Lake Cabin
Location: Seethamaligawa Rd Bendiwewa, Polonnaruwa, lk
Star Rating: 9.2 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Picturesque Location: Nestled in Polonnaruwa, just a stone's throw away from Gal Viharaya and Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Lake Cabin offers a serene escape with modern comforts.
Comfortable Accommodation: Guests can unwind in air-conditioned rooms with a balcony, and enjoy complimentary amenities like free parking, WiFi, and 24-hour room service.
Convenient Services: The guest house provides housekeeping, bed linen, and towels, along with options for bike and car rentals for exploring the popular cycling spots nearby.
Experience tranquility at Lake Cabin and make your reservation today for a memorable stay in Polonnaruwa.
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Managed by a private host
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Room service
- BBQ facilities
- Car hire
- Fruits
- Invoice provided
- Cooking class
- Television in common areas
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Bicycle-friendly property
Rooms Available
-
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room provides air conditioning, a seating area, a balcony with lake views as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Slippers
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Mosquito net
- Linen
- Dining table
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Adapter
Guest Reviews
- Raphael (10/5): - Fantastic view from the room, great if you are into bird watching. I had a stork-billed kingfisher from the balcony!
The host was very nice and accommodating, renting bicycles to us to visit the nearby ancient city of Polonnaruwa - and the food was tasty.
- NATHALIE (9/5): -
- Lisa (10/5): Peaceful cabin - This was just a wonderful place to stay. So peaceful sitting on the verandah watching life on the lake. It was also very thoughtfully equipped with tea, kettle, citronella coil etc. I'd definitely go back again.
- snowman (10/5): -
- Philip (8/5): Lovely but basic lakeside cabin - Stunning lakeside location - lots of birds to watch. Sanka was a very helpful host and organised an elephant safari and took us to the ancient city. It is fairly basic with not a lot around. As long as that is what you like it is a good place to stay.
- Annemarie (9/5): A special, peaceful night in beautiful nature - This was the simplest accomodation I stayed in during my trip and also my favourite. The little chalet with the balcony on the lake was incredibly peaceful and relaxing, and Sanka was a very kind host.
Little touches like a bottle opener and lighter/ mosquito coil were very thoughtful A pair of binoculars to borrow to see the birds better would be very welcome
- Deborah (9/5): A perfect place for someone who loves wildlife and birdwatching and being in nature - I loved the location over looking the lake watching the sun rise and set - birdie was amazing. The option to use their bicycle to different places was a real bonus. I would have like the balcony to have fly screen to enjoy sitting outside longer and a fly screen over the window so I could have the window open instead of using the AC
- Alexandra (10/5): - We loved the place... and then Sanka served us our delicious breakfast on our balcony, which was the cherry on top.
- Lubin (10/5): - Accueil excellent, notre hôte nous a attendu jusque tard dans la soirée. Petite cabine fonctionnelle mais avec une vue à couper le souffle.
- Kailing (10/5): - 位置清幽,環境舒適,晚餐烤雞腿超好吃 沒有
- Onnalee (9/5): Stunning Place to stay. Magical Fireflies at night. - The location and the views are beautiful. We loved the Cabin. The host Sanka was outstanding. Super helpful. Very efficient. Delicious simple breakfast served with real style. Perfect location to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Sanka arranged for us to go on a boat trip with Damith which was one of our highlights. We saw 4 elephants including a Tusker and an amazing array of birds. It is great value for money with a totally magical view of the Lake down the end of a residential road. A classical Sri Lankan fusion of both wilderness and the hustle bustle of life all mixed together. Nothing.
- Croft (7/5): Fun waterside cabin ideal for short stay on a budget. - Cute and simple little cabin,as expected from Booking.com. Really basic but ok for the price.
