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Speak to one of our experts now about this offer
Sri Lanka does beach clubs and butlers beautifully. Idal Villa does something harder: a three-bedroom mountain home that quietly becomes the place you remember most.
Most people would have taken a photograph of the view above Idalgashinna. Darshana and Darshi Ratnayake built a house around it. Their three-bedroom villa faces the Haputale mountains from Sri Lanka’s Uva highlands. Here, walls of glass show you the mountains from morning coffee to moonlight.
The hosts live next door - close enough that you're looked after, far enough that the place still feels like yours. The garden decides most of the menu, and it has great taste. The pool takes care of the afternoon. And somewhere in between, the Colombo-Ella train crosses the mountain opposite. Come nightfall, it’s a row of illuminated windows moving through the dark. A section of Pekoe Trail Stage 12 tempts you out. The fire pit, with food, drinks and stories, usually proves a stronger draw than any screen.
Why we love Idal Villa
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A train ride to Idalgashinna followed by a hosted tea at a local village house is included in your stay.
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Join the nearby Idalgashinna section of Pekoe Trail Stage 12, crossing hill country between Udaweriya and Haputale. Return for a swim and sauna.
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Darshi and Darshana meet guests by the fire most nights (weather dependent), drink in hand and ready to talk. A lovely way to meet the place through people who know it.
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Clouds are welcome too. Even on the days hill country is damp, there’s a warm house, great food and people who are pleased you’re there.
Rooms
Book one of three guestrooms in the main villa and settle into the rhythm of the house. Garden greenery or mountain views fill the windows, while downstairs the kettle is rarely far from boiling. Rooms are simple, comfortable and in keeping with the villa's relaxed character, with Wi-Fi, hot water and ensuite bathrooms. The real luxury, though, is waking up to hill-country scenery that changes with every passing cloud.
Wake up to views of Sri Lanka's hill country from this relaxed room, which can be arranged as either a twin or double. Twin beds can be arranged together and dressed with a double mattress cover to create a double-bed setup.
- air-conditioning
- twin beds
- en-suite bathroom
- terrace
The villa's most spacious room offers flexible sleeping arrangements, with three single beds that can be configured as a double and single or kept separate. Mountain views and a peaceful setting make it a lovely place to retreat after a day of exploring.
- air-conditioning
- three single beds
- en-suite bathroom
- terrace
Facilities
Garden produce finds its way into Sri Lankan cooking, and you eat where the mood takes you. Options include around the shared table or outside with the mountains.
What's Included
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner • Train and village house experience • Afternoon tea Sri Lankan style
There's a swimming pool and a sauna. Massages can be arranged with advance notice*.
By day, it’s tea-country walks, a stretch of the Pekoe Trail, or the train to Idalgashinna for tea in a village home and an introduction to the neighbours. By night, the hosts light the fire (weather dependent) and open the drinks.
Idal Villa was proudly awarded the Sri Lanka Tourism Sustainability award 2025.
Recommended for older kids only. Book the whole villa and you have your own personal hideaway.
Guest reviews
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We’re the original pioneers of holiday magic. We’ve been wowing travellers and honeymooners for over 100 years. Driven by our passion for unforgettable holidays, we've earned over 200 awards and are proud to be a Which? Recommended provider.
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