Kalundewa Retreat, Sri Lanka

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Enveloped in a rural farming hamlet and nestled quietly within a lush 100-acre preserve, Kalundewa Retreat is the idyllic spot for all nature enthusiasts and acts as the perfect vantage point for excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Located at the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and deep roofed in nature, sits the majestic Kalundewa Retreat. Enveloped in a rural farming hamlet and nestled quietly within a lush 100-acre preserve, Kalundewa is the idyllic spot for all nature enthusiasts and acts as the perfect starting point for excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigirya Rock Fortress.

The peaceful co-existence of man and nature is their motto a Kalundewa Retreat, with only a small number of low-impact homes on an otherwise untouched valley floor are made to minimise the human influence on the complex ecosystems that thrive in the forest, lakes, and streams.

Take a few moments to settle into a pensive state of mind that meditation provides, or participate in soul-cleansing yoga classes at several remote areas on the estate. The tiny spa also offers genuine and invigorating spa treatments as well as one-of-a-kind holistic experiences that promise to provide inner tranquillity, vitality, and happiness.

The in-house chef leads the open-air restaurant, which gets 85 per cent of its food from its gardens. For those with a genuine passion for cuisine, you may take a culinary class with the chef, who will take you to the gardens to pick your own produce.

With eyes on the mountains beyond, float around the tranquil lakes and open waters, find shade up the branches of Kumbu trees and become one with nature amidst true serenity.

Fact Sheet

Highlights:

  • Located at the heart of the Island's Cultural Triangle
  • Nestled in a lush 100-acre preserve
  • Offers some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful Al Fresco Dining experiences
  • Eco-Friendly Resort
  • Tones of Tours & Experiences can be organised on your behalf.

Accommodation:

1 Room, 2 Suites, 1 Villa & 5 Chalet options

Bar:

The bar, which is located near the restaurant and serves as a convenient meeting place before or after dinner, may also be used for pre-dinner arrack punch or an after-supper Singapore sling.

Pool:

Set away from the main buildings (a short walk or buggy ride), the pool is nestled beside a creek on one side and a sea of rice paddies on the other. The pool itself is an ‘ulpatha’: a natural spring that wells up from underground - you can even watch the water bubbling up while you swim.

Fine-Dining:

From the excitingly exotic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine to an intimate meal right amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, dining at Kalundewa Retreat is truly special. Dining beside the lake, pick produce from the organic garden and drink fair trade coffee and single estate tea blended to perfection.

An impressive 85 per cent of the produce is grown onsite – including rice, sweet potato, citrus, tapioca, ginger, beetroot, bananas, mangos and many others.

Relaxation:

Settle into a meditative state of mind that meditation provides amid the stillness or take part in soul cleansing yoga classes at several secluded areas on the property. The mini spa offers real and invigorating spa treatments, as well as a unique experience that will provide you inner peace, vitality, and happiness.

Sustainability:

A small number of low-impact homes on an otherwise untouched valley floor are made to minimise the human influence on the complex ecosystems that thrive in the forest, lakes, and streams on the resort.

A Little Extra:

Kalundewa Retreat take part in heartfelt initiatives such as Gowi Hamuwa, and medical clinics are directed at helping out the local community that consists mostly of farmers and their families.

Location:

Kalundewa Retreat, unique among Dambulla hotels, is located at the heart of the Island's Cultural Triangle, amid the primal symphony of twittering bird songs and fluttering leaves dancing to the wind. Enveloped in a rural farming hamlet that has been strangely overlooked by time, it is nestled in a calm setting like no other.The charming sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, nestled in a lush 100-acre preserve 150 kilometers from Colombo, is a great starting point for excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigirya Rock Fortress.

Sustainability:

The peaceful co-existence of man and nature is at the heart of Kalundewa Retreat. A small number of low-impact homes on an otherwise untouched valley floor are made to minimise the human influence on the complex ecosystems that thrive in the forest, lakes, and streams here. A mixed-use facility that combines agriculture and tourism, this peaceful haven has a distinct flavour among Sri Lankan eco-friendly hotels. It is also an active participant in the wellbeing of its neighbouring rural farming community. Their vision is to go 100% organic with all their cultivation processes.

Agriculture: Kalundewa is proud of their organic gardens that house one of the largest assortments of herbal plants fruits & vegetables in the country, as well as their own bees honey, all of which feature on the menus. Irrigation is via restored waterways and windmill-pumped ground water.

Solar Farm: With a commitment to environmental welfare, Kalundewa Retreat has endlessly explored avenues to harness renewable energy sources. Currently, they rely solely on solar power for all of their energy needs, and the goal is to decrease reliance on non-renewable resources even further.

