Horathapola Estate
Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
At a Glance
A great place for those who like seclusion and nature much more hassle free than driving into Colombo
There is only natural air-conditioning meaning you have to open a window and rely on a ceiling fan, the property has high ceilings and well proportioned rooms so over heating is unlikely to be a problem
There are no televisions or other technology in the rooms so this property is only ideal for those who want to switch off from the modern world
It is hidden quite out of the way and along fairly bumpy roads so for flights arriving late at night it may not be ideal - this will not be a problem for adventurous guests and more a concern for those with younger children
The pool and small Jacuzzi is very inviting and a great way to relax after exploring
An amazing place to explore a working estate
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half, while the dry season here lasts from December to March. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Insider's View
Enjoy the lovely smell of cinnamon oil scenting the property.
Why not take a bullock cart ride around the estate and to a nearby village. It is the perfect way to explore this untouched agricultural area.
A gentle walk through the surrounding countryside is the perfect antidote to jetlag and will help you get over your international flight.
This is the perfect property to relax after a long flight. You will not hear another sound whilst you are on the Estate, a unique feature in Sri Lanka!
If your stay falls on a Saturday and your feeling adventurous, visit the local “pola” (Farmers’ Market). The market has a vibrant buzz of activity and is very colourful. Watch vendors out-yell each other, see sacks of red hot chillies and wildly coloured vegetables that come in all shape and sizes.
Be sure you take a tour of the working coconut plantation, it’s a short walk from the main house and really interesting to stroll around!
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Horathapola Estate or take a look at our itineraries to Sri Lanka
Description
Horathapola Estate is a planter’s bungalow just an hour away from Colombo airport and a great first or last stop in Sri Lanka. Situated on a working estate which grows coconut, mango, pineapple and spices, Horathopala offers a tranquil stay in nature.
Horathopola is a four-bedroom British planter's bungalow that was built in the 1920s. A stay at the estate is a great way to experience the planter’s lifestyle and village life and is an intimate retreat for those wanting to stay in a beautiful natural setting.
The estate offers spacious rooms furnished with period furniture and verandas opening out onto lush gardens. The house has three large suites and one two-bedroom family suite, all with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are not air-conditioned but there are ceiling fans and all rooms have high roofs and large windows that let in the cooling tropical breeze. All rooms also have access to balconies or verandas and have elegant as well as comfortable interiors. The main living and dining areas open out to extensive gardens and a large pool.
The estate also has a two bedroom lodge which is an independent two bedroom building close to the main house with the added benefit of extra privacy. The lodge has one large bedroom and one small room and is furnished and designed to have similar characteristics to the main house. It also has a huge terrace suitable for private dining.
It is worth noting that there are no televisions in the rooms at this property but guests are generally drawn to this property for its quiet atmosphere and natural setting.
Guests staying at the estate can take walks around the surrounding estate, take a bullock cart ride or cycle to nearby rural villages where you can watch the production of kadju nuts, wire ropes or visit a kopra factory. Estate staff can help you discover village life unfolding at its own pace, away from tourist areas and this is the real beauty of this property. There is also a village temple nearby and a local market where fresh produce grown in village home gardens can be purchased. You can even learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan food from the ingredients found at the market with the resident cook.
Accommodation
There are just five bedrooms at Horathapola Estate, each with views over the garden and large bathrooms.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Horathapola Estate, but please be aware there are no specific facilities for them. The Family Lodge or Family Suite are perfect for those travelling with little ones.
Reviews
Scarlett Richard (Staff)
For those looking to get off the beaten track and experience a sense of authentic local life in Sri Lanka, then a stay at Horathapola Estate is the perfect retreat. Set on a 50 acres coconut plantation amid lush gardens and vegetation, a stay here offers serenity and calm where the only noise is from the song of birds. As a beautifully kept 100 year old mansion, rooms are filled with antique furniture, beautifully carved wooden four poster beds and original wood beam floors, taking you back to the 19th century colonial way of living. As well as offering a place of calm, the warm hospitality encourages you to experience local life with visits to the local villages, coconut plantation and farmers market allowing you to see the real Sri Lanka and get under the skin of rural life.
Jessica Cator (Staff)
This fabulous hotel is only 1 hour from the airport and is situated in the most amazing coconut plantation. What stuck me the most on my arrival was the sheer silence of the surroundings. The property has been preserved in its original state and the atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxing. For a family this a great place to relax for a few days before heading into the cultural Triangle.
Sara Wells (Staff)
I stayed in Horathapola's Family Lodge on my first night in Sri Lanka, and loved the peace that this accommodation, set away from the main house, afforded. Dining on the private terrace was a real highlight, especially after having spent time with the cook watching the preparation of my traditional Sri Lankan meal.
The staff are extremely friendly and are happy to walk and talk you through the 5 acre fruit and spice plantation, or guide you through the village and take you to a local coir factory. Your stay will be relaxed and unstructured, so a perfect laid back first day in Sri Lanka in a beautiful untouristy, undeveloped rural region.
Emma Neale (Staff)
I loved this property and really liked the idea of escaping to the countryside for a first night in Sri Lanka or using it for the end of an itinerary to spend time somewhere so peaceful and undeveloped which has a different pace of life. This property is great for those who like to explore un-touristy areas and relax in peace whilst still having things to do.
Experiences
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Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Yala National Park, the most famous National Park in Sri Lanka.
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Polonnaruwa Half-Day tour
Visit Polonnaruwa, part of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka.
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Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Head into Wilpattu National Park for a morning or evening safari to marvel at the range of wildlife.
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Safari Jeep to Minneriya National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Minneriya Nataional Park , famous for its wild elephants.
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Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the most famous heritage site in Sri Lanka.
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Whale and Dolphin Excursion from Trincomalee
Go on whale and dolphin cruise in Trincomalee in the months of March to August.
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White Water Rafting at Kitulgala
Enjoy white water rafting at Kitulgala, an adventure playground and the film location of "Bridge on the River Kwai".
Location & directions
Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka
Horathapola Estate is a planter’s bungalow 1-hour away from the international airport and a great first or last stop in Sri Lanka.
How to get there
A 10-hour 45-minute flight from London Heathrow to Colombo then a 60-minute drive to the property.
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