Kalundewa Retreat

Property class: 4.5

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Located close to Dambulla Cave Temple, Kalundewa Retreat provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Adventurous travelers may like the hiking/biking at this lodge. Indulge in aromatherapy, a facial, and a body scrub at the onsite spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, The Treehouse, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Ehela - Deluxe Room (10% off on food)

A modern bedroom with a large bed, wooden wardrobe, and a desk with a chair.

Ehela - Deluxe Room (10% off on food)

  • Mountain view
  • 270 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Upper Bakmee - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

A bedroom with a large bed, wooden flooring, a bench, and a view of greenery and mountains through large windows.

Upper Bakmee - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

  • Lake view
  • 900 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Damunu - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

A modern bedroom with a large bed, a ceiling fan, and a view of greenery outside.

Damunu - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

  • Mountain view
  • 450 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Lower Bakmee - Premier Suite with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

A spacious room with wooden flooring, a brick wall, and a large window offering a view of trees.

Lower Bakmee - Premier Suite with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 1100 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Kumbuk - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, wooden flooring, and a view of a forested area through large windows.

Kumbuk - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

  • Lake view
  • 500 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Nil Manel - Floating Boat Villa with Hot Tub (10% off on food)

A houseboat with a covered deck, a dining area, and a view of the surrounding water and trees.

Nil Manel - Floating Boat Villa with Hot Tub (10% off on food)

  • Lake view
  • 480 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Nika - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a wooden desk, a chair, and a sliding door.

Nika - Premier Suite (10% off on food)

  • Mountain view
  • 550 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Karanda - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, a desk, and a chair, overlooking a lake through large windows.

Karanda - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

  • Lake view
  • 1900 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Attikka - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

A modern, glass-enclosed bedroom with a wooden deck and a hot tub.

Attikka - Water Chalet with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

  • Lake view
  • 1700 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ehela Family Bungalow (10% off on food)

A bedroom with a large bed, ceiling fan, artwork on the wall, and a view of a garden through a large window.

Ehela Family Bungalow (10% off on food)

  • Garden view
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 8
  • 3 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bakmee Family Bungalow with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

A room with a wooden floor, a desk, two chairs, and large windows offering a view of a forest.

Bakmee Family Bungalow with Plunge Pool (10% off on food)

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds
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About the area

Dambulla is home to Kalundewa Retreat. Ancient City of Sigiriya and Ritigala Ruins are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Dambulla Cave Temple. Popham's Arboretum and International Spice Walk are also worth visiting. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Dambulla travel guide
View more Lodges in Dambulla
Map
Kalundewa Road, Dambulu Oya, Dambulla

What's nearby

  • A temple interior with large Buddha statues, intricate ceiling artwork, and a central stupa.
    Dambulla Cave Temple
    16 min drive - 11.7 km
  • A large stone structure with inscriptions in multiple languages, including English, at Rangiri Dambulla National Park.
    Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
    20 min drive - 15.3 km
  • A prominent rock formation with a river in the valley below.
    Ancient City of Sigiriya
    40 min drive - 33.4 km
  • Sigiriya
    18 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Popham's Arboretum
    20 min drive - 15.7 km

Restaurants

  • kashyapa
    26 min drive
  • Kandy Liqour Restaurant
    16 min drive
  • The Viewing Gallery
    12 min drive
  • Fresh Juice Bar
    16 min drive
  • Sambole
    15 min drive

About this property

Kalundewa Retreat

  • Luxury lodge near Dambulla Cave Temple
  • At Kalundewa Retreat, you can look forward to a terrace, a garden, and a library. Adventurous travelers may like the hiking/biking at this lodge. Indulge in aromatherapy, a facial, and a body scrub at the onsite spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, The Treehouse, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
  • You'll also find perks like:
    • An outdoor pool
    • Free self parking
    • English breakfast (surcharge), free bicycle rentals, and a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
    • An electric car charging station, express check-out, and express check-in
  • Room features
  • All guestrooms at Kalundewa Retreat have comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, in addition to perks like laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces.
  • More conveniences in all rooms include:
    • Rainfall showers, bidets, and shower/tub combinations
    • Refrigerators, electric kettles, and ceiling fans

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  • Pool
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  • Spa
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Frequently asked questions

Does Kalundewa Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Kalundewa Retreat?

As of Oct 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kalundewa Retreat on Oct 24, 2026 start from CA $247, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Kalundewa Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Kalundewa Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kalundewa Retreat?

Check-out is at noon.

Does Kalundewa Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Kalundewa Retreat located?

