Kalu's Hideaway, Uda Walawe | Sri Lanka Hotels

Introduction

Kalu's Hideaway is a 14-room holiday retreat set amidst five acres of tropical gardens edged by the tranquil Walawe River, close to Udawalawe National Park south of the Sri Lanka highlands. This attractive Best Budget property is the holiday home of former Sri Lankan cricketer, Romesh Kaluwitharana, a star of the 1996 World Cup win. From small beginnings, Kalu has caringly developed this property over the years. It is now a 14-room, eco-friendly resort that provides much needed accommodation in the Udawalawe area. Kalu’s Hideaway offers a peaceful setting immersed in nature, comfortable rooms and Sri Lankan rice and curry. Staff are very welcoming. Go on an adventurous wildlife safari to the Udawalawe Park and return to Kalu’s for a chilled fresh fruit juice and a cooling dip in the swimming pool, or a relaxing massage by the river side. Families with children are welcome at Kalu’s Hideaway.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in 14 well-appointed rooms and suites opening out to garden views. Interiors are well furnished with king-sized beds or large single beds which are closer to queen-sized. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fan, satellite TV, tea/coffee facility and electronic safe. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Superior Rooms (215 – 300 sq. ft): The five Superior Rooms are housed in the Main Building. The ground floor rooms are accessed from the main lobby and the upper floor room is accessed through the restaurant. There are twin, double, and triple Superior Rooms of which some are with inter-connecting doors that are ideal for families with children.

Deluxe Rooms (318 sq. ft): Located closer to the swimming pool and overlooking the gardens, all six Deluxe Rooms have the inter-connecting option. These rooms open out to a private terrace or balcony.

Chalet Rooms (387 sq. ft): There are two spacious Chalet Rooms of which one is a twin and the other is a triple opening out to private balconies with garden views.

Suite: The luxurious Suite occupies the top floor of the new building and opens out to a private balcony with garden views. This suite is ideal for a romantic honeymoon.

Facilities

The reception and lobby is located at the front of the main building, decorated with wildlife photos as well as several interesting cricketing photos and memorabilia from Kalu’s cricketing days. The lounge and restaurant overlook the swimming pool and the back gardens that extend up to the river. The restaurant can accommodate up to 50 guests and is also open to non-resident guests who often drop by for lunch on their way from the Uda Walawe National Park. Buffet style meals as well as a la carte dishes are served, prepared with fruits and vegetables from their own gardens as well as fresh local meats and seafood. Other hotel facilities include: games room equipped with pool table, satellite TV and indoor games; tranquil wattle-and-daub spa with thatched roof by the riverside offering relaxing massages; swimming pool and pool deck; bar serving beer, wine, and soft drinks; volleyball court, and Wi-Fi. Kalu's has ample garden space for children, including a play area with a swing and tree house. Kalu's Hideaway is staffed with a helpful resident manager, chef and house-keeping staff. Several adventurous activities can be organised including nature walks and bird watching. Bikes are available for those wishing to explore the surrounding rural village.