Gal Oya Lodge

Under a roof of illuk grass, the airy restaurant serves Sri Lankan cuisine (and a variety of worldly dishes) including the likes of fish baked in lemongrass and plated on a banana leaf. The large stone bar has a selection of beer, wine and spirits plus Sri Lanka's quintessential arrack sours. Just down the bank, you'll find a pool with blue loungers alongside and views of 'Monkey Mountain'. If you fancy it, the central lounge also has a collection of board games and guide books to bone up on your safari facts.

Built in locally-sourced cajan and teak, the nine bungalows fit seamlessly into the landscape. Each comes decked out with a king-size canopy bed with elephant-print cushions, doors that open onto a spacious patio and tree trunk tables in the lounge. Decorated in hand-crafted furnishings and woven rugs, the rooms also come with fans and mozzie nets. The open-air bathrooms have large granite counters, a walk-in shower and bamboo spouts over brass basins. There is one family villa, which sits at the lodge's highest point and has a large, wrap-around verandah.

As the neighbourhood of one of the last remaining Veddha communities, it would be criminal to skip a forest walk with the village chief as he shares their history and traditions. Boat safaris are equally as epic thanks to the elephant that line the water's edge and birdlife of every colour. See Gal Oya by night as you trek in search of pangolin; join the lodge's conservation efforts by helping to set up camera traps and make the great ascent to the top of Monkey Mountain - the views are worth it. Back at the lodge, enjoy a foray into Sri Lankan cooking at the outdoor kitchen hut.