Reviews from guests who stayed at this hotel, shared by our hotel supplier. Score based on the latest 41 reviews.
The Kidds
United Kingdom · Group of friends · October 2026
“Cheap basic and isolated.”
+We loved the idea of sleeping with an open wall to the sound of the river. Food was excellent and staff as helpful as they can be. Link to water sports was fab so we got to have lots of fun waterfall abseiling, white water rafting and zip wiring.
−The description is misleading. The location is down a long path through the vegetation. Quite steep and slippery in places and whilst it was okay it was hard work with backpacks. Some warning would have been good. No lights along the path so once there and night descends you are stuck there. It was not near anything else to socialise at. Frequent power cuts are workable but there was no hot water for most of day. After water sport activities being cold and wet and showering in a concrete room with no light and cold was hard going. We thought we were prepared for basic accommodation but this was more testing that we thought. Lastly the booking info gave the impression it is at a water sports centre. We thought itn would be busy with people and the teenage kids could socialise a little more. This perception was far from reality. We were the only people there one of our nights and the other night the other couple kept to themselves. Cheap accommodation so hard to grumble too much at what was on offer but it was hard going.
Kate
United Kingdom · Solo · September 2026
+The kids loved what an adventure this place was...it is in the most stunning location, which you need to walk into (they kindly help you with bags). The evening meal we had there was completely delicious and they helped us to organise white water rafting and canyoning (the BEST day out) and also helped us with sorting a car to Colombo afterwards. Really kind and helpful staff.
Maayan
Israel · Solo · September 2026
+We had a wonderful stay surrounded by nature in Kitulgala. We originally booked a standard room, but found it a bit moldy, so we opted to sleep in a tent instead. It turned out to be an incredible experience, and listening to the ambient sounds of the jungle at night was truly magical. The staff here are exceptionally warm and welcoming. During our stay, we booked a 1.5-hour white-water rafting trip through them, which was a fantastic highlight,it wasn't overly extreme, making it a great way to relax and admire the stunning river views. A few practical details to keep in mind: Accessibility: Reaching the property requires a 10-minute walk from the main road. Nature & Comfort: The path can be a bit tricky, and you may encounter leeches along the way. The accommodations are very basic, which suited us fine once we switched to the tent, but it is worth knowing that it might be slightly outside your typical comfort zone. If you are open to an authentic outdoor experience, this place is a unique getaway!
−The path to get to the property requires a 10-minute walk from the main road, which can be a bit tricky. There are leeches along the way, and it would have been helpful if the staff had warned us beforehand so we could prepare. Additionally, the original room we booked felt a bit moldy, which is why we switched to a tent, and the bedsheets had a strong naphthalene (mothball) smell, which wasn't to my liking
Wiktor
Poland · Solo · August 2026
−I doesn’t feel safe and comfortable here
Bostjan
Slovenia · Family · August 2026
“A welcoming place in the middle of the forest”
+The location is in the middle of the forest - perfect for being immersed in the nature. The river Kelani is close and very inviting for a short swim. The owner and personnel are really nice and attentive to your needs and wishes. The owner can organise adventure activities or meals - the Sri Lankan food was very good. There's no AC in the room but the night temperatures were fresh and really comfortable for sleeping. The place was perfect for us. However, one should note that the layout is minimalistic - it's probably not for those that want TV in the room or other kinds of entertainment. The place is accesible via a short foot trail only.
−Take note - you are in a rainforest. That means there are leaches out there (you will quickly get used to them) and the clothes you wear will not dry. It's a good idea to wash your clothes once you come out of the rainforest. We accepted this as a part of our adventure.
Joanne
United Kingdom · Solo · July 2026
“Basic but comfortable & fully immersed in nature”
+Very basic but clean & comfortable accommodation set in the rainforest overlooking the river. Idyllic location. Was magical going to sleep to the sounds of nature. Rooms are a goid size. Beds very comfy & excellent mosquito nets although surprisingly, given the location, we saw very few mozzies. There is a 5 minute walk/climb through the forest to get to the place which is quite steep in places but the staff helped us with our luggage when we arrived & departed. They have lots of activities that they can arrange for you. We did rafting with them which we would highly recommend. They also sorted our departure bus for us (booked tickets & reserved seats) & transported us to the pick up point. Breakfast was good & quite substantial consisting of omelette, sausage, bread, jam tea/coffee. Communication prior to our stay was good.
−We didn't have dinner here as quite expensive. Could do with a waste bin in the room. Some small signage on the path directing to the place would be helpful.
den Hartog
Netherlands · Solo · June 2026
“We loved the place very much!”
+Very beautiful place right next to the river. Staff was friendly and kindly helped us get our bags down to the cottages!
−Not recommended for relatively immobile people; requires 4 minute walk through jagged terrain. Only cold water in shower
Fiedler
Germany · Group of friends · March 2026
“Fantastic Place - Great People - Lots of Fun”
+We've had such a great time at Gayan's place. He and Sahan offered exceptional service. We've had a lot of fun, the breakfast was great and we highly recommend to book tours with Gayan and Sahan. Thank you so much!
lorena
United Kingdom · Couple · February 2026
“Thanks to all the staff for an amazing experience!”
+Very in the jungle ... off the road!
Alafi
Ireland · Couple · August 2025
+Extremely helpful and attentive staff, were able to help us with parking and also book us a very last minute rafting trip. Located next to a beautiful river and in the wilderness. The dinner was delicious.