Even though we knew the location was gonna be remote, it is good to know that there is really nothing in walking distance other than sugar cane fields, however Janik offered to bring us wherever we wanted to.

Very friendly family that cared for my daughter who was sick during our stay! They made us special tea, steams and asked about our wellbeing. The place offers a calm atmosphere, good for relaxing especially at the new pool. The rooms were very clean and one of them was newly built! Nice interior with a good taste, open shower created a nice atmosphere. The cooking class( 5900 LKR pp.) was very nice and gave us a good insight in Sri Lankan cuisine. Swarnas expertise in the kitchen was exceptional and she taught us a lot about different spices! The safari was also great, we were happy to see elephants. ( 35$ pp plus entrance fee for the park)

Stayed in August 2025

There wasn't anything to dislike... i could say time... as it would have been wonderful to stay longer like the German family who came for a few days and are staying for a few weeks.. it really is that special

Absolutely everything.... the accommodation is stunning with a very romantic feel to the rooms and an amazing outdoor shower... the cafe is beautifully furnished and the food served by Janik and his family is of the very highest quality. I was even lucky enough to have giant fresh water prawns during my stay... and a very relaxing and informative ayurvedic treatment with the local doctor. The pool is a fantastic bonus which I enjoyed every day before breakfast and after my safari... everything was exceptionally easy and completely stress-free. My safari was mind-blowing, we visited the local temple before meeting with the head monk to receive a blessing before our safari rhe next day (i am buddhist) and seeing so many herds of elephants and lone adults along with a huge number of birds and crocodiles, buffalo, deer and of course the many peacocks was more than i ever hoped for but the absolute most amazing thing was that I saw a Sri Lankan Wild Cat... (a blessing from Buddha) In fact, it walked by us within just a few metres... perhaps the most elusive of all animals even Janik had not seen one... one of the best experiences of my entire trip in Sri Lanka, and I can not wait to do it again when I return next year to explore more of this truly beautiful country and to meet more of the most generous and kind people you could ever wish to meet.

Stayed in August 2025

They made you feel a part of the family. It's the most amazing experience, and I highly recommend staying here!!!

Stayed in August 2025

Excellent rooms. Excellent staff. Excellent food. Excellent place. In one word: impressive! Best place I’ve ever been in my life.

Stayed in August 2025

Can’t fault anything!

An absolute gem close to Udawalawa national park. Extremely warm hospitality, attentive staff, great value and high quality food, lovely room/bed. They arranged a great safari for the morning and have other activities available. Refreshing new pool as well.

Stayed in July 2025

A bit weak water flow from the shower

A very nice host and personnel. The lady is a perfect cook. I cook for 5 years to my gf and myself. So, I think, I know what I am talking about…

Stayed in May 2025

Honestly, hard to dislike something.

As we really wanted to see wild elephants, we made a stop in Udawalawe, but spotting them wasn't our biggest suprise here. We stayed at the Amba Kola hotel and this was just the most wonderful experience. The kindest owners truely, the nicest room, a brand new and well kept pool, the most delicious food from the entire trip, and playful dogs amongst which the two most adorable puppies  🐶 As mentionned, the food was incredible and we had the chance to take part in the preparation by doing the cooking class with the owner. Something you should really try after a morning safari.  Janik is also so kind, ready to help you with anything, answer any question. He will make everything in his power to make you feel like the most valuable guest on the planet. If you are passing by, really we can't recommend it enough 😍 (we thought the 10 on booking was impossible. Well we thought wrong)

Stayed in May 2025

That we did not stay longer.

Absolutely amazing stay super close to the Udawalava national park entrance. Amazing hospitality and super culinary experience. One of the best stays in Sri Lanka for sure.

Stayed in May 2025

Udawalawe was a great stopover during our Sri Lanka trip. We visited many parks but this one was exceptional for the close elephant encounters. They literally walk so close to the jeeps you *could* touch them (obviously don't!) Amba Kola was the perfect choice while visiting the area. Its Best to stay close by so you can visit when the animals are most active (in the early morning and late afternoon). We were shown amazing hospitality from Janik and his wonderful and talented chef mother. We organised an in house cooking class and safari with them and both were excellent. The bed and pillows were the most comfortable in all our trip... And breakfast was also the best we have had. This hotel is fantastic value for money - the room was incredible. I would love to stay here again and make some more Sri Lankan curries. Thanks Janik for a lovely stay. :)

Stayed in April 2025

Everything was absolutely perfect.

