Villa Bird Gate

Beautiful, serene location right on the river. Managed to book a boat trip directly from the property with the help of the owner. Breakfasts were great. It is a bit outside of Galle but Ruka, the owner, was happy to take us into Galle and beyond in his Tuk Tuk. Rooms are simple but this is reflected in the price and they have good AC and everything else you could need. Sitting by the river, watching the birds and water monitors is the perfect way to relax. Would highly recommend this place.

Le logement est idéalement situé à moins d'un kilomètre de la plage et 40mn à pieds du fort. A l'extérieur, coin repos le long d'une rivière où les seuls bruits sont des cris d'animaux ou des chants d'oiseaux. Un havre de paix. L'hôte est dispo et donne de bons conseils. Il partage volontiers quelques moments avec vous. Les pdj sont succulents et copieux. Allez y les yeux fermés.

Seul bémol, la température de la chambre. La clim ne semble pas être réglable, et rapidement il fait tres froid. Et chaud/humide quand on la coupe.

Heerlijke rustige plek aan het water vlakbij de stad. Fantastisch behulpzame gastheer en een heerlijk ontbijt.

L'hospitalité, la vue sur la rivière, l'emplacement, le petit-déjeuner.

Étant très sensible, la bruit de la climatisation a perturbé mon séjour. Si je peux me permettre, je conseillerai au propriétaire d'investir dans cette infrastructure.

Accueil fantastique dans cette gest house magnifiquement placée Dans la belle ville de Galle où l'on est aux petits soins pour les clients. Demandez, et vous obtiendrez tout ce dont vous aurez besoin. Notre hôte, qui offre ses services de chauffeur de tuk tuk pour les petits déplacements, nous a ainsi proposé une sortie safari sur la rivière que nous vous recommandons fortement. (Facile ! Nous avons embarqué juste devant notre chambre). Nous y avons vu un nombre incroyable d'oiseaux : échassiers, gobe-mouches, guêpiers, cormorans, martins pêcheurs, pigeons, aigles..., des singes, des roussettes, et des varans. Très bon commentaire du guide. Il nous a aussi emmenés en tuk tuk à la fabrique de thé d'Handunugoda, une autre découverte que nous conseillons. Il nous a aussi procuré des épices cultivées localement (cannelle de Ceylan, poivre excellent, vanille en poudre) pour un prix très intéressant. Chambre simple, mais propre et confortable, avec un évier et un réfrigérateur ; bonne literie ; salle de bains avec douche à l'italienne, fonctionnelle (pas de pénuries d'eau chaude) et impeccable. L'un des 2 autres points forts de cet établissement, c'est la terrasse pleine de charme au bord de la rivière où sont pris les repas et où l'on peut venir lire, prendre son café, ou, comme nous, surveiller la faune à la jumelle (ça grouille de vie tout autour). Le matin de notre départ, des singes (langurs à face violette) grignottaient tranquillement des fruits dans un arbre juste à côté de nous pendant notre petit déjeuner. Troisième point fort de cette location : la nourriture délicieuse. Nous avons une préférence pour les petits déjeuners locaux, et ici, ils sont très bons. Mention spéciale pour les jus de fruits maison, toujours savoureux (woodapple, avocat - sucré, délicieux !). Vous pourrez aussi commander un autre repas à l'avance. Bref, que du bonheur, fortement recommandé !

Rien.

Everything here is so amazing so peaceful and right in nature perfect escape the room perfect has fridge and extra amenities very comfortable breakfast was superb best breakfast different everyday of main

Nothing

C’est un petit « paradis » , l’endroit est bucolique, un jardin et une maison d’une grande propreté Ruka et sa femme sont des hôtes adorables , toujours prêts à rendre services, merci merci beaucoup pour tout .

Serene!!! So close to all you need but chilling for breakfast or late afternoon priceless. Our host was awesome - took us wherever we wanted to go. Food was great. Saw wildlife each morning. 😃

Nada!

