Diyawanna Leisure

Host was super amazing

Loved everything

The perfect host & location! Mr. Mohan was absolutely amazing—incredibly welcoming, responsive, and helpful throughout our entire stay. The service was top-notch & the hospitality truly exceeded our expectations. The property was spotless and beautifully maintained. The highlight of our stay was definitely the stunning view of the water & our host Mr. Mohan sang great karaoke track in Sinhala, Hindi and English. It’s the perfect place to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the bird watching in clam environment. Highly recommend staying here!

Bel endroit paisible et le gérant très amical et serviable. Belle chambre, super petit déjeuner /brunch à l’anglaise. Grande piscine et vue sur la rivière.

Very bad experience, waste of money

It was a great experience 😍. My kids enjoyed the pool & birds watching... Property was clean and neat with beautiful antique elements in a calm environment.The Property owner Mr. Mohan is a nice person and a great singer. The songs while having the breakfast with the river view were unforgettable❤️.

Nothing

The view is great (especially considering it’s in the big city), the facilities were perfect and Mohan is a social host (who makes tasty tea 😊). Would recommend!

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Highly recommended! Nice owner, good service, clean place, beautiful location…

Host greeted us with tea and a sing song 🎶 Overlooking river with amazing views

Nothing

The cleanliness of the rooms and air-conditioning. Host very accommodating.

Limited/shared kitchen facilities and no kettle & toaster in the room.

Generous host, enjoys serving guests and plating up food with creativity. Went above and beyond in hospitality and helpfulness.

access to TV viewing was problematic

After a week-long journey around Sri Lanka, I had originally planned to stay at a hotel in Colombo before returning to Australia. However, my previous stay at Diyawanna Leisure was so good that I chose to return. I wanted to experience the same warm hospitality, professional service, and stunning room views once more—and it was absolutely the right decision. The host introduced me to excellent nearby amenities, including restaurants with great atmosphere and reputable reflexology centres. I also thoroughly enjoyed our karaoke sessions, this time joined by the guest in the other room. As an ardent reggae fan, I can say with confidence that Mr. Mohan De Zylva’s renditions of Bob Marley were outstanding—sounding impressively professional, even with an authentic Jamaican accent.

As a well-travelled Australian, I can confidently say my stay at Diyawanna Leisure in Sri Lanka was the best home-stay experience I’ve ever had. Everything was exactly as I hoped for in a perfect stay. The host, a former hotelier with training and experience in both England and Sri Lanka, delivered exceptional service—friendly, attentive, and truly top-notch hospitality. The property was spotless, and my room offered incredible views: the city skyline on one side and a tranquil waterfront nature reserve on the other. The breakfast matched high-end hotel standards, and the location was very convenient, with plenty of dining options nearby. A special highlight was the host’s talent as a singer—we enjoyed some wonderful karaoke sessions together. Highly recommended.

Whole Apartment is really clean, bathrooms are well equipped and clean too, View from Balcony is superb, most of all the Host is wonderful , friendly ,

Its on the 5th floor of an apartment....but it is not feels like that..... i experienced full of calmness and freedom..... Mr.Mohan who is the host and very interesting person. I had a good time with him. Some nice conversations and a nice old sinhala song we enjoyed.....

The hospital is a hotelier so the breakfast and the service was amazing.

The bed is too firm. The bedding is rough can scratch if you have an sensitive skin.

The place was very clean and peaceful, with an amazing view - rare to find in a busy city like Colombo. It truly felt like home. One of the best places I’ve stayed, and definitely worth the price. Mr. Mohan, the host, was very friendly and took great care of us. We also enjoyed some fun entertainment during our visit. Highly recommended!

The time was limited to spend there.

I recently stayed at Diyawanna Leisure Homestay for 2 nights, and I had a very pleasant experience. It’s a spacious, clean 3 bedroom apartment, not a traditional hotel – but a Homestay and that’s exactly what I appreciated about it. The setup felt peaceful and homely, with plenty of space and privacy. The Room AC worked perfectly, and everything was well-maintained. The bathrooms were clean and easily accessible. The "Express Check-in" by Host Mr Mohan was very proffetional and quick, with a warm welcome and a helpful introduction to the place. We had a really good time with the host, who is an accomplished Vocalist. He genuinely tried his best to make everyone feel at home. A highlight was the karaoke sessions we had using his wireless music box, which we enjoyed along with two other in-house guests – a fun and memorable part of the stay. Iradiated Drinking water was available free of charge, and food delivery was easy due to convenient location of the property near Rajagiriya town. The Homestay is located in a quite, respectable neighbourhood, perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind. The location is very suitable for Bird watching as it overlooks Diyawanna River/rain forest. If you’re after a comfortable, affordable, and peaceful place to stay – especially with family or a small group – I’d definitely recommend it. Would happily return!

