Tamarind Hill

Introduction

Tamarind Hill is a stately Galle mansion that was once the residence of a British Admiral. Situated on a three-acre Sri Lanka estate bordering the Ginganga River, the original mansion has been retained in its entirety with minimal structural changes. An addition at the rear, built around a central courtyard, blends in seamlessly and leads to a stunning infinity pool set amidst terraced landscaped gardens. Ornate arches, verandahs, courtyards, hardwood floors, and trellised roof awnings of this stately mansion are enhanced with elegant interiors furnished with Dutch period antiques, vibrant local art, and luxurious soft furnishings. Tamarind Hill has an ambience of a typical southern walawua.

Accommodation

Tamarind Hill has two stately Suites housed in the original mansion and 11 rooms located around the central courtyard. Rooms are furnished with large antique beds dressed elegantly with fine linen. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, LCD TV with satellite channels, wifi internet, safe and ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers.

Suites: The luxurious Admirals Suite is the pride of the property located on the upper floor of the original mansion. This spacious suite has a lounge area, large bedroom with a king-size bed opening out to a long verandah which overlooks the front gardens. The private dining area overlooks the central courtyard. The ensuite bathroom has twin vanities, rain head shower and antique bath tub. The smaller Captain’s Suite is located right next door and has a small lounge area overlooking the central courtyard, and extensive verandah opening out to the front gardens.

Superior Rooms: These rooms are more spacious than the Deluxe and Standard rooms and have a private courtyard. One room opens out to the back terraced gardens and the swimming pool. The ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Deluxe and Standard Rooms: These rooms have similar facilities and are located around the central courtyard. The rooms open out at the back to a small private courtyard. The Deluxe rooms have a dressing area attached to the ensuite bathrooms.

Facilities

Tamarind Hill is very much a southern home where guests walk into the living room past an extensive front garden. Adjoining is the formal dining area with an 18-seater table. An ancient `Avana’ (an original fan – a long horizontal wooden structure) hangs over the dining table. There is also a dining area located on the verandah of the main house. Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries and international cuisine is served. There are two bars – one indoors and the other overlooking the swimming pool serving refreshing cocktails and a range of wines. The infinity lap pool is set amidst tropical gardens.

Why We Like It

This is a beautiful colonial-style mansion with big rooms and well tended gardens - a more rural atmosphere than the nearby Fort. 

Sustainability

Tamarind Hill promotes energy and water-saving while also encouraging guests and staff alike to separate their waste. Menus can be accessed via QR codes, and the hotel readily provides information on how guests can be more responsible as travellers.

Location

Tamarind Hill is just 10 minutes away from Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours via the Southern highway or take the air taxi which flies into nearby Koggala. If you are heading to the hills afterwards, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service from Koggala lake to Hatton.