- Wendy (10/5): - This is maybe my favorite place I stayed in two weeks in Sri Lanka. There is an absolutely glorious covered balcony/sitting area right on the lake, which you honestly could spend an entire day on, watching the buffalo migrate, the birds and monkeys, the sunset, and the fishermen launching out. The room is pleasingly minimalist and very clean, and you can sit on the bed and look out onto the lake and stars. I was worried about mosquitos, but outside of dawn and dusk, I really didn't encounter any (in spite of recent rains). The location is wonderful, down a quieter lane off the highway (about 10 minutes walk from the "Bendiwewa School" bus stop), and 10 minutes by bike to the Polonnoruwa ruins. Last but not least, hands down the best coconut roti I had in all of Sri Lanka. I genuinely would travel to Polonnoruwa again just to stay here.
- Graham (10/5): Stunning location, helpful and attentive host, great food. Would highly recommend. - Peaceful and beautiful view. Small but clean and had everything we needed. Proximity to the lake and wildlife. N/A
- Quentin (10/5): - Vue imprenable et hôte adorable. Idéal pour une retraite au calme à observer les oiseaux et les pêcheurs. Il n’a fait que pleuvoir pendant notre séjour mais nous avons quand même apprécié. Cabane un peu humide, mais c’est normal.
- barbara (9/5): - Lage direkt am See. Tierbeobachtungen waren toll
- Leontine (8/5): - De plek is erg mooi, aan het meer. De cabin was wat stoffig en niet erg schoon.
- Doris (8/5): Es war ein Erlebnis für uns. - Sauber und eher einfach, aber tolle Lage. Der Besitzer ist sehr entgegenkommend und das Essen lecker. Die Moskitos haben uns vertrieben (nur 1 Nacht statt 2). Wir sind aber froh, waren wir eine Nacht an diesem schönen Ort.
- Esther (10/5): - Für mich war das ein Traumhäuschen! Die Größe entspricht dem eines Hotelzimmers. Im Garten wächst Yams, der See grenzt direkt an den Balkon, auf dem man am Morgen auch sein Frühstück serviert bekommt, das wirklich sehr lecker war! Am Abend schwamen Wasserbüffel vorbei, am Morgen ein Pelikan. Ein so erholsames und ruhespendendes kleines Paradies! Der Besitzer mit Familie lebt gegenüber und betreibt eine Holzschnitzerei. Er erklärte mir die verschiedenen verwendeten Hölzer und ich staunte wirklich! So eine herzliche Famile mit so wunderbaren Kindern!
Hätte ich die Zeit gehabt, hätte ich gerne verlängert! Alles war wirklich super!
- Jonas (8/5): - Natur, Ausblick Einfach, aber für den Preis in Ordnung
- Fyonna (10/5): Be at one with nature on the lakeside. Wish we could’ve stayed longer. - Cosy little cabins right on the lakeside. Sanka is a great host and has thought of all small details in the cabins like mosquito coils and a lighter for on the verandah. He arranged an early morning boat trip for us which was excellent. Sadly we had only booked one night as a stop over but wish we could’ve stayed long. Nothing
- Leanne (10/5): Quiet and comfortable stay - It was quiet and comfortable, with a balcony at the back which looked over the lake. Really enjoyed watching the monkeys while eating breakfast. (Spectacularly good banana pancakes - no wonder the monkeys hung around!) Lovely warm shower. And the host, Sanka, is the most kind and generous person we’ve ever met. He is ready to help wherever needed, and will go the extra mile to make sure his guests are happy. Sanka, you’re doing a fabulous job - don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise! Nothing.
- MATEUSZ (8/5): - The cabins are very nice although rather small, so having two large suitcases was a bit of a logistical challenge. All this was made up by great views and exceptional hospitality of the owner Mr Sanka.
- Annika (10/5): - Very special little place on (practically in) the lake. Super silent, great if you like observing nature and small cabins. Great breakfast and very friendly, reactive host (brought immediately a receiver when I wrote hin that I had no wifi). I liked that it was a small place and I travelled alone but I imagine for couples it can be a bit small.
- Aurélie (10/5): Top top - L’endroit est top et le propriétaire est aux petits soins. C’est très propre, le repas et le petit déjeuner très bons, un endroit que je recommande vivement !
