FAQs (Frequently asked Questions)
HOW DO WE REACH YOU?
We are only 19 Km from the bustling hill-capital, Kandy (40 minutes) and about 120 Km from the airport/Colombo. Although this journey now takes about 4 hours on congested roads, with the opening of the highways in 2022, travel time will be reduced to 1,5 hours.
By car/tuk-tuk: Being on the Eastern side of Kandy, the road to take from Kandy is the A26 (Kandy-Mahiyangana) which starts from the Kandy lake, crosses the Mahaweli river, goes past the Pallekele international cricket stadium to Digana town and beyond. After passing Digana on the 14th Km post, turn left on the climb just before the 16thKm post at “Gonawala” junction. After 250 meters, at the “Y” junction, turn right and proceed another 500 meters on “Elemalpotha” road to “Arambe Kade” with a large “P” indicating Parking and Polwaththa driver’s quarters. You will be brought up the steep climb to our Lodge in our jeep from there. The driver should call 07 24 28 71 50 or 07 14 23 66 77 at least 20 minutes before reaching us to arrange the pick up on time. Price idea from Kandy by car, Rs. 2.500,- and by tuk-tuk, Rs. 1.500,-
If coming from Sigiriya/Dambulla, take the Wattegama road, about 1 Km after Matale hospital. At Madawala bazaar, turn left to Digana where you enter and proceed the A26. Turn left on the 16th Km post on the A26 and follow the same instructions. In this way you avoid the heavy traffic leading to/from Kandy city and save up to 1 hour.
By bus: Take bus # 654 to Digana which starts from the bus station near the market by the railway crossing (200 meters from the train station). They leave every 10 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to reach Digana town which costs Rs. 40,- p.p. The (free) pick-up in our jeep or tuk-tuk is from the Digana petrol station, better known locally as the “shed”. Call 07 77 80 95 00 or 07 14 23 66 77 when leaving Kandy by bus.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The rainy season is usually from mid October to mid December and mid May to mid June but due to the changing global climate this can be difficult to predict. During the rainy days you will find leeches who are black like worms but fear not - they are not dangerous!
Temperatures range from 22C in the evenings and 26C in the day. We suggest bringing a jumper as it can be slightly chilly in the evenings.
HOW CAN WE PAY?
We prefer payment to be made in cash in either US Dollars, Euros, Pound Sterling or Sri Lankan Rupees (SLRs.) which you could obtain from the many ATM machines available nearby which accept debit or credit cards issued by most banks. Unfortunately, we do not accept credit card payments at the property.
We suggest contacting your bank prior to arriving in Sri Lanka to activate your credit/debit card to enable you obtain SLRs. from ATM machines in Sri Lanka.
WHAT DO WE NEED TO BRING?
Plenty of soft T-shirts and shorts - please understand that the Sri Lankan village culture is very different to the West so we advise ladies to wear their shorts down to the knees and cover their bikinis with a T-shirt when bathing/swimming and walking in public areas.
We also suggest bringing walking shoes, a light rain jacket, swim wear and ofcourse rubber slippers. Please also be aware of leeches, especially during rainy seasons. We recommend bringing leech socks during the wet seasons but we also provide a leech spray and socks if needed.
DO YOU PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR DRIVERS?
We no longer provide accommodation for drivers but we can recommend places within a 5km radius that cost between Rs 1,500- 2500 per night
WHERE CAN I GET A PCR TEST OR LATERAL FLOW TEST IN SRI LANKA?
The best place to get a PCR or Lateral Flow test is at the AASL-Hospinorm Lab which is about 3km south of Katunayake Airport. A PCR test costs Rs 7,500 and you will get the results emailed within 3 hours. It is ideal if you need a test prior to departure or on arrival to the island.
The closest test centre to us is Asiri Hopital in Kandy. Colombo offers multiple options such as Nawaloka and Asiri Surgical Hospital but please contact them for more details.