Waterfall
Waterfall, Pidaligannawela Road, Atawakwela 70130, Sri Lanka- Attraction
Compare nearby stays with similar location, guest experience, amenities, and class.
Luxurious Accommodation with Stunning Views
Discover The Backyard Dethanagala, a hidden gem in Balangoda offering cozy rooms with balconies and picturesque mountain views. The hotel's garden, terrace, and shared lounge provide the perfect spots to unwind.
Culinary Delights from Around the World
Indulge in a culinary journey at the on-site restaurant serving a delectable mix of Indian, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Seafood dishes. From flavorful curries to fresh seafood, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Personalized Service and Local Expertise
Let our attentive staff enhance your stay with insider tips on exploring the area. Whether it's arranging outdoor activities or recommending nearby attractions, we're here to make your experience unforgettable.
Book your stay at The Backyard Dethanagala for a memorable getaway amidst nature's beauty.
Check-in from
12:00 AM
Check-out by
11:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Room details
42 sqm
Mountain View
In-room amenities
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
2 Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Room details
51 sqm
Mountain View
In-room amenities
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
La vue vraiment magnifique, la restauration, le petit déjeuner. Les vues des chambres.
Le prix peut être légèrement élevé par rapport à ce qui se fait dans le pays mais rien de trop grave non plus.
I visited The Backyard Balangoda with my sister and had a wonderful experience. The mountain views are absolutely stunning and create a peaceful atmosphere—it truly felt like I was flying in the freedom sky. The place feels very safe and well-maintained. The service was excellent, with friendly and welcoming staff. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature!
Nothing
The best views of our Sri Lanka trip. The landscape is amazing, the accommodation both outside and inside is so cool. The garden area is so nice to chill in with Bruno the doberdor. The food and drink was some of the best we had in Sri Lanka (shout out the cinnamon ice cream). Sumith went above and beyond with his hospitality - taking us to Diyaluma falls and enjoying the day with us. The tea making and tasting experience was really cool as well. We will definitely return when back in Sri Lanka.
Nothing.
The views and surrounding countryside
The lack of choice for restaurants so we had to dine at the accommodation- the food was just ok and overpriced.
Small and beautiful - personal attentive service
Beautiful views. Good food. Breathtaking hiking trails and waterfalls. Large and comfortable room. Friendly staff. The owner arranged a return transfer to the airport at a reasonable price.
Abbiamo avuto il piacere di soggiornare in questa struttura moderna e accogliente, immersa nella natura. Non solo è circondata da piantagioni di tè, ma è all’interno di una di queste. La struttura dispone di poche camere e offre standard di servizio molto vicini a quelli occidentali, cosa non comune in Sri Lanka. Il cibo è delizioso, con un menù che fonde tradizione locale e influenze internazionali. Abbiamo mangiato piatti unici. La colazione, all’aperto con vista sulla valle, è un vero punto di forza. Il proprietario è estremamente attento e disponibile, e offre un tour indimenticabile tra le piantagioni di tè, di cannella e persino un sito di estrazione di gemme. Abbiamo vissuto esperienze autentiche, come il tasting del tè (incluso quello che abbiamo raccolto, essicato e macinato noi) e un bagno in una cascata isolata (eravamo gli unici turisti!) In sintesi, questa struttura è perfetta per chi cerca tranquillità, autenticità e un’esperienza immersiva nella natura, lontano dal turismo di massa. È l’unico hotel nel raggio di chilometri.
10/10! Vi hade en helt fantastisk upplevelse på The Backyard Balangoda. Under bara två dagar fick vi möjlighet att se och lära oss otroligt mycket om Sri Lanka. Utsikten från boendet är magisk, och både frukosten och rummet höll mycket hög standard. Servicen var i toppklass. Kan varmt rekommendera detta ställe till alla!
-
Tolle Lage, wenn man die Ruhe schätzt. Sonnenaufgang vom Zimmer aus 1a. Sehr gutes Frühstück.
-
Amazing stay and experience at the backyard. Stayed there for 2 nights and had a very great time. This is the perfect place to go if you want to have both a relaxed and cultural experience. Balangoda is not a typical tourist place which means you can experience the local life and beautiful nature around. Sumith was an excellent host, making sure I had the best time. We went tea picking in the backyard and made some really great the. He showed me around in Balangoda, went to tea factory, gem mine and different waterfalls and told me about a lot of interesting history. The food they make is also amazing. Can definitely recommend going to this place
Beste Unterkunft auf Sri Lanka! Die Unterkunft ist richtig schön gelegen mit einem super Ausblick, das Essen ist sehr lecker und das Beste: der Gastgeber gibt private Touren über eine Teeplantage und in eine Teefabrik. Ein so persönliches und authentisches Erlebnis haben wir auf Sri Lanka sonst nirgends bekommen. Würden immer wieder kommen und können es nur weiter empfehlen!
