Punkalasa tourist lodge

Amazing location right next to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura Very friendly host who helped us arrange the bus to our next destination Breakfast included (pancakes and tea) Simple bedroom and bathroom Chairs and table outside in the garden

No towels and blankets

We had a wonderful stay at the Punkalasa tourist lodge! We stayed for 3 nights and had a wonderful time. The host Thilan guided us himself through all the temples and must-see places in Anuradhapura! Not only could he tell a lot about the monuments, he showed us all different types of fruits, trees and plants. He also scheduled a wonderfull safari to Wilpattu National Park! Next to these activities, this place has the best cook of Sri Lanka! She made us breakfast, dinners and even a lunchpackage to take with us on the safari. It’s a simple room, but they offer you everything you need and more! The hosts treated us like royalty during our stay! Thank you a lot for your hospitality and kindness!

We loved staying at Punkalasa! We stayed three nights with Thilan and Maheshika who are the perfect hosts - so friendly, generous, and helpful. Thilan helped us see all the major sights in the sacred city (a lot of which are walkable thanks to the amazing location of the lodge) and organised a very reasonably priced safari in Wilpattu National Park (and even drove us there himself!). He also is very enthusiastic and shared so much information with us not only about the sacred sites but about Sri Lankan life in general. Maheshika is also a wonderful cook and can make you delicious breakfasts and dinners. It was very special to stay in the sacred city with this beautiful family and we will always fondly remember our stay here!! Can't wait to come back and stay with you again 😊

Location super nice Very lovely hosts Very tasty food for a very good price

the highlights of the trip were the owner of the homestay and the location. Thilan was everything a host should be and more. Could not ask for a better base to explore the ancient city right behind twin ponds. If we are in town again will stay!! The food his family prepared was amazing as well.

nothing

Nothing

First of all, the room was not clean, and there was no ventilation, making it very hot. Additionally, the bathroom was not clean. There were three power outlets in the room, but only one was working. The owner did not provide any towels, blankets, or soap, so I had to get these items myself. I do not recommend this place to anyone.

Take into consideration the room itself is basic, even though it has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The added value here is Thilan, an amazing guy, the owner. He will make your stay the best experience you could hope for, as he will help you out with basically anything. We arrived late at night (around 22:30) and he received us solving all our questions before asking them. Our plan was to visit the Anuradhapura ancient city and hopefully Mihintale. Thilan was our guide through the whole thing, explaining each and every detail of each place we were visiting (at some point we saw locals visiting the Isurumuniya temple looking for the "man and the horse" asking him advice on where to find the famous representation). He went for the comprehensive tour without making us pay for the expensive ticket, covering by car even the ones that were not free. Breakfast was homemade with rice or corn crepes-like with coconut and honey inside, delicious! We also had dinner there, homemade curry with vegetables (and rice, of course) served in a huge portion, super tasty and very recommended. Last mention goes for the location of the homestay, as it is right next to the Twin Ponds, one of the places to see in the ancient city (as it is indeed located in the middle of the ancient city, surrounded by nature and very quiet at night). Thank you once again Thilan, huge hugs to you, your wife and your son (and tell him the neighbor's black cat is not that bad, nothing to be afraid about :) )

Nothing :)

I can't express how grateful I am for my stay here. The room was good, the fans more than welcomed! The location is amazing, you are in the sacred city, surrounded by nature, monkeys and history 😍 The host has been really patient with me (planning troubles), so helpful and caring since I was a solo female traveler. I can only recommend to stay here! It is a safe place for women alone 😊