Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Galkadawala Palugaswewa, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
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About
#2 of 81 Specialty lodging in Habarana
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.8
Value
4.7
Situated in an ancient agricultural village, Galkadawala Forest Lodge is in the centre of the Cultural Triangle close to historical sites Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Ritigala and Anuradhapura, and wildlife parks Minneriya, Kaudulla, Hurulu and Wilpattu. Galkadawala offers unique experiences of Heritage, Wildlife and Eco-friendly Construction. Once deforested, consumed and denuded this land has been transformed back to a vibrant ecological habitat. Surrounding irrigation lakes, waterways and forests with high biodiversity provide trekking, bird watching and relaxing. To maintain this complex ecological habitat, at Galkadawala, prominence and care is given to all creatures. Guests too should understand that they have arrived at a habitat that has to be shared by all. Galkadawala concept is not a "watering Hole" where one can "chill out" till the early hours. Retire early and be up early (be different for a few days) to get the full benefit of what Galkadawala has to offer.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Wifi
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Mosquito net
Room types
Family rooms
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HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Romantic
Location
Full view
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Galkadawala Palugaswewa, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
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This place is so different to anything else we experienced in Sri Lanka. Everything is built from natural materials no plastic in sight and it has such a wonderful calm atmosphere. As with many places in Sri Lanka post covid there were very few other guests and we were extremely spoiled. A wonderful candlelit dinner for two out on the deck, the food was very good and the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Tiron even brought me my essential pot of tea to help me get started when we had to leave at 5.30 am! If you like to be close to nature this is the place for you!
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
It's the history behind Galkadawala that moves me. How one woman could create such a haven filled with character leaves me awestruck. Regenerating natural bushland has encouraged a great diversity of birdlife to live around the accommodation. We were amazed at the birdlife. Maulie has created a beautiful Yoga Pavolion where we did sessions of Yoga morning and night. The food is some of the best in Sri Lanka. Only one problem is that I never want to leave. Galkadawala is central to visit elephant parks, Sigirya, Ancient sites and the best Ayurvedic Massages in the local town of Habarana. Thank you Maulie and staff, you made our Sri Lanjan experience awesome.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
This was my second visit to Galkadawala and it far exceeded my high expectations. From the initial email contact with Maulie to book the trip and coordinate a driver I felt welcome and that my needs were understood and met. This place is a little slice of heaven that I cannot wait to return to. Whether you go as a base to visit the Cultural Triangle or are looking for a retreat to connect with nature, this is a do not miss location for any trip to Sri Lanka. From the sights and sounds of the jungle, the delicious food, comfort of the rooms to the overall zen of the place.... Its amazing! Be sure to allow enough time to just be at peace in this location. There is a lot to do in the surrounding area and Maulie will help you organise but the best part of any visit is the quiet times at the lodge and the gatherings around the dinner table with Maulie, her brother and fellow guests for delicious food and conversation. Rooms are very comfortable, bathrooms excellent with good shower and hot water. WiFi good too. I vowed after this visit not to return to Sri Lanka without another visit to Galkadawala!…
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
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Room Tip: They are all excellent!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maulie de Saram, General Manager at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Responded Jan 23, 2022
Thank you so much for your lovely review. This is very kind of you. You are always welcome at Galakadawala. You are part of our family.
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LondonNefertiti wrote a review Sep 2020
Greater London, United Kingdom1325 contributions306 helpful votes
+1
Difficult to write a review because it has all been said (Christina P has written the one that I would have written ) Try and go for an extra day and night and spend it at the lodge.....go kayaking on the lake, cycle. The best thing about this amazing place is the food. All freshly made and everybody sits down to eat together around a large table with Maulie. This was easily some of the best food we got to eat in Sri Lanka , we just didnt realise how special it was because it was only our second night in the country. Maulie and her team are very special indeed. Go there are tour all the sites, sleep in an amazing place, eat great food, meet new people, and join in a yoga class. We visited here a few months ago and had just returned to the UK as Covid 19 was happening During the last few months I have thought of this magical place often and though how wonderful it would be to be locked down in this paradise.…
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Maulie de Saram, General Manager at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Responded Sep 5, 2020
Ooooh what a lovely review ! Thank you so much. You are too kind. I’m glad that you enjoyed your stay with us. The guests who stay at Galkadawala too are special people. I always say that I get the best of humanity. The staff and myself enjoy their company too. You too belong to this very special group. A group that makes the world a beautiful place. As you mentioned the lock down here was lovely to the extent that I was feeling guilty, that I’m at peace while the whole world was in turmoil. Please take care of yourself and be safe. May you be blessed with good health, peace and tranquility. Warm regards, Maulie