Breathtaking view and excellent food
Everything was perfect
Nothing at all
Die Reise ist es wert! Wir haben auf unserer Sri-Lanka-Tour einen Stopp im Backyard Balangoda eingelegt und sind unglaublich froh, den kleinen Umweg genommen zu haben. Trotz des schlimmen Zyklons zuvor hat man hier keinerlei Auswirkungen gespürt – alles ist ruhig, sicher und absolut entspannt. Auch wenn der Spot etwas abseits der üblichen Routen liegt, würden wir jedem empfehlen, hier Halt zu machen. Die Aussicht und Lage sind beeindruckend: Das Hotel und die kleinen Lodges liegen mitten in einer riesigen Teeplantage am Berg, umgeben von reiner Natur. Der einzige „Lärm“ kommt nachts von den vielen Vögeln – ein wunderbar authentisches Erlebnis. Das wechselnde Wetter verleiht dem Ort zusätzlich eine fast mystische Atmosphäre. Die Lodges selbst sind schlicht, aber sehr gemütlich eingerichtet. Das Bett war bequem, sodass wir hervorragend geschlafen haben. Auch das Badezimmer ist einfach und zweckdienlich – und dennoch hat es uns in den Zimmern wirklich an nichts gefehlt. Perfekt für eine naturnahe und ruhige Auszeit. Die Gastfreundschaft im Backyard Balangoda ist außergewöhnlich. Sumith, der Host, spricht perfekt Englisch und bietet individuelle Touren durch die Teeplantage, zum Tempel und zu Wasserfällen in der Umgebung an. Ein echtes Highlight war für uns die Teeverkostung, inklusive der Verarbeitung der selbst gesammelten Teeblätter – eine einmalige Erfahrung, die wir nicht vergessen werden. Auch kulinarisch wird man hier verwöhnt: Lunch, Dinner und Breakfast waren frisch, lecker und preislich absolut fair. Wir haben die Zeit hier wirklich genossen und können jedem wärmstens empfehlen, diese besondere Erfahrung selbst zu machen. Danke für den tollen Aufenthalt! Florian & Maria PS: Co-Host Bruno ist eine tierische Bereicherung für das Hotel :-)
It is a little off the beaten path, but totally worth the visit. You can just stay in the hotel and enjoy the beautiful nature and breathtaking view or take a stroll to a waterfall where you can get a quick dip!
If you need high speed internet all the time, this is not the right place but neither is Sri Lanka the right country.
The view and all around atmosphere was amazing. The bed was super comfortable en the owner explained us a lot about the tea plantation and even arranged for us to see a tea factory. Definitely advice to go here!
We adored staying at the backyard, the views are heavenly, the food is some of the best you’ll have in Sri Lanka. Sumith and his staff were masters of hospitality making us feel welcome and at home throughout. A little slice of paradise tucked away in the mountains of Balangoda, you won’t regret staying here for a while.
The location is great...the views from the rooms are absolutely amazing...its super quiet...Sumit goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable...he can take you for a tea factory tour and go see waterfalls...I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it...I only stayed one night but would have loved to stay 2...Sumit grows his own coffee and tea also...food is great...
Nothing
i loved this place! its a true gem that feels like its in the middle of nowhere. youre surrounded by beautiful nature and an amazing view! we were the only guests and so we could enjoy the quiet and the coziness to the fullest. the host, sumith was so nice and welcoming and they serve traditional sri lanken but also other food that is made with so much love! the architecture of the main house is just stunning and really special. you‘re being taken very good care of by the host and i can warmly recommend the tour with him where you get to see a tea factory, waterfalls, temples and so on. everything felt super easy going and we asked sumith like a thousand questions about sri lanka and the culture and so on and had amazing discussions and talks with him. the area is super quiet except for some nature sounds - which was super soothing. also, the temperature is perfect for a good nights sleep, since balangoda is slightly elevated. 10/10 we loved the escape from busy ella and ahangama to this calming nature stay🔥
The views and the silence from the mountains was everything. Its a very peaceful spot to go and disconnect from the world.
Since it has a bit of a remote location, there should be more activities for guests.
The lodge is located in a gorgeous, magical place in Sri Lanka….quiet, peaceful and well off the beaten tourist track. The view from my cabin was absolutely stunning. The property is a small working tea plantation and there are nice walks on farm tracks around the countryside. The food and coffee prepared for me was wonderful. The owner/host Sumith is very special. He arranged transport for me from Colombo and took me on a lovely waterfall tour. He is very kind and knowledgeable about the area and his country. The accommodation is simple but very clean, comfortable and attractive. Everything you need for a healthy, relaxing stay is there. Wi-Fi worked great.
