Galkadawala Forest Lodge

What a very special stay we had at this magical place in the forest. Maulie has taken an area of forest cleared and damaged through slash and burn and rewilded it with immense care and attention to detail, using the skills of local people, reclaimed materials and an amazing sense of artistry. We stayed for four nights and did not want to leave! The accommodation is rustic and to all intents and purposes open-air. This means you are immersed in the forest along with all the creatures that share this space. So be prepared for wildlife to be present everywhere and for the local monkey troop to wake you at dawn thumping across the roof and peering in at you! The atmosphere is based on semi-communal living, sharing mealtimes with fellow guests, with Maulie a supreme host, helping organise peoples' next day activities. There were a number of single female travellers staying and everybody became firm friends. The food was amazing , all vegetarian, local and delicious. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive but discreet. Take a day away from sightseeing (it is a great base for all the Cultural Triangle highlights), and walk besides the lake with the dogs, or borrow the kayaks and drift under the floating trees enjoying the birdlife and the amazing tranquility. Thank you Maulie, Darshie and the team for our most memorable stay in Sri Lanka; we cannot wait to return!