Banyan Camp

  The Detail...

This magical lakefront camp is the perfect place to completely escape the stresses of the modern world. With four beautiful lodges dotted around this tropical 15 acre site, you can spend the days lazing in hammocks, swimming in waterfalls and indulging in fabulous homemade Sri-Lankan food. It’s time to unwind whilst taking full advantage of the site’s sublime ‘less is more’ philosophy.

With sustainability being firmly at the heart of this site, the rooms are simply yet beautifully designed with driftwood furniture, reclaimed doors and bamboo lampshades - whilst cleverly repurposed bottles line the walls giving an almost sculptural finish. The four open-air lodges sleep from two to six with canopied beds beneath simple thatched roofs that give you the feeling you’re sleeping amongst the canopy of this dazzling landscape. And the romance continues with relaxed styling and plenty of glittering lanterns. Each lodge also has a bathroom complete with a wonderfully refreshing cold shower.

Spend your days relaxing in a hammock beside the lake or exploring the local wildlife onsite - there’s plenty to see, from colourful birds and butterflies to nonchalant water-buffalo. Meals are all provided - with fresh fruit and crepes for breakfast and a startling array of delicious curries, dahls and rice dishes served for lunch and dinner. All the food is vegetarian and gorgeously presented.

There’s plenty to explore in the local area - head to nearby Udawalawe National Park to spot some elephants in their natural habitat, take a guided canoe tour of Lake Hambegamuwa or head to a local beauty spot to enjoy a picnic next to the waterfall. There are also beautiful historical sites and temples within easy striking distance. And for the pure romantics out there, the owners can arrange a perfectly magical evening with a candle lit dinner on the lake.