Sri Lanka - coconut grove.jpg Logo Srilanka
Back to Listing

Galapita Eco Lodge
Buttala

Top 10s logo 

Galapita Eco Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats.

If you have a sense of adventure and have dreamed of sleeping under the stars, then this is the place for you. Located in Buttala, far away from any type of light pollution, this peaceful eco lodge is a great spot for spotting fireflies as well as enjoying incredible stargazing. Galapita's four large mud huts are perched on top of the scenic rocks alongside the Menik Ganga (Gem River) in the middle of the jungle, so one feels very close to the wild surroundings here.

The rustic huts have been well designed in order to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors with open-sided walls, thatched straw roofs, clay floors and contoured driftwood as furniture. Each one also comes with an outdoor shower. Tastefully scattered local Sri Lankan antiques and lend a strong sense of place, as do the native peacocks and monkeys roaming around!

We recommend watching the sun set from the on-site tree house and enjoying the traditional, locally-sourced food that is served here for breakfast and dinner. This remote hotel is the perfect place to relax and get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life: you can go prospecting for gems in the river, rock-climbing, rafting or simply cool down in the natural jacuzzi, created by the river rushing over the rocks.

Better still, you can visit the nearby Yala National Park very easily. Wildlife lovers are bound to be impressed here as one can spot elephants, deer, wild buffalo, sloth bears and a wide range of birds; not to mention the elusive leopards, which are a real sight to behold. While its close proximity to Yala National Park is arguably the biggest draw of this relaxed property, the holy pilgrimage site of Kataragama is also only a short drive away from this hotel. The beautiful rock temples of Dambegoda and Maligawila, where one can see the largest monolithic statue of Buddha in the country, can also be found nearby.

We recommend including Galapita Eco Lodge into your bespoke tour of Sri Lanka if you are after a wild, secluded retreat where you can and truly immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of this tropical mango-shaped island.

Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 14 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 14
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 4 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 4
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 1 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 1
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 13 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 13
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 12 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 12
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 8 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 8
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 7 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 7
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 6 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 6
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 5 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 5
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 3 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 3
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 11 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 11
Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 17 Galapita Eco Lodge Butalla Sri Lanka 17
I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences