Cheap hotels in Kalawana

We spent two nights at JML Villa Foresta with the family and honestly, it was the best stay we’ve ever had. From the moment I booked, the owner was in touch and super helpful. Even though he lives abroad, he made sure everything was taken care of and that we were happy. You don’t often see that level of communication and care. Getting to the villa is an adventure in itself. It sits right on top of a mountain, and the hotel provides both the off-road vehicle and the skilled driver you’ll need to get there. Once you’re at the top, the views are absolutely jaw-dropping and the weather shifts constantly, so the scenery feels alive and always changing. The villa is just beautiful. A mix of stone and wood that feels both rustic and luxurious. Everything was clean, cozy, and comfortable. Outside there’s a pool with an incredible view, and inside you’ve got a pool table, big flat-screen TV, and a sound system you can crank up without worrying about disturbing anyone, since the villa sits on its own massive 25+ acre estate. Total privacy. RSpecial thanks to Ravi, the host, who looked after us with such professionalism and warmth. He made sure we were comfortable at every moment. And the food? Honestly next level. The owner had told me they serve more than what you pay for, but I didn’t realize just how true that was until we sat down. Every meal was generous, beautifully presented, and delicious. The dishes just kept coming until we couldn’t eat another bite. If you’re after breathtaking views, complete privacy, amazing food, and a team that genuinely cares about your experience, this is the place. We loved every minute and would come back in a heartbeat.

Quiet village great host great to visit nearby Sinharaja Rainforest

After 2.5 hours of driving by car, we were dropped off on a country road, where a tuk-tuk was waiting for us. We left our luggage in the car and took the essentials in our backpacks. The tuk-tuk bumbled off towards the rainforest and after a few kilometers we were dropped off. Then it was on foot for the next 800 metres! The view was beautiful along the way in the lush rainforest with small rivers and ferns as big as cars. Then we reached a clearing in the forest and the view of the place where we were to live opened up. The most beautiful wooden villa in a stylishly delicious design, where a waterfall flows under and into a natural pool and where you are left breathless by such beautiful nature that you are surrounded by. When we got inside we were not disappointed. The decor, materials and design are so delicious and exclusive. We were welcomed with a cinnamon drink and passion fruit with sugar and salt (try it - it's really delicious!). The two men who accompanied us to the house were both cooks and waiters. They didn't know much English, but they were incredibly helpful and service minded. After we had gotten a bit settled in the villa - and had taken 1000 photos of the view - we saw on our phones that there was ZERO coverage. And no WiFi either! So it was off with our UNO playing cards and the books about the rainforest, which were lying out front. Calm fell upon us and we quickly got used to just being and standing and enjoying nature. We were totally "disconnected" from the world, but became "connected" with nature. After a delicious barbecue dinner, the two men came up to us and gave us a walkie-talkie. "You just call in case of emergency - we are 200 meters away". And then we were all alone in nowhere. Absolutely amazing and also a little scary.

Beatyful place and river next to it, comfy room, nice hosts, they know everything about nature around and gladly will tell you you also can have a tour to Sinharaja forest with him

The Location is very beautiful, situated in the jungle in a small village. The family was incredibly kind and made our stay feel like home. We had delicious homemade, traditional dinner and breakfast. The house is close to the entrance to Sinharaja Forest and they recommended us a great Guide who spotted lots of animals and showed us many ayurverdic healing plants. I can‘t recommend this place enough :)

Idyllic place in the middle of nature. Well decorated and maintained. Kind, but not to invasive personnel. Highly recommended to visit Sinharaja forest reserve, but you can easily also spend a day or two only to chill in the hotel.

The unit is way more than you expect. The photos on booking.com don’t do it justice. It is super clean and every detail is considered. It has everything from a fully functional kitchen, dining room, living area, bedroom and bathroom. It even has a huge balcony that over looks a wonderful lush garden. Right behind is more forest we could walk through. We also got to see them in the construction faze of creating a huge natural pool, only a couple minutes walk from the property. Our hosts went above and beyond to look after us. Taking us on a special tour of all the things we wanted to see. An incredible waterfall, mine, a private gem museum and gem cutting. Ratnapura has so much to offer. This home is a very good price for what you get. Highly highly recommend a stay here 😊

Gem Fields Rest Hotel has got to be the most convenient hotel for anyone passing through or staying in Rathnapura. Whether you are travelling by car or public transport the hotel works well being just a short walk from the town centre. At the same time it is far enough away from the hubbub to feel calm, almost rural. Bhanu is a fabulous host who goes out of his way to ensure his guests enjoy their stay. Brilliant breakfasts which can be provided to personal taste are served on the lovely balcony overlooking the garden. Bhanu is a wealth of information on local sights and the Sri Lankan culture in general. For the gem aficianado he will point you in the right direction and alert you to the do's and don'ts of negotiation.