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Red Dot’s Wildlife & Eco collection is a diverse one.
At its most demanding are Spartan eco retreats, such as Galapita
or Tree Tops, where life is deliberately pared down to basics.
Choices only for the most committed.
But there is luxury, too, such as the fabulous Boulder Gardens,
built into a rock on the edge of Sinharajah rainforest.
There are hotels for game parks, such as the highly-recommended
Yala Village, for river adventure – take a look at Rafters
Retreat – or escapist beach resorts, such as Darwins,
deep in the south-east.
A diverse collection, to be sure. But, for all nature lovers,
one worth getting to know.
Learn more about this region: Click
here
| Amaya
Lake, Dambulla (Formerly known as Culture Club) |
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 Amaya
Lake is a hotel of four-star standard, which
enjoys a peaceful and beautiful setting by the banks
of Dambulla lake. An excellent eco hotel, with simple
low-level cabanas, offering luxurious calm to those
seeking tranquillity. |
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| Aranya,
nr Kataragama |
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 Aranya
is a small, new eco-lodge about 5km from Kataragama,
within easy reach of Yala game park and Bundala
and Kelametiya bird sanctuaries. Sleep in a chalet,
tree house or watch-hut in a simple but thoughtfully-designed
property developed by the former Sri Lankan cricketer,
Hashan Tillekeratne. |
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| Boulder
Garden, Sinharajah |
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 The
outskirts of Sinharajah rain forest, in south-west
Sri Lanka, is a remarkable place to find a small
hotel with a boutique feel, but Boulder Garden,
built into a rocky outcrop, is a special delight,
offering unexpected luxury and committed eco credentials.
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| Blue
Magpie, Sinharajah |
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 Blue
Magpie, on the edge of the Sinharajah rain forest,
is a rudimentary property with a stunning location.
It has 12 simple rooms with en suite bathrooms but
otherwise is a place of few frills. One for nature
lovers.
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| Centuaria,
Uda Walawe |
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 A
reliable 2/3-star lakeside hotel, of old-fashioned
style, most valuable for its proximity to Uda Walawe
national park. A perfectly respectable stopping-off
point, but those seeking more luxury should opt
for an evening journey to the coast.
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| Deer
Park, Giritale |
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 Deer
Park Hotel is too large a building, perhaps, to
be a true boutique hotel. But since its makeover
by Angsana Resorts & Spa - one of Asia's leading
boutique and contemporary hotel chains - it has
become a chic, contemporary option in the heart
of the cultural triangle.
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| Dunvila Cottage,
Wasgomuva |
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 For
nature lovers, the Dunvila Cottage is an ideal eco
retreat surrounded by lotus filled lakes, lush green
paddy fields, and serene wilderness. The cottage
is surrounded on three sides by the Dunvila Lake
and has magnificent views of the Wasgomuva jungles
and the Knuckles and Sudu Kandha Ranges. Over 150
species of birds have been recorded in the area
including the rare spot-bellied eagle owl, blue-eared
kingfisher and the red-winged cuckoo. Numerous elephants
can also be spotted at a distance from across the
lake, in the Wasgomuva National Park.
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| Ella
Adventure Park, nr Ella |
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 This
eco-friendly park nestles on the banks of Kirindi
river, six miles to the south of Ella village, amid
the stirring peaks of the Southern Highlands. Challenging
outdoor activities in an unspoilt jungle setting.
Not for the faint-hearted.
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| Elephant Reach
Hotel, Yala |
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 Elephant
Reach is a new mid-range hotel option for those
wishing to visit Yala, Kataragama and Tissa - a
good alternative for those not wanting a luxury
camping and also for families. The property, built
on a four-acre site, is made up of comfortable chalets
built under the shade of tropical trees laden with
ripe mangoes and cashew nuts. Initial feedback is
promising with guests commenting on the property's
relaxing natural feel and the friendly, courteous
staff.
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| Garden Beach Hotel,
Kosgoda |
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 Garden
Beach Hotel has an enviable location. It is one
of only two hotels on the turtle beach at Kosgoda,
where turtles regularly come ashore to lay their
eggs. This small hotel has a gleamingly modern feel,
and if facilities are limited, it priides itself
in attentive personal service.
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| Galipita
Eco Retreat, nr Buttala |
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 Near
the pilgrimage site of Kataragama, in Sri Lanka's
south-east, lies Galapita Eco Retreat, on the banks
of the Gem River. A spartan lifestyle for committed
eco-lovers. Galapita has been praised as both well
managed and "dreamlike." Life does not
get much more natural than this.
