Mapakada Village, Mahiyanganaya, Badulla

The rather special location of quirky Mapakada Village only becomes apparent as you walk through the hotel to the gardens behind. Immediately your eye is drawn across the sweeping lawns to the shores of Mapakada Lake, a glorious view that guests can enjoy from the infinity pool, the restaurant and their room.

There are a variety of modern rooms to choose from, including options for families, but all rooms have air-conditioning and private bathrooms with a shower. Since it’s the hotel’s setting that is the star here, rather than the accommodation, we recommend the rooms with a view of the gardens and the lake.

There’s a restaurant offering Sri Lankan cuisine and some western items, with a surprisingly long wine list (although you may find the list is more extensive than the availability…). Indoor and outdoor seating means you can make the most of the beautiful surroundings as you dine. Guests can also choose to have a BBQ under the stars or even take their breakfast on a morning lake cruise!

One of the delights of staying at Mapakada Village is that you can do walks of varying levels directly from the hotel, around the lake and to nearby villages.  We also recommended getting out on the water itself, on a kayak for an early morning birdwatching trip or a sundowner boat cruise for a serene way to finish your day. 

There is also a range of attractions not far from the hotel.  Go for a safari drive in Maduru Oya National Park (where you’re unlikely to see many other jeeps) or take a scenic hike to the Rathna Elle waterfalls. There are fascinating historical and religious sites to discover too, including a forest monastery and an ancient Buddhist temple. Finally, this region is home to one of the last communities of the Veddha, Sri Lanka’s indigenous people, who welcome visitors and give them insight into their culture and threatened way of life.  

With one of the best locations in Mahiyanganaya, Mapakada Village is a great base at a reasonable price for exploring all that this off-the-beaten-track region has to offer.