엠바 콜라(Amba Kola)

Wow where to start with this review. I have visited many places in the world and this has to be the experience that will stick with me forever. The hospitality I received from Janik and his mother from the moment I arrived, to the moment I left, was simply outstanding. As a solo female traveller, it is important to feel secure and the reviews for this hotel were what initially stuck out to me; I can confirm they are not wrong. In the short two days I was there, I felt like I was home. Starting with the room, it was super clean & spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The outdoor bathroom was very private and it was a real treat to shower under the stars; the accommodation is even better than the pictures! Next onto the food: I ate all my meals at the property for two days and Janik’s mother is an outstanding cook of Sri Lankan food. I also took her cooking class offering and we had so much fun cooking up the biggest feast you can imagine - I would totally recommend doing this. The garden is packed full of all different sorts of organic fruits and vegetables and we picked some of these in the morning, ready to use when making dinner. Janik was also kind enough to show me the area and the sugar cane fields, which was a great insight into local life. The property is tucked off the main road which makes it very quiet and peaceful, but still it is only minutes from the national park entrance. Lastly onto the main event of the safari, which was the most wonderful experience; Janik organised everything with an experienced driver and even accompanied me which I really appreciated. We saw many elephants (absolutely beautiful), crocodiles, birds, buffalo, deer and wild boar. I also loved the dogs and cats at the house too who were super adorable, but also very chilled and non imposing (in case you don’t like animals!). All I can say is be quick and do not hesitate to just book this place if there is availability - you will not regret it! A completely magical experience in the heart of Udawalawa.

Wow. What a stay here at Amba Kola! Yanik and his mother did everything they could (and beyond) to make my two nights' stay the most enjoyable and comfortable. With its impeccable cleanliness, attention to detail, top-notch hospitality, insane gastronomy, stunning landscapes, a smooth and informative safari, Amba Kola definitely beats all the other guesthouses and restaurants I've seen in two months of travelling around Sri Lanka 😍 The family really goes the extra mile to keep everything run smoothly and improve themselves every day. Could not recommend more.

Great place to be… stunning room and very attentive staff . Loved everything about this place . Great safari jeep with a young talented driver . Overall exceptional experience.beautiful area . Calm and quite environment .

My visit at Amba Kola Yesterday, on the way to Sigiriya, I stopped for a couple of hours at the Amba Kola Cafe and Hotel in Udawalawa, an area in the interior of Sri Lanka some 75 kilometers from the southern coast. The purpose of my visit was to honor the invitation I received from a fellow Canadian, Louise McCluck, who is part owner of Amba Kola and an awakened person. Louise and I were brought together by Deborah Jennings who is Louise's cousin and a longtime supporter of mine. Had I not booked in advance my hotels in Sri Lanka, and not been hampered by a tight budget, I would have liked to spend at least a night at Amba Kola to experience the hospitality of an authentic Sri Lankan B&B run in partnership between a native Sri Lankan and an expat Canadian. During my two-hour stop I was feasted with delicious Sri Lankan food prepared with local ingredients by the establishment's chef who also teaches cooking classes. Some of the fruit used come from Amba Kola's own garden and are organic. Since Louise knows a thing or two about the depop program, the water is served in glass bottles and not in plastic, the coffee is brewed in an espresso machine and is of the best imported quality, and the straws used for the cocktails are from stainless steel. The two rooms available for overnight guests are spacious and tastefully decorated since Louise is an artist and much of the art displayed in the house was made by her. Most importantly, I had her pleasant company during lunch and it was great to talk about the world and about Sri Lanka with someone who speaks my language and is awake and aware, vaccine free, and with her feet planted solidly on the ground. I highly recommend spending a few nights in Amba Kola and going on a safari with the resort's own jeep to see elephants and other wildlife without sacrificing any of the creature comforts we spoiled westerners have come to expect even in places off the beaten track. Louise and her staff will satisfy all your demands and meet all your expectations. Of that I'm bsolutely certain.

This is an Eden for anyone to de-stress their souls and chill out,They serve mouth watering authentic Sri Lankan dishes packed with homemade spices.🍛.Flavorsome,once in a lifetime food experience..And also they provide an exquisite service..This place also has a spectacular view of nature🌿.And also really close to the National park.🐘. Highly recommend.!!!

LOVED THE PLACE. Location, the service and the environment was very peaceful and excellent ♥️ Would recommend this to everyone who is needing a weekend or a long holiday with family and friends. You also get chances to see amazing animals around the area too

very peaceful environment with lot of large trees also there are labeled it is good to identify the trees . Rooms are perfect with all the facilities the guide knew the udawalve forest very well he showed us all the type of animals while the sfari . highly recommend

Amazing place and an excellent service. The staff is also very friendly.The food was great. The rooms are newly built. Would recommend to anyone to stay here when visiting udawalawe. Hoping to visit again soon.

Great place ! Very friendly staff and don't hesitate to try it out ! We love the people in Sri Lanka and felt very safe wherever we went. The nature is beautiful and a lot of places where you fee one with it. Don't miss out on Sigiriya if you can, but tons of other amazing places too. Definitely a Country to check on your bucket list !