Lake Cabin

Roxy G.

about 1 month ago

Fantastic Nature Retreat with Delicious Breakfast

This place offers a one-of-a-kind experience right in nature. Sanka was an exceptional host; he shared plenty of insights about the local scene and prepared an amazing breakfast for us. The banana pancakes were absolutely phenomenal (check out the attached photo). We arrived after dark, and the view that greeted us in the morning was breathtaking. Enjoying breakfast while watching various monkeys and birds in their natural habitat was a highlight. There’s nothing to dislike! The location is straightforward to find, although it involves a dirt road that has some wild dogs. Our room was equipped with air conditioning, and although Sanka mentioned the potential for mosquitoes, we didn't encounter any problems. I’d suggest bringing earplugs since it’s truly nestled in nature. Thank you, Sanka!

Food

5

Service

5

Ambiance

4

Marcel C.

about 1 month ago

Exceptional Experience at a Unique Location

This place truly deserves more than 5 stars. Its location is absolutely incredible, right at the edge of a national park with views of a lake where you can often spot monkeys, mongooses, and, with a bit of luck, elephants that come surprisingly close—sometimes just 2 meters away. There's no need to worry, as a security fence similar to those found in national parks is in place. The cabins are quite exclusive, with only two available, and they are impeccably clean, airtight to keep out bugs, and equipped with excellent air-conditioning. Plus, there's a cozy porch area where you can relax and watch the wildlife while enjoying meals or cold drinks. Sanka, the host, is truly outstanding—warm, welcoming, and always smiling. He’s readily available, eager to bring you his tasty food and refreshing drinks at very reasonable prices. He also assists in arranging safaris, offers great sightseeing advice, and enjoys sharing experiences with his guests. It was hard to leave such a lovely place, especially with someone as passionate about wildlife as Sanka. Make sure to book in advance since there are only 2 cabins available, making this spot quite popular. Thank you, Sanka, for an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.

Food

5

Service

5

Value

4

Ambiance

5

Julie M.

about 1 month ago

Wonderful stay in a great location

We've been in Sri Lanka for over four weeks, and this has become one of our favorite accommodations. The location is fantastic! It's close to town and the ancient city, yet it sits by the lake with breathtaking views. You really feel connected to nature while also being near urban conveniences. Plus, it’s nice to be in a friendly neighborhood. The bikes provided by the owner were perfect for getting around. We didn’t see any elephants this time, but that’s just part of the experience—wild animals can be unpredictable, and it’s not a complaint. The room was very clean and quite comfortable. The air conditioning was a nice touch, and although there was a bug net, we didn’t find it necessary. The owner/manager was incredibly friendly and made sure we had all the information we needed about local attractions. It’s truly an exceptional place to stay. Breakfast was also quite good. I would definitely stay here again without a second thought. We really loved it!

Food

4

Service

5

Value

4

Ambiance

5

ICE D.

about 1 month ago

Authentic Stay Supporting Local Community

My stay at Lake Cabin in Polonnaruwa was a truly memorable experience, not just because of its tranquil environment, but also due to its positive influence on the local community. Tucked away in a modest village, this inviting cabin provides basic yet comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views of the nearby lake and lush landscape. What really distinguishes this place is how your stay benefits more than just the wonderful owners of the cabin. By choosing Lake Cabin, you're contributing to local artisans, small village shops where you can find everyday necessities, and local guides who provide informative and reasonably priced tours to discover the ancient city and surrounding nature. (I enjoyed a boat safari to observe various birds with the female guide Dilki and an elephant safari with driver Damith.) I highly recommend this place for travelers seeking authenticity, kindness, and meaningful experiences.

Florencia S.

about 1 month ago

Great breakfast and stunning views

The host was incredibly friendly, assisting us with the bicycles and providing excellent dining recommendations. Breakfast was fantastic! I highly recommend the banana pancakes and the Sri Lanka pancakes. The location offered breathtaking views, and we were fortunate to see various animals, including monkeys, deer, and numerous birds. Thanks to Sanka and family!

Food

5

Service

5

Ambiance

5

Emiel M.

about 1 month ago

Fantastic place, very attentive host! Beautiful view over the lake, sunrise en sunset.

Eddy B.

about 1 month ago

Magical Stay at Lake Cabin

Our experience at Lake Cabin was truly enchanting! The views were the most stunning we've ever encountered—witnessing swimming monkeys, water buffalo, and a variety of beautiful birds is something we'll always remember. The owner was fantastic—so warm and inviting. He went out of his way to ensure our stay was perfect. He even brought us breakfast at 5 AM before our early safari, which was incredibly thoughtful and generous. We also strongly recommend the cooking class led by his sister and niece. It was an incredible experience, and we gained so much knowledge about local dishes while enjoying a cozy and friendly environment. If you seek a place with breathtaking nature, outstanding hospitality, and distinctive experiences, Lake Cabin is the ideal choice!

Service

5

Ambiance

5

Claudia H.

about 1 month ago

Charming stay with great views

This cozy little home had everything we required. The balcony offered a fantastic view of the lake and the birds. It's situated in a lovely area, just outside the national park yet close to the ancient city, making it feel wonderfully tranquil. Sanka was an excellent host, providing us with perfect suggestions and recommendations. Breakfast was delightful. Thank you once again!

Food

4

Service

5

Ambiance

5

Adam B.

about 1 month ago

Beautiful view and great food

This is a fantastic location with stunning views. The ancient city is just a short distance away. We rented bikes from Sanka, who was an excellent host. Both breakfast and dinner were wonderful, and the terrace provided the ideal setting for enjoying a beer after a sunny day.

Food

4

Service

5

Ambiance

5

malship

about 1 month ago

Exceptional Communication and Service

The communication we had with the property prior to our arrival was outstanding. Sanka, the owner, went above and beyond to ensure our stay was both comfortable and memorable. He was incredibly helpful ...

Service

5