Hotels near Lunugamvehera National Park, Kataragama

Peaceful surroundings in the countryside.

The hotel is very nice, clean and quiet. The room is very big with a nice small terrace in the back facing the pool. The hosts are amazing! They made our one night stay very enjoyable even though it rained so bad. We did a safari with them in block 5 and 6. The tour guide was very good.

The Warden’s House is worth a rare “10 out of 10” from me. The building is beautiful and tasteful - decorated authentically with Sri Lankan antiques and the most comfortable furniture on the terrace. All four rooms look out onto the pool and gardens, which back onto a beautiful river. It’s an incredibly peaceful and luxurious place to spend time before or after safaris and other excursions, especially as there are so few guests there. You often feel like you have the entire house to yourself. We chose the Warden’s House because we wanted to do safari in a quieter area of Yala (Block 5). We heard the main area (Block 1) is extremely busy and that it’s much harder to see animals like leopards. Even if they’re there, the number of vehicles can make it impossible to see them up close. We are so pleased with our decision! We did two safaris and saw three leopards, up close and personal! We saw many other beautiful animals and birds, but were ecstatic about the leopards. We also chose The Warden’s House because it’s a sister hotel of Galle Fort Hotel and Thotalagala, so we trusted the service would be exceptional. It didn’t disappoint - the food was some of the best we have had at any hotel and the service was incredible. We had breakfast and dinner in our own part of the garden every day, with candlelight and a fire in the evening. All our meals were included plus sundowners and food on the safaris. To give a glimpse of the service level - you are welcomed back from safaris with cold flannels and the entire garden is lit by candlelight from about 6pm for sundowners. The value for money is exceptional. If you are visiting Sri Lanka or Yala for a safari, we can’t recommend the Warden’s House highly enough, especially if you’re a fan of small luxury and authentic boutique hotels like we are.

Our favourite style of accommodation is always a little home in the middle of nature. This little villa was exactly what we like. The room is equipped with a fan and a mosquito net - our two most treasured 20th century appliances. (There’s also an ac, but we prefer natural ventilation.) Best of all, we opened both sets of windows to invite a cool evening breeze. Authentic SL restaurants are a short walk to the main road. Peacocks roam freely and their calls are a comfort in the crisp morning air. Prasad was always very attentive, and helped out whenever we needed something. He’s such a beautiful and kind host. And his mum made the best coconut roti! Thank you for your great hospitality - we loved everything about our stay with you!

I can highly recommend this place. Everything was perfect, the room clean and beautiful, the host just amazing and friendly. Please order the food from the host, it was the best curry I have tasted in my entire life. Also the fried rice was delicious. They offer really good safaris and their driver is superb, very knowledgeable and dedicated. You should definitely stay here!

It’s a cute house located near the lake/swamp. Clean and friendly host. Would recommend.