A perfect hideaway for yoga enthusiasts, beautifully designed and lovingly decorated by owner/architect Elke and husband, Niyagama House stands alone in a nine acre lush plantation. We began our stay in Sri Lanka at the tranquil and serene house, Galle.Tired and dishevelled we were welcomed by Elke at the entrance with refreshing and cool King Coconut drink. We were impressed that Elke spent quality time talking to us about the house, her love of yoga and of Sri Lanka. She later escorted us to The Ruby Room. The room was simple and elegant in its décor with the usual creature comforts, i.e. mini bar, safe, a/c, toiletries, laundry and WiFi. The bathroom was a combination of German fixtures/fittings and Sri Lanka design...Gorgeous!
A separate t.v. room has been designed for movie buffs and is located on the ground floor. There is a lovely library with open balcony on the first floor..Elke offers cooking classes, bicycle tours and yoga classes for all her guests. Please inquire about prices when you arrive.

We spent two restful nights sleeping in a luxurious four poster bed laden with high quality heavy mosquito net listening to wildlife and birds. As an early riser I decided to head up to the roof terrace to admire the views of the gardens, pool and plantation. Breakfast was super healthy with a large portion of a fresh fruit and was served on the terrace near the pool. We decided to order dinner both nights and had a selection of limited vegetarian dishes which were delicious, spicy and healthy. Our compliments to the chef.

All the employees we met were happy to assist and very attentive to all our needs and we must congratulate Elke for training her staff and for her first year in hospitality management. Thank you for making our stay unique, comfortable and for arranging our transport to Galle and Tangalle.

A few concerns and minor teething problems we would like to mention are; the lack of signs/signage to the house which were limited and few, we had a stressful time directing our driver, we hope this issue will be addressed soon. We also hope that staff will be given the opportunity to improve their language skills as instructions were misunderstood with our laundry request. As a health/yoga retreat it would be beneficial for the breakfast and dinner menus to cater for those who have specific dietary requirements i.e. lactose/lactase intolerance/t, diabetic, halal and gluten free dishes/recipes with a selection of bread (not the standard white) would be heaven. Room service would also be advantageous and appreciated as shopping centres, restaurants and convenience stores are extremely limited in the area. Galle is approximately 7.8km away. Food orders need to be cooked and served quickly as we waited over thirty minutes for our meals. We paid $165 per night and feel this was slightly on the expensive side for a guest house. If you desire a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life and an intimate yoga session with spectacular views of the Sri Lankan countryside then this is the place for you....

Elke's unique one to one time with guests really makes your stay feel special.
Thank you for the follow up email and photo of the birthday cake Elke. Much appreciated...

Driving in Sri Lanka can be a nightmare.The drive from Bandaranaike Airport - Galle (pronounced Gawl) took approximately four and half hours, thank goodness we had GPS as our driver was clueless. The Southern Expressway is brilliant, fast and modern. Be prepared for long tiring journeys everywhere else in Sri Lanka. We would recommend you ask to hire a large car/mini van/jeep with a/c and a trusted driver who speaks fluent English during the course of your stay. Taxi charges from the airport can vary so fix your price before you leave. Driving in Colombo and the interior is hairy at the best of times as much of Sri Lanka's roads are one lane so journeys can take twice as long. Always keep low denominations of Sri Lankan Rupees with you as local drivers rarely have change....Expect the unexpected!!! <3 Sri Lanka

Wonderful place perfectly located in the middle of a beautiful tea estate!!!! Everything is so nice that it is very difficult to leave... There is nothing to improve as everything is already perfect, the rooms, the swimming pool, the landscape, the staff; the food!!!!!! Thank you Elke!!!!!

The Niyagama House was the best place on our six months journey so far!

There is really nothing we could point out as "not good" or "could be better".

Rooms / House
We had a very spacious room, the bathroom equipment is top and very modern. There is a fancy fan and an AC if you like. The styling is taken back and creates an atmosphere that normally only old colonial-style buildings have, while it maintains an open and bright feel that such houses would normally lack of.

Food
Although we really enjoyed eating in different places in Fort Galle, the food quality available here made us eat at the Niyagama House almost every day! There is an often changing fusion menu and a regular one, both very nice. It takes a bit longer after you order, but it was always fresh made! - They were also were nice in respecting special wishes we had.

Pool
The pool is fantastic - no Chlorine! the sunbeds are perfectly situated wether you want to be sizzled in the sun or stay in the shadows. Swimming in the infinity pool amidst the jungle like surroundings is breath-taking. The only remark is that it might not be suited for small children. - There is a sharp step to allow the infinity effect and the drop is a few meters. The same step is in the terrace as well.

Staff / Owner
Hands down the nicest staff we encountered in any hotel so far. There was not one person that seemed to be grumpy or not enjoying what they are doing. Elke is a great personality and runs the house in a very warm yet correct way.

Activities
We did not try the meditation and yoga, unfortunately. (Because we have our own routine) But from what we have seen, the classes are recommendable. The yoga room is very nice! And the meditation/yoga terrace on top of the building ... just see for yourself!

The cooking class was great fun and done nicely and the walk around the property was interesting and showed how much the owner cares for the surrounding as well.


I am sorry to sound like a fanboy, but there is really nothing that I could point out that we did not like. We will come back, that is for sure. Thanks to Elke and her great staff and family for creating such an amazing place!