Everything was good. It does rain very hard there occasionally (like everywhere in the region) so bring some good reading and games!
Beautiful place in the middle of the Jungle
New, stylish and comfy
The view is exceptional. The food is flavourful and the service is great. Bedding is high quality and very comfortable. Their Sri Lankan Breakfast is a must-have.
The views were insanely gorgeous. Having a star lit dinner on our terrace and outdoor breakfast were memories that will live on for a long time. The calmness and energy were indescribable
Mosquito nets for nighttime as we did get bitten a lot.
Wow! The Backyard Balangoda is something truly special. Nestled in the family’s beautiful tea plantation, it is a stunning retreat designed and created by talented young artist Sumit. From the architecture, through to the branding, and through the restaurant into the fabulous menu, everything has been carefully considered to give the visitor a completely unique Sri Lankan experience. The accommodation is in a rustic style, immaculately clean and-frame bungalow with the most stunning views over the valley - an absolutely magical experience to stay in and wake up to. While this is totally off the beaten tourist track, it’s so totally worth visiting - we were only sad we didn’t have time to stay a few more days. If it’s available, book it! Just make sure you book a few nights! Well done sumit! Keep doing what you are doing.
Nothing! It’s perfect!
I had an amazing time staying at The Backyard! The location is stunning and so peaceful. It's a bit off the beaten track so really not touristy and the locals are so friendly. The food was amazing, so were the hikes and natural beauty all around!
Sumith was an amazing host, not only providing this unique accommodation but ensuring our stay was great from start to finish. He provided a tailored tour for us based on things we wanted to do and see, and it didn't disappoint. We loved the food and could not ask for a more beautiful location!
The most amazing place off the beaten tracks and what an unforgettable experience! We took a TukTuk from Hatton and were already stunned with the panoramic route on the way. We fell in love with the place the moment we arrived and loved everything about it: great room (your own little house), yummy food (especially the Sri Lankan breakfast) and the best sunrise and nature views in the middle of a tea plantation. But in the end what made the stay unique was Sumith the owner and hosts, who is really caring, provides you with a great tour to waterfalls, tea factory, etc. and really focus on your well-being. A must-go for every nature lover who really appreciates personal and loving hospitality inside-out! (Better to book via Airbnb)
Amazing view! The owner was really nice and shared a lot about tea plantation and local life.
Location in beautiful nature! Good food! Nice gardening!
-
The location was more than incredible! I traveled a lot in my life but this view was outstanding. First we thought it was too far from the railway station, but we got out in Hatton and from there took a Tuktuk. The drive there was an excursion on itself through the tea plantages. The room was very cute and cozy and you can watch the sunrise from the private balcony with a cup of tea. Also the food was amazing. Both dinner and breakfast was very tasty and home made. The owner is super friendly!
The bed is a bit short for the tall Dutch people.
Just everything. Beautiful view, tasty food and a a warm welcome. Highly recommend doing a tour in the area.
This place is BEAUTIFUL!! Truly out of this world views over the Sri Lankan jungle/valley, and the A-frame building has been designed beautifully too. The owner could not have been more helpful and arranged two full days of activities including tea picking, waterfall trecks and going to a cinnamon plantation. We had delicious dinners and smoked some sheesha in the evening. I would definitely come back here! 💖
Absolutely unique place. I have been working in Sri Lanka for ten years now and every two to three months I need a reboot from the heat and bustle in the cooler climate. We tried many places in the mountains and seem to have found what we need: complete silence, away from the crowd, a “million dollars” view from the balcony (read your book while sitting in bean bag), a waterfall with a pond next to where you find yourself in an Indiana Jones movie (must get to the upper pond) and an very hospitable host. Yes, it's a bit off the beaten track, but it's worth it. Despite minor shortcomings and certain simplicity in the arrangement of rooms, everything is made with excellent taste and fantasy. Great homemade coffee, amazing grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes from their own garden and a personal touch. Couldn't expect more. I'll be back:)
We stayed one night at the Backyard Balangoda in the middle of tea plantations. We had our own cabin which was very cozy, clean and modernly equipped. We watched the sunrise on the cabin’s balcony offering a marvellous view over the mountains and tea estates. Dinner and breakfast were delicious and really tasty. The service was just oustanding. The owner is an amazing person and really helpful. We really loved staying at this place and can only recommend visiting when being in Sri Lanka. Big thumps up!
Great nature scenery, very well decorated and friendly staff. Great to escape to a quiet place in the mountains
The chalet has a bathroom that is downstairs
Beautiful location with an amazing view from the chalet. Nice and cozy. Food was nice too. Owner is very friendly and helpful. Ps. They make a super lime n mint drink. 👌
The host was great, And the food was really tasty.