- Oldřich (10/5): - Vynikající snídaně. Velmi ochotný majitel, který rád poradí. Možnost půjčení kol.
- Miriam (8/5): Eenvoudig, maar fijn - Mooie spot om vogels te kijken vanaf het terras. Dichtbij de oude stad, waar we op de fiets naar toe konden en een heel vriendelijke, behulpzame gastheer. Het is vrij basic, maar als je dat geen probleem vindt is dat geen probleem.
- Matthias (9/5): - Sehr freundlich und super Kommunikation. Obwohl ich die Ankunftszeit nicht genau sagen konnte (Fahrradreise) wurde ich erwartet. Die Cabin ist gemütlich, mit schöner Terrasse, einfach aber alles was es braucht. Da wegen einem Wirbelsturm die Weiterfahrt unsicher war, hätte ich noch bleiben können. Durch den Ablauf im Bad kam öfters ein grösseres Insekt, aber verschwand auch immer wieder in seinem Loch.
- Katherine (9/5): This was the perfect hideaway for a couple of days if you like nature and stillness. We saw elephants on both days from - The location of the property is fantastic.
- Charlotte (8/5): Nice place to stay - Super nice view from the balcony, very calm place.
Breakfast was good
- Laura (8/5): - Il check- in è stato molto sbrigativo e ho avuto poche informazioni al mio arrivo. Il posto è molto bello, unico nel suo genere. Si possono affittare delle biciclette per girare la zona e a piedi camminare vicino al lago. C’è scritto che ci sono molti insetti ma ho trovato in camera uno scarafaggio molto grande e tanti altri animali ma il proprietario è stato gentile a portarmi uno spray anti animali. Mi ha inoltre accompagnata a fare un massaggio splendido e portato la colazione al mattino.
- Marta (10/5): - It was a lovely experience, the host made our stay amazing, was very hospitable and caring and made feel not only welcomed but comfortable like in our home. The lake view is wonderful and the location is very closed to the archaeological site. The host also booked the tuktuk for us. The food was yummy and fresh. It was amazing stay, highly recommended!
- Alonso (10/5): -
- Ishani (10/5): Extremely clean and comfortable cabins in a beautifully isolated location by the lake - Secluded, cozy little cabin with beautiful lakeside views. Isolated enough that you feel alone immersed in the natural surroundings but also very close to the town via foot or bicycle. Sanka took care of us and gave us so many recommendations for local activities and things to do. We hired the bicycles and rode around town which was the best way to see our surrounds.. we really felt like locals.
An overall clean and extremely comfortable spot. A wonderful and unique stay. Don’t stay anywhere else. Highly recommend! Everything was wonderful! Thank you Sanka!
- Falk (9/5): - The cabin is nice with a small balcony with view of the lake. The host was very friendly and took me quick to the two wild elephants which where around at the moment.
- Simon Keller (10/5): -
- Nathalie (8/5): - Die Lage war sensationell, mitten in einem Naturschutzgebiet, wir konnten am Morgen auf unserer kleinen Terasse das Frühstück einnehmen und es war wirkich schön. Der Manager hat uns auch Fahrräder zur Verfügung gestellt, so konnten wir in das nahe gelegene UNESCO Weltkulturerbe anschauen, was uns sehr gut gefallen hat. Das Fahrrad war zu teuer USD 4, meiner Meinung nach.
- Rosalia (10/5): Lovely little stay, quiet and immersed in nature - Great little spot within a local community
- Leila (10/5): Amazing value for money! Stunning views and great food. - Stunning views and a wonderful breakfast! The host was so nice and welcoming. It was perfect!
