Take a step back in time at the 200-year-old Horathapola Estate, a gorgeous, antique-filled bungalow with a focus on rural life in a glorious setting. Food is a way of life on the estate and mealtimes are a tasty foray into Sri Lankan cuisine with the likes of coconut rotis, homemade buffalo curd and fruit picked by your own hands for breakfast, and curries bubbling in clay pots for dinner. Save space for a scrumptious afternoon tea, served in the fragrant gardens surrounded by cinnamon and mango trees, and then explore on a buffalo cart ride through the plantations.
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A stately home, Horathapola is brimming with colonial-era furnishings from rattan rocking chairs on the veranda to Dutch-style wardrobes and gilded antiques. In the foyer, a sweeping staircase leads past framed sketches of birdlife, much of which you can see in the garden, and shelves are laden with books. Tables laid with coral napkins under the ancient frangipani are the setting for authentic Sri Lankan dinners and on warm days, there's a saltwater pool and whirlpool tub for enjoying a dip and a cocktail.
There are just five bedrooms, each adorned with antiques, wicker loungers and fetching artwork. A hand-carved bed dominates each room, and all extend onto a private patio well suited for reading, snoozing, sundowners and starlit dinners. The bathrooms are simple and functional and some are partially open-air. A short walk away from the main house, the family lodge has two bedrooms, a private garden area and roof terrace with an idyllic view of the surrounding estates.
Easy walks amongst the fruit and spice plantations are a given, but there are longer trails to enjoy on foot or bicycle. Join a member of staff on a buffalo cart ride and listen to tales of local life and the area's history. Head into town and visit the local 'pola' (farmer's market) where you'll learn a thing or two about haggling at the colourful stalls and tuck into treats like vadey (yoghurt fritters). Or, make some time for a spot of R&R and take it easy with a lazy afternoon by the pool.
Calming strolls through the gardens, abundant in coconut palms, pepper vines, spice bushes and fruit trees - and the plethora of birdlife that lives here. Look out for the flash of emerald and distinctive cry of a peacock!
While this area makes an ideal stopover on your way to or from Wilpattu and the Cultural Triangle, spend at least two nights to really appreciate the beauty.
Retaining a heritage feel, the rooms skip a few mod cons including a minibar, but drinks can be ordered to your room.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Horathapola Estate can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Sri Lanka trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Sri Lanka trips featuring Horathapola Estate or get advice and suggestions from one of our Sri Lanka specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Horathapola Estate start from around $350, or US$350, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Find your Sri Lankan feet in Negombo, a tranquil beachy spot close to the international airport.
