Hotel in Dambulla
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
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About this hotel
Comfortable Accommodations
Amenities
Airport transportation available
Shuttle available
Free WiFi/internet
Free Parking
Non-smoking
Wheelchair accessible
Balcony/Terrace
WiFi/Internet
Shared living spaces
Garden
Laundry services
Accessible Parking
Outdoor Cooking
Family friendly
Ironing facilities
Key access
Key card access
Housekeeping available
Fire extinguisher
Cleaning products
Map of Dambulla
Available Rooms
Ratings and reviews
100% verified reviews9 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2026
Immersion dans la jungle : bruits d’animaux sauvage, explication du naturaliste a propos des animaux environnants
Gentillesse du personnel : gérant, chef cuisinier, naturaliste, conducteur de jeep,…
Personnel arrangeant et aux petits soins pour les hôtes
Nos avons super bien mangé ici, nourriture excellente : dîner, petit déjeuner, sandwich. Recette locale très bien travaillée ! Un plaisir de manger ici :)
Balcon super agréable pour regarder les étoiles la nuit et écouter les animaux !
Gel douche sur place, pratique
Peignoirs et chaussons ainsi que tout le nécessaire d’hygiène
On aurait bien prolonger notre séjour ici 😍
Pas envie de repartir …
Merci pour tout 🙏
Malheureusement la climatisation était en panne mais nous avions un ventilateur
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2026
Incredible stay. Location is inside the national park and requires the staff to pick you up with a jeep from the pickup point.
The grounds and facilities themselves are amazing. Everything runs off of solar power and the place and staff emanate a great care for the environment.
The staff were all amazing. All of them were helpful and kind and did their absolute best to make our stay both memorable and comfortable. They took care of managing outings for us for birding, both day and night, to Minneriya to see the elephant gathering as well as to Lion's Rock and Ritigala.
Food was delicious and varied for all 5 nights of our stay, the chef even gave us a demonstration on how to cook Aubergine Mojeju Sri Lankan Curry!
Of particular note was the onsite naturalist who accompanied us on many trips. He was very knowledgeable and pointed out so many birds and other animals to us that our Merlin life list grew by about 20 species. Thank you Yohan!
All in all this was one of the best stays we have ever had and you should definitely give it a try.
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9 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2026
What we loved most about Vananthara was how secluded it felt. You are right on the edge of the reserve, surrounded by forest rather than other hotels, and wildlife is part of the stay rather than something you have to go looking for.
Having naturalists, lead by Chanul and Russell, on staff made a huge difference. We joined evening walks around the property and spent mornings bird watching and looking for wildlife, with someone there who could actually explain what we were hearing and seeing. It made the whole stay feel much more connected to the landscape.
They also helped organise some of the best experiences of our trip. Our safari driver was excellent and, unlike a lot of the other jeeps we saw, genuinely respected the animals. He kept a proper distance and never crowded them just to get closer for a photo. It felt more like whale watching, where there are rules around how you approach wildlife, even when those rules do not always seem to be followed by everyone else.
They also arranged an early morning hike up Pidurangala Rock, including a quieter viewing spot for sunrise looking across to Sigiriya Rock. That ended up being a real highlight.
We visited in the dry season, so we missed seeing the crocodiles that apparently swim around the villas at other times of year, but there was still wildlife everywhere. One evening we had elephants come down to the natural spring beside the restaurant, which is not something you forget quickly.
The food was also excellent throughout. Our strongest recommendation is to ask for Sri Lankan food rather than defaulting to the international options. The curries, vegetables and local dishes were some of the most enjoyable food we had on the trip.
Vanathara is one of those places where you could easily stay on the property and still feel like you had experienced something special. Quiet, wild and genuinely immersed in nature, rather than simply being a hotel near Sigiriya.
If you have hired a private driver, the hotel does not offer driver accommodations, so just be aware so that they are aware.
10 / 10Outstanding·Mar 2026
The serenity and tranquillity surrounded by nature. Turtles swimming in the water beneath our cabin. Monkeys and giant squirrels playing in the trees overlooking our verandah. Many many birds singing their hearts out all around us!
Johan, the resident naturalist, was incredibly willing to walk around with us and share his knowledge - such a lovely chap. He is a great advert for this Eco-lodge.
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Top rated by guests
9.6Outstanding
(50 Ratings)
"Incredible stay. Location is inside the national park and requires the staff to pick you up with a jeep from the pickup point.
The grounds and facilities themselves are amazing. Everything runs off o..."
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