It is in a village by the canal with people simply getting on with their lives. The family who own the villa built it themselves and funds made go to educating their children. The owner took us about in his tuk tuk and organised for us to birdwatch. It's close to Galle and its heritage tourist vibe.

Nothing

De locatie, net buiten het centrum maar wel heel dichtbij. Een heerlijk zitje aan het water (vogels, varanen, apen). Een mooie kamer met ook een fijne badkamer met een prima warme douche. Lekker ontbijt. Een vriendelijke eigenaar die in is voor een gezellig praatje en je ook met zijn eigen tuktuk overal heen kan brengen. Als je hier verblijft ga dan 's avonds ook eens eten bij Silva's Kitchen, een gezellig, klein, lokaal restaurantje op een kleine 10 minuten lopen.

Das Hotel liegt nicht weit weg von Galle und ist trotzdem mitten in der Natur. Sehr ruhig gelegen. Von der Terrasse aus, am Fluss gelegen, kann man zahlreiche Tiere beobachten wie Vögel, Affen, Warane. Ein Paradies. Die Gastgeber sind sehr freundlich, das Frühstück ist sehr lecker und abwechslungsreich. Der Strand ist nur 10 min entfernt. Man kann Birdwatching buchen. Aufgrund der Entfernung braucht man immer ein Tuktuk nach Galle. Aber der Gastgeber Ruka hat uns zu jederzeit in die Stadt gefahren und wieder abgeholt. Wir können die Unterkunft nur empfehlen und kommen gerne wieder!

L'hôtel est au bord d'une rivière, spectacle de la nature tous les jours : varan, guêpier, martin pêcheur, héron pourpre,.... Les propriétaires sont très sympathiques, on peut vous conduire au centre ville par tuk tuk (ou vous emmener à l'hôtel depuis la gare routière/ferroviaire) La chambre est très propre, très grand lit confortable, bon petit déjeuner. Excursion possible à la réserve forestière de Kottawa, ou le long de la rivière

Rideaux pas assez occultant mais c'est un détail

Tout, les hôtes ont été parfait, c’est le meilleur établissement que nous avons fait au Sri Lanka

Nous avons tout aimé

From the moment we arrived, we knew we had found a fabulous place to stay for a few days. Ruka - the owner - was so welcoming: we arrived earlier than check in time, but that wasn’t a problem, he simply made us some coffee and settled us at the beautiful breakfast area overlooking the river. We are all keen on wildlife and this was a perfect spot ….. loads of birds, monkeys, water monitors ….. all from the comfort of our own private viewing platform. Ruka organised a fantastic boat safari (picked up from the garden), acted as private TukTuk transport into town, arranged our onward journey and made us feel more like family than guests. If you are looking for a peaceful, magical, simple place full of birdsong and beauty, but still only minutes from the bustle of Galle Fort, then this is the place for you.

Nothing

Alles beviel ons aan de locatie. Midden in de natuur aan een riviertje; een waar paradijs. De eigenaar Ruka heeft ons een fantastische verblijf van 3 dagen bezorgd. Wat zijn we in de watten gelegd. Niets was hem teveel. Hij bracht ons overal naartoe waar we maar heen wilden. (En rekende daar niet veel voor). De laatste avond heeft zijn vrouw voor ons gekookt en kregen we een ontzettend lekkere maaltijd voorgeschoteld. Deze plek en eigenaar Ruka zit voor altijd in ons hart!❤️

Niets

3 dagen hebben wij hier alleen maar genoten. Een top lokatie aan de rivier waar je een ontzettend mooie onvergetelijke boottocht kan maken. We hebben zoveel vogels gezien echt fantastisch. De accommodatie heeft 2 kamers die er mooi en schoon uitzien. Ontbijt is heel lekker en wordt geserveerd bij de veranda aan de rivier. Ruka de eigenaar doet echt alles met liefde voor je. Rijdt je naar Galle en laat je alle mooie en indrukwekkende plekjes zien. Zijn vrouw heeft voor ons onvergetelijke heerlijk gekookt. Dit was echt het mooiste en liefdevolste plekje van heel srilanka. Een dikke aanrader!

