Uda Kanda Villa

Introduction

Uda Kanda is a charming holiday villa on a hilltop in the village of Akuressa, a few miles inland from Galle. Set on a three-acre private rubber estate and immersed in tropical gardens, Uda Kanda, meaning uphill, is a three-bedroom villa perched on a hillock looking down on to the surrounding jungle canopy. On a clear day, the turquoise seas can be spotted at a distance from the pool pavilion. Designed along the lines of a traditional southern home, the villa has broad verandahs allowing for indoor and outdoor living. Interiors have Dutch-period antiques, plush sofas, colourful furnishings, and art from Europe and the east. Laze by the infinity pool and take in the breathtaking views. The Galle Coast beaches are only 10 minutes away. Booked on a villa-only basis and accommodates six. Families with children welcome.

Accommodation

The spacious master suite with an adjoining study opens out to the verandah and swimming pool. The other two double rooms are situated towards the front of the house and also open out to private verandahs with gardens views. All rooms are individually decorated with colourful furnishings and four-poster twin or double beds fitted with mosquito netting. Rooms are equipped with a/c, overhead fans and ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers.

Facilities

The open-sided living and dining area has comfortable sofas and an eight-seater dining table. A small TV room has satellite TV, DVD player, and a collection of movies. There is a fully-equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals or utilise the in-house cook who will also shop at local markets. BYO alcohol. The 50 ft infinity edge swimming pool is set amidst flowering gardens. The poolside ambalama with built-in seating is perfect for relaxing. Other villa facilities include wifi, iPod dock, books and board games, laundry service, cot and high chair for babies and babysitting service with prior notice. Join one of the nature trails through the rubber plantation and spot birds, porcupine, mongoose, palm squirrels, wild rabbits and maybe even the endangered purple-faced langur. Uda Kanda is staffed with a cook, housekeeper, gardener and nightwatchman.

Why We Like It

This idyllic hilltop villa, fringed by a 3.5-acre estate of bird-filled tropical gardens, remembers the little touches such as an excellent book collection.

Location

Uda Kanda is 15 minutes from the Galle entrance to the Southern highway. The journey directly from Galle to Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours or take an air taxi to Koggala lake. The Galle coast beaches are 10 minutes away. If you are heading to the hills afterwards, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service from Koggala lake to Hatton.