- Anna (8/5): Experiencia recomendable - El dormir en una reserva natural y disponer de una terraza encarada al parque con posibilidad de visualizar animales Algo alejado si no dispones de transporte
- Marjolein (9/5): Lake Cabin ligt vlakbij Polonnaruwa. Prachtig uitzicht op meer + boottocht sunset. Aanrader! - Lake Cabin ligt vlakbij de oude stad Polonnaruwa. Er worden 2 vrijstaande huisjes verhuurd. Wij hadden het huisje met het erg mooie uitzicht op het meer.
De huurauto kon achter het hek op het terrein staan. De tuin zag er netjes en verzorgd uit. Het was er heerlijk rustig.
Met een klein trapje ga je het huisje binnen. er is een prima bed, staat met 1 kant tegen de muur. Met koffie -en thee faciliteiten, klamboe en ventilator.
Links van de ingang is een eigen badkamer, met blauw sanitair, wastafel, wc en douche (niet blauw) . Niet persé mijn smaak, maar alles werkte goed en het zag er heel schoon uit. Niet luxe, maar helemaal prima. Voldoende verlichting.
Door de slaapkamer kom je uit op een overdekt terras met 2 gemakkelijke stoelen, een tafel met 2 krukjes en een fantastisch uitzicht op het meer. We hebben een grote kudde koeien zien badderen, diverse vogels gezien.
De eigenaar was heel vriendelijk. Hij legde onze koeltas spullen bij hem in zijn koelkast. Hij heeft voor ons een heerlijke curry gemaakt.
In de buurt is ook een man die prachtige houten olifantjes maakt. Helaas mochten wij het zwarte olifantje, ebbenhout, niet kopen, omdat wij dat niet mogen invoeren in NlL
Ook heeft de eigenaar voor ons een mooie boottocht geregeld, tijdens de zonsondergang zijn we naar een eiland geroeid. Daar nog 5 olifanten gezien. Prachtig. Ze hadden op 2 van die smalle vissersbootjes een plateau gelegd en 2 plastic stoelen voor de gasten. Ik wilde ook graag roeien, er werd snel een extra peddel voor mij geregeld. Het is zo rustig om daar over dat meer te roeien, te luisteren naar de geluiden om je heen, geen menselijke stemmen te horen. Alleen het geklots van de roeispanen in het water. En dan bij de zonsondergang richting de olifanten roeien. Wow! Daar tenslotte aan land gegaan voor nog meer mooie foto's. Geweldig!
We hebben 's avonds nog lekker lang buiten gezeten. We hebben genoten van de rust, het eten, het uitzicht en de boottocht.
Aanrader! Het huisje is eenvoudig, geen luxe maar prima voor ons. Alles werkt prima. Het huisje ligt erg mooi bij dat meer. Oh dit zijn eigenlijk helemaal geen nadelen. Er was ook niets dat ons tegengevallen is.
Mss was het eten een klein beetje duurder dan normaal , maar €8 voor 1 persoon valt nog altijd best mee.
- Carlo (8/5): -
- Ben (8/5): -
- Nicolas (10/5): - L’emplacement, le calme, le petit-déjeuner, le personnel
- Yi-Ling (9/5): -
- DUCOS (10/5): -
- Ilaria (10/5): In mezzo alla natura - Casina piccola ma accogliente e pulita. Con aria condizionata e acqua calda. Colazione molto buona con pancakes, raccomandato! Nulla
- Alberto (10/5): Totalmente recomendable - Un rincón mágico donde poder disfrutar en primera línea de la naturaleza del entorno. El gerente es súper amable y el desayuno de especialidad que prepara está delicioso!
- Tom (10/5): - Ligging: super! Mooi uitzicht, we zagen vanop het bakon veel vogels, aapjes, 2 hertjes. Je kan een wandeling maken langs het meer (gastheer Sanka geeft je uitleg) of een boot (vlot) tochtje : zeer rustgevend en mooi. Tijdens de boottocht zagen we ook enkele olifanten en de zonsondergang.
We gingen met de fiets naar Polonnaruwa, wat zeer goed te doen was (wbt afstanden).
Heel lekker en verzorgd ontbijt.
Sanka is zeer behulpzaam, sympathiek en rustig en stond altijd klaar voor ons.
