Banyan Camp

Campground · Thanamalvila

Banyan Camp

Campground · Thanamalvila

Bodagama-Hambegamuwa-Kaltota Rd, Thanamalwila 91308, Sri Lanka

Highlights

Eco-retreat with local food, kayaks, and nature experiences

Bodagama-Hambegamuwa-Kaltota Rd, Thanamalwila 91308, Sri Lanka Get directions

banyancamp.com

@banyancamp

@iescape

Banyan Camp, near Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"At the height of Sri Lanka’s civil war, nature-lovers Souhaine and Vijayanthi dreamed of a peaceful hideaway to escape the country’s chaos. They found what they were looking for on the banks of Lake Hambegamuwa: 15 acres of pristine wilderness, dotted with twisted banyan trees and alive with chattering monkeys, unconcerned buffaloes and the occasional wandering elephant. Here they let their imaginations run free and the result is remarkable: a quirky but comfortable camp with 3 eco lodges and a truly magical setting. Secluded amongst the tropical foliage, each lodge is designed with simplicity and flair. Everything — from the upcycled doors and driftwood furniture to champagne-bottle walls — is unique, inspirational and fun, with no carbon footprint. Open-air lodges are cooled by the breeze while lanterns provide a warm evening glow. This is a very special hideaway for people looking to escape the chaos of modern life; somewhere you can switch off your phone and let nature revive you. Take canoe safaris to spot buffalo and incredible birdlife, swim in pretty waterfalls, and enjoy candlelit dinners on a raft on the lake. Visit nearby Udawalawe to see wild elephants and, if you’re lucky, maybe a leopard too. Highs A magical lakefront setting; particularly atmospheric at night with the sounds of the jungle to lull you to sleep A true eco-retreat: carbon-neutral, built from recycled and sustainable local materials Rates include delicious vegetarian Sri Lankan meals: some of the best we've had, all made from fresh local ingredients Quirky simplicity and creativity at every turn: we love the off-beat patterns, dashes of colour and unconventional lodgings Wonderful activities include bird watching, picnics by a waterfall and spotting wild elephants Lows This is a basic, back-to-nature place: don’t expect a pool or pampering, nor hot showers, air con, or WiFi Since our visit they have added some simpler backpacker huts in the grounds, which has made the vibe more youthful and laid-back Lodges are open to the elements (and therefore bugs and creepy crawlies), though tall grasses and foliage offer privacy Staff are welcoming but you’ll be mostly left alone to soak up the atmosphere, explore and relax Meals are set menus and meat-free, but carnivores won't feel like they're missing out" - Sarah de Vere-Drummond

https://www.i-escape.com/banyan-camp

View Postcard for Banyan Camp

TanyaM22

Google

We had the most magical time here. Due to a last minute change of plans we ended up here via a recommendation from another hotel and it was fabulous. Be prepared for rustic but totally unique and somewhere not to be missed. The manager was great and we loved hearing his tales of errant monkeys. Our dinner out on the lake was a highlight of our stay in Sri Lanka and we only wish we could have stayed longer. Would love to come back and stay in other unique rooms.

Anuruddha D

Google

Disappointing Experience – Important Information Missing We were excited to finally stay at Banyan Camp, having looked forward to it for quite some time. After a long journey of 6 hours, we arrived with high expectations. Unfortunately, we had disappointing experience at the hotel. Upon arrival, we were informed of a “no-meal policy”, which had not been mentioned on the website or booking confirmation (There had been some partial, verbal mention prior to arrival, but not in a formal or detailed way). After a long conversation, the only alternative offered was a refund and the suggestion that we leave, if we cannot adhere to that policy, a very disappointing outcome after a long journey. We were then forced to quickly look for another nearby place to stay, which was stressful and not how we had hoped to begin our holiday. Additionally, the property appears to be over-hyped on social media. It did not quite match the impression given online, which was a letdown. On the plus side, Owner (the lady) seems professional and the camp is designed for a small number of guests, which can offer a more intimate setting. Suggestions for improvement: • Please clearly update your policies on the website, especially regarding meals and amenities. • A written confirmation with all important details would be helpful for future guests. • Adding a signboard on the main road with directions would make it easier to locate the property. We hope this feedback helps improve the experience for others in the future.