Helemaal niets. Ruka en Aisha jullie doen het fantastisch

Zeer mooie lokatie aan de rivier. Mooie nette kamer, handig met koelkast en kitchenette. Alles is netjes. De gastheer geeft goede tips en kan je met eigen tuk tuk ergens heen brengen. De safari op de rivier was mooi en erg boeiend begeleid door een goede gids. Hij kende veel van vogels, planten enz. Leuke tijd gehad

Villa Bird Gate is located in a residential area in Galle. After driving through some narrow streets, you end up at this wonderful place. The property has a lovely garden, with seats next to the river with an excellent view. You can see all sorts of birds, water monitors, monkeys and bats in the evening from this terrace. The owner is very friendly and has taken us on a tour in his tuktuk to see some highlights in the surroundings. The homemade Sri Lankan breakfast was one of the best we have had this holiday. We absolutely loved our stay here.

I can’t think of anything!

Amazing stay in a location which was so peaceful, yet less than a kilometre from the main road / beach. Ruka the host and his family were everything I expected after reading previous reviews and nothing was too much trouble…. It was like having a personal tour guide (with tuk-tuk) to show me the sights. Everything spotlessly clean, breakfasts amazing, wildlife bountiful and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.

Mooie kamer. Prachtige locatie aan de rivier. Rustig maar toch maar 10min met de tuktuk van de eigenaar naar het fort van Galle. Ontzettend aardige eigenaar. Hij wil er zelfs geen geld voor hebben. Hij kan ook een leuke bootsafari regelen vanaf de villa.

Niets

Unser Aufenthalt in der Villa Bird Gate war rundum gelungen. Die Gastgeberfamilie war ausgesprochen freundlich und zuvorkommend. Ruka hat uns mit seiner herzlichen Art beeindruckt: In seiner Veranda direkt am Fluss verwöhnte er uns mit feinem Tee. Wir konnten uns jederzeit auf seine Unterstützung verlassen. Die Lage am Fluss, umgeben von einer faszinierenden Tierwelt, bot perfekte Entspannung und eine wunderbare Atmosphäre. Wir kommen gerne wieder!

A beautiful location with an incredible amount of wildlife! Ruka was wonderful, very kind and helpful. We loved everything about our stay and would definitely come again.

One of our best stays in Sri Lanka. Beautifull location! The host is very friendly, welcoming and helpfull. The room was really nice and the bed was good!

The property is very nice ! Mr. Roshan and his family are very lovely and super helpful. I will definitely come and visit them again

The host and location were amazing! He served us good food and showed us the best places to see in Galle.

The bed is squeaky.

Tranquil place. Great deck on the river. Helpful hosts

Bird watchers paradise, wonderful location in the middle of a village, my favourite stay.

Nothing

Beautiful room, very stylishly decorated - loved the 4 poster bed, it was very comfortable Beautiful setting on the banks of the river. Great breakfast, very friendly host

A lovely laid back place to stay just outside Galle, with the owner always available to Tuk Tuk you in and out to town. Excellent breakfasts overlooking the river, so relaxing. Make sure you organise the river trip to see the amazing birds

The hot water shower was a bit tricky to use

It's an amazing setting right on the river where you can watch birds to your hearts content. The room is lovely and so is the host.

Everything was fantastic. I really don't have a negative word to say.

Amazingly beautiful, quiet location right on the river, but only a short tuk tuk ride to the Fort. The place is so peaceful with a beautiful shady garden and terrace with lots of lovely decorative touches - the owner is a very talented man. So many different birds, monkeys, water monitors passing by - could hardly tear myself away from the lovely terrace. Our host was amazing - he was welcoming and extremely helpful in every way. He sorted out a fantastic boat ride the day we got there (Thank you Mahamodara River Safari) and helped with transfers to another property and the Fort. Our bedroom was spotless, great aircon and a fridge! Breakfast on the covered terrace was also lovely and plentiful. We would have loved to stay longer but the property is popular so could only get 1 night.