De cabins zelf zijn zeer basic, maar proper. Meer heb je niet nodig!
We zouden zeker terugkomen hier.
- Daniele (10/5): -
- Magdalena (9/5): Beautiful place - Small but nice! Surrounded by nature, with a beautiful view from the balcony! Delicious breakfast and a friendly, helpful owner. A wonderful place ☺️. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night (starting around 3 a.m.), someone was hammering—not an animal noise, but a person, possibly chopping wood. It was very loud. If it hadn't been for that, it would have been perfect! Apart from that, it was quiet, just the sounds of nature.
- Viktoria (10/5): -
- Tereza (10/5): Perfect spot for exploring Polonnaruwa - Everything was great. Both cabins are very neat and clean and cozy with charming views on the lake. Dinner and breakfast were delightful. What makes it special is a fact that you can rent bikes and explore Polonnaruwa by yourself (or with the great host). There are many monkeys, birds and cows around. We slept like babies, no mosquitos.
- Antoine (10/5): Exceptional -
- Michael (4/5): Could be great but unfortunately.... - Location good for birdwatching, and you could observe many birds from the balcony. On arrival there was nothing appealing about the property. Nothing to give the impression it was cared for. Room was small and rudimentary. Although we were provided with a kettle there was nothing else except a few tea bags. Towels were provided. We were offered use of the bikes and the owner was obliging enough to supply stuff that should have already been in the room, however I just wish the room had been properly prepared beforehand and the place was cleaned up a bit.
- Erwin (10/5): A Hidden Gem – Lake Cabin, Polonnaruwa - Staying at Lake Cabin in Polonnaruwa was an unforgettable experience – not just for its peaceful setting, but for the genuine impact it has on the local community. Nestled in a humble village, this cozy cabin offers simple yet comfortable accommodation with stunning views of the nearby lake and lush surroundings. Western and Srilankan food are verry good 🍴
What truly sets this place apart is the way your visit supports more than just the lovely owners of the cabin. By choosing Lake Cabin, you're also helping local craftsmen , small village shops where you can buy daily essentials, and local guides who offer insightful and affordable excursions to explore the ancient city and surrounding nature. (Boat safari and elephant safari) 🐘
Highly recommended for travelers looking for authenticity, kindness, and purpose. A fridge would be nice.
- Siarhei (10/5): Unique awesome place - You need to understand that this is quite specific place, but if you understand what you are booking, then this place is just great.
- Jenny (8/5): Very good -
- Thomas (10/5): Exceptional - We had a wonderful one night stay in the Lake Cabin, the location was perfect and Sanka provided great advice about the local area. We especially loved the view of the lake from our balcony and the banana pancakes for breakfast, also the AC was a treat in the hot weather! We would definitely recommend! nothing
- Anastasia (7/5): Bird watching on the lake. - Very basic accommodation but with amazing view over the lake. Exceptionally good for people interested in bird life photography. We took great pictures of pelicans, kingfishers, herons, eagles and more.
- Alfonso (7/5): Would suit people who prefer a view with basic facilities. air con and wifi work but no hot water - Beautiful view and great watching the monkeys. Basic but clean. Kind staff. Felt a bit unloved and in need of TLC.
- Piyusha (10/5): Simply awesome - The location was beyond expectations. Two separate cabins were situated next to each other. Each had two double beds, air conditioning, tea or coffee making facilities, a mosquito net and linen and toiletries. There was a small balcony with seating for four persons and the balcony was right next to the electric fence separating the forest reserve around Parakrama Samudraya man made lake. The view in the morning from the balcony was exceptional, and we could watch the sun rise amidst many water and land birds flying around us. We identified a grey heron, purple heron, many king fishers, peacocks, green and blue tailed bee eaters, a crimson backed golden back (woodpecker) among the numerous birds and two mongooses had a playful morning right before our eyes. The breakfast and dinner were delicious with three types of local fruits plus the meal. The host Sanka was lovely, providing us with our meals on the dot. He also found d accommodation for our driver in a nearby place. There is a wooden elephant making workshop right next to the cabins and our friend from Germany was delighted to watch elephant carving from wood and purchased 5 beautiful elephants. There are shops to buy common items within 200 meters of the cabins and bicycles are available for rent for those who like to cycle. We spent a lot more time in the cabin than we expected as we didn’t want to leave bird watching from our balcony!! The room size was slightly small, but it was indicated in Booking.com. There was no hot water for shower, but as Polonnaruwa was quite hot the cold shower didn’t matter.
