Palmyrah House

Introduction

Palmyrah House is a 14-bedroom boutique hotel on Mannar Island in the north-west of Sri Lanka. It offers comfortable accommodation, traditional northern cuisine and is an ideal location for birdwatching. Simply-designed, it is a two-storey house with a clay-tiled roof, tall timber columns and open spaces. It is set on landscaped gardens surrounded by wilderness scattered with Palmyrah palm, lagoons and plains edged by the turquoise sea. The house is best visited after the rains when the surrounding plains are filled with water and Pink Flamingos flock to the area. Palmyrah House does much to assist the local villagers and follows strict eco-friendly policies by using solar energy, providing employment and training; and using locally made products.

Accommodation

Six rooms are located in the guest building while the remaining eight are housed in four chalets. The 12 Standard Rooms are air-conditioned furnished with double or twin beds, TV with cable channels, mini-fridge, safe, ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers and access to a private deck. The two Upper Deck suites are spacious, air-conditioned and are complete with a king-sized bed, complimenting furniture, private deck and ensuite bathroom with his and hers vanity units and a bath tub. The suites also have TV with cable channels, mini-fridge and safe. All rooms have Wi-Fi.

Facilities

Traditional northern Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared with village vegetables and fresh seafood purchased from local fishermen, is served on a palmyrah leaf. As well as rice and curry, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and BBQs are also on offer. Palmyrah House caters to special dietary preferences and guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Discuss your choice of meals ahead of time with the in-house. The Palmyrah House has a pool and guests have the option of hiring bikes if they are keen on exploring Mannar Island with a guide.

Why we like it

All the amenities you need in a rural location perfect for spotting birds.

Location

Mannar Island can be accessed by road from Mannar town via a causeway. This remote region is popular for birdwatching from October to March, when migrant birds in their thousands line the lagoons and water holes.