This is a magical place which strikes a perfect balance between nature and comfort. It’s not for the faint hearted as you literally do sleep under the stars, but it’s a great way to bring a child-like sense of adventure out in oneself. So take a deep breath, navigate the rope bridge that hovers above the Menik Ganga (river of gems) and enter a different world.

On one side of the river is the main complex which has accommodation in three open sided sleeping pavilions and one tree house. All have straw roofs, no electricity and shared bathrooms. The huts are very simple but have comfortable, clean mattresses to sleep on, mosquito nets and soft fluffy towels.

This is also where the communal areas are found, the dining pavilion, day beds and ayerverdic centre. There is no pool at Galapita, because the river is intended to act as natural spa, with calm pools of water to swim in and a rock jacuzzi at the far end.

On the other side of the river are two luxury villas that sleep four. They are still very rustic with the same open sided design and straw roof, but have concrete floors, en-suite bathrooms, antique furniture and a kitchen. Fleewinter would recommend that guests stay in the villas. That is not because the other accommodation is of a poor standard, far from it (we stayed in the tree house & loved it), but the villas are very special. Extra beds can be provided for children.

Galapita can only be booked on a full board basis. The food is entirely vegetarian, with all the ingredients grown at Galapita or fished from nearby rivers and the east coast. We feasted on the most fantastic selection of curries followed by curd and treacle, very healthy but full of flavour. The kitchens are all open plan so that guests can wonder in and see the food being prepared in the traditional clay pots over open fires.

The only alcohol available at Galapita is beer or local arrack (whiskey), so guests may want to plan ahead and bring their own, along with coke and lemonade which is sometimes in short supply. Water a fresh fruit juice is always available.

Excursions to Yala National Park can be arranged, but please note that the park gates are 1.5hrs from the resort. Therefore it is better to do a safari en route to Galapita or as you depart. Guests can also visit the vhedda tribe, Arygum Bay or Kataragama.

Back at camp sit in one of Galapita's famous tree houses while the sun sets or go panning for gems in the river, which they claim once produced an 18 carat sapphire for one lucky guest. At the right time of year (July & Nov) you can also go tubbing on the river.

NOTES:

This is a wonderful place and not just designed for outdoorsy types, but there are creepy crawlies about and a possibility that guests may see snakes.

Galapita is not for anyone afraid of heights or unsteady under foot.

Casual loose fitting clothes are best, along with jelly sandals for bathing in the river and insect repellant for the evenings.

Key Features:

2 Villas
3 Sleeping Pavilions
1 Tree House
Extra beds for children
Full Board Accommodation

"Swinging bridges, natural jacuzies, gem prospecting, river bathing - it's brought back all my childhood dreams & excitement. What a delightful place & what charming people - A truly memorable experience! Thanks to the whole team.
Best wishes.."
(March 2003, James Martin)

"I urge anyone that enjoys being completely surrounded by nature, beautifully thought out living design, coupled with fantastic food to visit Galapita Lodge. Say hello to Sarath, the wonderfully engaging manager and be sure to embark on one of his adventures....we laughed so much with him; he is delightful. "
(February 2006, Amanda Jenkins)