Ehela Room

The Ehela Deluxe Room is on the ground level of the Damunu Suite, with beautiful paddy fields as its doorstep. This room is a smaller offering with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom. This intimate hideaway features traditional touches and comforts, while in the distance the mountain stands watch over the landscape as it has done for centuries.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed

Views

Paddy Field & Mountain Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Shower Over Bathtub

Damunu Suite

The Damunu Suite overlooks a paddy field and encompasses panoramic views of the mountain range beyond. Blending the traditional with contemporary design, this suite lets you truly experience the harmony of nature, as the songs of farmers in the fields beyond create a rhythmic lullaby that drifts across the wind.

The cavernous bedroom is decorated with a combination of stone, wood, and textiles and has a private balcony. The bathroom has enough space for two people, including a shower over a bathtub and his-and-her sinks.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed

Views

Paddy Field & Mountain Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Shower Over Bathtub

Nika Suite:

Begin and end your day with the majestic sight of Kalundewa Mountain. The Nika Suite is just across from picturesque paddy fields and provides a spacious yet intimate getaway. This ground floor apartment has its own cozy living area with views of the mountains, making it one of Dambulla's most unique hotel rooms. Out back, a quaint pathway leads you to a sheltered area amidst this landscape, a perfect spot for romantic outdoor dining under the stars.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed

Views

Paddy Field & Mountain Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Shower Over Bathtub

Attika Chalet:

Hidden deep within the gardens and surrounded by a lake, this shaded, glass walled chalet offers is the perfect spot for nature lovers. You'll never want to leave after spending the day relaxing on your private terrace with twin sunloungers and a huge plunge pool, all of which has outstanding views of the lake below. There's a king-size bed, two armchairs, and a garden-view en suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower inside. There's also a dining area with a kitchenette and TV.

Room Size: 1700 Sq feet

Beds

1x King Sized Bed

Views

Stunning Garden & Lake-Side Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Walk-In Shower

Something Unique

Private Plunge Pool

Karanda Chalet:

Experience and appreciate the environment around you, including various bird songs and sounds of nature, water bodies, changing winds and noise of trees with healing scents.

The secluded, lake-side chalet with glass walls, a pitched roof, and a private terrace with sunloungers and a huge plunge pool has a king-size bed on a raised platform, dining area, kitchenette, and an en-suite bathroom with a big walk-in shower.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed (2x extra beds can be added at additional charge)

Views

Stunning Garden & Lake-Side Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 4 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Walk-In Shower

Something Unique

Private Plunge Pool and Butler Pantry With Induction Cooker & Kitchenware

Kumbuk Chalet

The Kumbuk Chalet is a one-of-a-kind property located on the banks of a beautiful lake, nestled beneath the shady branches of Kumbu trees and surrounded by tranquil waters. This peaceful living area, which is among the most distinctive lodgings at Dambulla, combines traditional design with contemporary comforts such as a secluded plunge pool and wide glass panels, providing closeness with nature amidst true serenity.

The spacious Kumbuk Chalet has a vast bedroom with a king-size bed, separate dining area, and private balcony with plunge pool offering panoramic views.The transparent walls provide brilliant illumination. The magnificent bathroom includes a glass-roofed shower with enough space for two and a freestanding bath tub.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed (2x extra beds can be added at additional charge)

Views

Stunning Garden & Lake-Side Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 4 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Walk-In Shower & A Freestanding Bathtub.

Something Unique

A romantic lakeside escape with a Private Plunge Pool

Upper Bakmee Chalet:

This luxury boutique is the ideal escape for travellers seeking a hideaway amidst nature’s best. Wake up from a peaceful slumber in your king-size bed and head out to the balcony from where you can enjoy the views of misty mountains that are not so far away from the retreat.

Looking out over serene paddy fields, the upper level of the Bakmee Chalet boasts an enormous bathroom, with a freestanding bath and a shower that has sliding door access to the outdoor shower.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed (1x extra beds can be added at additional charge)

Views

Stunning Mountain & Lake-Side Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Indoor & Outdoor Walk-In Shower & A Freestanding Bathtub.

Something Unique

Elevated in luxury and surrounded by nature’s finery, the Upper Bakmee Chalet makes the perfect hideaway for nature lovers

Lower Bakmee Chalet

Surround yourself amidst nature’s serenity. The Lower Bakmee Chalet at Kalundewa Retreat, one of the most unique eco resorts in Sri Lanka, is designed to impress even the most discerning nature traveller. Lying on the banks of a lake, this abode can comfortably accommodate up to three adults. The main bedroom is on the ground floor and faces the lake and paddy fields beyond. The king-sized bed against a brick wall and floor-to-ceiling windows really adds to the rustic feel. Outside, a jacuzzi plunge pool awaits your pleasure.

