Sinharaja Kurulu Ella Eco Resort — Hotel in Sri Lanka

We stayed here from 25-27 March 2022. From the point of booking to our leaving in this bit of paradise, we were very well looked after by its owners Janith and his wife Manisha. Nothing was too much trouble and their main aim is to please and to make the guests as comfortable as possible. On arrival, we were greeted with a very refreshing homemade drink of lime and herbs. The first thing that struck us (myself and my daughter) was the quietness of the surroundings with only the sound of chirping birds. There were stone seats placed in strategic places where one could sit and look out into the forest and listen to the sound of water from the waterfall, meditate or read a book.||||We had the room with the glass walls and lying on the bed, we felt we were in the middle of the forest and you slept to the sound of the waterfall which is visible from the room and you woke up to the same sound. Such heavenly bliss after the noise and dust of Colombo!! At night the forest was magical with the little tinker bells (fire flies) lighting up. ||||The room was very clean, but you have to expect little insects coming into the room and this is all part of being in the middle of the forest!! The Resort is a small one of just 3 rooms and has been constructed very sensitively to blend in with the environment. The food - we always opted for the Sri Lankan dishes (being Sri Lankan) and they will tone down the heat if you ask!! Most of the vegetables are grown organically on the premises and are delicious. Manisha does the cooking and is helped by Janith's uncle and they will try and accommodate your choices if at all possible. ||||We also took a 3-hour trek with a local guide Dilan who was very respectful and helpful as there are many rocks to climb and at nearly 77 years of age, I did need a bit of help from my daughter and Dilan. He will explain and point out various herbs and medicinal plants that are used for all sorts of ailments. He is very passionate about preserving the forest and is also quite knowledgeable. You do get leeches, but Manisha will provide you with a pair of very innovative leech-proof socks!!! There had been no rain so although there were leeches, not as many as there could have been. ||||People with mobility issues should be aware that there are a lot of stone steps to climb down to the main area and then of course back up again. However, Janith will help you. My husband who came to drop us has mobility issues and he managed quite well with Janith's help. We came to Deniyaya from the side of Galle and the road has many bends!! But what joy when you eventually get there and the two days we spent at the Kurulu Ella was the absolute highlight of our stay in Sri Lanka. ||||The evenings and mornings are cool, so go prepared with a light cardigan, wrap, or jacket.||||We took many pictures but I am not technically skilled enough to put them here and my daughter has returned to her home in Devon, so she can't help me!!||||Such warm hospitality is experienced only in Sri Lanka!! I can recommend this place without...

A paradise for nature lovers.... We had to travel through a very steep small road around 2 Km to get there. But as soon as we reached the place Janith (owner) was waiting for us and warmly greeted us. You had to walk through tea bushes to reach the place and as soon as you go there you just feel you are in the middle of nature. When you look around, the only thing you see is nature and nice views over the valley. There are only 3 rooms on the property. There is a special family room away from the other 2 rooms completely covered around with glasses. That will be the best room on the property and it’s facing a waterfall. The rooms are super clean and spacious. The room was very modern, cozy with nice bedding, and equipped with all amenities. Great place for complete relaxation and meditation. If you are a nature lover, exotics, if you value nature and want to get into a real atmosphere, then this is the correct place to stay. There are no other activities other than relaxing or enjoying nature related activities. There is a small waterfall only a 2-minute walk away where you’ll find a natural pool where you can relax while the fish are nibbling at your feet. It’s almost like a private place but sometimes outside people also visit for a bath. There is no A/C in the rooms but the fan was more than enough to keep us comfortable. The hot water shower was perfect for the mornings as the temperature was cool. You’ll hear nice natural sounds most of the time including the continuous sound of the waterfall Janith told us that over 20 species of birds you can see from your room where you have an almost 360-degree view. The food served here was delicious. They mostly serve local food items where ingredients gathered from their own garden. Service was great and compliments to the chef who was Janith’s wife. It's a beautiful relaxing place and I would highly recommend it if you really wanted to escape from a busy lifestyle and enjoy...

We have just spent 2 blissful nights at this heavenly place in the rainforest, being perfectly hosted by Janith and Manisha and their family. From the moment we arrived we were treated with such care and attention. The rooms were spotless, well equipped with lovely shower, hairdryer, fridge of goodies, kettle etc. Comfy bed with immediate views into the surrounding fauna serenaded by the sound of the waterfall. Thi dining area above was a perfect place to relax, enjoy more of the surroundings, watch the wildlife and learn so much from our host, who was always there to show us something new whether it be a bird, butterfly, snake, monkey or caterpillar. He seemed to have a sixth sense to our interests and needs and was incredibly calm and helpful all the time. He arranged a trip out for birding, with a great guide, and came along to make sure we were happy. Every need was catered for and he was always there from the moment we arrived to the time we left. The swim in the pool and waterfall was incredible. And so finally to the food! Not only is Manish a beautiful, gentle, shy and happy young woman, but her culinary skills are out of this world. Using spices, herbs and fresh locally grown produce, she conjured up the most delicious of meals, the best we have had on our visits to this lovely country. The food was presented and served beautifully.....just faultless. Right down to the home produced coffee, just amazing. Accessibility is not suitable for everyone, but easily achievable for most. Especially with Janith's unequalled support! He held my hand and always saw me safely up and down the steps! So to anyone visiting Sri Lanka, this is an absolute must....an unforgettable experience ....and an example of perfect...