Ella town Budget What to do Walk up Little Adam's Peak or Ella Rock, see the trains cross the Nine Arches Bridge, or try zip-lining. Trains run again from Nanu Oya to Ella and Badulla; the line from Kandy to Nanu Oya is still closed after Cyclone Ditwah. See our Ella guide. Quick picks Couples: 98 Acres or Hotel Heaven's Edge Nature lovers: Ella Jungle Resort Backpackers: Ella Soul Resort In town: Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel Getting there Arugam Bay is about three hours east by road, and Udawalawe and the south coast are within around three hours south. Most visitors stay two or three nights.
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Hotels in Hatton
Hatton is a tea town in the hills, and the gateway to Adam's Peak. The places to stay are not hotels in the usual sense. They are old planters' bungalows, restored with care, with a handful of rooms each, staff who cook for you, and tea estates all around. The bungalows Ceylon Tea Trails runs five bungalows, Norwood, Tientsin, Castlereagh, Summerville and Dunkeld, mostly around the Castlereagh reservoir. They are all-inclusive and among the most luxurious stays in the hill country; you can walk between them on estate paths. Craig Appin by Jetwing is a 19th-century bungalow, once the home of a Scottish tea planter, set in gardens. Governor's Mansion stands in the Dickoya valley and was owned by a British governor in colonial times. Camellia Hills is a bungalow with views over the Castlereagh reservoir. At a glance Hotel Area Style Ceylon Tea Trails Castlereagh reservoir Luxury, all-inclusive bungalows Craig Appin by Jetwing Near Hatton Boutique bungalow Governor's Mansion Dickoya Boutique, colonial Camellia Hills Castlereagh view Boutique bungalow Climbing Adam's Peak The pilgrimage season runs from about December to May. The climb has more than 5,000 steps to a summit of 2,243 metres, and most people start around 2 am from Dalhousie to reach the top for sunrise. Allow four to six hours up. A bungalow night before and after makes the climb much easier. Other things to see Visit St Clair's Falls and Devon Falls on the road towards Talawakele, or have tea at a working factory. Nuwara Eliya is about an hour and a half away. See our Hatton guide, or compare with hotels in Nuwara Eliya. Getting there Hatton is around four hours by road from Colombo, and about two and a half hours from Kandy. The town has a railway station, but trains between Kandy and Nanu Oya have been suspended since Cyclone Ditwah, so for now arrive by road.
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Hotels in Jaffna
Jaffna feels different from the rest of Sri Lanka: Tamil culture, Hindu temples, palmyra palms and its own food. It is about seven hours by road from Colombo, or a long train ride. Our four hotels are all in or near the town, so getting around is easy. The hotels Jetwing Jaffna is the most comfortable hotel in town, a modern high-rise near the main sights. North Gate by Jetwing, a mid-range sister hotel, is close to the railway station. Fox Resorts Jaffna, a few kilometres north, is a boutique option in quieter surroundings. Jaffna Heritage Hotel is a simple, good-value place for people who want to explore rather than relax by a pool. At a glance Hotel Area Style Jetwing Jaffna Town centre Luxury North Gate by Jetwing Near the station Mid-range Fox Resorts Jaffna North of town Boutique Jaffna Heritage Hotel Jaffna Budget What to see Visit the Nallur Kandaswamy temple for the afternoon puja (men remove their shirts), walk the walls of the Dutch fort, and see the rebuilt Jaffna Public Library. Day trips go to Point Pedro, the Keerimalai springs and the islands, including Nainativu and Delft. When to come The north is driest from about February to September. The north-east monsoon brings heavy rain from roughly October to January. See our Jaffna guide. Quick picks Comfort: Jetwing Jaffna Train travellers: North Gate by Jetwing Quiet: Fox Resorts Jaffna Budget: Jaffna Heritage Hotel How long to stay Two nights covers the city and one island trip. Three or four nights lets you add Point Pedro, Keerimalai and a slower day on Delft. Getting there The A9 highway runs north from the Cultural Triangle through Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, and the Elephant Pass causeway brings you onto the peninsula. The train from Colombo is an alternative to the long drive.