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| Mahoora
Safari Camps, Eco Team |
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 Mahoora
Luxury Safari Camps, managed by Eco Team, one of
the premier wildlife companies in the island, now
offers luxury camping inside a range of national
parks, including Yala, Uda Walalwe, Wasgomuwa and
Sinharaja Rainforest. The campsites are set up in
excellent locations nearby rivers under clear blue
skies where, after an adventurous safari, you can
rest and relax amidst the sound of birdcalls.
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Mud House, Puttalam |
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 The
Mudhouse is a secluded eco retreat nestled at the
foot of the ancient Parmakanda Rock temple in the
North West district of Puttalam.
Set amidst six acres of untouched wilderness, tranquil
lakes and abundant fauna and flora, a stay at the
Mudhouse is truly an experience of Sri Lanka's natural
beauty within a typical rural setting. The Mudhouse
is a two-hour drive north from Colombo, close to
the town of Anamaduwa and is en-route to the 'Cultural
Triangle' sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla,
Sigiriya and Wilpattu National Park.
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| Hunas
Falls Hotel, nr Kandy |
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 A
hotel with solid traditions that would not be out
of place in western Scotland. This peaceful mountain
retreat sits in a land of early-morning mists, long
walks in relative cool of the hill country and fascinating
sunsets.
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| Kalu's
Hideaway, Uda Walawe |
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 Kalu’s
Hideaway, completed in 2007, is the closest recommended
accommodation for visitors to Uda Walawe National
Park. Set in a remote dry-zone village, just 15
minutes away from the gates of the Uda Walawe National
Park, this five-bedroomed hotel is a tempting alternative
to the more traditional Centauria Hotel. It is the
creation of the Sri Lankan cricketer, Romesh Kaluwitharana.
Spacious rooms, comfortable beds and good Sri Lankan
food makes it a tempting base after a jungle safari.
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| Kulu
Safaris, Uda Walalwe, Wilpattu and Yala |
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 Kulu
Safaris are a new high-end wildlife company that
specialise in luxury camping safaris inside the
three major national parks in Sri Lanka, Uda Walalwe,
Wilpattu and Yala. They offer a wonderful experience
that allows you to really savour and enjoy the remarkable
beauty of these wildlife reserves. We highly recommend
incorporating into your holiday.
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| Leopard Safaris,
Yala, Uda Walawe, and Wilpattu |
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 This
luxury camping safari is the vision of its owner
Noel Rodrigo, a wild life specialist whose knowledge
about the Sri Lankan leopard -- or kotiya as it
is locally known – is second to none. Leopard
Safaris has no permanent structures with everything
brought in to the campsite a day prior to your arrival.
This luxury camping package includes accommodation,
all meals, BBQ and snacks, alcoholic beverages,
unlimited game drives accompanied by a wildlife
specialist and entrance fees to the National Parks.
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| Martin's
Lodge, Sinharajah |
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 A
timeless six-bedroom guesthouse with the most basic
amenities. Martin, a charming and eccentric host,
is so far behind the rest of the world that reservation
requests are still collected during his weekly visit
to the post office. |
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| Olenka
Sunside Beach Hotel |
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 The
Olenka was still completing its 44 rooms (including
16 luxury rooms and four suites) as 2003 drew to
a close. On this largely unexplored part of the
west coast, it offers unrivalled standards of comfort
at a competitive price. Each room possesses a/c
and ceiling fan, IDD phone, television, attached
bathroom and balcony overlooking the pool and sea
beyond. |
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| Palm
Garden Village, nr Anaradhapura |
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 Anaradhapura
finally has a hotel in which it can take pride.
Palm Garden Village has successfully updated colonial
traditions for a more enlightened age. It is conveniently
placed for the ruined city of Anaradhapura, but
also has strong links with Wilpattu game park, only
40 minutes away. |
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| Plantation
Hotel, Kithulgala |
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 The
main appeal of this popular eight-bedroom hotel
is its location, right on the banks of the wide
Kelani River and surrounded by tropical jungle.
Whitewater rafting and canoeing territory. |
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| Priyankara
Hotel, Tissamaharama |
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 Wildlife
enthusiasts will be particularly taken by Priyankara,
an unpretentious three-star close to the Tissmaharama
tank. From your private balcony, watch an array
of birds in the nearby paddy fields. Priyankara
was upgraded for the 2005/6 season, ensuring that
nature lovers can still find value without foregoing
home comforts. |
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| Rafters
Retreat, Kithulgala |
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 The
Rafter’s Retreat is an ecologically-themed
riverside retreat. There are 14 rooms, 11 of which
are individually-designed eco lodges. You can even
sleep in a tree house after a day’s trekking
or rafting. Basic comforts for the active. |
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| Rainforest Edge,
Waddagala |
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 Rainforest
Edge offers designer-rustic high above the beautiful
rolling hills of Waddagala, only five miles from
the northern entrance to Sinharajah rain forest.
