Impossible to dislike anything

Wow where to start with this review. I have visited many places in the world and this has to be the experience that will stick with me forever. The hospitality I received from Janik and his mother from the moment I arrived, to the moment I left, was simply outstanding. As a solo female traveller, it is important to feel secure and the reviews for this hotel were what initially stuck out to me; I can confirm they are not wrong. In the short two days I was there, I felt like I was home. Starting with the room, it was super clean & spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The outdoor bathroom was very private and it was a real treat to shower under the stars; the accommodation is even better than the pictures! They even offered laundry service when I arrived which was much appreciated. Next onto the food: I ate all my meals at the property for two days and Janik’s mother is an outstanding cook of Sri Lankan food. Breakfast was huge and varied, great coffee (they roast their own coffee beans) and juice/smoothies too! I also took her cooking class offering and we had so much fun cooking up the biggest feast you can imagine - I would totally recommend doing this. The garden is packed full of all different sorts of organic fruits and vegetables and we picked some of these in the morning, ready to use when making dinner. Janik was also kind enough to show me the area and the sugar cane fields, which was a great insight into local life. The property is tucked off the main road which makes it very quiet and peaceful, but still it is only minutes from the national park entrance. Lastly onto the main event of the safari, which was the most wonderful experience; Janik organised everything with an experienced driver and even accompanied me which I really appreciated. We saw many elephants (absolutely beautiful), crocodiles, birds, buffalo, deer and wild boar.

Stayed in May 2024

If you are looking for a super familiar stay, good food and perfect service this is the place to be. When we arrived we got a quick tour of the village and got some free Icecream at the locals stay. The rooms are very clean and the safari is organized very well, you will get a super fair price not like other bookings. The food is 10/10 and super fresh. You can also book a cooking lesson.

Stayed in May 2024

You often read: "This was the best stay of our Sri Lanka trip". This hotel totally deserves this description. The facilities and interior were great, the cleaniless was vey good. The location was quiet and as close as needed to the national park. Now coming to the standout arguments for this hotel: The service & hospitality. We have been lucky to stay in quite some magnificient hotels in our lifes. Yet this place stood out and had the best service we ever experienced. Janik and his family are naturally talented hosts but are further also incredibly caring and warm, while having an eye for details. Janik drove us to the bus station, despite his packed day or even proactively asked if we had laundry, as he noticed our bags. Further the offered tour from him around the village was an unexpected highlight of our Sri Lankan trip and also the booked Safari was superb and had an amazing ratio of price vs. value. Ultimately we also want to highlight the culinaric features. The Sri Lankan food by the mother of the family was exceptional. No Sri Lankan Rice & Curry came close to it (and we ate it at multiple top-rated restaurants throughout our trip to Sri Lanka). In every detail of our stay, we could wittness that providing best as possible experience for their guests is the top priority of the family. Anything else than 10/10 would be an understatement. Thanks again and all the best for the future of your family and hotel.

Stayed in April 2024

We had a truly amazing stay at Amba Kola. The food was better than most restaurants and hospitality better than most hotels. The living space is comfortable, the area is calm and within a kilometer from the national park where you can see wild Elephants in their natural habitat.

Stayed in March 2024

Nothing

Everything! Possibly the best customer service I’ve ever experienced- and I’ve travelled a lot. Everything was clean. Food was amazing - be sure to eat all meals here if you can. An outdoor shower was a real highlight too. The family could not do enough for us. They even came along on the safari tour with us in case the guide didn’t have good English. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Stayed in March 2024

Absolutely nothing!

To put it just in a few words: Such a special place to stay! 🤩The place is family owned and you can feel it from the very beginning. The family is very openminded, committed and it was always nice to have conversations. We laughed a lot :D Janik, the manager, is so nice and caring!🤗 He also arranged a safari spontanously for us. Another Highlight is the food, that is prepared by the family as well (the Mum had her own restaurant)- you feel like being in sri lankan food heaven :-) The most ingredients they get from their own beautiful garden or at least from farmers around. The coffee you get there is roasted by the family itself - you will taste the difference! :) The whole place just opened a few months ago, let's support them to grow! 😍 besides: it was my girlfriend's birthday a few days ago (she turned 30) and they arranged spontanously a cake and even fireworks in the evening! 😧😍 Thank you so much for making us feeling so warmly welcomed - it was such a pleasure! We came as strangers and left as friends... We recommend this place with all our heart!❤ Wishing you all the best for your family and your hotel, Janik!

Stayed in March 2024

This Place is perfect if you are staying in Udawalawe Area! The Rooms are very clean and comfortable. Janik is such a nice guy who will show you around everywhere and can answer all your quastions. Schwarna is unbelievable caring and the best cook in whole Sri Lanka! This was such a nice stay thank you so much for everything

Stayed in March 2024

Janik and his mum were exceptional hosts, taking ‘above and beyond’ to the next level. His mum welcomed us with a big smile and Janik arrived shortly after, straight away suggesting to take a ride in the area, see the sugarcane plantations and the beautiful scenery. The next day we did a safari with his driver and a cookery course with his mum, who is an amazing cook. Janik looked after us the whole time we stayed at the Amba Kola and afterwards too, ensuring we would be looked after in the remainder of our travels. This was one of the best home stays we’ve ever had, cannot recommend enough!

