A very special place. Steeped in history and good intentions, Gileemale Walawwa has the most fantastic energy. The surrounding landscape is stunning, echoing with bird song. There is a constant breeze through the verandah and when night falls, the stars light up the cooler skies.
The staff have been with the walawwa for 6 generations! And look after each guest with genuine hospitality. The food is delicious and represents genuine Sri Lankan home cooking so beautifully. Would highly recommend!
It was an inspiring stay! The house and grounds, the host and staff, the food, all of these are exceptional and we much enjoyed. Do not expect luxury of western standards, instead authenticity and inspiration, sustainable work and beautiful nature.
Tucked away from main tourist attractions, nestled in Ratnapura area in a village called Gileemale, we had the most serene and relaxed two nights stay in Gileemale Walllawwa for my wife’s birthday. The Walllawwa itself has its own history and a story to tell, indeed an interesting one. It has this, what one might called an enchantment, from the moment you step inside the Wallawwa you simply connect with its ambience and tranquility. The caretaker walks us through an artisan gem mine (many more excursions can be done in the area) and we explored the surroundings and the village. There’s a river that flows down passing Wallawwa from one end and great for a refreshing bath. Food is prepared using fire food which gives you that local flavor and the meals prepared were truly local with great taste and several dishes of what you find in the home garden and the area. They were a lovely bunch people!
Thank you So much for the kind words Mr Asanga. Looking forward to host you all on another day 💙
Gilles Cogneau2026.01.04
Propriété familiale d'exception. Lieu extraordinaire et accueil personnalisé sensible et attentionné. Cuisine locale de grande qualité. Cours de cuisine recommandé. Multiples activités dont baignade en rivière, visite des plantations de cannelle et de thé, de mines artisanales de pierres précieuses, birdwatching.
Thank you So much Mr Gilles for your kind words 💙 would love to host you another time 🙏🙏
Haladen Hassan2026.01.04
I had an absolutely wonderful stay and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Ishantha was an exceptional host – incredibly welcoming, communicative, helpful, and uncomplicated. From the very beginning, everything felt easy and genuine.
What truly makes this place special is Ishantha himself. His energy and spirit are clearly reflected throughout the accommodation. You can truly feel that this place has been run with passion and dedication for seven generations. It’s not just a business to him – it’s a living heritage. Even more inspiring is the fact that he doesn’t only care about his hotel, but also deeply about his local community, which adds a meaningful and authentic dimension to the stay.
I had an amazing time here and felt completely comfortable and at home. It was peaceful, inspiring, and deeply enriching.
I left with beautiful memories, a full heart, and a strong sense of connection to this place. I can wholeheartedly recommend staying here to anyone looking for more than just accommodation – this is an experience.
It was a pleasure to host you Ms Hala. Thank you for the kind words 💙💙 Would love to host you on another time again.
Buddhika Thilakarathna2025.12.27
We stayed at Gileemale Walawwa for two days and had a wonderful experience. The hospitality was warm and professional, making the stay very comfortable. The food was delicious, freshly prepared, and full of authentic local flavors. The surrounding scenery is truly picturesque, with lush greenery and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Overall, a beautiful place to relax and highly recommended for a memorable stay.
Thank you So much Mr. Buddhika. It was a pleasure to host you and the family 💙💙 Hope to see you again soon. 🙏🙏
Tusacha2025.12.17
I had a truly memorable stay at Gileemale Walawwa. The ancestral mansion is beautifully restored, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Surrounded by tropical plantations, it offers a serene escape from the bustle of town life. The staff were exceptionally attentive and made me feel right at home. Spacious rooms, tranquil atmosphere, and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality made this a perfect getaway. Highly recommended for anyone seeking heritage, culture, and relaxation.
Thank you very much Mr Chakrath. We look forward to host your family once again when you are back in SL again.
Chester Masangya2025.12.14
After the incredible performance at DAS 2025, the Raavan Kommand crew headed to Gileemale Walawwa, an ancestral house steeped in history. I wasn’t sure what to expect—it was simply described as an “ancestral house”—but the three-hour drive from Colombo revealed something truly spectacular. The estate is visually stunning, the kind of setting that feels like it could host cinematic scenes effortlessly.
The hospitality of the caretaker was remarkable. He shared detailed history about the Walawwa, explaining its architectural heritage and the lineage of the family who built it. But the true highlight was the river that runs through the property—refreshingly cold, and perfectly complemented by a cold beer. I spent time dipping into it both in the afternoon and early morning, an experience that was as invigorating as it was memorable.
Gileemale Walawwa stands out as one of the most remarkable spots in my Sri Lankan journey. The blend of natural beauty, historic architecture, and the chance to make lasting memories with the Musick Brothers makes it unforgettable. Already missing it there.
Thank you so much Mr Chester for the review. We hope you will visit one day back again to the estate. It was lovely to host you and we look forward to see you again 🙏💙
lahiru De Silva2025.12.12
Just spent a night at Gileemale Retreat, this place is just amazing .You simply won't find this level of calm and peaceful vibe anywhere else.The meals were so good! It's clear that genuine care goes into the preparation—you will taste a different note in every bite you eat my rating for food 10/10 , This was a short but incredible stay. I will be definitely returning soon. Overall experience: 10/10 !