- Jenny (9/5): Superb - Lovely stay at the Lake Cabin beutifull view and lovely dinner on the balcony lots of wildlife all around and we had a wonderful sunset boat trip.
- Owen (10/5): A Really Unique Place - The reason to come here is that front porch. The rest of the cabin is small but functional. Give yourself a few hours to stay there and watch the animals of the lake. We were braced for clouds of insects, but there weren't many, maybe we got lucky. We also went for the morning lake tour which was fantastic. Excellent breakfast as well. The host was really helpful and easy to get ahold of. The recommended restaurant was fine but quite expensive for what you get. There's a wood shop down the road where they hammer through the night, earplugs are a good idea.
- Frank (10/5): Excellent stay! Absolutely recommended! - Sanka is an excellent host, very friendly and helpful! And his wife is a great cook! Lovely breakfasts and dinners. The cabin is marvelously located overlooking the lake and the terrace is an absolute highlight, so nice to hang out. The cabin itself is small and basic, but with everything you need! Even coffee and tea facilities :-) We had a great time and enjoyed every minute. -
- Alistair (9/5): Superb -
- Shannon (10/5): Exceptional - Location of the lake cabin was amazing. A great spot to watch the world go by day or night! The room was comfortable and the staff were great. Thank you!
- Erwin (10/5): Exceptional - Review: An Unforgettable Stay at Lake Cabin
Our stay at Lake Cabin was absolutely magical! The view was the most breathtaking we have ever seen— view of swimming monkeys, water buffalo, and countless beautiful birds was an experience we will never forget.
The owner was amazing—so friendly and welcoming. He went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. He even brought us breakfast at 5 AM before our early morning safari, which was incredibly kind and thoughtful.
We also highly recommend the cooking class hosted by his sister and niece. It was a fantastic experience, and we learned so much about local cuisine while enjoying a warm and friendly atmosphere.
If you're looking for a place with stunning nature, exceptional hospitality, and unique experiences, Lake Cabin is the perfect choice!
- Chaohan (9/5): Superb - The owner is very friendly.And dinner and breakfast are provided, and the charge is reasonable.I spent a wonderful night here.
- María (10/5): Don't miss this place! -
- Heidi (10/5): Exceptional -
- Norma (10/5): Beautiful, peaceful and birdlife in abundance. - What a beautiful place this is. The views from the terrace were so lovely and overlooked the large lake
The lake was teeming with wildlife, birds, fishermen and water buffalo. We did a boat trip on the lake which was really good. We also went to an amazing restaurant down a back street 5 mins walk away where the food was so good. The lady there even ran her own cookery classes. So close to the ancient city to explore it. We loved the banana pancakes for breakfast. As a bonus we saw an elephant on the lakeside as we drove round the lake. Would have liked some glasses for our beer
- Cathie (10/5): Beautiful location and helpful host. - The location is beautiful - so much wildlife to see! Sanka was extremely attentive and helpful, and even drove us to the bus stop at the end of our stay. He cooked delicious breakfasts both days of our stay. The cabin is well equipped with a verandah and tea making facilities. The bed was comfortable, and everything was very clean. Cold shower - but this is stated in the description of the property, and it certainly isn’t a complaint.
