The Rainforest Ecolodge, Deniyaya
Introduction
Rainforest Eco Lodge is situated on a 500 acre tea plantation bordering the south western end of the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve. Situated at an elevation of about 1,025 metres, this is a beautiful setting where the endemic Purple-faced leaf monkeys hover on the tree tops and exotic birds flit about, especially early in the mornings and early evenings. Rainforest Eco Lodge follows strict nature conservation and sustainability policies. The Lodge was designed by renowned Sri Lankan Environmental architect, Sunela Jayawardene with a focus on eco-friendly design, minimizing the environmental foot print on the pristine surroundings, and ensuring spectacular views of the tea plantation and the rainforest tree canopy from all living spaces of the Lodge. Accommodation is in 18 comfortable and stylish chalets on stilts that are ingeniously designed from upcycled shipping containers, and spreads downhill to the border of the rainforest.
Location
Located on the 500 acre Enselwatta tea plantation bordering the south western end of Sinharaja, The Rainforest Eco Lodge can be accessed from Galle via Deniyaya. The south coast city of Galle is 70 kms away.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in well-appointed Individual Chalets and Interconnected Rooms opening out to spectacular views of the tea plantation and the rainforest canopy. Each chalet is designed with two and a half recycled shipping containers that have been stylishly transformed within. Interiors have bamboo paneling and timber flooring indoors, and outdoors on the deck, made of repurposed railway sleepers.
Room Details & Amenities
- Furnished with queen-size or twin beds.
- Opens out to a private terrace with outdoor furniture.
- En-suite bathrooms have hot water showers.
- Overhead fan
- Tea/coffee facility
- Mini-fridge
- Mini bar
- In-room safe
- Telephone
- Room service
Individual Chalets: The 16 well laid out Individual Chalets are furnished with twin or queen-size beds, sofa, and writing table. The Chalets open out to a private terrace with outdoor furniture. Ensuite bathrooms have hot water showers. Accommodates 2 guests.
Interconnected Rooms: The Interconnected Rooms combine 2 Individual Chalets and are ideal for a family with children; or friends travelling together. Accommodates 2 guests in each chalet.
Facilities
Dine on sumptuous Sri Lankan and signature western dishes at the in-house restaurant with views across the forest canopy. Meals are prepared with fresh vegetables and local produce from the village of Deniyaya as well as Galle town. After a rewarding day of bird watching or trekking though the rainforest, relax in the open sided lounge with bird call right around. As dusk falls, and the air gets cool, the fireplace is lit in the lounge and a well-earned glass of wine can be had before dinner. The Rainforest Eco Lodge is an oasis of nature bordering the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve – Sri Lanka’s last remaining virgin rainforest and an International Man and Biosphere Reserve; as well as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