Thank you Mr Lahiru for your lovely review we enjoyed hosting you and thank you for all the support given by you🙏🙏 and we look forward for more visits from your family and friends 💙💙
Sandesh Shenoy2025.12.08
Fantastic time at this wonderful ethnic manor house. Amazing food, amazing host, and over all wonderful vibe at this place. If you want to switch off from the rest of this world, Gilemalee is the place to be!
Thank you very much Mr Sandesh for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure to host you 🙏💙💙 Hope to see you again at our estate very soon.
Babar N.Sheikh2025.12.08
I stayed a night at the property with a few other friends from the performing arts circle. It is one of the best removed experiences for me. I loved the vibe of the place. The hospitality was exceptional and the host himself knows the area and the environment since he was born into it. Special recommendation to go take a dip in the river and also try the kayak. Overall a wholesome experience
Thank you very much Mr Barber for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure to host you and hope to see you once again with your family at Gileemale Estate. 💙💙💙
thefoodsIeat2025.12.08
Amazing place. The surrounding, absence of city noises and the good food was perfect.
We stayed one night at Gileemale Walawwa and had an excellent experience.
The rooms were comfortable and well maintained and the food was absolutely delicious. The hospitality was truly exceptional.
Special thanks to the two ladies and Madushan for their warm and attentive service which made the stay even more memorable.
We stayed for one night at Gileemale Walawwa and our experience definitely exceeded expectations.
Just 2.5 hours away from Colombo, it had the perfect blend of historical aura which was the ideal holiday getaway for us.
The food was amazing and mouthwatering, not forgetting the warmth and hospitality of the staff. Special thanks to Madushan for accompanying us for kayaking as well as guiding us on the river baths and beautiful garden walks.
The rooms and washrooms were very clean and spacious. Overall the experience was remarkable, and we'd love to visit again!
Mein Mann und ich waren mit unseren zwei fast ausgewachsenen Söhnen bereits seit einer guten Woche durch Sri Lanka gefahren und hatten die antiken und mittelalterlichen Stätten bewundert, bis wir für drei Übernachtungen nach Gileemale Walawwa kamen. Es gibt nun ein Sri-Lanka-Erlebnis von davor und danach!
Davor hatten wir uns zwar viel über die Geschichte, Kultur und Landeskunde angelesen. Aber erst durch das Eintauchen in die Welt von Gileemale Walawwa, das Erleben dieses mehrere hundert Jahre alten Anwesens inmitten des Regenwaldes von Sri Lanka am Fuße von Adam's Peak, wo früher die Gefolgsleute des Königs absteigen, die sich anschließend auf den Weg zum Gipfel machten, mit seinen wunderbar großzügigen Räumen, die uns gänzlich zur Verfügung standen, der Loggia im Eingangsbereich, von wo aus wir den Affen beim Sprung zur nächsten Palme zusehen konnten, den antiken Möbeln der Vorfahren des Eigentümers, auf denen uns köstlich zubereitete und höchst abwechslungsreiche singhalesische Speisen serviert wurden, dem zauberhaften Atrium mit Urwaldpflanzen und frisch gepflückten Lotusblütenblättern, wo nebenan viel Platz zum Yoga war, den Fotografien der Vorfahren und den besonderen Geschichten zu ihnen, und last but not least, durch die intensiven Gespräche mit unserem unglaublich warmherzigen Gastgeber und Eigentümer lernten wir auf das Land, seine Schätze und Schönheiten mit völlig anderen Augen zu sehen. Wir hätten uns nicht erträumen können, einen so tiefen Einblick in Sri Lankas Leben, Flora, Fauna und Wirtschaftsweise zu erhalten wir an diesem zauberhaften Ort.
Wir lernten vor Ort und sahen mit eigenen Augen, wie die Einheimischen die Rinde von Zimt herausschälen, wie Kautschuk aus den Gummibäumen gewonnen wird, mit welchen traditionellen und die Umwelt schonenden Techniken Edelsteine gefunden und weiterverarbeitet werden, wie Teeblätter in Teefeldern gepflückt, verpackt, gewogen und zur Weiterverarbeitung abgegeben werden, wir durften unseren Gastgeber mit zum nebenan gelegenen buddhistischen Tempel und bei den religiösen Ritualen begleiten, den Mönchsvorsteher kennenlernen, wir fuhren mit den hauseigenen Kajaks auf dem beiliegenden Fluss durch den Urwald, während über uns die Eisvögel und Weißbauchseeadler kreisten und die Affen an den Lianen turnten, wir ließen uns vorbei an der Dorfschule, die einst von der Mutter des Eigentümers geleitet worden war, zum Baden am Fuße eines Wasserfalls führen. Und vieles weitere mehr!
Der Besuch in Gileemale Walawwa, unser Gastgeber Ishantha sowie seine unglaublich herzlichen und zuvorkommenden Mitarbeiter aus dem Dorf werden uns Eltern genauso wie unseren beiden Söhnen für immer in tiefer Erinnerung bleiben. Danke, Ishantha, für diese unvergesslichen Tage!
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