Rainforest Edge

Introduction

Rainforest Edge is blessed by one of the most restful panoramas in Sri Lanka, and harmony with nature is the essence of its appeal. This is an isolated, pollution-free environment where guests can gaze upon rolling hills and enjoy the hospitality of Sinharaja villagers within a natural setting. This appealing property is a triumph of ‘designer-rustic’ and follows strict environmentally-friendly policies such as using organic methods of farming, recycling of water and waste materials, and using solar energy. A valiant effort is also made to benefit the surrounding village community, including employment of staff from the area and providing them with skills-development opportunities.

Accommodation

Rainforest Edge has seven creatively-designed rooms, one of which is a family room. All are furnished with comfortable double beds, bolster pillows and mattress and have tea/coffee making facilities. Bedrooms are modest in size, yet attractive. Half-open bathrooms have modern facilities. Rooms and bathrooms have painted concrete floors.

Facilities

The centrepiece of this small development is an attractive natural-water pool, surrounded by water lilies and Indonesian pots. A simple thatched restaurant constructed from local materials offers traditional Sri Lankan cuisine made with organically grown fruit and vegetables straight from their own gardens. The in-house Ayurvedic wellness centre offers relaxing massages. Energy is provided by a combination of mains for lighting, solar energy for hot water and kerosene lamps. Guests are given a choice of using the light of the electric bulb or a lantern. Deliberately, there are no televisions or telephones, and your mobile will not work here either, encouraging you to settle into a relaxing, caring environment.

Why we like it

Great birdwatching and tasty food on the edge of the rain forest make up for the limitations of this eco property

Location

Rainforest Edge offers rustic-style accommodation high above the hills of Waddagala and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The northern entrance to the Sinharaja rainforest is just a 30 minute drive away, and the journey from Colombo to Sinharaja is about two hours.