Learn more
- Destinations
- About Us
-
Inspiration
What began as a passion project by a Sri Lankan filmmaker 30 years ago has evolved into a unique and beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of hill country.
Living Heritage Koslanda was designed to preserve and celebrate Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, using astrology to position the buildings and traditional building methods and craftsmanship to bring the stone and wooden buildings to life. Long before ecotourism was an idea, it was at the heart of the design here. The property spreads over 80 acres within a beautiful forest, Devianga Kale (God’s Forest), a sacred space of waterfalls, elephants roaming forest corridors, monkeys chattering and butterflies and giant squirrels flitting around the canopy.
There are just nine rooms here, each with a unique spirit – from the forest pavilions to the stylish suites. There is an infinity pool which overlooks the hills and paddy fields and the hotel’s spa offers a range of restorative and revitalising Ayurvedic treatments. Meals are served in the open sided traditional Ambalama, and for special occasions there’s a variety of special spots around the property for celebratory dinners. This is a special spot in the hill country, ideal for nature lovers and very welcoming of couples and families alike.
What we love
- The hotel’s story is a unique blend of comfort, Sri Lankan heritage and immersion in nature
- Set on an 80 acre estate, there are endless trails to explore independently or with a guide
- A range of Ayurvedic wellness treatments are available
- Make time for a swim in the infinity pool
- Cooking classes are a wonderful way to learn some local dishes such as traditional hoppers, as well as enjoying the rewards of your feast
- A guided walk through the forest, with a picnic lunch and a swim at the base of a waterfall is a real highlight
Nature lovers should opt for the forest pavilion rooms which immerse you in the sights and sounds of the jungle
The pathways around the hotel are rocky in places, so we recommend taking sturdy shoes to walk around in
We recommend at least a two night stay here to really enjoy the magic of this place
Families are warmly welcomed here, with a minimum age of 6 years for children. There are plenty of books, games and activities to enjoy for children of all ages, including cricket, badminton, cookery classes, bug discovery expeditions and bonfire nights with marshmallow roasting. The luxury villa suites comfortably accommodate a family of four.
Living Heritage Koslanda is proud of its sustainability initiatives, which are at the heart of their operations. They have an indigenous tree reforestation programme on the estate to rehabilitate the land, and guests are invited to plant a tree during their stay. More than 90% of the team are employed from the local area, and more than a third of the team are female, which is unusually high in Sri Lanka. This offers a rare but much needed opportunity for financial independence for local women and thereby supporting their children’s futures.In the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, on its own estate, Living Heritage Koslanda is next door to the famed Lipton’s tea estate and easily reached as a stop on the scenic train between Ella and Kandy. The nearest train station is Haputale which is a 45 minute drive away. By road, Ella is 1 hour 15 minutes away, Yala National Park is 2 hours away and Colombo is 5 hours away.What our travellers say
Choose your adventure
Let's get planningSpeak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