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Hotels in Delft Island
Delft, known in Tamil as Neduntheevu, is a flat, windswept island in the Palk Strait, known for its wild ponies, coral-stone walls and a giant baobab tree. There is very little accommodation on the island, and we do not currently list any hotels there. Most visitors stay in Jaffna and see Delft on a long day trip. How the day works From Jaffna, drive about an hour over the causeways to the jetty at Kurikadduwan. The boat to Delft takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Published timetables change often, and the state ferries give priority to islanders, so arrive at least 30 minutes early and confirm the return sailing as soon as you land. If you miss the last boat back, you will be spending the night on the island. Where to stay Use one of our Jaffna hotels as your base. Leaving Jaffna by about 7 am is the safest way to catch a morning boat. What to see On a day tour of the island you will usually see the ponies, the Dutch-era ruins and the baobab, and you can have a local crab lunch. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; there is little shade. When to go February to September is the best time. In the north-east monsoon, roughly October to January, crossings are more often cancelled. See our Delft Island guide. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. We are happy to suggest a homestay if you want to spend a night on the island.
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Hotels in Mannar
Mannar is a long, low island joined to the mainland by a causeway, about six hours from Colombo. It is dry, quiet and full of birds, with the sandbanks of Adam's Bridge stretching towards India from its western tip. Few tourists stay overnight, which is part of its appeal. The hotels The Palmyrah House is a boutique hotel with 14 rooms, and the most comfortable place to stay on the island. Shell Coast Resort is a mid-range hotel right on the beach. Hotel Agape is a simple budget option close to Mannar town, about 284 km from the international airport. At a glance Hotel Area Style The Palmyrah House Mannar island Boutique Shell Coast Resort Mannar beach Mid-range Hotel Agape Near Mannar town Budget What to see Drive out to Talaimannar to look across Adam's Bridge, visit the huge baobab tree, and see the old and new Mannar bridges. The lagoons and salt pans are some of the best places in the country for birdwatching, especially for migratory waders and flamingos between about October and March. When to come Mannar is dry for much of the year. Heavy rain usually arrives with the north-east monsoon from around October to December. See our Mannar guide. Quick picks Comfort: The Palmyrah House Beachfront: Shell Coast Resort Budget: Hotel Agape Getting there Mannar is reached over a causeway from the mainland. It combines well with Anuradhapura, Wilpattu or a trip north to Jaffna. Allow at least one night; two if you want time for birdwatching. Who it suits Mannar is for travellers who like quiet places: birdwatchers, photographers and anyone who has already seen the main sights. There is little nightlife and few restaurants, so most meals are at your hotel.
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Hotels in Yala
The best Yala hotel is the one that gets you to the park gate earliest. For morning safaris, jeeps leave around 5 am, so the closer you sleep, the more time you have before dawn. Our Yala list falls into three groups: lodges on the park boundary, tented camps, and hotels in the town of Tissamaharama. On the park boundary Cinnamon Wild Yala is a five-star jungle resort with no boundary wall, so animals often walk through the grounds. Jetwing Yala is on 38 acres near the beach and the park. Wild Coast Tented Lodge is the most luxurious, with cocoon-shaped tented suites facing the sea. Tented camps Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala and Leopard Trails Yala offer luxury tented camps on the edge of the park, with guided drives included in most packages. In Tissamaharama About 30 to 40 minutes from the main gate, EKHO Safari and Oak Ray Lake Resort face Tissa lake, Thaulle Resort is a family-friendly four-star resort, and Kithala Resort is a three-star hotel among paddy fields. These are better value, and the town has more places to eat. Further west Shangri-La Hambantota is a golf resort about an hour and a half west of Yala, good if you want a resort holiday with one or two safaris. At a glance Hotel Area Style Cinnamon Wild Yala / Jetwing Yala Park boundary Luxury Wild Coast Tented Lodge Park boundary Luxury tented Mahoora / Leopard Trails Park edge Tented camps EKHO Safari / Oak Ray Lake Resort Tissa lake Mid-range Thaulle Resort / Kithala Resort Tissamaharama Mid-range Shangri-La Hambantota Hambantota Luxury golf resort Seasons Block 1, the most visited part of the park, usually closes for a few weeks each year around September and October; in 2026 the closure ran from 14 September to 15 October. Check dates before booking. Read about a Yala safari, see our Yala guide or things to do around Yala.