- Caroline (9/5): Superb - The view was great, you can observe birds and monkeys while having your breakfast. The host can also provide bicycles to explore the city and bring you to the bus station. A little bit expensive for what it is :)
- Beth (10/5): Exceptional - It rained almost without stopping during our stay at Lake Cabin. However we had a happy time in the care of our excellent host who made us welcome and helped us find an excellent local place to eat as well as arranging a tour of the lake where we saw several elephants. There were good choices for breakfast. The lake view from the veranda was stunning with so many birds.
- Jean (9/5): Great - Wonderful view and so quite as well great welcome
- Meli (8/5): Memorable - Sanka was a fantastic and helpful host. We really enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the lake watching the sunset and abundance of wildlife. Sanka organised our various tours and his knowledge was invaluable. Big breakfast to start our day well. Street dogs were noisy
- Sergey (9/5): A small romantic hotel on the lake - A small romantic hotel on the lake with very friendly and helpful host. Picturesque view from the terrace. Good Srilankan breakfasts. Nice choice for a short visit to Polonnaruwa -
- Jofre (10/5): Perfect stay - Everything was very good!
The owner was very friendly and helpful. He organised a very nice boat tour with a friendly guide. Nice breakfast in front the lake! We recommend!
- Marine (10/5): Nature retreat by a lake - Incredible stay! Peaceful in front of the lake and nature! Superbe view for sunset sunrise and breakfast! We had a beer by the lake for sunset and saw water buffalo and monkeys!
Very well located close to the bus station to/ from Dambulla, restaurants and main road to find tuktuk
The room has AC, very good breakfast, one of the best of our trip in srilanka! Try the banane pancake! And most importantly incredible staff, very nice, welcoming warm and helpful! Thank you!! Perfect for nature lover
- Jing (6/5): It's a place hard for you to sleep with air-conditioning - The view of this lake cabin is very beautiful. When you eat breakfast with this view, it feels fantastic 😊 I usually don't write negative comment.
In my option, This guesthouse was the most uncomfortable one we stayed at during our entire trip. In my opinion, if it's not the season when elephants pass by here, do not book this guesthouse. The biggest problem for us was the position of the air conditioner, which blows directly at you. Even at 25 degrees, it felt extremely cold when it was blowing directly. The guesthouse provided only two thin sheets that couldn't even cover our entire bodies. We were woken up by the cold on both nights. Turning off the air conditioner made us wake up from the heat, and using the fan kept us awake due to the noise. If they had provided us with a slightly thicker blanket, we wouldn’t have been woken up by the cold while using the air conditioning.
The whole night, we simply couldn't sleep at all...
We could tolerate many other issues (including mosquitoes and lots of small animals, no free bottle water, a lot things will be charged extra ( like eggs for the breakfast, 2usd )), but this one was completely unbearable
- Josien (9/5): Very pleasant - The owner of the Lake Cabin was very nice. He arranged everything for our stay to our desire, from breakfast to dinner to activities. That made our stay very pleasant - we got everything we wanted out of our stay at Polonnaruwa! We couldn’t manage the airco as we wanted to so it actually became very cold in the room. But maybe we just didn’t understand how it worked!
- Taylor (10/5): 10stars A. M. A. Z. I. N. G - They're not enough stars for this amazing place, tranquility by the lake, amazing host... Nothing was too much trouble for him, he went over and above hospitality.
OMG, takes your breath and senses into a different dimension.
Organised lake trip with lady guide to see the birds, buffalo and spot elephants.
I had a bad cough infection and his wife brewed me up a concoction.
Have I mentioned how amazing this human being is that runs this place, warm, polite, beautiful breakfast.
Went out of his way time and time again to help us... Lost for words.
- Jonas (9/5): Superb - Great location & nice view!
- Marguerite (9/5): Superb - The view is absolutely amazing and we have been able to enjoy it from our private balcony.
The host has been super welcoming and very helpful as he organised for us a visit of the ancient city and ayurvedic massages and everything was really amazing. The room gets quite hot but with the AC it didn't bother us too much, except maybe in the bathroom
- Ildikó (10/5): If your like nature, this is the place to go - IT is located next to a lake. When we arrived, there were wild water buffalos in front of the cabin. There are also lots of beautiful birds and monkeys So IT is great to sit out on the balcony and watch nature.