Situated in Dambulla, this luxury lodge is 5.4 mi (8.7 km) from Dambulla Cave Temple and within 32 mi (52 km) of Ancient City of Sigiriya and Ritigala Ruins.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Kalundewa Retreat Reviews

8.0

Very good

7.8

Cleanliness

6.8

Amenities

9.0

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 19 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kalundewa retreat is a beautiful boutique hotel experience in a serene and relaxed setting. The rooms are large and spacious and the food is excellent. The staff went out of their way to attend to our every need. The service we received was exceptional. I would highly recommend staying at this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful peaceful property in the middle of nature room with plunge pool was spectacular! Take a bike ride around the rice fields and see so many beautiful birds. I will come back and stay longer next time!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wow. Luxurious property with the friendliest staff. The food was everything was picked from their farm. So fresh, generous portions, and organic! Our stay was simply amazing. We stayed in both the Floating Villa, and then the Bankee Chalet. Highly reccomend. Everyone in that visits Sri Lanka should come here.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Unfortunately the room was full of mould. The place was very run down and there was mice. Amongst other issues. The staff were so kind and attentive and were very apologetic when we had to ask for our room cleaned. The food did not match the property at all, it was so tasty and amazing
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Hidden gem of a place

The place is serene and simply stunning. If you want to have a relaxing holiday, not doing much but hanging out by the swimming pool, cycling around rice fields, enjoying locally produced organic vegetable meals away from crowds of tourists and being attended to by friendly staff - here is your spot. It is in the midst of the nature so if you have limited tolerance to wild life, maybe reconsider, but I consider such place in this world today as a hidden gem. It was a perfect get away for us and would love to come back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a very particular Nil room. You have to reach the and leave the room with a boat. To get out from the room you need to contact the reception with wifi which was not available all the time .This made a challenging stay and also very particular.You are in the nature .As all is widows it might be a little bit hot in day time. Altogether very particular stay with a very attentive staff .
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The staff were incredibly kind and abundantly helpful throughout our stay — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made a significant difference. The food was exceptional — Michelin‑star quality. Significant, however, is the retreat’s confused identity — marketed as eco‑luxury, but in reality far closer to an eco‑lodge, with a few luxury touches and many rough edges. The property is over 20 years old, and this shows in both maintenance and overall finish. These issues have clearly been raised by previous guests, yet meaningful corrections do not appear to have been made, instead leaving frontline staff to manage potentially difficult conversations (especially about different beverage options). This feels less like oversight and more like a conscious failure to address known problems and to potentially deceive guests. On a human level, this is unfair to staff, who work tirelessly to make stays special. Management appeared chaotic, with little evidence of clear systems or processes. As guests, we were confused on what options were available to us during our stay. Overall: a serene setting with wonderful staff and exceptional dining, but ultimately overpriced for the level of polish, organisation, and transparency. Without significant correction to the business model and management approach, the current trajectory feels ill‑fated — which would be a real tragedy, at the very least for the staff who work so hard and genuinely care about guests.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was in excellent condition
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The food was not satisfactory, the amenities are not in good condition, and the room shows considerable signs of wear and tear.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very bad smell in the bath area. Upper floor guest made huge noise and spoiled our stay. Since the upper floor is timber, it's better if you avoid this combination. It was nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Incredible ground, but a strange hotel. Trying to be boutique but distinctly average. Food was below par - especially considering the cost. Pretty sure it was pre processed out of a packet (in cubes) but described as fresh. Yuk. The room also felt dated even though it tried to seem modern. The massive grounds (with various unique animals) was a plus, but the fact that almost nobody else seemed to be at the hotel made it feel lonely - and weird. A shame really.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Magical for nature lovers!

You are surrounded by nature, birds, animals, everywhere you look. The staff is very friendly, funny, and the service is excellent. The property is lush and gorgeous. Its a magical place! But, the facilities are close to 10 years old, and being that close to nature has its «downsides», if you are not REALLY into it. Even so, we loved our time there. Tip: order the local dishes on the menu;)
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing retreat in a conservation area!

My wife and I had an amazing stay at this retreat in an animal conservation area. We saw a huge variety of animals including birds, peacocks and monkeys! The room was very nice and a mosquito net was provided. All of the staff were very friendly and caring and I would definitely recommend a stay here!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is gorgeous, with mountain views across rice paddies. The staff is extremely sweet and will take you on nature walks throughout the property to spot birds and take a boat ride over the lake!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful location. Immersed in wildlife on this conservation site. Lovely staff with a very knowledgeable resident naturalist who took us on a bike tour of the local area- very knowledgeable about local biodiversity and sustainability. We were upgraded to a chalet which was very comfortable. We saw so much wildlife from the hornbills roosting near our chalet to monitor lizards, monkeys and sea eagles! The facilities borrow the landscape rather than dominate and its not the sort of place for free cocktails and extensive buffet dining either. The local food choices such as curry and rice are delicious - the more western dishes are fine but i woukd stick to sri lankan dishes which they are keen to cook. The chef cooked us an off menu dish of fish he had got from the market which was lovely! If you love nature and simple luxury you'll love Kalendewa.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020