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Hotels in Wilpattu
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park, a quiet landscape of forest and natural lakes, or villus, in the north-west. It sees far fewer jeeps than Yala, which is why people love it. Accommodation near the park is limited, and our recommendation is a tented camp on the boundary. Leopard Trails Wilpattu Leopard Trails runs a luxury tented camp just outside the park. With guided drives from the camp, it is the best way to spend two or three days looking for leopards and sloth bears without long drives each morning. At a glance Hotel Area Style Leopard Trails Wilpattu Park boundary Luxury tented camp Other options If you prefer a beach base, Kalpitiya is close enough for a day safari. From Anuradhapura, the main entrance is about an hour away, so a long day trip is possible from hotels in Anuradhapura. When to go The dry months, roughly May to September, are usually best for sightings, when animals gather at the remaining water. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the park can close for short periods after heavy rain. Read about a Wilpattu safari or see our Wilpattu guide. Safari tips Wilpattu's roads are sandy and slow, so a full day lets you reach the quieter villus deep in the park. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Leopards are often seen resting in trees or on the edges of the villus in the early morning. Getting there The main entrance at Hunuwilagama is about four hours by road from Colombo. Most visitors come from Anuradhapura, Kalpitiya or the Cultural Triangle.
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Hotels in Udawalawe
Udawalawe is the most reliable park in Sri Lanka for elephants, open grassland around a big reservoir where herds are easy to see. It is about four hours from Colombo and a natural stop between the hills and the south coast. Our three hotels are all a short drive from the gate. The hotels Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is a four-star hotel with 79 rooms and suites, the biggest of the three. Centauria Wild is a four-star hotel close to the park, set up for families and friends travelling together. Kalu's Hideaway is a smaller three-star resort, a short drive from the entrance, with a relaxed, friendly feel. At a glance Hotel Area Style Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort Near the park gate Mid-range, four-star Centauria Wild Near the park Four-star Kalu's Hideaway Near the park gate Mid-range, three-star Things to do Take a morning or afternoon safari, then visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned calves are fed before being returned to the wild. You watch from a viewing platform; there is no touching or riding. Feeding times vary, so ask your hotel on the day. Who it suits One night is enough for most people. If you are driving from Ella or Nuwara Eliya to the south coast, Udawalawe breaks up the journey well. Families with younger children often prefer it to Yala, as elephants are almost always seen. See our Udawalawe guide. Getting there Udawalawe is about four hours from Colombo by road and around two and a half to three hours from Ella. Yala and the south coast at Tangalle are each about two hours away. When to come Udawalawe is open all year and elephants are seen in every season. The dry months, roughly May to September, can bring larger groups to the water.
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Hotels in Minneriya
Minneriya National Park is famous for the elephant gathering, when large herds come to graze on the shores of the ancient Minneriya reservoir. There are no hotels inside the park, and we do not list any directly at Minneriya, but several good bases are close by. Where to stay Habarana is the nearest, about 20 minutes from the park entrance, with resorts such as Cinnamon Lodge. Sigiriya hotels are around 30 to 40 minutes away, and Polonnaruwa is a similar distance in the other direction. When to go The gathering usually builds from about July, peaking in August and September. From roughly October, as the rains return and the reservoir fills, herds often move to nearby Kaudulla. Afternoon drives are usually best. Water levels are now partly controlled, so numbers vary from year to year; your guide will know where the elephants are that week. Read about a Minneriya safari or our Minneriya guide. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Bundala
Bundala National Park is a coastal wetland of lagoons, salt pans and dunes west of Yala, and a Ramsar site known for its water birds, including flamingos in the migrant season. We do not list hotels at Bundala itself, but the hotels around Yala are close. Where to stay The lakeside hotels of Tissamaharama, such as EKHO Safari and Oak Ray Lake Resort, are around 30 minutes from Bundala. They also put you within reach of Yala, so you can do both parks. See our full list of hotels for Yala. When to go Migratory birds are present roughly from September to March. Early morning is best for birding, before the heat. Read about birdwatching in Bundala or our Bundala guide. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Kumana