Cleanliness and friendly / helpful host

A lovely homestay , clean comfortable with a thoughtful & hospitable host ! Lovely views of the marsh and complimentary fruit breakfast and tea ! Felt very safe , and clean and comfortable! Will be recommending it to family & visiting friends !

I don't have any positive things here. I'm fully disappointed

I recently visited Diyawanna Leisure after seeing it on Booking.com. The listing showed a hotel-like setup with a nice swimming pool, attached bathrooms, AC, and all essential amenities. However, when I arrived, I realized it was actually a residential 3BHK apartment, not a hotel as advertised. The rooms did not have attached bathrooms, and the AC was not functioning properly you couldn't adjust the temperature, which was quite uncomfortable. We arrived tired after a long day, hoping to rest, but instead, the owner called and spent around 10 minutes talking about himself and his background, which was unnecessary at that moment. Unfortunately, we couldn't cancel without a penalty, so we had no choice but to stay. Basic facilities were lacking they didn’t provide bottled water, only a water jar. If you order food, it takes around an hour to arrive due to the location. Overall, I found the experience uncomfortable and misleading. If you're looking for a basic budget stay and can compromise on amenities, this might be an option. But if you’re expecting hotel level comfort, I wouldn’t recommend it especially not for couples.

Mohan was a great host. Tea on the balcony and talking about the day were a highlight.

This was the cleanest room we had during our trip in SL. Room had AC and a view. Mohan has a lot of experience and this is very noticeable. He's a born entertainer with lots of stories and a true gentleman. The bathroom was fully equipped. I'll definitely stay here again when I come back to Colombo.

We had a great experience. Rather than the plain & lonely hotel stay, this was especially great for my 7-year-old daughter (from basic bird watching, evening swim in the pool to karaoke night). Even-though we had some check-out mishaps the Host was verry helpful & understanding.

Bed was comfy for me, my wife & daughter but we felt the seam in the middle as it felt 2 mattress was joined (for a couple it won't affect).

Mohan the host is so helpful. This was my second stay at Di Leisure. Why did I come back? It's such a great location that makes you feel like you're out of the city when you're only 20 minutes from Galle Face Green. I love sitting on the balcony looking out across the river to the forest beyond. The pool is also such a welcome relief on those extra hot days too!

Every time we visit Colombo, we stay here. Mohanlal is a wonderful host who takes great care of his guests. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the service is excellent, and the breakfast is delicious. The beautiful river view makes it even more special. We are always happy to come back!

The owner was really very friendly and served us coffee and tea upon arrival. The room was clean with a nice view of the river, it also had air conditioning. We were even treated to an excellent breakfast, although it is not included in the offer of the accommodation. The swimming pool that is available is also clean and very little crowded.

Absolutely nothing.

This place was a good example of how a home stay should be. Hotel like roms that are as clean as it can be and with a lovely view. You will notice the host Mohan have much experience from hotel and can be seen as a professional in the business. He will take care of you in a very varm and friendly way!

The hospitality and food was amazing. Mohan is one of the best hosts I've ever had.

This is a wonderful homestay. Located in the central Rajagiriya area. Parking facility available . Located in the Fifth floor of the Apartment complex ( Level 3 in Elavator). Wonderful surrondings with a lake and wetland nearby with great views. Clean bedroom and toilet with toileteries. Complimentary bed tea also provided .The host Mr Mohan was Super nice as he offered his Binoculars to watch birds. He even provided a Karoke Session at dinner time. We opted to the breakfast too.which was fresh and tasty.

We rented two rooms and and two bathrooms. Great communication from before arrival to after departure. Very clean and tidy. Everything needed provided including basic toiletries, towels, sterilised UV irradiated booked water. Fridge access. Welcome drink and morning hot drink freshly made and provided. Toilets cleaned during our stay. Air-conditioning and fans. Secure quiet complex. View of the river. Enjoyable stay and we will likely return in the future. Thanks Mr Mohan for your hospitality.

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Great and convenient home stay. The host was extremely friendly and helpful. He even offered us tea on his balcony. The room is cozy and extremely clean with a great view over diyawanna lake.

Room did not have an attached bathroom. Even though it is mentioned as private, you need to share the bathroom with the other guests since there are 2 rooms. however, the bathroom is cleaned several times per day and kept very clean and tidy.