Nothing

Excellent value for money! The spot is right by a peaceful river, surrounded by nature, in an authentic neighborhood. The room is spacious and clean. This is the perfect location if you want to visit Galle (just a short tuktuk drive away) while enjoying a quiet environment, away from the touristic, yet beautiful, city center. The owner also took us to their family-run beach restaurant where we had a delicious dinner.

Fantastic location for birdwatching. I spent a lot of time just sitting in the garden by the river watching birds. The host Rukma was exceptional, providing rides into Galle and back again in his tuk tuk as well as organising day trips. The breakfast was very nice and the room exceptionally clean. The guesthouse is a few km outside of the centre of town so you are away from the noise and crowd. It's right in the middle of nature on a river with birds, monkeys, peacocks, monitor lizards. Great spot!

Very tranquil and clean location

Location difficult to find

Fantastic location by the Mahamodara River which allowed us to be picked up by a river boat for a two-hour private safari tour of the river and the surrounding wildlife. There were so many exotic birds, monkeys, giant bats and water monitors to see (smaller version of the crocodile family). It was really worth it as we were alone with no other boats competing to take us to the next sighting! Our host and his family were delightful and his wife prepared us a gourmet meal in the evening which included a prawn curry. Breakfast was also very good with lots of fruit, good coffee, omelettes, etc. You won't starve. What we also liked about the location is that even though the main road was only 500m away, we could not hear the din of the traffic noise--only birds such as peacocks. We also walked from the old fort to the property as we are walkers. However, it can be hot and humid and the sidewalks are uneven. However, you can see all of the stalls and shops along the way, including many jewelry shops.

Everything was perfect. The only thing that would be helpful is for the owner to show his tourists how to use the hot water heater! We figured it out on our own but it is not that intuitive. Hint: the water will be hotter if you have it flow more slowly.

Its my third time in Sri Lanka and this place is one of my favorite. Ruka, the owner is like your best friend you always wanted to have🤗 His welcome was so beautiful. Breakfast was delicious and served at terrace with a view to the river. This place is a hidden gem from overcrowded Galle. Its easy to take Tuk Tuk or find yourself in the city. Its a beautiful combination to sightseeing Galle, but coming back to nurturing retreat in nature. Here you will see all sorts of birds, peacocks, just by sitting at the river bank on the terrace. If you are tired of a city life, from fast paced life, this is a place. I practiced yoga and Ruka would bring sandal incense sticks to make it more special. Thank you🤗 I definitely try to book this place in advance when i come back to Galle. Thank you for your all help, suggestions, talks and driving ! I enjoyed the stay a lot!

family run stay on the river who were kind & helpful

Nothing at all

The host is a very very nice person. He goes out of his way to make his guests feel comfortable. Value for money. I highly recommend this stay. I can't wait back to stay here. Also they serve amazing srilankan breakfast

We had a truly exceptional stay at this villa. It wasn’t just about being in a peaceful and beautiful place — we genuinely felt taken care of, almost like part of the family. This place offers more than just accommodation; it’s an experience of Sri Lankan hospitality at its best. The owner was always available to help and went out of his way to make our stay memorable. He has a tuk-tuk and took us to all the places we wanted to visit. We also took part in a river safari, which was a unique experience. The villa is located just a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from Galle, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy town. The room was equipped with all the essentials, including a fridge, which was very convenient. We spent a lot of time on the veranda overlooking the river, where we could observe the lively surroundings. Breakfast was also served there, and it was absolutely delicious.

Villa Bird Gate is located just 8 minutes (walk) from the beach. It is tucked away in a neighbourhood and was a little challenging to find when we first arrived, but Google Maps and asking along the way got us there. The room was very large and comfortable, and the property is located just on the river, so you can see all sorts of beautiful birds and wildlife in the morning. Ruka, the owner, and his family were so kind and hospitable. He even drove us to his private beach every day free of cost (even though it is also easily walkable). It is a little outside of Galle city, but it just takes 10-15 minutes to get there by tuk tuk. I loved this place so much, and I am definitely planning to visit again!