The host prepares great breakfast, there are dishes to choose from, hé alsó provides juice and fruits.
IT is easy to find a tuk-tuk tó travel to the cabin or the owner helps to get around.
There are so many things to see in Polonnarwa, IT is possible to rent a bike from the host.
There are also wonderful day trips. Nothing.
- Charlotte (7/5): Great location - Location good.
Breakfast good
Bikes good Was recommended very touristy places to eat which were 10 times the price so just do your research beforehand.
- Yuhao (7/5): Stay close to the nature. - Right next to the tank. Can look out into the distance or hear the sound of nature. Lovely kittens at the estate. The breakfast was well prepared. The host was accommodating and helped us arrange a tour. I know this is a given. Too many insects in the room to be comfortable. That’s the only thing. Otherwise, it is good value for the price. A little far from the main attractions, but at this temperature, you will get car or tuktuk anyway.
- Emma (10/5): Perfect stay in Polonnaruwa - we had a clean comfortable stay with the lovely host, beautiful views from the terrace watching the birds and excellent breakfasts! The host arranged a tuk tuk tour of the ancient city, a boat trip round the lake and a cooking class which we thoroughly enjoyed!
- Yago (8/5): Very good -
- Kinga (10/5): Incredibly kind and helpful host. - The host was very kind! The dinner was delicious! Great place to stay if you’d like to visit Polonnaruwa in the morning to avoid heat/crowds. I also really enjoyed seeing a local wood-workshop. They make beautiful little objects.
- Tania (10/5): Room with a view, and perfect for birdwatching - Loved the attention and care given. Loved the meals would like to thank Sanka and his wife for their hospitality. Also the little cat that kept us company. And the excellent birdwatching and boat ride. They accommodated my friends fasting times and woke up early to make her breakfast and take us out also arranged all our transport in the city and to sigriya.
- Felix (10/5): Perfect home base to discover the region - I can only emphasize how good the host is: warm, really outstandingly organized, incredibly fast with all responses, competent and reliable. Offers good activities with great people. Nothing
- James (10/5): Exceptional - The cabin had a lovely private veranda with a view over the lake. A really unique and homely place. Stay if you want something a bit different. We had a great time there!
- Gilles (8/5): matched our expectations - special and original place. The equipment is basic but does the job very well. Nothing in particular
- Becky (9/5): Quiet retreat - The lakeside location was lovely and quiet. Host was welcoming. Food was good.
- Benedetta (8/5): Would have loved to stay longer. Thank you - This place is amazing!! In a very local area (I have not seen any other tourists there), you get your private little house right by the lake. I could have spent hours sitting on the balcony looking at the wildlife and listening to the sound of the birds. Sanka was great. Super friendly and cooked a wonderful breakfast for us. I loved everything. Maybe just a little too hot in the night, but the fan can be blasted and would solve this easily.
- Tiziano (10/5): Exceptional -
- Iris (9/5): Peaceful retreat - We had a very pleasant stay with Sanka.He is a very attentive host with genuin smile on his face all the time.
The place is a great retreat for animal lovers. The cabin is next to a lake where you can see plenty of birds and enjoying your meal on the little terrace.
Hosts provides the bikes that you can use to visit thr acient city, which is not far from the hotel location. Nothing
- Myrthe (9/5): Superb - We really liked this place. We saw two swimming elephants from the balcony. It was magical! Beware of the monkeys, they wont bother you as long as you put the breakfast leftovers inside ;)
Also Sanka is very friendly. Helps with everything and we borrowed his bikes so we could explore Polonaruwa ancient city.
There are insects and mosquito, but you are in Sri Lanka, so it is very normal.
If you love nature, birds, monkeys, elephants and many more animals you should stay here! Maybe the room is a bit humid, but if you really need it; there is an AC.
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