Ath Hala Safari Resort

She was so kind, and the Sri Lankan curry she made us was one of the best we tried. I asked about the spices, and she showed me what she’d cooked with, which was a lovely experience. She also arranged our safari with a good guide at an ok price.

The host treated me well, even though I’m a local. The room and bathroom were cleaner than I expected, and the bathroom especially had everything equipped. It was a great stay for what I paid.

Our group of three booked two rooms a couple of hours before check-in, and the reservation was confirmed. But when we arrived, the owner told us there were no rooms. She had offered them to other travelers after receiving our booking, at what we later found out was an inflated price. She said she’d help us find similar-priced accommodation and transport, but we had to find another place ourselves, and then she refused to take us there. We’d paid for a car from Udawalawa national park to her Homestay and then had to find our own way back. She was rude and greedy, and yelled at our guide. It felt like she was just out to get our money. A UK couple we met said others had the same experience. Avoid this place at all costs. I’d give it -5 stars if I could.

Great value for the money. The view was fabulous, and the hospitality was wonderful.