Beds

1x King Sized Bed (1x extra beds can be added at additional charge)

Views

Stunning Garden & Lake-Side Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Walk-In Shower & A Freestanding Bathtub.

Something Unique

Featuring a Plunge pool Jacuzzi, a Lake Front Pier with Stunning Lakeside Views, and an Outdoor Dining Area.

Nil Manel Floating Villa:

This luxury villa is the latest and most opulent addition to rest of the resorts creative and relaxing series of dwellings. Floating in the middle of a lake surrounded by majestic trees and birds, this villa was designed and built by one of Sri Lanka’s leading luxury yacht manufacturers.

The Villa, which continues the award-winning architectural style of Kalundewa Retreat, offers a 360-degree view of nature at its finest. It comes with its own Teak wood decked and plunge pool, making it ideal for honeymooners or those seeking a retreat!

The bedroom has a double bed and four glass walls, so you can take in the view in complete comfort.Alternatively, unwind in the pool or dine al fresco on the outdoor deck with a view of the lovely lake and surrounding forest filled with tropical birds.

There is a 24-hour ferry service at your command to transport you from the main hotel to the mainland.

Over 1,000sq m

Beds

1x King Sized Bed (1x extra beds can be added at additional charge)

Views

360 degrees of Lake Views

Occupancy

Maximum of 3 People

Bathroom

En-Suite Bathroom With Large Walk-In Shower & A Freestanding Bathtub.

Something Unique

The villa comes with a private butler service.

Fine-Dining:

Tree House Restaurant: Take in the stunning countryside, which has picturesque paddy fields on one side and incredible lake views on the other. Indulge your taste buds in mouth-watering a la carte organic and international dishes made with organic ingredients from the restaurants gardens. Throughout the evening, the bartenders will introduce you to some of their most exquisite wines, beers, and cocktails.

Al Fresco Dining: Being a 100-acre property that includes paddy fields, beautiful lakes, and protected nooks hidden among tree groves, Kalundewa Retreat offers some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful outdoor dining experiences. Take your pick from any one of the resorts magical backdrops and share in a seven course romantic dinner with that special someone.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress:

A UNESCO World Heritage site Sigiriya, the legendary Lion rock is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. The fortress of King Kashyapa (477-475 CE) consists of an ancient citadel built on top of the rock, a mid level terrace, mirror wall with its frescoes, lower palaces, water gardens, moats and ramparts some of which are still in use.

The ancient citadel of King Kashyapa (477-475 CE) is composed of an ancient fortress erected on top of the rock and a mid level terrace with frescoes, lower palaces, water gardens, moats and ramparts that are still in use.

  • Distance from hotel: 32km
  • Travel time: 45 minutes from hotel

National Parks Visits::

Minneriya National Park

Explore one of Sri Lanka's best-kept secrets. Minneriya National Park is a popular spot among nature enthusiasts. Minneriya / Kaudulla national wild life sanctuary, which is bordered by two historic artificial tanks, is well-known for the elephant gathering during the dry season.

Minneriya national reserve is famous for:

  • The largest elephant gathering in Asia during June and October.
  • Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor), Chevrotians (Moschiola meminna), Axis deer (Axis axis ceylonensis) , Wild boar, Elephants
  • Large water birds such as Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant and 96 other varieties

Distance from hotel: 50km // Travel time: 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours from hotel

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu, located in Sri Lanka's north-west coast low land dry zone, is one of the world's best national parks due to its leopard population.

Wilpattu is famous for:

  • Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya)
  • Monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), mugger crocodile (Crocodylus parustris), common cobra (Naja naja), Indian python (Python molurus)
  • Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayetti), little cormorant, the painted stork

Distance from hotel: 107km // Travel time: Two and a half hours from hotel

Knuckles Mountain Range:

Riverston, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is notable for its beautiful fog-covered hillsides. At higher elevations, there are several isolated cloud forests with unique flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The Knuckles range is famous for:

  • Being used as a camping site
  • Random roadside waterfalls

Distance from hotel: 50km // Travel time: One hour from hotel

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple:

The Dambulla rock cave temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the country's biggest and most complete cave temple complex. It features more than 80 caves dating back to the first century BC, when they were created to display the life of Lord Buddha.

