Points South

Individual Tours to India and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – City HOTELS

Sri Lanka Colombo

The Points South Point of View – Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka. Stretching for fifty kilometres along the Western seabord. The city still retains many heritage buildings, evidence of the colonisation by foreign settlers over many centuries with the Fort area lying at the heart of old Colombo. The city offers a rewarding urban experience with markets, museums, art galleries and parks. Worth spending a couple of days here before returning home.

Wallawa – Located only 30 minutes from the airport, Wallawa is a perfect place to spend the first night, formerly a manor house surrounded by charming gardens with a pool.

There is a large veranda to eat on and spacious rooms to unwind. A very authentic place to start the holiday.

Sri Lanka – Cultural Triangle HOTELS

The Points South Point of View – The area referred to as the cultural triangle is situated to the north of Kandy, the countryside is flat, interspersed with mountainous outcrops and lakes. Furthest north is Anuradhapura, this great ruined city was the capital of the island from 3rd century BC to 993 AD. With monasteries, tanks and dagobas, the city remains an important Buddhist centre. Polonnaruwa, the islands second ancient capital is more compact, with superb ancient monuments. Nearby is Sigiriya, the spectacular rock outcrop, the ancient citadel sits on top of the huge rock, rewarding climbers with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Nearby are the cave temples at Dambulla. There is plenty to see in this area of the ancient culture of Sri Lanka, with excellent boutique hotels and nearby wildlife parks.

Vil Uyana – Vil Uyana is located in the countryside near Sigiriya. The resort was created by the Jetwing group out of an ambitious scheme to make artificial wetland out of abandoned agricultural land using ancient Sri Lankan irrigation techniques, providing a fascinating and peaceful environment. Home to many animals and birds, enjoyed from your private balcony or when exploring the grounds.

The spacious and private chalets are built and furnished in a traditional style, either overlooking the forest or the paddy fields. The resort has a very relaxed atmosphere, with an excellent spa, library and resident naturalist (who conducts night-time Loris spotting tours). The restaurant is situated on the first floor, the elliptical pool overlooks the lake. Perfect for a honeymoon or couples.

Lake Lodge- Kandalama – A small boutique property set in a peaceful location with views of Kandalama dam to the front and the Forest directly behind. The property has a relaxed atmosphere with a large swimming pool and spa.

The 12 cottages overlook the Forest, with the deluxe rooms on the first floor enjoying an un-spoilt view from the balcony. Sitting on the veranda is a perfect place for birdwatching.

Kumbukgaha Villa -Sigiriya – A stylish hideaway surrounded by paddy fields and peacocks. The 8 spacious villas built in a traditional style have a terrace overlooking the surrounding countryside. There is a pool and small restaurant.

An excellent budget option to explore the cultural triangle from.

Kalundewa Retreat- Dambulla – An exceptional property located in 110 acres of un-spoilt countryside. The nine villas have all been built in private settings, some by the lake, but all with respect to the local environment. The property is perfect for nature lovers, and people wanting complete peace. An excellent location to explore the cultural triangle or have a complete rest. With bicycles to explore the countryside or cycle to the main lodge for your delicious dinner.

Sri Lanka – Hill Country HOTELS

The Points South Point of View –

The Hill Country – This scenic area of Sri Lanka offers a refreshing contrast to the humid coastline. The scenery is outstanding, with tea estates, cascading waterfalls and panoramic views. The most comfortable way to travel up to the hills is by train from Kandy, or a shorter sector in the hill country.

Staying in a comfortable former plantation bungalow surrounded by a tea estates is the best way to enjoy the hill country. There is excellent walking from these properties around the tea estates, here witness the ladies picking tea and visit a tea processing factory.

Kandy – The town is most famous for the Temple of the Tooth and the Perahera festival in August. With many heritage buildings and a university, the town bustles with activity. Visit the wonderful Peradeniya Botanical gardens are located 6ks from the town.

Rosyth Estate, Kegalle – Located 1 ½ hours from Kandy, on a tea and rubber estate with outstanding views. The former planters bungalow has been sympathetically restored, with the addition of a contemporary dining area.

