Galkanda Walawwa — Hotel in Sri Lanka

We spent one night at Galkanda Walawwa as part of our weekend retreat to Kandy. Despite the check-in time being around 2 p.m., we arrived at the location around 7 p.m. due to impromptu plans in Kandy. The Ratwatte family warmly welcomed us and greeted us with a refreshing welcome drink. The remainder of our stay following this initial interaction was serene and rejuvenating. The villa is only available for exclusive bookings, so it's not possible to reserve individual rooms.

Arrangement: We opted for the half-board package, which included dinner and breakfast for the following day. The half-board rate was 8500/= per person, and we made a 50% advance payment to secure the villa for our chosen date. As a special arrangement, we also chose to have a BBQ. We provided the meat and charcoal, and there was an additional charge of 5000/= for marinating and preparation.

Food: As mentioned, we ordered dinner and breakfast from the villa. Both meals were delectable and expertly prepared. The breakfast was a standout, featuring roti, string hoppers, along with kunisso curry, chicken curry, and potato curry. It was impeccably cooked and tasted divine.

Service: The hospitality extended to us felt akin to visiting a relative's home. The Ratwatte family and their staff took excellent care of us and treated us with great warmth. Special mention goes to the three ladies whose exceptional service was marked by kindness, helpfulness, and politeness.

Location: Situated in Menikhinna, you can alight at Walala junction if arriving by bus. From there, it's approximately 500m to Galkanda estate, where this charming retreat is nestled. The road leading to the Walawwa is a bit rugged and dimly lit at night, so it's worth noting if arriving after sunset. Nevertheless, the location boasts a tranquil and serene ambiance, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. There's ample garden space for leisurely morning strolls or even a game of cricket. The Walawwa holds a rich historical significance, tracing its roots back to the Ratwatte family ancestry, with ancient items, ornaments, wall decorations, and furniture meticulously preserved.

Rooms: The villa comprises three double rooms and a triple room, comfortably accommodating up to nine guests. Each room retains its historical charm, with uniquely designed beds, cupboards, and lamps reminiscent of ancient times. There are two shared bathrooms and two open-air showers in the backyard. The only drawback is the absence of attached bathrooms.

Amenities: The highlight of the property is its stunning infinity pool, offering breathtaking views of the misty mountains during both sunrise and sunset. Additionally, there's a jacuzzi available for use, albeit with a separate fee. The rooftop area, accessible via an iron staircase, provides panoramic views, although we did not utilize it during our stay. Hot water is there but sometimes it wasn't working properly so better to inform the staff in...

125 years old and gorgeous!

Our recent family holiday at Galkanda Walawwa in Kandy was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped by the warm hospitality and impeccable attention to detail that made this trip truly special.

The hosts went above and beyond to cater to our every need, ensuring that every moment of our 4-night stay was memorable. Their dedication to making us feel welcome and pampered was evident in every aspect of our stay. The culinary experience was a delightful surprise—every meal, from breakfast to dinner, featured incredible Sri Lankan delicacies. The hosts truly took pride in sharing their country's rich culinary traditions, and we felt like we were enjoying authentic home-cooked meals at their finest. What made it even more special was how they decorated the dining table beautifully for each meal—changing it up every time, creating a unique atmosphere that added a touch of magic to our dining experience.

The property itself is simply stunning. Nestled in the heart of a lush green estate, Galkanda Walawwa feels like a hidden gem. The peaceful sound of birds chirping provided a serene soundtrack to our mornings, while the entire estate was a playground for our children, keeping them entertained and happy. One of the highlights of our stay was spotting a couple of deer cubs wandering the grounds—such a rare and beautiful moment that we will cherish forever.

The staff were another standout feature of our stay. Their warmth, professionalism, and ever-present smiles made us feel right at home. They were always ready to help with anything we needed and went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and happy throughout our stay.

If you're looking for a perfect destination for a leisurely family holiday where you can truly feel special and pampered, Galkanda Walawwa is the place to be. It’s a rare blend of tranquility, luxury, and heartfelt hospitality that leaves you with memories to treasure...

Galkanda walawwa is unique boutique villa that more than120 years old in kandy. We ( Nilantha and my wife Rashani) don’t hesitate to introduce this place as paradise on kandy in Sri lanka. Galkanda walawwa has an Elegant view by the pool. Both of us collected unlimited memories by taking selfies videos and photos using our phone cameras. Person who owned this place Mr suresh rathwatte. Mr suresh and his family they are so kind and helpful. We are came all the way from Canada to Sri Lanka because of our wedding. Specially in pandemic situation mr. Suresh helps us by using his very special contacts To success our wedding plan. Our Homecoming night function In galkanda walawwa Was a happiest moment in our life. there are the best people. We spent our whole vacation in galkanda walawwa its 75 days. We don’t feel this hotel as another hotel. More like home.actually this is a paradise. Staff also very friendly and kind. Another special part of galkanda walawwa is galkanda estate “echo farm”. We are so lucky to experience organic farming products like fresh milk/cheese and yoghurt. person who run the echo farm is a professor.with his kind lesson about Eco farming products. Once you go to galkanda Walala don’t forget to visit Echo Farm it’ll be a different experience. I really thankful mr. Suresh and his family and pubudu who looking after for us our stay. Thank you all. Definitely one of our next vacation destination is...