Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

The Cinnamon Lodge Hotel in Habarana continues to charm independent visitors with its welcoming combination of beauty, tranquillity and excellent facilities.

Set amidst 25 acres of picturesque woodland scenery in the heart of Sri Lanka, the well-spaced individual cottages offer privacy and comfort in considerable seclusion from one another.

All 150 cottages at Cinnamon Lodge are comfortable and spacious with private sitting areas and verandas as well as the mod cons to be expected of this high level of the hotel. The pool is lovely and the variety of facilities offered by the hotel mean there is always something to do if merely relaxing and enjoying the surroundings isn't enough.

The lovely lake means that as well as scenic beauty, guests are treated to a fantastic array of birdlife with over 138 species identified in the grounds as well as the grey monkeys that mischievously patrol. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming.

The restaurant has a reputation for good food including excellent Sri Lankan food something which is often overlooked in the larger hotels in Sri Lanka. There are nature trails, bicycles for hire, a herbal spa and tennis courts all available.

Habarana is ideally placed to explore the Ancient Triangle of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura as well as being the starting point for elephant safaris. These safaris are particularly interesting in the dry period, July to September, when huge numbers of elephants gather locally in the evenings at the Miniriyia Tank nearby.

The Cinnamon Lodge has a solid reputation as one of the best hotels in the region. If you feel like really treating yourself then the Suite offers spacious, lounge-style accommodation with a private butler.