The ten rooms are located either in the bungalow or in charming separate cottages in the grounds, recently built the Rock Villa looks across the surrounding countryside and offers complete privacy. A pool, spa, and cookery lessons.

The Kandy House – A superbly restored old manor house set in charming gardens. The nine spacious rooms named after indigenous butterflies.

Furnished with lovely antique pieces and bright silk furnishings, the property feels more like a home. Lovely pool and bar. Perfect for honeymoons and couples. About 40 minutes’ drive from Kandy.

Rangala House – Rangala House is a former tea planter’s bungalow, facing due west, now a small homestay located on the edge of the Knuckles range of hills, altitude of 1000 metres. The gardens are steeply sloped, with a well planted spice garden.

There is a swimming pool and large terrace. There is excellent walking from the property with good birdwatching, and the tea factory at Duckwari is a twenty minute walk.

Madulkelle Eco Lodge – Madulkelle is located on a tea estate with views towards the Knuckles mountain range, the property has eighteen secluded tents, each with a verandah to enjoy the view. The tents have electricity and en-suite shower rooms.

The main lodge house has a dining room, bar, billiard table and wood fire. From here there is excellent trekking. The property has a pool, Ayurvedic spa, and library. Note the road to Madulkelle is a rough track across the tea estate for the last 2 miles.

Athulya Villas – Situated about 45 minutes drive from Kandy, this lovely old Manor House has been modernised and houses the restaurant and reception area. With a pool and gardens, Athulya offers an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

The five cottages and the heritage suite all overlook the countryside, with excellent bird life. The cottages have a small veranda.

Gal Oya Lodge – Situated in a beautiful location near to Gal Oya National park, this is the perfect place to connect with nature – no wifi, no mobile signal, just birdsong. Spacious cottages built using local materials, the main restaurant is an open side cabana, with a pool, wildlife research centre and resident naturalists.

This is the only property in Sri Lanka offering boat safaris.

Camelia Hills, Dickoya – An outstanding location overlooking Castlereagh reservoir, Camelia Hills is a recently built contemporary bungalow with only five rooms, a small pool overlooking the reservoir, and surrounded by tea estates.

With walking on the tea estate or just relax on the comfy sofas and soak up the view. The location is remote, so best to stay put and enjoy the property.

98 Acres – An outstanding location with superb views. The twelve cottages all have balconies looking towards Ella Rock. This small Eco resort is set on a tea plantation, with a pool and spa.

A great spot for trekking in the hill country. Nearby, they also own a planter’s bungalow with three suite rooms offering more privacy than the resort. Ideal for honeymoons.

Nine Skies (Demodera, nr. Ella) – A classic planters bungalow, that has been stylishly refurbished, situated on a tea estate near to Ella, the highest tea growing area in Sri Lanka. The property is best reached by train.

For rail enthusiasts nearby is the famous nine arches railway bridge and the Demodera loop. The gardens enjoy far reaching views and a pool.

Five spacious rooms overlook the gardens. Meals are taken on the terrace or by the fire in the dining room.

Tea Trails – For an exclusive experience with your own private butler. The former tea plantation bungalows have been converted to provide luxury colonial living.

The four bungalows are set well apart – Tiensin and Norwood are located in the next valley with a cycling and walking track linking them. Ideal for honeymoons. The estate is situated beside Castlereagh lake, where the water taxi lands.

Warwick Gardens – A former tea estate managers house, in an outstanding location. Substantially built in the 1920’s and surrounded by tea gardens.

The house has been sympathetically restored using period pieces and colourful fabrics giving the feel of a comfortable country house. With five spacious bedrooms this has the feel of a private home.

The property is part of the Jetwing group, renowned for excellent service. The only problem is the access road, about two kilometres of track, but that keeps the crowds away. The nearest station is 6 Ks away at Ambawela.

Living Heritage – Constructed in a traditional style this beautiful property is situated in the lower hill country. An excellent place to break the journey from the hill country to the south coast. With five very spacious rooms set around a central courtyard.

The rooms are furnished in a traditional style with a large verandah to relax on. The pool has superb views, there are walks to the nearby waterfall, or just relax and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Goatfell – Goatfell is located on the Concordia tea estate close to the Finlays tea factory. The famous hill town of Nuwara Eliya is now rather passed its best, so Goatfell is a pleasant alternative to staying in the town.

