Birds Park, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka

Perched on top of a hill with a beautiful scenic view of surrounding greenery, Birds Park is a small eco-friendly retreat tucked into a quaint village called Wadakada in the Kurunegala District. Located roughly a two-hour drive from Colombo — about ten minutes off the Narammala Road in Polgahawela — it strikes a quiet balance between comfort and an undisturbed natural setting.

True to its name, the property is a haven for bird lovers, with over 35 varieties of birds recorded on and around the estate. Species include the Gold Fronted Leaf Bird, Scarlet, Little Minivites, Black Hooded Oriole, and the Chestnut Headed Bee Eater.

Getting There

Guests travelling from Colombo can take a train from Fort Railway Station to Polgahawela, where transport can be arranged from the station to the hotel. A nominal fee is payable to the driver, and at least 24 hours' prior notice is required to make these arrangements.

Accommodation

Birds Park offers six spacious rooms in total — two family rooms and four double rooms. All rooms look out onto the gardens through large French windows, and coir carpets throughout reflect the elegance of Sri Lankan culture and colour. In keeping with the resort's eco-friendly philosophy, air-conditioning is not used; fans are available in all rooms for warmer days. For those who prefer camping, clean linen and mattresses are provided on a dedicated part of the estate.

Dining and Common Areas

The informal setup at Birds Park allows guests to set their own pace and choose where they eat. Meals can be enjoyed by the pool, on the rooftop, or at a candlelit table on the front lawn. A large open-air dining room can comfortably seat groups of up to 30 people, overlooking the estate, surrounding jungle, and the mountains beyond. Sri Lankan cuisine forms the heart of the menu, while continental dishes are available on the à la carte menu. For groups of at least ten, barbecues can be arranged and even taken to the campsite. There is no bar on the premises, though guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol; chasers and a range of food accompaniments are available.

A popular treehouse built at the edge of the mountain slope offers another spot to enjoy a meal, and a small porch at the side entrance opens onto the gardens and pool — well suited to drinks before dinner. Two lounge areas provide a relaxed space for reading or socialising.

Activities and Excursions

The swimming pool, hedged by a natural rock formation, overlooks the beautiful surroundings. Guests can also practise yoga or meditation on the grounds, and board games and a television are available for lighter entertainment. Meetings and training programmes can be organised with basic facilities.

For those eager to explore the wider region, excursions can be made to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, which was established in 1975, and to the Ridi Viharaya — an ancient cave temple with a history of over 2,000 years. The Panduwasnuwara ruins and Ethagala Rock are also within reach. Adventure travellers can arrange trekking, hiking, and rock climbing through the resort.