Banyan Camp

Rooms

Nestled in the jungle, a stone’s throw from the lake, the 3 lodges are perfectly at ease with their natural surrounds. Hand-built from sustainable and salvaged materials, the simple structures use reclaimed timber, Palmyra leaves and old Dutch roof tiles to create imaginative yet elegant open-air spaces. Each lodge is minimally furnished with canopied beds, hammocks, vintage chests, and 1 bathroom with (cold) shower.

Mercedes Lodge is a cosy hideaway for 2 in a converted truck parked up amongst the wind chimes – it's a real one-off place to stay with a wonderful lakeside view, embracing nature.

As their names suggest, Wine Lodge and Champagne Lodge have curved clay walls studded with thousands of recycled bottles, artistically fashioned into beautiful mandala designs. Ideal for couples, friends or families, each has 2 kingsize rooms; upstairs has no walls and is completely open to the elements; downstairs leads out to a shady veranda stacked with colourful cushions.

Features include:

• Mosquito net

Eating

All bookings are on a full-board basis and if you enjoy traditional Sri Lankan food, you’ll be in 7th heaven. Meals are entirely vegetarian and cooked from scratch, using simple, wholesome and locally sourced ingredients, all authentically prepared and beautifully presented.

Breakfast is usually crepes with coconut filling, drizzled with sweet kithul syrup, and accompanied by curd and fresh fruits. Eggs are available on request. For lunch expect a banquet of rice and curries – think hot curried pumpkin and spiced banana flavours - served in clay pots with rustic rotis or freshly made papad. Evening dishes might include comforting bowls of dahl, local flat bread, lentils and savoury pancakes, along with onion pakoras and tapioca cutlets. Sweet thambili (king coconut) water is included in the rates, and you get a complimentary beer on arrival.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Ask for a blissfully romantic candlelit meal floating on a pontoon in the middle of the lake, utterly immersed in nature
  
• A drive away, you can follow jungle trails to a secluded waterfall then take a refreshing swim while Banyan Camp staff prepare a lunchtime feast, cooked over a fire and served on banana leaves
  
• Explore peaceful Lake Hambegamuwa by canoe, to spot water buffaloes, exotic birds and spectacular sunsets
  
• Don’t miss a safari in neighbouring Udawalawe National Park, either at dawn or in the late afternoon – it’s one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants in their natural habitat
  
• Visit one of the nearby historic sites: huge 10th-century Buduruvagala statues carved out of the rock, or the atmospheric Yudaganawa Temple with its Buddhist carvings and wall paintings
  
• Travel further afield for a leopard safari in Yala National Park or Lunugamvehera National Park, where there’s a high density of leopard among the abundant wildlife

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Kayaking
• Safaris
• SUP
• Waterfalls
• Wildlife

Kids

Families are welcome, but be aware that younger kids will need to be supervised closely and you'll want to take a selection of kid-friendly snacks in case they're not keen on the food served.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Wine Lodge and Champagne Lodge are ideal for families, as long as your kids don’t mind sharing a bed. Each lodge has 2 double bedrooms, one upstairs one downstairs, with canopied beds to keep off any bugs, and a simple shower bathroom. If you're travelling with a baby you'll need to bring a travel cot.

Distances:

• Airport: 5 hours' drive (Colombo)
• Shop: 0.6m
• Medical facility: 1.7km

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Banyan Camp is on the banks of Lake Hambegamuwa, about half an hour's drive from Udawalawe National Park in southern Sri Lanka. Ella in the hill country is about 1.5 hours north; the coastal town of Tangalle is 1.5 hours south.

By Air:
Colombo is the nearest international airport; (212km, a 5-hour drive). You can book a transfer from here to Banyan Camp.

If you want to hire a car and driver for your whole holiday, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator; they can collect you at Colombo airport when you land, drive you to Banyan Camp, then drive you to your onward destination after your stay.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.