Simply this is an awesome place to stay in Colombo, short or long term. Host is very professional and helpful. He welcomed us himself and offered refreshments as soon as we arrived. Place is very comfortable with great views. Location is exceptional as it is in the Central busy area, yet very quiet and charming. We could watch some birds from the balcony. Host is interested in music and we had a nice kareoke session as well. Thanks Mr Mohan for your hospitality. We will be back soon.

When we first went, Mr. Mohan welcomed us with a smile. He was very polite. Even though we stayed at home, we had the comfort of a hotel. The rooms are very spacious and clean. The rooms have air conditioning. special refrigerator. We had breakfast together and chatted. The pool was great fun. It was a very nice experience for me. It was my best 5 days in Colombo. If I come again I will meet Mr. Mohan again.

The facility is really super there is nothing I didn't like

We stayed at this lovely place near the tranquil Diyawanna wetland. The outdoor area is perfect for birdwatching. The room was spacious, clean, well-maintained, and comfortable, with a beautiful view. The bathroom was also well-maintained and clean, and hot water facilities were available. Our host, Mr. Mohan, was friendly and professional, making our stay memorable. What captivated me the most was the vintage and authentic vibe of the place. I took some time to appreciate the furniture, pictures, and scale models. Additionally, I had an engaging conversation with Mr. Mohan about our shared interests in ornithology and history. I’m glad we also had time to enjoy a karaoke session

The property owner is well experianced and professional person in the industry. So he provided us well professional service with the kind heart. The breakfast is really amazing..I highly recommend to everyone who wish to stay at Diyawanna leisure in future..

We really enjoyed our time at Mohan’s homestay. It was exceptionally clean, very comfortable, and Mohan was a great host. Breakfast was delicious and served on a balcony that provided a perfect spot for birdwatching. Thank you Mohan for your wonderful hospitality.

The host Mohan is really the most friendly and helpful host I’ve ever encountered through Booking. It felt as if I was staying with family! Just to mention a few things he did for me: he organised a visit to a foot massage place, a massage from a physiotherapist at his accommodation, he brought me a couple of times to a (private members) swimming pool (because the pool at his place was 2 days closed for maintenance) as well as gave me ride to the visa office, and gave me the contact of a friend to help me out with Ayurvedic treatments in another town. He also prepared a lovely breakfast every morning (at a reasonable surcharge). For the rest, he is a great conversation partner, who makes you feel right at home and cared for, and also respects your private space. The accommodation itself is clean, the beds are amazing (I stayed in both rooms), and the AC works perfectly (not an unnecessary luxury in the Sri Lankan heat). The fact that I extended my stay and came back to stay here when I was back in Colombo shows how much I appreciated this place. Thank you Mohan, I cannot thank you enough for all your kind care!

Mohan has created a tranquil sanctuary right in the midst of Colombo! Looking out from the large windows of my room (or my balcony) it was hard to believe I was so close to the heart of Colombo, gazing over the slow meandering river below to the forest beyond the only sound was the occasional fisherman passing by or the sounds of birdlife. The location was perfect as just a few minutes walk away I was able to find great restaurants, a supermarket, an ATM and more. Mohan was the perfect host and went above and beyond to ensure my stay was all it could be. Everything was so clean and well presented - testament to his years of professional life in the hotel trade.

I liked everything!!! So much so I will be back 😊

From the neat & tidy comfortable premises to the absolute in hospitality by the in-house host Mr Mohan Lal, it was a marvellous stay, being my first visit to Sri Lanka. Can't say enough of the most delicous homemade organic breakfasts, guidance to many tourist spots & social venues. Very highly recommended for those who seek a homely, highly affordable alternative to hotels, motels that simply cannot offer this level of highly personal care for visitors. Definitely 10/10.

My stay not long enough!

Mohan is not just an apartment owner. He became our friend. We are happy to met him! Mohan is very interesting and wise man. He likes his business very much! He told us about his family history and also about himself and his hobbies. One of his hobbies is Karaoke singing! We spent the evening in singing the songs. He sang mostly, of course, but on My Way I couldn't resist and helped him😁 At the end of the evening, my wife and I sang our traditional folk song for him. The review would be unfair if all the impressions of the stay were reduced only to the owner. Mohan studied hospitality in the UK, and after that he worked in famous hotels in the UK and Sri Lanka. He follows the same rules in his apartment. The room is perfectly clean, pre-cooled with air conditioning. The balcony overlooks the river and the various birds that live there. We saw some parrots. A comfortable bed, a refrigerator, cool drinking water - everything leads to a good rest for body and soul. Every breakfast at Mohan's house is a masterpiece. Be sure to try this wonderful 5-course breakfast with fruits, toast, jams, scrambled eggs, vegetables and coffee or tea.

