TikaWeeks #34/2025: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 20th August 2025
With no Wi-Fi, and very limited mobile network reception and electricity (a generator operates morning and evening for a short duration as a convenience to guests), this is an authentic get-away-from-it-all, glamping experience in the majestic Knuckles Mountain Range. Wake up to the wonderful views and dawn chorus of the island’s exotic birds and sip on your refreshing cup of tea whilst breathing in the fresh air. This is the ideal spot for adventurous nature lovers to disconnect from their busy life and explore the untouched wilderness of Sri Lanka.
“To improve your vacation experience and encourage a digital detox, the villa offers limited network and internet access, allowing you to disconnect from social media and reconnect with your surroundings,” so says the management of this secluded luxury villa in an untrammelled region of the southern Hill Country. Surrounded by mist shrouded mountains and affording panoramic views of sprawling paddy fields, dense jungle and picturesque waterfalls, the villa is a tranquil haven offering an opportunity to unwind in style.
One of our favourite places to stay and a pioneer of sustainability and responsible tourism in the east of the island. Located well away from habitation has its advantages – there is no Wi-Fi at the lodge and very limited mobile phone signal! While the bungalows are predominantly cooled by fans, discreet air conditioning units have been installed above the beds following guest feedback, which is a shame for the planet. However, rather than cooling the entire space, this focused approach ensures guests enjoy a restful night’s sleep while minimising energy use.
Tom and Kumar’s enterprise from the heart is unique to the island and highly recommended for an extra special experience. It is an authentic eco-retreat based around a well-developed community project in one of the least visited areas of the island. Flanked by lakes and blessed with abundant birdlife, wildlife and natural beauty, the uniquely designed huts are all constructed with natural materials sourced locally. Traditional wattle and daub and thatched roofing techniques are complemented by contemporary architecture.
Secluded haven overlooking a deserted east coast beach and a river alongside. The thoughtfully designed bungalows have been created with utmost care, to optimise the views and maintain absolute privacy for each property. The rustic bungalows are built in as eco-friendly manner as possible, with driftwood floors upstairs and walls painted in termite mud. Water is drawn from the onsite well, and solar panels supplement the mains electricity. During the dry months (April to September), elephants may be seen frolicking in the river and feeding on the mangrove island.
Accessed by a 20-minute walk through the jungle, Ahaspokuna is the first luxury bush walks camp in Sri Lanka. This off-grid glamping site is immersed in 900 hectares of pristine wilderness and arranges jungle treks with local trackers as a unique experience on the island. Created around a waterhole with magnificent views of the open grasslands and surrounding mountains, three rustic suites include a viewing area, bedroom with Queen-size bed, bathroom/dressing area, a private ‘jungle’ bath for naturist ablutions or a relaxing soak, and a day/sky bed on a free-standing platform.
Kumbuk River Eco Extraordinaire
A novel eco resort situated alongside the Kumbuk River that feeds Yala National Park just a stone’s throw away. Based on a local community project, this unique get-away-from-it-all jungle retreat will immerse you in nature in an ethical and sustainable way. Nestled in one of the poorest and undiscovered regions of the country, the original, naturally ventilated building takes the form of a colossal straw mammoth (!), while the floating boat house, tree house and jungle cabin are air conditioned. The retreat won’t appeal to everyone, but to some it can be a life-changing experience.
Intimate tented eco-camp within a private estate in the wilds of the island's hot and dry southern plain just to the north of Yala National Park. This low impact and minimalistic eco lodge is set around a waterhole frequented by leopards, elephants and many bird species. Managed with passion and a pioneering community spirit, the jungle camp is forging a new frontier in the wilderness, merging with the protected Rahatangala Conservation Forest, an integrated part of the wider Yala National Park ecosystem. Take a jeep safari, or simply enjoy being, living and walking in the jungle.
Jungle campsite designed to provide a multi sensorial safari experience beside the scenic Kumbukkan River within Kumana National Park, which means there is no restriction on your time in the reserve and wildlife encounters are potentially more intimate. The camp is blissfully remote – fall asleep to an orchestra of crickets or the bubbling call of the nightjar beneath an unpolluted ceiling of twinkling stars, and wake to a vibrant dawn chorus. Airy, high roofed tents are fitted with comfy beds, fans, solar power and charging facilities, washroom, and separate hot water bucket showers.
A one-of-a-kind insight into the arduous work that goes into your cup of tea. Once a tea picker herself, Meena Amma now looks after guests with an enchanting charm as she hosts a series of unique local experiences designed around the life of tea and its community. You will join Meena Amma in the daily routine around the estate, taking brisk walks through the lush plantations, interacting with the many pickers who have built their life around them, or visiting the estate temple or school. The two linerooms are refurbished and upgraded spaces of the original accommodation.
Award-winning wellness retreat tucked away in the tranquil and picturesque Aratenna Estate. From the Sanskrit meaning ‘in harmony with’, Santani follows the sincere belief that sustainable wellbeing begins by bringing oneself into balance – the nature and nurture provided helps to achieve that elusive balance. Wellness programmes in Ayurveda, detox and cleansing, yoga and relaxation combine onsite pampering and rejuvenation with enlightened learning for healthy living, habits that stay with you long after you leave the invigorating surroundings of this luxury wellness resort.
Spiritual sanctuary in a secluded spot just steps from the Indian Ocean. The Kayaam House journey focuses on restoration and recovery with wellness a key part of every guest experience. The spaces are designed to provide seclusion and serenity for guests, helping to ease the mind, unwind and relax in a lush, tropical setting. Designed to emanate a cosy and restorative atmosphere, ideal for rest, rejuvenation and rediscovery, this holistic hideaway embodies the ideology of inner balance by curating Ayurveda therapies infused with natural ingredients and nurturing practices.
For more details of these extra special, off-grid places to stay as well as many other options, please take a look at Tikalanka accommodation
Categories: Accommodation, Health, Honeymoon, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Travel tips, Wildlife
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