Kumana National Park, on the south-east coast, is one of the best birdwatching parks in Sri Lanka, with large nesting colonies at the Kumana Villu. It also has elephants and leopards, and far fewer visitors than Yala next door. We do not list hotels at Kumana itself. Where to stay Most people stay in Arugam Bay, about an hour from the Okanda entrance, and leave very early for a morning drive. It combines well with a surf trip. When to go April to July is the peak nesting season for water birds. The park is generally open all year but can close at short notice in the north-east monsoon, roughly November to January, when tracks flood. Check before you travel. Read about a Kumana safari or our Kumana guide. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Kaudulla
Kaudulla National Park is the quieter neighbour of Minneriya, linked to it by an elephant corridor. It has no hotels inside, and we do not list any directly at Kaudulla, but the Cultural Triangle bases are close. Where to stay Habarana is the closest town to the park, around 20 to 30 minutes from the entrance. Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa are also within an hour, so you can combine a safari with sightseeing. When to go Kaudulla often has its biggest herds a little later than Minneriya, around September to November, when rain starts to fill the Minneriya reservoir. It also tends to have fewer jeeps. Ask your driver which park is better that week. Read about a Kaudulla safari or our Kaudulla guide. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Wasgamuwa
Wasgamuwa is one of Sri Lanka's least-visited parks, a mix of forest, grassland and river between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers, with elephants, birds and the ruins of an old monastery. We do not currently list hotels at Wasgamuwa itself. Where to stay The most practical base is Polonnaruwa, about an hour and a half away by road, which lets you combine the ruins with a long safari day. Dambulla also works for a very early start. If you would like to stay right by the park, tell us and we will suggest options. Planning The dry months, roughly May to September, are usually best for elephants. Inside the park you can also see the Buduruwayaya ruins. Read about a Wasgamuwa safari or our Wasgamuwa guide. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Gal Oya
Gal Oya is the only national park in Sri Lanka where the main safari is by boat, across the Senanayake Samudra reservoir. With luck you can watch elephants swimming between the islands. We do not currently list hotels here, but a small number of lodges sit near the park. Where to stay Tell us your dates and we will suggest a lodge near the Inginiyagala entrance, where the boat safaris start. Gal Oya is a long drive from the main tourist routes, so plan at least one night. The boat safari Boats usually go out early in the morning and in the late afternoon, for about two hours. Book a day ahead, as the number of boats is limited. Swimming elephants are most likely in the dry season, roughly May to September, but sightings are never guaranteed. Read about a Gal Oya safari or our Gal Oya guide. For the coast, see hotels in Arugam Bay. Safari tips Book a jeep with a licensed driver; your hotel can arrange it. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and binoculars. Keep noise down, never feed animals, and ask the driver not to crowd them. A note on this page There are currently no hotels listed for this page yet, which is why none are shown here. The bases above all have good options.
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Hotels in Horton Plains
Horton Plains is a high, open plateau of grassland and cloud forest at over 2,000 metres, best known for the cliff at World's End. The key to a good visit is an early start: mist usually rolls in by mid-morning and hides the view. There are no hotels inside the park, so stay as close as you can. Closest to the plains Hill Safari is a simple, budget stay on the edge of the plains, with panoramic views of the hills. It is the best choice if your only goal is to be at the gate at dawn. In the Uva hills Melheim Resort is a boutique hotel with 18 rooms and private decks in the hills of the Badulla district, near Haputale. Bandarawela Hotel is a colonial-style bungalow with 33 rooms and the feel of an old lodge. Both are around an hour or more from the park, so they suit travellers combining Horton Plains with Ella and Haputale. At a glance Hotel Area Style Hill Safari Edge of the plains Budget Melheim Resort Near Haputale Boutique Bandarawela Hotel Bandarawela Mid-range, colonial Visiting the park The main loop to World's End and Baker's Falls is about 9 km and takes three to four hours. Plastic is checked at the entrance. Bring warm layers: early mornings can be close to freezing. Nuwara Eliya is the other common base, about an hour and a half away. See our Horton Plains guide or hotels in Nuwara Eliya. A note on the hotel list Ceylon Tea Bungalows, which also appears on this page, is a tea-estate bungalow on the Hilpankandura estate. Please check its location with us before booking it as a base for Horton Plains. Who it suits Walkers and photographers who want to reach World's End before the mist. If you are not an early riser, stay in Nuwara Eliya or Ella and visit as part of a longer day instead.
