Hotels near Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Ratnapura

What a great stay this was. The accommodation is beautiful, we had a HUGE bedroom (two double beds!), with a lovely large bathroom (great shower, bring your own toiletries). The room had powerful AC and a ceiling fan, so the temperature was very comfortable. We also had a huge balcony, and we could just sit outside surrounded by Sri Lankan nature - birds, chipmunks and a monkey! It was like paradise. We are vegan, but this was not a problem for the owner and his wife, who cooked the most delicious evening meal (small additional charge - and I mean small, given the quality and quantity of food!). We dined outdoors with some of the other guests, it was a really enjoyable meal and experience. Breakfast, which is included in the price, was mind-blowing! So much delicious Sri Lanka vegan food, lovingly prepared by the owner's wife and his mother. The coconut pancakes - oh my goodness! We had also arranged a half-day safari (afternoon) through the hotel, at a very good price because we were sharing with some other guests. The safari experience was amazing, our driver was great, very knowledgeable, able to spot the smallest creatures, and very respectful about not intruding, especially with the elephants. Highlight of the afternoon, as we were travelling back to the park entrance, sun starting to set, we came across a family of elephants by the side of the trail, just doing their thing. Our jeep was the only one there, so we just sat, waited and watched. Awesome! So, if you are visiting Udawalawa, I highly recommend this family-run guesthouse. Fantastic accommodation, amazing food, and such a friendly family.

Because Yala was in the peak of Biyuan during the trip, and wanted to go to a safari park, this is the only hotel in the zoo. It feels that the equipment is a bit old and the buffet is slightly more expensive, but there is no choice.