Tilly

Google

Beautiful setting, kind people, delicious food and amazing excursions - especially the fishing boat tour. But - for us - the price ($90 per night) did not match the quality of accommodation compared to other places we have stayed in Sri Lanka. For example - our pillows impacted my asthma, so we took the covers off to find they were mouldy. On our second night, we requested this was replaced and it was changed.

Yasitha Damruwan

Google

👎🏽😡 The Worst experience I had with a hotel as a level 9 frequent Google Map reviewer. They said in the initial contact they are not providing any meat items and even after I asked whether "if we bring raw meat can you cook" they said "no". But THEY NEVER MENTION ABOUT, EVEN A PRECOOKED MEAT ARE NOT ALLOWED FROM OUTSIDE TO HAVE INSIDE THE ROOMS even as a bite. ( Usually once we booked a room we can do anything inside the rooms provided it is not illegal by Sri Lankan law 🤷‍♂️) So once we came with our meat they didn't allow us to have it as they says it is there hotel Policy (THE POLICY WHICH IS NOT MENTIONED ANYWHERE EVEN IN THERE WEBSITE 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️). So since it is not going to have a pleasant stay from there onward we decided to leave. Initially they refuse to refund fully, but after I thoroughly insist what I will do if you didnt refund fully they refunded fully. To be honest we are happy that we left. One example 🤣😂 "" We Saw they asked one couple to keep her foot down after she took her foot on to the chair, by the so called MANAGER 🤷‍♂️🤣 "" just like in a school. People usually comes to a hotel to enjoy, relax spend there time lesuirely, BUT NOT TO BE LIKE IN A SCHOOL. 🤣

agnieszka roguski

Google

Banyan Camp is a beautiful place. I came to get to know the nature of the country better and had a unique experience. Everyone was extremely welcoming and caring, and although I was the only guest at times, I never felt lonely. The manager told me all about the place and showed me the other side of the lake, which I really appreciated and enjoyed. The food was incredibly good and cooked with a lot of love, there was a story for every dish. If you don't like wilderness, this is not the place for you. I liked the simplicity of the facilities, which are nevertheless lovely, very creative and absolutely sufficient. Every detail is built with a unique style and care. At no other place was I able to see so many animals and sometimes completely untouched nature. Organized safaris and kayak tours are possible. A highlight!

jayani fernando

Google

Few week back we have booked the property for 9 ppl and the journey was too long and we finally made it to have the best experience at the property. But unfortunately the experience was terrible where we had to find a new property because of the correct information was not communicated. Very first thing in sri lanka there is no such policy as per my knowledge and understanding that we cannot eat meat in poya or wesak . I have been to many hotels which offer meat on poya and wesak days. But we do understand that some properties do not offer meat on such days. We do not have an issue with that. But then if the property is not offering meat , being locals we wanted to enjoy our stay and eat what we like. Thats why we need to bring our own meat box from outside. Any if we bought that and eat inside the rooms non of you guys will know about it. ( which many of the guests will be doing ) which you have not seen. This property is a good stay for foreigners: Never for locals . because we travel to eat drink and have some music to relax. This is more like an old school where u have to keep your legs down and sit like in-front of school principal. which we had to pay 30000/- for double . Any local who are vegetarians and looking for calm and therapy yesss this may be a good option. not for people who want to eat drink and sing. Being a local traveller around the county this is the first time we had to experience this kind of a situation. Hope you can clearly mention this is a Non meat allowed property or which locals can clearly understand meat is not allowed .

Iris Louwerse

Google

We had a magical experience at the Banyan camp. The team is very caring and makes you feel right at home. All the food is locally sourced and made with love - dining here alone was an experience you don't want to miss out on. Besides that, waking up here every morning in the middle of nature, with all the beautiful sounds and friendly monkeys... we had an unforgettable time. 10/10 recommend to stop here on your trip!

T4298ZCemilya

Google

The vibes, and the location are excellent. The food is amazing! Almost makes it worth it but unfortunately the bedding and linen and mosquito nets were really dated, some had holes, some smelled musty. There’s a beautiful lake but you can only really go out on it using the kayaks and paddle boards which are $10USD each time you use it. Apart from that it’s a very relaxing place and lovely people.