The Retreat Holiday Bungalow in Ingiriya Sri Lanka

Ingiriya is famous for its beautiful nature resorts and the Retreat holiday bungalow is no exception. It’s a tea plantations bungalow situated on top of a mountain in the middle of a tea estate. Compared to other nature resorts in Ingiriya this one has modern luxuries like a swimming pool, satellite TV etc. It’s around two hours drive from Colombo, so perfect for a one day office outing. It’s very cool and misty in the evening, so an excellent choice if you are looking to escape the Colombo heat. The road after turning from the main road is not the best, but most vehicles can reach there with some difficulty.

Activities at The Retreat Holiday Bungalow

Water Activities

If you love water then you will love the place. There is a small swim pool and a water sprout within the resort. If you want to bath in the fresh water stream you need to go a bit further from the resort. There are plenty of places deep enough for a swim. The staff is very courteous and help you in anyway possible. We wanted to have a drink by the stream and they provided everything needed including some appetizers in double quick time.

Fresh Water Stream bit further from the bungalow

Barbeque by the Pool

There is a barbeque grill by the pool so you can have a bite while cooling yourself in the water. You need to bring the items for the barbeque and the staff will prepare it for you. If you haven’t seasoned the meat items make sure to hand it to them as soon as you get there.

Barbeque by the Pool is a great alternative for lunch

Visit Madakada Aranya Senasanaya ( මඩකඩ ආරණෟය සේනාසනය )

A popular destination of many people visiting Ingiriya. It’s a meditation center which is about half hours ride from the bungalow. A nice place to visit to experience the calmness of the nature.

Bird Watching and Hiking

They will arrange hikes on request and this is the best way to go bird watching as well. You can watch tea plucking and rubber tapping as well. According to the caretaker you can see wild boars at night.

Food and Accommodation at The Retreat Holiday Bungalow

There are two family rooms with large beds and two single rooms, all with attached bathrooms. Combined with the cool climate it’s perfect for a afternoon nap after a drink and lunch. The floor is tiled and the bungalow is decorated with art work and antique furniture. Satellite TV is available if you are interested. Not all mobile operators receive signals, but there is a land line if you want to make an urgent call.

The staff was friendly and helpful. Every request was given prompt attention and they did everything possible to make our stay an enjoyable one.

You have the option of bringing food from the outside or they will prepare a meal according to your preference. for Rs. 750 ( ~7$ ) we received a welcome drink, lunch and tea. We had fresh fruit juices as welcome drinks. There were two choices, Malay Apple ( අඹරැල්ලා ) and Green Orange ( නාරං ). They were excellent and there was plenty for everyone. Most of us had at least two or three rounds. The Green Orange was excellent to mix with liquor as well.

The lunch was delicious as well, it was a shame I was full after the barbeque. We had Caramel pudding for desert and it was very tasty. Our group helped themselves to plenty of rounds. We got afternoon tea with a piece of cake. Overall the fool was excellent.

All the payments and necessary arrangements are done via their office in Kollupitiya. Visit their website to get more information and for contact details. Although the place is great it cost Rs. 20,000 for the use of the bungalow, which I feel is a bit on the high side.

How to Get to the Retreat

If you are coming from Colombo first you need to get to Ingiriya. There are few ways to get there, you can use the Piliyandala – Horana – Ingiriya route, Panadura – Horana – Ingiriya route or Colombo – Meepe – Ingiriya route. Use the map below after getting to Ingiriya.

How to get to the Retreat