Horathapola Estate, Puttalama, Sri Lanka

Hidden within the vast green coconut belt that stretches from Negombo to Puttalam and inland towards Kurunegala lies Horathapola Estate — a working homestead that has quietly preserved the atmosphere of colonial Sri Lanka. Built in the early 1920s by its then British owner, the two-storey planter's bungalow was renovated in 2003 and today offers guests an authentic retreat among tall flowering trees and sweeping lawns. Situated within an hour's drive north of Katunayake International Airport, it makes an ideal first or last stop for visitors to the island.

The estate has belonged to the Fernando family since the 1940s and remains fully operational. Across its 50 acres of lush land, coconut, rice, cashew nuts, mangoes and other fruits, as well as spices and hardwood trees, are carefully cultivated — giving the property a living, breathing character that sets it apart from a conventional hotel.

Accommodation

The bungalow offers two large suites and one two-bedroom family suite. All rooms in the main house are furnished with antique four-poster beds and furniture of the era. A slightly more modern room in the dépendance features an in-built cement bed with ebony lining. Every room enjoys a private veranda or balcony, and the bathrooms have been generously renovated to combine period character with spacious comfort.

• Maha Camere — a large room with a four-poster bed, widely regarded as the finest room in the villa.
• Maedae Camere — a triple and double bedroom with a large private terrace overlooking the gardens, which connects with the double room Podi Camere to accommodate a family of five.
• Watta Camere — a spacious ground-floor room looking out over the front garden and plantation.

Dining

Traditional Sri Lankan curries are still prepared in clay pots on a firewood stove, using spices freshly plucked and ground from the estate itself. Selected western dishes and vegetarian meals are also available for those with different preferences, ensuring that no guest goes without something familiar and satisfying.

Activities on the Estate

Guests can take long walks beneath the shaded trees, swim in the 50-foot pool or unwind in the Jacuzzi, and browse an extensive library. A bullock cart ride around the estate — taking in the groves of fruits and spices at close range — is one of the highlights of a stay here, enjoyed by children and adults in equal measure.

Excursions and the Surrounding Area

The surrounding countryside offers bicycle rides along quiet village roads, visits to nearby village temples, and access to local markets held on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The Negombo beach is approximately 30 minutes from the estate. Within an hour's drive, guests can also explore opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and cycling through the broader region.