Hotels in Kataragama

"Wow, what an experience. When we pulled up into the camp, there was an elephant just there (a tusker no less). The standards were consistently high from there. We were well looked after by the manager Ravi, with impeccable service throughout. My wife's gluten free requirement being well looked after. The views are stunning, the food was great. At camp we sat and watched birds, and beyond seeing an elephant we saw a leopard just crossing the road outside! Before going to bed... Shine a torch into the canopy overhead, and there was a polecat (civet), desperately climbing away from us! Two days of safari in yala, were two of the best of our lives. Elephants, leopards, bears, birds, jackals, buffalo... Achi (driver) made sure we didn't miss a thing. 10/10, if you love nature, don't hesitate to stay here. One thing to note is the price doesn’t include safari. Top tip - take ear plugs, you really are completely surrounded by nature all the time."

"Really nice place surrounded by nature and adjacent to a serene lake. Lots of birds to watch while sipping your tea on your private patio and even the odd visit from neighbhood monkeys. Rooms are clean, with ceiling fan and AC, with very few bugs/mosquitoes inside. The staff are incredibly helpful and kind. They also offer safari from 4 hours to full day at seemingly standard prices. We did a six hour private safari for 31K PP where we saw elephants, mongooses, loads of birds, and even (just about) a leapord. Food is good, simple, traditional vegetarian Sri Lankan cuisine. No fresh coffee and no alcohol served but seemed ok with others bringing their own. The biryani comes with the local buffalo curd which is delicious."

"Incredible place to spend a few nights while we enjoyed the peace and serenity as well as two safaris. The food was the best we had during our stay in Sri Lanka and the staff was incredible as well. "

"Great stay here. Food options are limited, but great for a night or two. "

"Makini Bush Camp is an absolute gem in Yala! The stunning tented rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with all the comforts you could wish for, including a refreshing plunge pool—perfect for cooling off after a walk in the bush. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure an unforgettable stay, accommodating a range of experiences, including a half-day safari inside the park and a delightful nature walk around the camp. Our guide, Mr. Koushalya, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the local flora and fauna. He shared fascinating insights about every leaf, insect, and bird we encountered, making our journey all the more enriching. The food at Makini Bush Camp is simply the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka! Each meal features delicious homemade dishes made from fresh, local ingredients—everything was absolutely delightful! Given the camp's secluded location, I highly recommend opting for the all-inclusive package, as leaving the premises can be a bit complicated. The staff truly invests effort into creating memorable experiences. They accompanied us to a beautiful ceremony at a nearby temple, and upon our return, we were greeted with a candlelit table draped in white cloth, set around a bonfire under the stars. It was an enchanting evening! Overall, Makini Bush Camp is a special place that offers a unique perspective on Sri Lanka. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an extraordinary experience! "

"This was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The room itself was dirty—stained bed sheets, no duvet - just a thin sheet, plugs falling off the walls with exposed wiring, clumps of dust and towels that were old and fraying at the edges. There wasn’t even a bottle of water in the room. The worst part? They gave us a room that was already occupied by another guest. Imagine walking into what you think is your room, only to find someone else already there. It was deeply embarrassing and unsettling, and yet there was no apology from the staff. To add to the frustration, when I asked for a spare room key as I was sharing a room with a family member, receptionist told me she’d already given one to the other guest and when I explained that I needed my own as I had a few plans on my own, she rolled her eyes before finally handing over a card—begrudgingly. The corridors were pitch black, with no lighting whatsoever, making it dangerous to walk through. Worse still, the only way to get to the first floor was via an open staircase. When it rained, the floor became slippery, and with no warning signs, it was a complete hazard. The entire experience felt unsafe, unprofessional, and deeply unpleasant. The standards of this hotel had gone downhill significantly. "

"No knowledge of booking when arrived - tried to get us all to stay in one room. Eventually resolved after 30mins but not fun as it was midnight "