Introduction
Corberts Rest is a simple place in the midst of Sri Lanka's Knuckles mountain range and is comprised of five earth-toned cottages scattered over eight acres of hilly, terraced land. There is also a separate camping site down the hill and a dormitory for trekkers and those travelling in small groups. A waterfall from a nearby spring flows down one corner of the property during the rainy season forming a natural pool downhill where you can take a dip. In this remote corner of the hills, there is no main electricity or water supply: a generator is switched on daily from 6pm to 10 pm for lighting and the piped water is drawn from a natural spring. The stone-walled restaurant, kitchen and staff quarters is located down the hill, reached via steep steps which are lit up at night. Corberts Rest is owned by a Sri Lankan couple who are ardent trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts, well-versed with the Knuckles Conservation Range. An experienced trekking guide is available to accompany guests.
Accommodation
Each of the five cottages has a light, airy interior and is well-furnished with three twin beds, a dressing table and a cupboard. The ensuite bathrooms have a shower (no hot water, but the staff will be happy to bring up some hot water for your bath), wash basin, and w/c. The cottages also have a private veranda furnished with wooden benches which are ideal to relax on and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Camping at Corberts Rest is only available during the season from February to April. The dormitory is furnished with twin beds and bunk beds and also has two attached bathrooms and a small kitchenette.
Facilities
The restaurant is enchantingly-designed with stone and timber and has a fireplace where fires are lit on a cool night. Sri Lankan rice and curries and basic western meals are served here, prepared with fresh village vegetables: being in a remote village means that meats and fresh fish are limited. Discuss your meal preferences with the cook and he will prepare the meal to your liking. A popular dessert here is curd and Kitul treacle which is tapped from the Kitul palm tree, an important means of income-generation for the villagers in this area. As well as the restaurant, there is a separate lounge area and a landline telephone (there is no mobile phone reception in this area).
Why We Like It
Pure escapism for committed trekkers - no phone signal, electricity supply, running water, miles from anywhere.
Location
Corberts Rest is a welcoming guesthouse in Karambaketiya, a remote village situated within the magnificent Knuckles Mountain Range, about one-and-a-half hours north-west of Kandy.
Location: Knuckles, Kandy
Style: Guesthouse
No.of Rooms: 5
Key Features: Utterly escapist setting; glorious views
