Royal River Resort, Kithulgala, Sri Lanka

Nestled on the banks of the Ing-Oya river and set against the Watawela Mountain Range, Royal River Resort in Kithulgala is an ecological and environmentally friendly retreat built around the principles of sustainable eco-tourism. The resort sits approximately 6.5 km from Kitulgala town, and visitors have remarked that it is the most beautiful setting of a hotel complex they have seen in Sri Lanka.

What makes the resort particularly distinctive is its commitment to sustainability. The entire complex is powered by a hydroelectric generating system that draws on the water resources of the Ing-Oya river itself, making it a genuinely harmonious presence within its natural surroundings.

Natural Setting and Wildlife

The area around the resort is celebrated for its hiking trails, nature paths, and a remarkable collection of endemic birds. Among the species found here are the Grey Hornbill, the Yellow Fronted Barbet, and the Scarlet Minivet, alongside the region's largely undisturbed virgin flora. The trails wind through rain forest areas, tea and rubber estates, and past cascading waterfalls — most notably the Edurella Falls. For those who prefer cycling, a challenging 6.5 km pedal climb through the landscape awaits.

Accommodation

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, hot and cold water, television, telephone, a minibar, a refrigerator, intercom, laundry service, room service, and secure lockers. At an altitude of approximately 1,100 metres above sea level, evenings can be cool and misty; fireplaces in the residential rooms add a particularly cosy quality to the experience.

The Natural Swimming Pool

One of the resort's most celebrated features is its natural swimming pool, designed on the base of a natural granite rock and built alongside the residential rooms. The pool renews its entire water supply naturally every five hours, giving swimmers the remarkable sensation of bathing in pure drinking water rather than a chemically treated pool. Swimming here by day or night is described as a joyous and exhilarating experience.

Facilities and Services

The resort offers three restaurants and a bar, private meeting and banquet rooms, a travel agency, same-day dry cleaning and laundry services, 24-hour room service, security boxes, and secure on-site parking. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, massage services, Wi-Fi internet connection, a swimming pool, non-smoking rooms, garage access, catering and conference facilities, and transport to the airport. Pets are also welcome.