Amazing place. A bit off the beaten track but we were running late and they had dinner ready for us on arrival. Restaurant is good. Boutique hotel and the chalet is brilliant. Lovely views to wake up to. The owner goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is comfortable. It’s right in a tea plantation and you can buy their tea from them. We forgot our purchase and the manager posted it to our next hotel for us! Brilliant service. We will be returning some day.
Nothing. it’s amazing.
The place is just like on the pictures really beautiful and unique. They welcomed us with a home made ice tea and started to prepare the dinner as soon as we arrived. The owner was always kind and helpful, any questions we had he replied in few minutes via WhatsApp. As we told him that we eat vegan he tried his best to make us happy. More veggies could improve the menu variety also to the wrap would be better. The boys working there were also very kind and helpful, if you need any guide to the waterfall.
road is a little tricky but they helped with going up and parking
The Backyard Balangoda is a very special place to stay. The building is beautifully unique and the location and views are stunning. I arrived by motorbike and went for a ride with the owner around the tea hills, then to a beautiful waterfall and one of the local temples. Dinner and breakfast were delicious and the room was perfect. I would highly recommend visiting.
Lovely place. Awesome sunrise to wake up to and wind down from the business of Colombo / Mirissa / Hikkaduwa. Bonus tip: rent a scooter and drive up to Balangoda through the tea fields, it's a great experience.
It was truly an oasis in the forest. Surrounded by tea estates, mountains, and verdure the views were incomparable. It was lovely to have my own cabin. Right out is a balcony built into the hills offering a splendid view, sunsets and sunrises. In March at night it was cool and pleasant and during the day the cabin was a little too hot, but just step outside the balcony and the cool breezes were excellent. The service was outstanding, the owner is one-of-a-kind and an amazing person. He was always there to help you with luggage, cooking customized dishes to meet my needs and always catering to things I needed while there. They are able to arrange tours or tuk tuks for all my needs. The food was wonderful, great breakfast and lovely lunches and dinners. All just so tasty and made just for you. It couldn't get better. The room had a hot pot, an electric outlet, so it is good to bring extensions and electrical plugs for sure. The shower has hot water, but has to be adjusted just right, they can instruct you on how to do it. They offer big jars of shampoo, body wash, and hand wash with luxurious bath towels and a hand towel. There is also toilet paper and a handheld bidet spray. The main bedroom has two tables that cannot hold too much. You would have to keep most things in the suitcase and you can sit comfortably on lovely large bean bags. The bedroom also has 2 chairs. On the balcony is another large table. The bedroom is A-framed and is decorated becomingly. I really loved this place and wish to go back again soon.
Perhaps better hot water shower and protective walls.
Location and staff were really nice and friendly.
Some of the building finishes should be upgraded/ repaired. Eg the timber balcony wood is bowing.
Perfect location and the owner is wonderful and really cultured and so hospitable
It was a bit far from the city, but there is a nearby waterfall which is great
The view, the food and the interior of the room
Nothing :)
Had and awesome customer service experience. food was delicious and well prepared. the view and the place was so beautiful. highly recommend AAA+++
nature friendly location
Everything. The views are amazing, you are in the middle of nowhere, very quite and peaceful. The room and the restaurant it is made with a very good taste, and the host really helpful!! He guided us to a secret waterfall and a tea factory. We'll come back next time for sure!!
The view was breathtaking and the accommodation was very nice and clean. The host was very nice and helpful. He served typical food of the country, which was very tasty. Highly recommended. We would come back anytime!
I loved the setup of the place. The staff were amazing and extremely Helpful.
The location was soo nice. Tranquility at it's finest. The food is just fantastic. Especially love the freshly made Arabic bread we were offered for breakfast with mushroom curry. Mornings were so nice with the sunrise. We would definitely visit the place again. The host was so friendly and gave plenty of tips about the nearby attractions. The experience was as mentioned on the listing.
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
Areas to consider
Cleanliness
9.65/10Room cleanliness was appreciated in the reviews, with no negative comments about cleanliness.
Service
9.95/10Hosts are described as excellent and accommodating, providing personalized tours and great hospitality.
Location
9.95/10The location is described as breathtaking, set in nature with beautiful views.
Room Quality
9.65/10The rooms are described as cozy and comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep.
Amenities
9.65/10Standard amenities mentioned with a positive sentiment regarding the overall comfort.
Value for Money
9.65/10Guests felt the experience was worth the money, especially for the unique offerings.
Food and Beverage
9.95/10The food received high praise for its quality and taste.
Overall Experience
9.95/10Guests feel their overall experience was exceptional and memorable.