Blue Lake Ridge

The lakeside walks and monkeys in the trees were a lovely part of our stay, and the rooms were clean, comfortable, and had working air conditioning and hot water. Blue Lake Ridge felt wonderfully quiet, with greenery and wildlife all around, and waking up to the lake and birds was a treat. Krishan and Padma were so kind and welcoming, and their home-cooked meals made the place feel personal. We left feeling rested and already hoping to return.

After a long, hot day on our bikes, the simple, clean room was just what we needed. The lake makes for a beautiful setting, and the hosts were genuinely caring. Before we set off, the owner even tucked a banana into our bike bags 😉.

Dinner was excellent, and breakfast was generous. We only stayed one night in March 2025, but the host gave us a very friendly welcome and it seemed like a small, pleasant place to stay. Our little room was nicely decorated, with air conditioning and a mosquito net. The bathroom was less convenient: there was hardly anywhere to put things, the shower setup with its taps and hoses was confusing, and in the end only the tap on the boiler worked. We moved on when the rain started.

We ended up wishing we'd spent a couple more nights here instead of on the coast. We'd booked through WhatsApp after finding the place on Google Maps, mainly because it was on our route inland, and hadn't realized how good it would be. The owner was incredibly welcoming, and our room was spotless and in great shape, with a comfortable bed, fridge, TV, and mosquito net. The lovely main house has a terrace facing the lake and a tasteful dining area. For what we paid, it felt like a steal, especially after paying twice as much for rooms that weren't as good. Meals aren't listed on a menu, but they arranged a nice dinner and breakfast when we asked. The setting is remote and close to nature, though a small town is about a five-minute walk away, with basic shops, restaurants, a bank, and a gas station. These aren't aimed at western tourists, and we didn't see any, which I personally liked. About 100m from the hotel, giant fruit bats spend the day sleeping in the trees, then can be seen flying over the lake in the evening. The owner can also arrange safaris at the nearby Maduru Oya national park for a competitive price. It could be a good alternative to the much more popular Yala or Wilpattu parks. This place has a lot to offer for the price, so I'd recommend staying a few nights rather than treating it like a motel.