The Retreat, Ingiriya, Sri Lanka

The Retreat is a luxurious, tastefully furnished four-bedroomed planter's bungalow set on the quiet edge of Ellakanda Estate in Ingiriya. Despite being only about one and a half hours' drive from Colombo, the property transports guests into an environment that feels remarkably similar to the Sri Lankan hill country — a rare quality so close to the capital.

The bungalow is well maintained and designed to accommodate a maximum of ten adults and a few children, making it equally suited to family stays, small travel groups, and garden parties. Its living and sitting areas are furnished with antique pieces, and a dedicated butler — an experienced planter's Appu — along with a caretaker are on hand throughout each stay. The butler is a specialist in preparing both Sri Lankan and western food, with meals arranged on the supplying of provisions.

Accommodation

The bungalow offers four bedrooms in total. Two are family rooms: one fitted with two double beds and the other with a double bed and a single bed, both with attached bathrooms. The remaining two rooms each have two single beds. Throughout the property, floors are tiled or cut cement, and communal spaces include a dining area, a living and sitting area, a kitchen, and a BBQ facility. A television with DVD player is also available.

Water and Outdoor Activities

For guests who enjoy being near water, The Retreat offers a generous choice. A swimming pool, a natural spout, and a nearby stream with crystal-clear water are all within reach, as are bath showers with hot water for those who prefer comfort indoors.

The surrounding landscape rewards those who venture beyond the bungalow. Nature trails wind through lush green tea, rubber, and Rambutan plantations, and hiking and trekking can be arranged for those seeking more structured excursions. Guests may also visit to watch tea plucking and rubber tapping in the area.

Bird Watching

The Ingiriya area is considered a paradise for bird enthusiasts. The surrounding estates attract many varieties of birds, and the site is particularly noted for migrant birds, making it a rewarding destination for anyone with an interest in wildlife and nature observation.

Getting There

The Retreat can be reached from Colombo by two main routes. The first follows the High Level Road through Meepe, then on to Horana and Ingiriya, before continuing six kilometres from town towards Ratnapura along the Panadura–Ratnapura Road. The second route runs via Panadura, Bandaragama, and Horana before arriving at Ingiriya.