The only down side was finding the place, but again, this was not a big deal at all. We suggested that they put up a few signs along the way to make it easier to find.

beautiful garden, very nice owner, great and clean rooms

Villa Bird Gate is a very special place. Located Directly next to the river we have been able to see a great amount of birds and even some bats, monkeys and lizards. The host is very helpful and offered us multiple rides with his tuk tuk to the beach or to Galle. He also organised a boat safari which started directly from the Villa. Very recommended!

The room was superclean, authentic and lovely. Comfortable matras, nice balcony, It's a beautiful place to have breakfast at the river. The hot water wasn't working, so I got a watercooker and bucket to make my own Srilankan shower. Breakfast was really fine and the owners do their very best for the good of their guests. The owner is building a restaurant at the beach; I think that's a good thing so you can have meals from there and don't need to go all the way to Galle.

One evening and night the wifi wasn't working (maybe due to heavy raining?); so we had a digital detox :) What I found difficult: you need to go out for lunch and later for dinner so actually you're out all day while I'd loved to spend more time at 'home' at the river. I also advised to provide some bicycles.

The host goes above & beyond to ensure guests are comfortable , genuine hospitality that’s not typical of standard hotels

Nothing

The location of the property is perfect if you want to stay close to the nature and still reach the centre in 10mins with tuktuk. Ruka and his family is extremely caring and great hospitality. The breakfast and dinner was the best in Srilanka. We also had access to a private beach with their newly opened restaurant and witnessed some gorgeous sunset. The bird safari in the river is a must in the morning.

N/A

The Bird gate villa is a little oasis of peace. The owner was the best. Very kind and helpful. He even chauffeured us to and from the fort multiple times (about an 8 minute tuk-tuk ride each way). Would definitely recommend this if you want to visit Galle.

Villa Bird Gate is a peaceful place to stay, with exceptionally friendly and warm service. The breakfast is delicious and varies every day, with fresh fruit. The room we had was spacious and extremely clean, and the garden around the villa with a view over the Mahamodara lake is simply gorgeous. Although not in the city, Galle fort is easily accessible by tuk tuk and the owner, Ruka, occasionally offered us a lift in his tuk tuk. We also did the boat tour which was lovely! Well worth the price we paid for it.

The riverside location is fabulous for those interested in birds and nature. We saw so many native birds, monkeys, bats and water monitors. An authentic stay with excellent breakfast. Ruka, our host was lovely and really attentive and helpful. If you want something away from the hustle and bustle of Galle Fort we would definitely recommend staying here. The fort is a 10 minute tuk tuk ride.

Nothing, met our expectations.

Every things was amazing, I recommend!

Absolutely fantastic hosts, amazing place, booked 1 night but stayed 3 nights. The hosts could not of helped us enough, cooked us a great crap meal, was also my husbands birthday and they had a little party for us. So touched. Visiting Galle, then you should stay here.

nothing

I was looking for this part of my trip to be relaxed and peaceful which it was! It’s a short tuk tuk to Galle which Luka kindly took me to and from. He also took me to Hikkaduwa for the day, explaining some of the history along the route. Generally a very kind, helpful and considerate host. Would recommend Villa Bird Gate.

Calm and serene, very clean, beautiful location for watching wildlife. Loved the river safari it was amazing

Quite remote although the owner was so helpful taking us out and about in his tuk tuk

Really nice and friendly family owned B&B. You can see all kinds of birds and also monkeys just from the terrace. Don't miss the bird watching tour on the river.

Luka was an amazing host. The breakfast was super and made lovely fruit drinks. It was nice to sit by the river watching the wildlife. Luka is also a very good tuk tuk driver, actually I think the best I went on.

Leaving

It was the best stay I had in Sri Lanka. The host drove me everywhere and gave me a lot of tips. The breakfast was very good. I also recommend the river safari that is very nice. Thank you for everything it was a great time.

