Galkadawala Sri Lanka

Customer Rating
  • General
    88
    88%
  • Food
    88
    88%
  • Service
    79
    79%
  • Room
    96
    96%
  • Location
    100
    100%
Average Score - 4 Reviews
90.2
90.2%
Ratings based on real traveller reviews in past 2 years
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Galkadawala, Habarana
Price From:  US $ 66.53 (Standard Room, RO Basis, Twin)
Eco friendly   Bird Watching   Trekking  
Location
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Galkadawala is a rustic eco-retreat on four acres of wilderness overlooking a lake in the remote village of Galkadawala in the cultural triangle. This is an ideal holiday retreat for nature lovers on a budget, with over 100 bird species and 45 different butterflies spotted here. The cultural triangle sites, including Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and the Minneriya National Park,can be accessed from here. Galkadawala is located off the Habarana - Anuradhapura road and is about 10 minutes from Habarana town. North East coastal town of Trincomalee is 1.5 hours from here. The journey from Colombo will take about four hours.
Introduction
Galkadawala was once a slash-and-burn chena cultivation. Its four acres were gradually redeveloped and more than 300 trees, including fruits, Kumbuk and Tamarind, and over 80 species of medicinal plants were replanted on this ravaged land. Gradually, the birds, butterflies and even the flying squirrels returned as it was transformed into an appealing tropical wilderness. A great triumph that can now be enjoyed by all. A strict eco-friendly policy is followed here with the bungalow constructed entirely out of recycled wood from old demolished houses, bricks and clay. Only vegetarian meals are served here prepared with fresh village vegetables. Galkadawala can comfortably accommodate up to six guests and is rented on a BB basis. Bedrooms are reached via a steep staircase and hence not recommended for very young children or adults with mobility difficulties.
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Accommodation
There is one double room on the ground floor; and two more double rooms on the first floor. All have attached bathrooms with showers. The bedrooms are basic and are furnished with twin or double beds fitted with mosquito nets. Pedestal fans help to keep the rooms cool.
Facilities
The ground floor has a living and dining area opening out to the surrounding gardens. The top floor has a lounge with built-in seating overlookingthe lake and is ideal for bird watching. Most might even prefer to sleep up here where it is cooler. Traditional Sri Lankan vegetarian meals are served here cooked with fresh vegetables form the village home gardens. The cook is happy to share his recipes with guests. The staff here includes a cook and caretaker. Galkadawala has a kayak that guests can use to paddle along the tranquil lake that flows right by the house. Bird watching is utterly rewarding here.
Excursions
Go trekking in the surrounding wilderness or kayaking along the tranquil river edged with shrubs and trees that attract numerous birds. Explore Galkadawala village with its wattle and daub village homes and wayside boutiques. Visit Dambulla’s ancient cave temple, about 30 minutes away; its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colourful frescoes, some of which date back more than 2000 years. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14m-long figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock. Venture further away to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya, Ritigala, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, all located within 30-90 minutes drive.
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