Stayed in February 2024

NA

Such an amazing little gem hidden very close to Udawalwe national park entrance. Really friendly and warm service, feels like a family. Comfy beds and thought through decorations. We also took a cooking class, food was mind-blowing!

Stayed in February 2024

Not one thing. The easiest 10/10 ever!

Everything! Hands down the best stay I've probably ever had to date, let alone just in sri lanka. BOOK IT NOW! You won't have one regret. Our only regret is not staying longer. Janik is the kindest and most considerate host. He is so caring and thoughtful, yet let's you use his space like your home. And that's exactly how it did feel, like home. The room was immaculate. Clean, air con cold and beautifully made up, ready for us, a stunning shower under the stars. The social area had such a homely vibe, we sat drinking beers, reading and playing with the cats (mona ❤️) and dogs for hours. The FOOD! Where do I start. Curry dinner! Pancake breakfast! It was the best food we have had in Sri Lanka, most of it straight from their garden. Janiks mum is a master cook and so sweet and lovely. It's worth staying here just to eat her cooking. The safari we did through Janik was the full 3 hours and reasonably priced, we saw so many elephants, it was so special. And Janiks dad did a transfer for us from our previous accommodation for such a reasonable price (2/3rds cheaper than any other quote). Please book up and support what Janik and his family are creating here. You won't regret it. You will feel so looked after and wholesome after leaving as the whole experience is so unique and special. Not like anything I've ever experienced. Our best stay easily and at such a reasonable rate, Janik doesn't push to make 'easy money' at all he genuienly just wants his guests to have the best experience possible. I want to tell everyone about this place! We wont ever forget it! Book, book, book!

Stayed in January 2024

Literally nothing not to like.

The host Janik is one of the nicest people we’ve met in all of our travels. He runs his small hotel with his parents who are also incredibly friendly and hospitable. There are 3 guest rooms and lots of space for chilling in the garden and large terrace. Janik has his own safari jeep and organised a safari trip to udawalawe national park which is 5 minutes away from his place. His driver was very experienced and respectful and managed to find plenty of elephants, crocodiles and water buffalo for us to watch. We also did a cooking class with Janik’s mum, she used to run the most popular restaurant in Ella, and was a very skilled chef and excellent teacher. These are just some of our highlights, really can’t recommend this place enough.

Stayed in January 2024

The best stay of our 1 month trip to Sri Lanka. I highly recommend Amba Kola Udawalawe. We spent 3 days and never wanted to leave. Rooms and the common area are artistically designed. Super friendly host and excellent home cooked meals. Spotlessly clean rooms and peaceful surroundings. Do yourself a favour to stay at this beautiful property to make your trip to Udawalawe memorable. Special thanks to Amma to provide us an authentic Sri Lankan food and drinks. We definitely would like to come back and stay here for longer time.

Stayed in December 2023

Such an amazing stay and amazing family after a not-so-good stay at another place the night before. From the moment we were greeted to the food we were served to the room - everything was genuine and excellent. The room was spacious, had the AC cranked up before we arrived and had everything we needed. For the rate charged, the value was amazing. It's also in a great, quiet location, we had a wonderful dog and some friendly kitties that were happy to keep us company and we genuinely enjoyed getting to talk to family that owns this wonderful place. You won't regret booking a stay here!

Stayed in December 2023

they have professional cook so all meals was tasty and delicious and stuff are friendly and kind . the room was clean . the environment was quiet so you can relax , their location is near national park so you can go safari easily ,they arrange safari tour for us.

Stayed in September 2023

Everything at Amba Kola was exceptional - especially the people. Louise, Janik, and Janik’s whole family are the loveliest people you will meet. The food is fantastic - everything is locally sourced and prepared with the finest spices and lots of love (Janik’s mom is an award-winning cook by the way). At Amba Kola the hosts will go above and beyond to make your stay memorable. They took us around in their safari jeep to see the elephants and wildlife and we even went swimming in the canal! The room (and the whole property) are lovely with so many personal touches to it. Louise is an artist and her art is present all over the place! Also, the outdoor bathroom is unique. I showered in the dark under the stars - an experience like no other. All I can say is: Come to Amba Kola and see for yourself. These people deeply care for what they do and it shows in every aspect. You won’t be disappointed!

Stayed in September 2023

None

Staffs are incredible nice and accommodating. Selva and others go above and beyond to accommodate our needs.We arrived very late and kitchen was closed ,but they still managed to arrange us a perfect classy dinner and the next day morning we were taken to the safari in the hotel jeep and it all lovely . Best experience we had .

Stayed in July 2023

Nothing .everything was perfect

Newly built hotel and rooms are very well equipped with all you need . Wish we could stayed longer . Loved everything about place .they have a very comfortable safari jeep for a very reasonable price Food was the best we had in srilanka . 5 minutes to the safari park . Dont miss this golden opportunity .truly a hidden gem .

Stayed in July 2023