Dambulla Cave temple is famous for:

  • Paintings that spread over 5 caves
  • A 14m statue of Lord Buddha,
  • Ceiling walls covered with over 1500 paintings

Distance from hotel: 20km // Travel time: 20 minutes from hotel

A Trip To Kandy

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kandy the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, is a city fortified by mountain terrains.

Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, a city fortified by mountain terrains. Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the city holds the oldest and the grandest Bhuddhist festival the Esela perehara.The city is bordered by ancient ruins of the Kandyan Kingdom, lovely lakes, mountains, restaurants and hotels.

  • Distance from hotel: 80 to 90km
  • Travel time: Two hours from hotel

Bird Watching:

Birding in Sri Lanka is an exciting experience into the world of winged creatures, with 492 species of birds on the island, 26 of which are endemic. If you are a bird lover, you will be delighted to know that the environs of the hotels retreat feature 96 resident avian species as well as migratory birds. Throughout the duration of your stay, you'll be able to meet and interact with local birds at different times during the day or night. You can go on trips to see these feathery friends, such as early in the morning, at twilight, or on Kalundewa Mountain, with the assistance of the resident naturalist.

Ulpatha Natural Spring Pool:

The natural spring at Ulpatha is a haven where you may relax and unwind. Consider a natural spring pool surrounded on all sides by lush vegetation that changes colours from delightful green to brilliant hues. You can enjoy the view from the turquoise water or opt for a dining and barbeque experience that may be arranged by the pool.

Cycling Tour:

Cycling excursions in Sri Lanka typically include forest and village paths, but the Kalundewa Retreat goes above and beyond! Each lodging comes with its own bicycles, which you are free to ride any time of the day in the retreat’s expansive 100 acres that feature tracks running alongside lakes & paddy fields. If you want to explore beyond the retreat, we can organize short or long cycle tours that will take you to local communities, where you can interact with villagers and experience authentic Sri Lankan village life. All you have to do is ask.

Sri Lankan Cookery Classes

Sri Lankan cuisine is one of the country's many reasons to visit, and it will create an indelible memory in your mind or, more accurately, on your tongue. As a result, obtaining proficiency in this wonderful culinary art will be one of the most valuable gifts you can bring back from your trip.

The Sri Lankan Cookery Class at Kalundewa Retreat has quickly become a popular event among guests, as it includes a trip to the resort's organic garden to select your own vegetables and fruits, which will be followed by creating traditional Sri Lankan dishes with the guidance of the head chef.

Village Life:

Step inside this picturesque lakeside resort to see how effortlessly the natural environment and rustic ambience of the village blend with one another. Take a stroll along one of the many narrow lanes bordered by paddy fields or engage in seasonal agricultural activities with the farmers. Alternatively, embark on a guided tour to the village with the resident naturalist and visit the local temple and school. In the timeless hamlet of Kalundewa, engage with the locals and embrace the real spirit of rural neighborhood life.

Essential Information

Visas:

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism and government officials had approved a proposal to grant visa-free entry to Sri Lanka, for multiple countries across the world, which was set to begin May 1st, 2019.

Unfortunately, this service has been postponed in consideration of the current security situation. Please check with the Sri Lanka Embassy or Consulate in your country for up-to-date visa information.

Due to the heightened security threat, most nationalities will require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The fee is approximately $35 USD and an E-Visa can be obtained at the following website: www.eta.gov.lk

For the most up to date information on visa requirements, we recommend you contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country or visit the official website.

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. We recommend everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes cover for the full value of your holiday with us.

If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .

Click here to apply for travel insurance ONLINE

Covid-19:

Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.

For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Portugal, please click here

Additionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon as possible with all the relevant information.

Travel With Confidence:

Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.

What does this new booking policy mean for me?:

Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.

Our flexible booking policy includes:

(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees

(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.

(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.

Enquiry: Kalundewa Retreat, Sri Lanka

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  • Full Flexibility

    Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays

  • Your Money is Safe

    Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.

  • 24/7 on Ground Support

    Wherever you are in the world, our local teams are available around the clock to assist you. From last-minute changes to unexpected situations, you’ll always have trusted support.

  • Travel with Confidence

    With award-winning, industry-leading planners, guides, and logistics managers behind every journey, you’re in safe hands from start to finish.

Giving Back

As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".

The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.

Rainforest canopy viewed from above with river in the centre

Securing A Rainforest Reserve

Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.

Giant sea turtle swimming under water

Assisting Marine Conservation

With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.

Jaguar big cat looking at the camera

Creating New National Parks

By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.

Looking to Carbon Offset?

Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.

Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.

If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.

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