Eagles Crest
Scenic spot,
Special atmosphere,
Unusual experiences
Couples,
Solo Travellers
Deep in the mountainous region known locally as Dumbara Kanduvetiya or the Misty Mountains, this unique lodge gives guests a rare glimpse into a remote, little-visited part area that’s little troubled by modern life.
Eagles Crest Lodge is run by Kusume and Sira, a local couple who’ve called these hills home for over 20 years. Alongside their family, they’ll host you beautifully; sharing the rhythms of local life, the best treks through the Knuckles Mountains on their doorstep, and introducing you to interesting people in their community like a Veddha chief.
It’s a genuine privilege to stay here and connect with a secret side of Sri Lanka few ever see. The region sees less than 1,000 international travellers a year, so you’re guaranteed a peaceful, private experience. What’s more, your visit will have a significant positive impact on the community and the area.
It’s a region that the indigenous Sri Lankan ‘Veddha’ know well, but for the rest of us, the area holds its secrets tight in remote valleys and tight jungles.
It was said to be the site of an ancient battle between Rama and the King of Lanka, Ravana, featured in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, and the final hiding place of the last King of Kandy before the British unceremoniously killed him. There are mysterious ruins that have been lost in time throughout the area, which you can visit.
People here are said to descend from those original inhabitants, mixing with the recent invaders (recent meaning over 2000 years ago!). Certainly, there is a rural way of life, as well as unique cultures, beliefs, and traditions preserved here in a way that is not so much in evidence in other parts of Sri Lanka.
The British colonisers prosaically christened the region ‘the Knuckles’, due to its resemblance to the knuckles on a fist. It’s a complex landscape of peaks, valleys, and gorges rising over 6,000 feet above sea level, declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1999. With a tropical climate and varying elevations, the area has five distinct microclimates and is full of endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. There are many treks through the striking scenery, from easygoing walks to epic multi-day adventures.
The Rooms
The accommodation is simple and rustic, yet charming, with a homely atmosphere.
A real highlight is opening your bedroom curtains in the morning to breathtaking views.
To make the most of your trip to Eagles Crest, we recommend staying for 2–3 nights. This allows time not only for treks and exploration but also to settle into your scenic setting, and soak it all in.
Your entire experience will be led by our expert local guide, who’ll bring the region to life and help you uncover its hidden gems at the right pace. You’ll have both the guide and Eagles Crest entirely to yourselves.
Every walk is bespoke to you. What you see and do will depend on the season, the weather, and what’s happening in the surrounding villages. Your guide will shape each day with you.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
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Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
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