Illukawela Walauwa

Swimming poll, hospitality, rooms.

Tea & food was not much good.

Stepping into this charming colonial house feels like walking into a living museum. With exceptionally warm staff and delicious, comforting food, the entire experience successfully transports you back in time for a truly memorable and cozy visit. We will come back

We couldn’t use the pool

Schitterende locatie tussen de rijstvelden. Wel even doorbijten om er te komen. Mooi oud Engels landhuis wat is omgebouwd tot hotel. Heel bijzonder

De bedden zijn niet het beste maar voor een nachtje prima te doen.

Nice place. Very comfortable. Good staff.

Ontbijt prima,mooi in de lounge van het landgoed. Locatie: een prachtig landgoed, groot, een plantentuin met pauwen en een zwembad. Aardig personeel, die je veel vertelden over de Estate uit 1952.

De weg erheen is erg hobbelig, wel mooi door de palmen -plantage. Badkamer is toe aan een upgrading!

We stayed there for one night and we really liked it. It is a very calm colonial style home located in the middle of paddy fields. The staff were very helpful and truly cared about the guests. The food was excellent. Definitely worth the money.

We huurden het appartement en daarmee hadden we enorm veel ruimte. De hele bovenverdieping van dit enorme gebouw kun je gebruiken. Op die bovenverdieping is namelijk alleen jouw slaapkamer met badkamer. De rest van de verdieping is in principe toegankelijk voor iedereen, maar in de praktijk komt daar niemand. Je hebt daardoor een enorme woonruimte met zithoek, koelkast en balkons tot je beschikking. Het hele hotel ademt een koloniale sfeer en je kijkt uit over de rijstvelden en de tuin met palmbomen en pauwen. Het is een rustige omgeving. Het zwembad is groot genoeg om baantjes te zwemmen en ligt in de tuin. Het personeel doet er alles aan om je een fijne tijd te bezorgen. Het ontbijt is prima en je kunt ook lunch of diner bestellen. Wij bezochten het meer van Embilipitiya en we gingen naar het Olifantenweeshuis in Udawalawa. Ook deden we een safari in het Udawalawa National park. Udawalawa ligt op een half uurtje rijden. Wij vinden dat geen bezwaar.

The old building is full of history, you feel like staying in a museum! I did not use the pool, but it looked very clean. The place is cluse to a busy little town, but you would not know it is there. The staff was very attentive and looked after me. This is a wonderful place to get away from the tourist bubble!

I had the pleasure of staying at Ancient Illukawela Walauwa, and it was truly a memorable experience. The heritage and charm of the property are unmatched — you can feel the history in every corner of this beautifully preserved walauwa. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect escape from the chaos of modern life. The hospitality was exceptional. The hosts were warm, welcoming, and eager to share stories about the estate’s rich past. If you’re looking for a unique, serene, and culturally rich stay, I highly recommend Illukawela Walauwa. It’s not just accommodation — it’s an experience.

The Surrounding, View and the Excellent Service by the Staff.

The path or the access road is Terrible. Good that I went in a SUV. If it was a car I would not make it.

We like the service, and the area is very quiet. It was an amazing experience to live in such a big manor. The pool is nice 👍 definitely coming next year 🎊🎈🎂🥳 very much recommended if you want to feel rich man.

Fantastic place. Real palace. Nice pool. Very big, tasty breakfast included. Recommend to visit.

The tranquility and peace of the house and grounds so near the town but far enough to feel a genuine feeling if being at one with nature. Meals, drinks by the pool and the general helpfulness of the staff all made staying a Illukawella a sheer delight. Having stayed in earlier years, before Illukawella was listed on Booking.com, the comfort and class has definitely reached another level. The elephant sancutary is not quite near enough the hear the herd at feeding or washing times but almost. they're a very short drive away.

can't really say there's much I didn't like. The bedrooms are fairly basic but then that is all you need and with locked doors and windows open to the exteria there's both privacy and breeze. There is currently no AC but then that is not something i need or desire and the floor fans are all you need.

Great place to relax and chill, the host Nalaka, and caretaker Kamal gave us remarkable service. Highly recommend.

Road access needs to improve.

This hotel had lots of charm! The location is beautiful, just off the main road but surrounded by fields... you feel like you have entered a small paradise away from the chaos. The hotel is in a big old house, with a colonial feel and traditional decorations. The room was quaint, it was small and basic but met our needs. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens, it was lovely to relax in the pool and enjoy the surroundings. Breakfast was generous and delicious!! Overall we really enjoyed our time here and would recommend this place.

The bathroom could have been cleaned a bit better. The bed had a mosquito net but I think some insects still got in so we had a few bites the next day.

Mill

No good

The staff was very helpful and kind. We are very thankful for the wonderful breakfast and the assistance we received. The place itself is beautiful—close to the city, yet it feels like you’re surrounded by open fields. There are many birds and fresh, clean air. The building is lovely, though I would recommend removing the Soviet Union flag hanging there. In some parts of the apartment, certain items seemed out of place, and the door handles were a bit loose. Despite these minor issues, it was still an excellent experience overall.

It was difficult to find the place using Google Maps, as it directs you to a fence that cannot be passed. The actual road leading to the property is located slightly more between the buildings closer to the city center. However, the road is a bit bumpy, and it becomes slippery when it rains.

Big House, in the middle of nature, very friendly host

the shower didn’t have much pressure

The entire place was idyllic. Just off away from the hustle and bustle. The setting is in paddy fields down a dirt track. So, so cool! The manager on sight was extremely helpful and got us a tuktuk and drove with his bike down the track as our car couldn't make it and got us cold fresh juice on arrival. The owner was very helpful via WhatsApp. Overall, we couldn't have been happier with our experience. Thank you to the team.

Lots of mozzies but that can't really be helped in that environment. We would have liked a/c.