A chanxe to relax in an isolated, pollution-free
environment, free from televisions or phones, while
retaining good levels of comfort. |
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| Ranweli
Lodge, Waikkal |
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 Ranweli
works hard to provide a gentle introduction to the
eco experience. This mid-range hotel lies on a coastal
estuary, about 10 miles north of Negombo. An isolated
hotel reached by a short paddle-ferry trip. |
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| Royal River Resort,
Kitulgala |
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 Royal
River Resort is a charming four-bedroom property
perched above the Ing Oya rapids, close to the white-water
rafting village of Kitulgala. It is reached down
a narrow, winding lane through a rubber plantation
and the surrounding waterfalls, lush vegetation
and numerous species of birds and butterflies makes
this an ideal destination for nature lovers. A recommended
property in this area. |
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| Rosen
Hotel, nr Kataragama |
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 The
Rosen Hotel is situated in shady, tranquil gardens,
at the foot of a range of hills, in the extreme
south-east of Sri Lanka, close to Yala game park
and Bundala bird sanctuary. It is a bright, airy
hotel, with 52 a/c, well-appointed rooms. |
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| Samakanda,
near Galle |
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 Set
on an abandoned 60-acre tea estate, Samakanda's
gardens have come alive again thanks to its owner
Rory Sparrows, a dedicated environmentalist who
has done much to preserve the biological systems
as well as provide employment to surrounding communities.
Samakanda prides itself on being a `Bio-versity'
- an unconventional learning and living experience
for those interested in sustainable lifestyle solutions
that have minimal impact on the environment. |
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| Tree
of Life, Kandy |
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 The
Tree of Life sprawls across 64 acres of woody, hilly
terrain, a haven of solitude where guests prefer
dawn nature walks to noisier pleasures. An individualistic
hotel with ayurvedic philosophy at its heart. |
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| Tree
Tops Jungle Lodge, Buttala |
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 At
Tree Tops, set in the southern dry zone, a terrain
of rocky hills, scrub jungle and lakes, you will
live a natural life, devoid of many luxuries that
the west takes for granted. A serious commitment
to eco tourism. Not for the faint-hearted. |
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| Tulip of Ceylon,
Mawanella |
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 Tulip
of Ceylon is a small and individualistic eco retreat,
6kms off the Colombo-Kandy road, and close to Pinnewela
Elephant Orphanage. This immensely tranquil setting,
on a hillock overlooking the Ma Oya river, will
be prized by those seeking reasonable comforts,
good food, peaceful rural surroundings and a sparkling
swimming pool among the tropical foliage.
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| Ulpotha,
nr Embogama |
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 Ulpotha
is not a hotel, rather more a search for life’s
true meaning. This simple agricultural village is
not merely another holiday destination, but it is
a tranquil place where people seek a spiritual quality
to existence. |
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Vil Uyana, Sigiriya |
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 Vil
Uyana is a brand new /lifestyle hotel located just
minutes away from the Sigiriya rock fortress, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 6^th
century A.D. Situated on the flatlands immediately
to the west of the Sigiriya rock, the hotel is envisaged
as a natural extension to the efforts of ancient
Sinhala kings who developed and irrigated this area.
Vil Uyana, spread over 24 acres of land, also includes
a wetland system consisting of paddy fields, marshes,
and waterways newly introduced to this area by the
hotel. Individual dwellings, luxuriously appointed
within, and blending seamlessly into the rural landscape,
are located over lakes, marshes, and paddy fields. |
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| Yala
Village Hotel, Yala |
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 This
is not just a good base for a Yala safari, but a
wonderfully relaxing hotel in its own right. Its
40 stylish cabanas blend subtly into scrub forest,
close to Yala game park in Sri Lanka’s south-east
corner. Make the journey worthwhile – spend
time here. |
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| Slightly
Chilled Yellow House, Adam's Peak |
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 Slightly
Chilled Yellow House is an excellent base from which
to explore the sacred mountain of Adam's Peak. This
happy family-run guest house is situated in the
central highlands in Dalhousie, overlooking the
Kelani river. It is a nature lover's dream, possessing
spectacular views of the mountain and the surrounding
forest reserve, this is a nature lover’s dream
and an excellent spot from which to access this
sacred pilgrimage site. Dalhousie is the starting
point of the Adam’s Peak climb and can be
accessed via Hatton or through Avissawella. Relocated
in 2005, the new `Slightly Chilled' is light and
airy with a profusion of interior colours. |
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And don't forget that we also offer an excellent range of villa
properties, offering luxurious and intimate surroundings that
bear comparison with villa properties anywhere in the world.
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Villas »
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