With four bedrooms, superb views and charming gardens with stunning views this is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the hill country. The most enjoyable way to reach here is by train from Kandy.

Sri Lanka – Coast HOTELS

The Points South Point of View –The coast of Sri Lanka varies from long sand beaches on the East and West coasts, where excellent surfing and kite surfing is to be found. The South coast also has long sandy beaches with bays and coves. Certain areas of the South Coast are now becoming very built up, but can be avoided if you know where to go. The winter monsoon affects the North east coast (November/March) and the summer monsoon the south coast(April/September).

The Last House – Located on a superb beach near Tangalle, in a very quiet location. This heritage building was the last property designed by Geoffrey Bawa.

A very relaxed environment – more of a home than a hotel. The 6 spacious rooms are all different, and furnished in a heritage style with vibrant colours.

No room service, no TV, no mini bar: just the sound of surf and peacocks. Pool, massage and direct beach access. Perfect for couples and honeymoons.

Tri, Lake Koggala – One man’s vision to create an eco resort has resulted in this superb lakeside property. Eleven cottages are privately situated around the six acre grounds, each with a verandah looking towards the lake.

The superb elliptical pool overlooks the lake. You arrive here by boat. The beach is twenty minutes away, but this is such a special place you will not want to leave. Dining is on the terrace or the dining room, and food is prepared with health and wellness in mind.

There is a spa, a yoga shala, a library and an excellent elliptical pool. There is also a bar by the pool. Perfect for honeymoon or couples.

Fort Printers – The old Fort printers, now refurbished as a spacious hotel with good rooms and modern bathrooms.

A lovely dining room and a small pool in the courtyard. A central location for exploring the old fort.

Galle Fort Hotel – Galle Fort is Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial townscape – the streets are lined with Dutch period villas, trading houses, and old churches. It is a delightful place to wander and explore.

Located on Church street in Galle fort, this heritage building has good sized rooms all opening out onto a central courtyard garden. Recently refurbished (2015) with a good bar, a small pool and lovely terrace restaurant.

Iluketia – Iluketia is a traditional plantation house, about 5 kilometres inland from Galle, surrounded by 10 acres of tropical gardens.

With 6 rooms, the property feels more like a private home.

Club Villa – Lovely small heritage property, with an interesting art collection. A very relaxed atmosphere, feels more like a private home with afternoon tea, yoga and massage. Charming rooms – some with verandas – and very helpful staff.

The un-spoilt beach is a short walk across the railway line running along the bottom of the garden (the trains stop at 10pm). The tariff here includes a delicious dinner, excellent value.

Fort Bazaar – Recently opened in the heart of Galle fort, a superbly restored 17th Century merchant’s house located on Church street in the historical fort. The Bazaar is fresh and contemporary with 18 rooms.

The rooms overlook a central courtyard with cushioned seating areas. A lively bar and restaurant, cinema and spa. A central location to explore Galle Fort. The property is owned by the same management as the very popular Wallawwa. Note: pool not yet open and no alcohol license.

The Frangipani Tree – Located in Thalpe, 30 minutes from the fort town of Galle. Frangipani is an elegant and intimate property, with 12 suites, mostly with sea views. Situated on a long stretch of secluded beach.

The spacious rooms are thoughtfully finished in a stylish manner, with vast outdoor bathrooms on the ground floor and private verandas with sun beds.

A lovely pool and gardens, with tennis court, restaurant and bar, a perfect place to relax at the end of a tour.

Kottukal Beach House – Located in an area of unspoilt coastline, near the town of Pottuvil. With only four bedrooms, Kottukal provides a perfect place to relax.

A swimming pool and simply furnished, spacious rooms all with a verandah. Meals are taken on the terrace. Resident dogs.

Jetwing Surf – Jetwing Surf is a small recently opened resort with spacious cabanas overlooking the ocean.

With two restaurants, a large pool overlooking the beach, cookery lessons and boat safaris on the nearby Pottuvil lagoon. Also nearby is the surfing beach at Aragam Bay.

Please contact Jane Points to discuss your specific holiday requirements.

Mob: +44 (0)780 106 3335 email info@points-south.co.uk