Polwaththa Ecolodges

This rustic, family-owned property is perfect for families, couples and solo travelers looking for an escape from the city, without going too far out of the way. Located 30-minutes outside of Kandy, go from busy city life to quiet nights in nature. Nihal and family are wonderful hosts with so much love for community and mother earth. Their restaurant serves up delicious, authentic Sri Lanka dishes as well as Western goodies, and incredible organic "wild" coffee grown onsite.

Turning off the busy main road of Digana you find yourself bouncing into a progressively denser forest. Taking a right at an impressive cluster of bamboo and drive a little further to a scattering of cabins hidden between the green of the trees. Polwaththa is divided into a range of cabins to accommodate varying budgets, this also includes a homestay option. Wherever you choose within its grounds you find yourself truly immersed in the thick of the forest. Swinging on the hammock at sunrise was the highlight, watching and listening to the animals wake up and start the day was incredible. Not to mention some of the view points are utterly breathtaking. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish you were a botanist or ornithologist - even for the untrained eye you know you're seeing something special. The activities offered are numerous, though for those who like to venture out on their own, know that many of the staff double up as guides and depend on leading treks. The treks come in all shapes and sizes - from easy to challenging as the Knuckles range is reachable as is a less difficult hike to a secret local waterfall. Opportunities along the way include visiting family-run home-based spice or treacle factories, and seeing different villages. I can still taste the nutmeg chutney (mind blown)! The place itself has room to grow in terms of facilities and service considering their price points relative to other lodges/homestays/hotels in the country. Though even in this, the shortfalls can be easily forgiven. The staff and management constantly seek feedback and advice, and are thoughtful in their responses. From English (or French) classes to activities, the room themselves, food service or even possible future projects - they are remarkably open to discussions and invite you to share in their vision. I enjoyed my time there and am excited for all that Polwaththa can become as it improves and grows.