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Every now and then on our travels we find the holy grail of accommodation: somewhere that is comfortable and beautiful and has everything we need but importantly which is created, owned and run by local people and protects the local environment. Maulie is a brilliant host and the food is cooked in an outdoor kitchen and you eat on the raised deck overlooking the forest and the pond with waterlilies. The meals are delicious and varied- we had rice and curry but also lots of other Sri Lankan foods including some different desserts. The rooms are big, our bed was huge- a four poster with a mosquito net canopy all round, and you feel like you’re in a treehouse. You wake up to the sun coming through the trees and vines and the sounds of hundreds of birds. The bathroom is partly open to the forest so it’s like you’re showering in the tree canopies. The room itself is treehouse style so some parts are open near the roof meaning you need to keep any food, medicines etc stored away in one of the boxes provided so as not to attract animals. Maulie worked with her extended family and local people to source recycled materials to build the accommodation (the windows in the cabins are from an old tea plantation house) and it makes it completely beautiful. She also explains how most places are built in beautiful landscapes, bringing tourists to fragile eco systems but Galkadawala was built in an area that was scrubland and over the years they have created a forest eco system. It’s next to a large lake which is beautiful to walk round in the early mornings (they also have kayaks you can use) and it’s a great location for visiting Sigiriya, local archeological sites, Dambulla etc and is close to Habarana train station. Maulie can arrange jeep safaris, tuk tuks or cars to get you to anywhere you want to visit. We had 3 nights there and it wasn’t enough. One day we visited Sigiriya etc and the second day we had an ayurvedic massage and then they arranged for a yoga instructor to visit Galkadawala in the afternoon. If you’re looking for somewhere that is genuinely eco, or you’re searching for terms like local accommodation, off the beaten track, sustainable, homestay etc then this is for you. Can’t recommend it enough and happy to answer any questions as I think places like this are hard to find.…
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
It was lovely to spend a few days at Galkandawala relaxing and enjoying the rich bird life. Its proximity to some of the historical sites meant that we were able to do some day trips and also have time to enjoy our surroundings. The meals were delicious and all the staff were very courteous. Maulie is also a gracious host and was always at hand to assist with information. Look forward to our next visit
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My stay with Mauli, made me fall in love with Sri Lanka, The care and pace. Lovely meals. The space , it's great, all sorts of birds, monkeys, squirls. Comfortable beds, nice bathrooms. It's worth seaking out.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
What a wonderful experience we had with Maulie and her staff who could not have looked after us any better. Nothing was too much trouble. The Lodge is a little slice of heaven - all peace and tranquility amongst the trees and wildlife. Although the first night we where serenaded off to sleep by the amazing sounds of the forest which was just delightful. We only stayed 3 nights but would have loved it to have been longer and will definitely come back. I'm not a vegetarian but I found the food to be absolutely delicious as did my partner who is Sri Lankan and a foodie. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in what I called the loft overlooking the water and picking Maulie's brain on the history, culture and bird life of the region/country. This is not a 5 star resort with all the bells and whistles but I would say it is a 6 star wilderness retreat that is rustic and eclectic. If you want something different and to savour genuine Sri Lankan food of the highest order then I could not recommend this highly enough. Thanks Maulie for a great time and Thomas for escorting us on our walks. Bruce & Shanti.…
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
At Mauli's jungle lodge you will find an absolutly special place in one of the fabulous tree houses! The staff is very very nice and the food as authentic and great as can be. A truly special time is waiting for you. Not to miss: kayaking in the early morning on the lake which is right next to the house.one of the most beautiful experiences we had in Sri Lanka! The many different sounds by night and day are marvelous. Closer to nature and the srilankan hospitality you can't be. Also a great location for cultural trips and elephant watching... Thank you so much Mauli for creating this incredible jewel! Marcel and Laura
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The safari trip was really cool and sooo amazing. I can‘t believe I was so close to the elephants. We even saw a pregnant elephant mom and little baby elephants. It was indescribably beautiful. Our tour guide Nishan de Silva made this day perfect. He took care of all of us so dearly and fulfilled every wish. He is always so kind, friendly and super nice. We immediately took him to our hearts. The drive to the elephants and back was 4 hours. It was a long drive, but Nishan made sure we always take enough breaks. Even for lunch in the morning as well as in the evening when we came back to the hotel, we had dinner in the room. He took care of everything. He looked after us so well and before we asked for anything, he fulfilled our wish. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for this wonderful, amazing adventure day.…
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from galkadawala, Owner at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Responded Jan 27, 2020
This review does not belong to Galkadawla Forests Lodge. I think this is done by mistake.
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LOCATION
Sri LankaNorth Central ProvinceHabarana
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Which popular attractions are close to Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Nearby attractions include Dhilip De Alwis (3.8 miles), Habarana Lake (4.0 miles), and Hurulu Eco Park (3.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sundown at Lakeside Grill & Kitchen, Magic Food Restaurant Habarana, and Ran rasa Seafood Restaurant.
Are there any historical sites close to Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Ritigala Forest Monastery (6.4 miles).