Amazing stay. The terrace at the river is a great place to sit and watch all kinds of animals, and the bird safari is highly recommended, too! The breakfast was rich and tasty, and the owners' hospitality was overwhelming. Thank you!

Mr Ruka, his wife & daughter were friendly & helpful. The home-cooked food was plentiful & good. Mr Ruka organised an excellent river safari, where we saw lots of birds & other wildlife, & insisted we took his china teapot & cups on the boat with us, so we could enjoy our morning tea! The hotel's riverside location is lovely - great to watch the birds while eating breakfast under the canopy in the garden. Mr Ruka also offers a tuktuk service.

There wasn't anything not to like, apart from not knowing, initially, how to contact our host, who lives off site, & the fact that a kettle (not coffee-maker, as advertised) was provided, but no cups, beverages or drinking glasses in the room.

Great location to Galle Fort, friendly owners fantastic breakfast. Accommodation looked out to the river and lovely setting area.

Air conditioner was very loud and fan setting were very slow or very fast.

The host went out of his way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Nothing was a problem to arrange. He arranged a boat tour on the river and provided us with a pot of coffee at 6am to go with us on the trip. The place has exceptional finishes for Sri Lanka (We've been to a few). Breakfast was a delight on the river loads of birdsong to accompany the delicious fruit. The place is not in the city but close enough to enjoy the tranquillity and not far by Tuktuk to the city/fort. If you are a birder a must to visit.

The family home is in the middle of little local community, close to Galle centre, a magical place with the best host you can wish for. The river safari is a must, organised by the host, starting from the back garden. A truly wonderful experience not to be missed. You feel like you visit a friend at his home, a very unique way to experience the Sri Lankan way of life. We started our trip here with a 3 hour transfer from the airport, it is a great place for anyone on their first visit to SL as you will be really well looked after, the owner had a Tuk Tuk and will take you to the restaurant area in the evening and collect you again when you are ready. Just sitting in the garden here you will see so many varieties of birds, as well as monkeys, chameleons, monitors, and others. A perfect place to start your vacation.

Great views of the river, many animals to be sighted. Great host.

The property was beautiful and location close to the fort. Having breakfast we could see monkeys and massive water monitors swimming by.

Nothing

Bird Gate is located in a quiet neighborhood off the beaten track and on a gorgeous river. The ambience is so peaceful and lush. We had our meals sitting beside the river and the food was excellent. Highly recommend the river tour!

The accommodation is right by a river and you’ll see a lot of wildlife (monkeys, warrans, birds) all day. The owner arranged a river safari for us which was a lot of fun. Also the breakfast and dinner prepared by the owners are amazing.

Nothing

Location was very peaceful and host took us by Tuk Tuk into Galle whenever we needed

Everything was pretty good!

Beautiful location and attentive host. An excellent dinner.

Location was amazing, right by the river, great for bird watching. Owner was very friendly and arranged morning river cruise for us, for which the boat arrived at the end of the garden. Breakfast was substantial and eaten by the river. Driver had his own tuk tuk and was happy to take us to and from restaurants in the evening. A great place to stay

Rukmal and his beautiful family were truly wonderful. This place is very, very special. If you want to sit quietly and enjoy the wild life of Sri Lanka this is the most lovely place... we saw king fishers, parrots, monkeys, jumping fish and monitor lizards from the balcony. The days we spent here with the peace and tranquility within such a caring environment will be memories we will cherish forever. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality and the very best breakfast during our Sri Lankan visit.

That we couldn't stay longer and that we did not find it sooner.

Villa Bird Gate is a wonderful place to stay in Galle. It is located in a beautiful garden with coconut trees next to a small river with a lot of wildlife, like monkeys, birds, and monitor lizards. The host and his family are very kind and helpful, offering outstanding service and delicious breakfast to their guests. The Mahamodara beach and a supermarket are in walking distance and Galle Fort can be reached in 5 minutes with a Tuktuk.