Hotels in Knuckles Range
Hatale Tea Estate Bungalow
Hatale Tea Estate Bungalow is a homely bungalow in Madulkelle, in the central highlands about 4 hours from Colombo. It is surrounded by tea plantations, and (...)
Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge
Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is a four star lodge in the middle of the Madulkelle tea estate, north-east of Kandy. Its infinity pool looks out over Madulkelle (...)
Sir John's Bungalow
Sir John's Bungalow is a refurbished planter's bungalow within the Knuckles conservation area, set on about five acres and surrounded by misty mountain ranges (...)
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.