The Other Corner, Habarana, Sri Lanka

Hidden among the dense, lush greenery of Habarana lies a little-known lodge called The Other Corner. Situated along the Anuradhapura–Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa road in the Anuradhapura district, it has been described by a recent visitor as a veritable paradise amid a paradise — a phrase that many an ornithologist and botanist who has spent time in this tranquil setting would readily agree with.

From the heart of Colombo, The Other Corner is around 172 kilometres away — approximately three and a half hours by road. The journey itself is largely peaceful, following a straight and well-paved route. As the city gives way to marshland, untainted forest, paddy fields, and small communities of thatched-roof homes, the contrast is both striking and restorative.

The Lodge

The main lodge has been built above ground level, deliberately so, in order to reduce any impact on the natural trails that elephants use during the dry period. This elevated position also affords guests the remarkable experience of watching these animals pass underneath. The structure is finished in clay and wood, with a plank stairway and wooden furniture giving it an immediate sense of place. Two family rooms accommodate between four and a maximum of eight visitors across five beds, each with an attached bathroom, generous ventilation and natural light. A lounge area with a sofa set, deck chairs and benches completes the communal space, opening onto views of the surrounding countryside.

The Writers Rest

For those seeking solitude and inspiration, the Writers Rest offers a single room with an attached bathroom, furnished with everything a writer might need to work in quiet and peace. Its outlook onto nature makes it particularly suited to anyone who values privacy alongside an invigorating natural view.

The Outhouse

Situated furthest from the main lodge, the Outhouse comfortably accommodates two visitors. It opens onto what can only be described as a natural garden, sheltered by trees of many varieties. A natural path leads from the Outhouse down to a stream, which can be followed along the streambed to the bund — an exciting walk that reveals the rich water life inhabiting these small waterways. Friendly local fishermen are often encountered along the way, and are known to be happy to explain how they craft their rods and tackle.

The High Hide

Conceived with the idea of a tree house in mind, the High Hide is a split-level observatory built atop a tree. Its clay-covered plank flooring keeps the space cool, and its elevated, unobstructed position makes it an ideal vantage point for ornithologists and naturalists alike. From here, the abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area can be observed without disturbance — a quiet, unhurried experience of nature at its most undisturbed.