Nothing

This is wonderful home stay in rajagiriya town.owner was very helpful.If you want something he will help you.welcome drink,bed tea were privided us to free of charge.location was situated nice calm environment .

Diyawanna Leisure is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Colombo, offering a unique homestay experience that is truly unparalleled. My stay at this enchanting abode was made all the more memorable by the gracious hospitality of the host, Mr. Mohanlal. From the moment I arrived, Mr. Mohanlal welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like part of the family. His kindness and generosity were truly exceptional, and he went above and beyond to ensure my comfort throughout my stay. One of the highlights of my visit was the breathtaking green view from the balcony. It was a sight to behold, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The homestay itself is a haven of tranquility. The rooms are tastefully decorated and impeccably clean, with every detail taken care of to ensure a comfortable stay. Mr. Mohanlal’s passion for antiques is evident in the beautifully curated collection that adorns the house, adding to its charm and character. One of the most memorable experiences of my stay was when Mr. Mohanlal took me to a local foot massage reflexology treatment. It was a truly rejuvenating experience that added an extra layer of relaxation to my trip. In conclusion, my stay at Diyawanna Leisure was nothing short of magical. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience that combines comfort, serenity, and exceptional hospitality, look no further than Diyawanna Leisure. I can’t wait to return for another memorable stay.

Wow! What a wonderful place to stay. The host is super passionate about his profession. Hospitality, hygiene and service are number 1. A large comfortable bed in a cozy decorated room with well-functioning air conditioning, refrigerator and TV. The room is cleaned every day. And the bathroom and toilet even several times a day. He also provides a laundry service. Delicious breakfast, even with multiple courses. With a beautiful view from the balcony of the lively river with birds and fish. The host also referred us to his special maseur for which we received a discount. Super wonderful and relaxed. The host is happy to think along with you and can answer all your questions. The swimming pool and gym are also nice extras to use. Instead of 2 nights we couldn't resist making it 3 nights. We would like to thank Mohanlal for his good care and hospitality! He deserves 10 points out of 10! :)

Recommend. I am so happy we found this place

The accommodation in which we stay at during our journey is very important in order to fully appreciate a place or a country that we visit I ain't gonna let that proverb lies to us Regarding my journey in that accommodation provided by the owner Mr Mohanlal as a homestay I would like to emphasize and to feature my experience like exceptional with outstanding performance of that gentleman by hosting us which is his absolute priority He is really keen and passionate by the humain relationship He goes above and beyong with his guests offering some colors to the customer service by delivering a real 5 star experience similary to the hospitality of an upscale establishment much better than a simply service black and white without any consideration according to his background he has really the profile and the experience to do so which is a relief and an pleasure to be treated like a king aknowlaging you about the city and a different kind of subject We absolutely can feel that Mr mohanlal takes a real pleasure taking care of your confort by responding to your attend answering the requests of his guests and by anticipating to your need He is doing his best to host properly his clients and to make them feel happy into his flat well furnished very clean and very well furnished without any default to the facilities as well as the pool and the gym open to the rainforest surrounding by the calm and the sound for the bird in addition all the windows get an wide open view to the city at the back and the nature which is the tropical greenery at front We can have a wonderful breakfast cooked with love and well introduced as well as a chef I encourage you and I highly recommend you to stay in his penthouse during your trip in Colombo You will be welcomed staying with that genuine gentleman not pricy He is receiving a bunch of pleasure by offering pleasure to everyone

Superb

Nothing

I booked Diyawanna Leisure for two of my guests from Czech Republic. From my first inquiry the host was extremely responsive, polite and helpful. The property is a well-maintained exceptional place for a stay. It was a quiet and clean place located in a very scenic spot, especially the view from the dining area is eye-catching. All the amenities were available as mentioned in the description. Rooms were with private balconies with amazing view. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you need. Me and my family have also spent time there with my guests. The host entertained us with karaoke, and it was an unforgettable evening. He was extremely courteous, helpful and made sure that my guests had the best time at Diyawanna leisure. Two of my guests were very happy about their stay at this place. I highly recommend Diyawanna leisure for anyone planning for a stay there. The nice refreshing swimming pool was part of the reason to recommend this place.

Exceptional breakfast and healthy

One of the best places I have stayed. The host is so friendly, and the view in the dining area is eye-catching. We also had fun activities like karaoke during the night, and the host also provided us with a binocular to watch the beautiful sunset on our private balcony. He also prepared us an unforgettable breakfast, which was very healthy and tasty. I highly recommend this for anyone planning a stay for a night.