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The Wallawwa

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Characterful, historic manor house
- Day trips to Colombo
- Close to Negombo beach
- Elephant sanctuary visits

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Overview

The Wallawwa is an elegant, historic manor house located in Kotoguda within easy reach of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. Combining old world charm with contemporary touches, the property boasts tropical gardens, open verandas and terraces, a library, a sociable bar, a swimming pool, and a lovely Ayurvedic spa. The ‘Verandah’ restaurant serves Sri Lankan and Asian fusion cuisine made with home grown or locally sourced ingredients to guests and locals alike. Croquet, indoor games and Sri Lankan cookery classes are available on site, and there are plenty of cultural and beach activities nearby.

The accommodation comprises 17 elegant rooms and suites, each boasting king-size or twin beds, en-suite wet-rooms with rainwater showers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi to name but a few of the many amenities. The Garden Suites are particularly secluded and feature a private garden-view veranda or garden with comfortable furniture. In addition there are designated two-bedroom, two-bathroom Family Suites and the enormous Mountbatten Suite takes the biscuit, boasting two spacious interconnecting bedrooms, a free-standing bathtub in the main bathroom and private swimming and plunge pools.

Activities might include a day trip to bustling Colombo with its historical and religious buildings, street food sellers, and bazaars in the Pettah market district, or visits to Negombo beach which is about half an hour away. The fish market in Negombo is worth a visit, and days can be whiled away snorkelling, scuba diving, sunbathing on the long stretch of golden sand, or enjoying a boat trip out into the lagoon. Visits to the Millennium Elephant Sanctuary can also be arranged.

Children of all ages are welcome and extra beds for toddlers under two, and cots for infants, can be brought in to the standard hotel rooms if requested in advance. Families with older children can stay in the designated Family Suite which comprises a Garden Suite and a smaller, twin-bedded Wallawwa bedroom. Another, larger option for families is the Mountbatten Suite which houses a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a lounge and a private garden complete with plunge pool. The second bedroom is furnished with queen-sized twin beds and has its own shower room – in fact, the Mountbatten can sleep up to 6 people if the queen-sized beds are shared. Parents are advised that The Wallawwa has a pool and several unfenced ponds in the garden, so children should be supervised at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for The Wallawwa

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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