Things to Do
Wild country on the doorstep
The cottage sits at 630 m, between the lowland forest around Victoria Lake and the cloud forest of the Knuckles. There's a lot to see in both directions.
From the door
Walks and visits close to home
You don't need transport for any of these. We have printed route notes in the house.
About 1 hour · from the door
Village walk
A loop past the little Bodhi temple, over a stream, along a patch of rice fields and past the Wepathana monastery. We have a printed route, or a neighbour can walk it with you.
1 hour · on the property
Tour of the pepper estate
Find out how pepper, coffee, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg grow. Explore with a map of the trees and spices, or ask for a guided walk.
About 12 km · half a day
Narapanawa walk
Forest gardens, hilltop temples with views of the Knuckles, a tea estate with a roadside tea shop, and rice paddies. From the end you can carry on to a waterfall for a swim.
Walking distance
Local crafts
Watch saris and tablecloths being made at the government handloom mill, visit Rukman's woodcarving workshop, or buy nutmeg jam from the family who makes it.
Day trips
Mountains, temples and the lake
A tuk-tuk from the main road gets you to most of these. We can arrange a driver or guide before you arrive.
Full day · 10–25 km on foot
Knuckles Mountain Range
Tea estates, cloud forest, grassland and summits with 360° views. Trails start at Rangala or Hunnasgiriya, a short tuk-tuk or jeep ride away. Go with a guide; we know several good ones and can book them for you. You need to be fit: it's steep, and it can be hot and humid.
20 min by tuk-tuk · 1 hour climb
Pettigala Rock & Bambaragala temple
Start at Bambaragala, a cave temple with ancient Brahmi inscriptions and a painted ceiling, then follow the path up to a bare summit with views over Victoria Lake and its islands.
45 min by tuk-tuk · free entry
Victoria Dam
Sri Lanka's tallest dam, where the Hulu Ganga meets the Mahaweli. The visitor centre has models and drawings of how it was built. Bring ID, since guards sometimes check.
About 45 min to Kandy
Kandy and further afield
The Temple of the Tooth, the Botanical Gardens and Udawattakele forest are an easy day out. Longer trips: Sigiriya and Dambulla, Hunas Falls and its tea estates, the 18-bends road to Mahiyangana, or Ambuluwawa near Gampola.
Bird watching
80+ species, many from the terrace
More and more of our guests are birdwatchers. The mix of forest, farmland and water around the cottage suits birds: guests have spotted more than 80 species here, including 18 of Sri Lanka's 34 endemic species. The new ponds have brought white-throated kingfishers too.
Early morning is best. After the frogs and crickets go quiet, the birds start up. Look for the grey hornbill turning its head smoothly (most birds jerk), the chestnut-headed bee-eater catching insects in mid-air, and eagles circling on the thermals.
A pair of Nikon binoculars, a copy of Birds of Sri Lanka and our spotting list are in the house.
A few regulars on our list
- Sri Lanka grey hornbill
- Sri Lanka junglefowl
- Yellow-fronted barbet
- Layard's parakeet
- Sri Lanka hanging parrot
- Chestnut-headed bee-eater
- Black-hooded oriole
- Loten's sunbird
- White-throated kingfisher
- Orange minivet
- Crested serpent eagle
- Black eagle
Slow down
Massage, yoga and a swim
Rated 9.4 out of 10, SuperbGuest rating on Booking.com
Ayurvedic massage
Therapists from the Ayurvedic hospital in Kengalle can come to the cottage. Ask when you book.
Yoga & meditation
The old threshing floor on the estate is a quiet, shaded spot. There's room for a hammock or a mat in the garden too.
Swimming
Swim laps in the 50 m public pool in Digana, relax at a resort pool nearby, or cool off in a waterfall after a walk.
Food & drinks
Cooked next door, eaten on the terrace
Breakfast is included and served from 7:00 to 9:00. Choose a Western breakfast (fruit, toast, eggs, jam and cheese) or a Sri Lankan one: string hoppers, roti or milk rice with dhal, curry and pol sambol.
Our neighbours love to cook. Order lunch, a picnic or dinner about four hours ahead: rice and curries, thosai, roti and string hoppers, with dessert. Meals are vegetarian, and we can cater for other diets and allergies if you tell us.
Tea, coffee and filtered water are free. Cold drinks and juice are in the fridge, and we can get beer, wine or arrack for you. Prices are in the kitchen. You're also welcome to cook for yourselves, or cook with our team and learn a few Sri Lankan dishes.
Plan your days with us before you arrive
Tell us what you'd like to do and we'll line up guides, drivers and meals. We reply within 24 hours, and you'll never pay more than on Booking.com or Airbnb.
Whole cottage from $120 a night, rooms from $35, breakfast included.
Rated 9.4 out of 10, SuperbGuest rating on Booking.com