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About
5.0
#1 of 26 lodges 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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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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
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Room Tip:They are all excellent!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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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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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Having previously enjoyed Maulie's Colombo home we were delighted to experience Galkadawala. We were met at the Habarana station and everything from that point was a meticulously detailed stay. The lodge is designed beautifully and set in the wild integrating itself to the environment it inhabits. I love how concerned Maulie and her staff is of the wellbeing of the environment. You'll be surprised to find out that its a jungle patch rejuvenated from a former Chena cultivation.
The staff is also very friendly and courteous. The meals were delicious and thoughtfully curated. Its vegetarian but scrumptious to the last bit! We took some meat, which they prepared for us - but honestly this wasn't even necessary.
We mostly spent our time at the lodge, wondering in the vicinity and Kayaking in the adjoining lake. But surely you can use Galkadala as a base to explore the cultural triangle. What a place to crash in for the night after exploring the Wild life parks! You'll wake up to the calls of the birds. So many of them!
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Date of stay: August 2022
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maulie de Saram, General Manager at Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka.
Responded Oct 16, 2022
Thank you so much for your review. It is greatly appreciated. We enjoyed very much hosting you. Please visit us again. Warm regards, Maulie
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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
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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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If you can't live with insects, geckos, frogs, mice in corners or in the bathroom & are not used to hearing a multitude of different noises from hundreds of different animals, this is not for you. It doesn't get any more remote than this.
You have fans & mosquito nets & they also protect you from the other animals & insects. The animals mind their own business & will leave you be, if you don't disturb them.
There are so many different types of butterflies & birds in & around the hotel.
Huge compliments to the chef & the kitchen/restaurant staff for giving us some delicious food. It was mouth watering.
Only thing I want to bring up is that guests can't pay with cards. Yes, we can transfer cash, but no card payments possible.
Nevertheless, I'll be visiting again :)
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Date of stay: April 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:You can't pay with credit/debit cards, so take cash or be ready to transfer the money
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay was a unique experience. The whole place operates as eco-friendly as possible and the accomodations have been build from recycled material. All without disturbing the nature as little as possible. As such the place is very peaceful. Keep in mind that the accomodation is open, but you will have a mosquito net to protect you against the insects. Our stay was very relaxing and the food was really delicious.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Can't pay by card & take mosquito spray with you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Habarana, Sri Lanka10 contributions2 helpful votes
Dear Subha,
I have been replying you but does not seams to have reached you.
3 days are sufficient for you to sight see. If you wish to explore the surroundings 1 more day have been better, but the way you have booked is fine.
You can visit the sites via, van, jeep or even tuktuk. Though the tuktuk would be bumpy.
I would recommend the jeep. it would cost you SLRs.4000 to Sigiriya.
Rs.5000 Polonnaruwa.
Rs.6000 to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National park - full day.
These rates are to pick and drop you at the Lodge. The rate is for you whole family not per individual. These rates do not include Tickets to visit the sites.
Best regards,
Maulie.
There are more places to choose from in the Habarana area.
PRICE RANGE
$94 - $120 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaNorth Central ProvinceHabarana
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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