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Hotels in Singharaja
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's most important rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is wet, green and full of endemic birds, and you will see most of it on foot with a guide. About four hours from Colombo, it rewards an overnight stay: the best birding is early in the morning. The lodges Rainforest Eco Lodge sits high in the forest edge and is designed to have a light footprint, with walks from the door. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Sinharaja offers comfortable tents close to the reserve, for travellers who want to sleep surrounded by the sounds of the forest. At a glance Hotel Area Style Rainforest Eco Lodge Sinharaja forest edge Eco lodge Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Near the reserve Tented camp What to do Birdwatching is the main activity: mixed feeding flocks with several endemic species pass through in the mornings. Guided treks follow forest trails to streams and waterfalls. Wear leech socks, carry a rain jacket and keep your camera in a dry bag. When to go It rains here in every month. Drier spells usually come from about January to April and again around August and September. See our Sinharaja guide or things to do in Sinharaja. Getting there Sinharaja has several entrances. Kudawa, on the north side, is the most visited and is closest to Colombo. Deniyaya, on the south side, is closer to the south coast. Your lodge will advise on the best access. Who it suits Birdwatchers, walkers and anyone who wants to see a real tropical rainforest. It is not a place for a pool holiday: the lodges are simple, and the forest is the attraction.
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Hotels in Kitulgala Forest Reserve
Kitulgala is a small town on the Kelani river, on the road from Colombo to the hills. It is the country's centre for white-water rafting, and the surrounding rainforest is good for birds and short hikes. Most people stay one night on the way to Nuwara Eliya or Hatton. The hotels The Plantation Hotel overlooks the river and has 11 rooms with a jungle feel; it is the closest to the rafting starts. Palmstone Retreat is about 2.5 km from Kitulgala, a quiet and comfortable place to stay. Forest Edge sits on a hill among tea plantations, waterfalls and streams, with terraces and a restaurant with views. Paradise Garden Resort is set on an 80-acre farm, with two rooms in the main bungalow and a private villa with its own pool. At a glance Hotel Area Style Plantation Hotel Kelani river Mid-range Palmstone Retreat Near Kitulgala Mid-range Forest Edge Tea hills above the river Mid-range Paradise Garden Resort Farm outside town Budget, villa What to do White-water rafting runs depend on river levels, so check on the day. You can also try waterfall abseiling or take a jungle trek. Kitulgala is about two and a half to three hours from Colombo. See our Kitulgala guide. Quick picks Rafting: The Plantation Hotel Comfort: Palmstone Retreat Views: Forest Edge Privacy: Paradise Garden Resort's villa Good to know Kitulgala is warm and humid, with rain likely in any month. Bring quick-drying clothes and insect repellent, and keep valuables in a dry bag on the river. When to come Rafting runs much of the year, but trips are cancelled when the river is too high or too low. The film The Bridge on the River Kwai was shot near Kitulgala, and local guides can show you the site.
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Popular Destinations

Sigiriya
Sigiriya is best known for its 5th century rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with frescoes, water gardens and the giant Lion Gate. Neighbouring Pidurangala Rock gives the classic view of it at sunrise.
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Unawatuna
Unawatuna, just east of Galle, is a sheltered bay with calm swimming in season, diving and snorkelling. Jungle Beach and the Japanese Peace Pagoda sit on Rumassala hill above it.
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Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, on the south-west coast, is one of Sri Lanka's oldest beach resorts. A coral reef close to shore, turtles in the shallows, surf breaks and lively nightlife keep it popular from about November to April.
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Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, mixes colonial Fort, the markets of Pettah and the seafront at Galle Face Green with temples, museums and the best food scene in the country. Most trips start or end here.
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Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of palaces, temples and the Gal Vihara rock carvings. The great Parakrama Samudraya reservoir still waters the fields around it, and the ruins are easy to explore by bicycle.
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Kalutara
Kalutara lies where the Kalu Ganga meets the sea, about 40 km south of Colombo. It is known for the white stupa of the Kalutara Bodhiya, the mansion of Richmond Castle, river trips and long beaches.
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Wasgamuwa
Wasgamuwa National Park lies between the Mahaweli and Amban rivers and sees few visitors. It is a good park for elephants and sloth bears, with ancient ruins and around 140 recorded bird species.
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Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka's first great capital and a centre of Buddhism for more than a thousand years. Huge stupas, monastery ruins and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree make it an active place of pilgrimage as well as a UNESCO site.
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