Luxury Kotugoda Tours

Peaceful and secluded, Kotugoda offers a tranquil escape with the benefit of all the city attractions and beaches nearby.

Situated only 20 minutes from Colombo airport, you’ll be whisked away to the Wallawwa, an antique colonial manor house nestled amongst acres of beautifully sculpted gardens. Wallawwa means ‘colonial house’, and this 18th century manor was once home to the head chieftain of Galle.

In 1939, the Wallawwa was a base Lord Mountbatten and the Royal Air Force during the second world war, and today there is a 2-bedroom suite named after him. There are a further 17 other stunningly furnished rooms and suites, with Balinese inspired decor.

The centuries old gardens are a delight to explore, particularly during pineapple season. They are full of tropical jungle and plants year round, including the brilliant cannonball flower.

You can ask one of the friendly groundsmen to give you a tour around the herb, fruit and vegetable fields, and learn about Sri Lankan cuisine at a cooking demonstration.

There are cricket bats and croquet mallets to enjoy a game in the grass, or you can make use of the gorgeous spa which offers signature massages, scrubs, wraps, and a range of other health and beauty services, including traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

There’s a glimmering pool, a stocked library and office, and an ethical boutique shop offering a range of arts and crafts, gifts and clothing, where all proceeds are donated to charity.

The food is a wonderful highlight, with the open-air verandah restaurant offering an a la carte menu, with a range of local classic, international favourites and delicious desserts.

They use many organic ingredients from the gardens and also have a children’s menu and room-service.

Although you’ll be tucked away in this quiet estate, you’ll be close enough to the action to spend a few days exploring the city of Colombo or the coastal town of Negombo. Visit Colombo’s museums, temples or do some shopping, then roam the sandy, sun-kissed beaches and gorgeous colonial architecture of Negombo.

Kotugoda is the perfect start or finish to any luxury trip to Sri Lanka, and the chance to indulge at the wonderful Wallawwa estate.