Galkadawala Forest Lodge, arboretum. Habarana. (a)

Private room in Habarana, Sri Lanka

  1. 3 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 3 beds
  4. 1 private bath
Hosted by Maulie
  1. Superhost
  2. 13 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Beautiful area

Guests love this home’s scenic location.
Some info has been automatically translated.
An arboretum consisting of 2 forest bungalows and a treehouse nestled in the centre of the "Cultural Triangle" and 3 Wildlife Parks. Habarana.

We have 6 listing under Airbnb for this property. Check all 6 listings even if one shows full.

We can arrange a safe and reliable vehicle for your entire trip in Sri Lanka.

Tailor made discounted offers for long stays.

Habarana is on the main road to Trincomalee, Passikudha, Batticaloa, Arugambay, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, & Kandy.

The space
Nestled in the mystic Sri Lankan countryside, 10.5 km (10 Minutes) from the Habarana town, Galkadawala is a FOREST RETREAT consisting of 2 treehouse like bungalows.

1st Bungalow consists of 3 rooms and 2nd Bungalow has 2 rooms. Each room can be made into single, double, twin, triple or family room as required. All rooms are with attached bathrooms, electricity, hot water, large canopy type mosquito nets (for an insect free sleep), fans, Wi-Fi and a comprehensive library on Sri Lankan culture, history and wildlife.

Galkadawala, was discovered in 2006, a land deforested and destroyed by chena (slash and burn) cultivation. Our aim was to transform this barren patch to a jungle habitation; creating a haven for guests to enjoy in a setting where MAN AND NATURE LIVE IN HARMONY WITH EACH OTHER; in which ANIMALS, BIRDS, REPTILES AND INSECTS ALSO HAVE THEIR DUE PLACE.

Galkadawala, is constructed mainly by reusing “used building materials” like used timber, doors, windows, bricks, roofing tiles, even discarded industrial trunking. Consumption of power has been reduced considerably by sensitive use of natural light and ventilation for cooling. The ‘open concept’ of architectural design offers the guests a very deep connection with nature. Guests should be open minded to accept a verity forest creatures since
it is their habitat and we are the guests.

Forest pathways, the network of waterways and lakes surrounding Galkadawala is ideal for trekking or bird watching. Visit popular and the lesser known heritage sites of the ‘Cultural Triangle’. Experience nature at its best in the dry zone of Sri Lanka unhindered. Or just get under a tree and relax : )

We offer discounted rates to for long stays for seekers of peace, tranquillity and solitude.
Ideal setting for persons who wants to "work from any where".

Please check the availability of rooms with me via Airbnb mail even if the calendar shows fully booked. I have 7 listings under Airbnb for the 6 rooms and the campsite with the treehouse at Galkadawala.

Guest access
The culture, heritage and wildlife of Sri Lanka.

Visit Sigiriya, Dambulla, Ritigala, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura . 40 minutes to Minneriya, Kaudulla, Hurulu wildlife parks . 2 hours to Vilpattu Wildlife Park via Anuradhapura. Approx 1 1/2 hours to Trincomalee. 2 1/2 hours Kandy or Batticaloa.

Experience Yoga in the wilderness!
Feel your mind and body merge in the tranquility of nature … Yoga is more than just an exercise.
Special Yoga classes for beginners or for the experienced. $15 per class duration minimum 1 hour.
We have 4 or 7 days therapeutic yoga retreats too. Nature art and birding workshops too can be arranged. By prior arrangement only.

Other things to note
The price indicated here, US$ 90 is for a Double Room.
US$ 40 has to be added for a Triple room. These rates are per night including breakfast and taxes.

A family room too can be arranged for us$ 11O to 130 for 2 adults and 2 children. Please inquire for details when making the reservation.

We serve Sri Lankan, ovo-lacto vegetarian meals. Vegan and gluten free meals too can be prepared on special request. Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Lunch or dinner is USD 10 per meal per person, USD 5 per meal per child between 6 to 12. Meals are free for children under 6 years.

Extra payments can be made by cash or credit card. We accept foreign currency too.

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Garden view
Lake view
Waterfront
Wifi
Dedicated workspace

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Rated 4.82 out of 5 from 196 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 86% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 11% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 2% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 1% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 1% of reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Habarana, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

The wilderness.
The Tranquility.

Meet your host

Superhost
655 reviews
4.86 out of 5 average rating
13 years of hosting
Where I went to school: Mahamaya, Kandy
My work: Retired merchandiser
Galkadawala is my passion. I left the “rat race” in 2006 in pursuit of my passion. It all began by reforestation of a small plot of barren land in the centre of the “Cultural Triangle” of Sri Lanka. There are two bungalows (treehouse like structures) and a campsite with a treehouse, sustainably built. We are surrounded by nature, abundance of wildlife, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient cities rising from an ancient irrigation system that consists of manmade lakes, waterways and pristine wilderness. I enjoy hosting like minded guests!

Maulie is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Darshi
  • Nisayuru

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 12:00 PM
Checkout before 10:00 AM
3 guests maximum
Safety & property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
May encounter potentially dangerous animal
Carbon monoxide alarm