Perfect stay for your Safari. The Homestay is only 5 minutes away from the Udawalewe National Park entry. The host family was so welcoming and caring. It almost felt like home. We can totally recommend this homestay. Dinner was the best we had on our entire trip in Sri Lanka. The rice and curry was really fantastic!

Stayed in April 2025

Janik was an excellent host and very accommodating. He organized two fantastic safaris for us which were very good value for money. The property is very close to the National Park entrance making it an ideal base for your wildlife adventures. The food was home cooked in a communal space which was comfortable to relax in after a good day’s safari.

Stayed in March 2025

We had a really lovely stay. Great food. So welcoming. Awesome safari. Wish we could have stayed longer and had a dip in the new pool when it is finished ! It will be beautiful

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

The Service was amazing, super friendly and really thought through. The food of the owners mum was the best food we had so far, i never had such a good mango Curry. Also the Safari was super, the Driver gave us always enough time to spot animals. In general, you gonna feel like home at this place.

Stayed in March 2025

The host is amazing! They help you with everything! Also The rooms are super. Airco and fan + multiple lights. And ofcourse a nice warm shower. We booked a safari tour with them and the driver is also The guide. He has much knowledge of the animals and has eagle eyes so he spots anything you are looking for. 10/10

Stayed in March 2025

Comfy beds and pillows, outdoor shower, cooking class, top service, family touch

Stayed in March 2025

We had a Ulawalawe safari booked through the property but, although enjoyable, the experience was affected by the driver/ guide's lack of English although he did do his best.

Very friendly and helpful owners who run a small cafe in tandem with having overnight guests. We had a very comfortable bedroom and the food was very good. I'd sprained my ankle before arrival and the mother very kindly gave me a couple of massages on my swollen ankle.

Stayed in February 2025

Janik and the staff set a new bar for hosting that I haven't experienced before. Nothing was too much trouble and they made everything easy for us. We booked a safari through them, an excellent cooking class and transfers. Janik also gave us great recommendations for the rest of our trip. I can't say enough good things about the level of hospitality we received at Amba Kola.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing it was fantastic

We had such a wonderful stay at Amba kola! The staff were excellent so attentive and personal❤️The food was out of this world, all homemade by the owner mother, who was so sweet. We had a great night sleep followed by a safari in the morning. I would 100% recommend!

Stayed in January 2025

This is not something dislike for us. But the lodging is in a remote village, so it may not be suitable for those who wants a lot of “actions”.

I booked this place due to the great reviews and it was beyond my expectations. We were treated so well with the family members who own the place, and the staffs. The bed was huge and comfortable. All the meals were made from the scratch with fresh ingredients. we enjoyed the Safari and cooking class during our two night stay. we would love to come back again.

Stayed in January 2025

Loved the warm welcome, hospitality was exceptional, and the food was amazing!

Stayed in December 2024

We enjoyed out stay very much. Janik and his Family have a nice house and they were wonderful hosts. The cooking class was phenomenal and Janik organized everything for us (transfers, safari, …). Highly recommended to stay there and support this local family!

Stayed in December 2024

The stay was absolutely perfect! I wouldn’t change one thing about this place. We stayed for one night and from start to finish, the service and hospitality was exceptional, we were truly treated like family. The food was cooked fresh to order and absolutely divine, and we were fed until we couldn’t eat any more! The bed was super comfy and all the bathroom facilities were really good. The safari was great too. I don’t often write reviews but this place deserves one! The owner even called to speak to us just before we left to make sure we had a good stay!

Stayed in November 2024

Jannik and his mother + stuff took care about us like we were family. Food is more than fantastic as the mother cooks everything fresh and with love. I can guarantee you - the food, the Safari, the service, the rooms and everything else is awesome and you will love it. They also care about the dogs and cats in the neighborhood - so be ready to cuddle with that lovely dogs in the Lobby.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing

We came for only one night to go an a safari, but would have loved to stay longer. The staff were extremely welcoming and made sure we never ran out of water or had any unfulfilled wishes. They even cleaned our tuktuk and gave us ayurvedic medicine as my wife had stomach problems. The Sri Lankan food was the best we had during 3 weeks on the island. They also offer cooking classes, but we did not have the time for it. The rooms were super clean with AC and mosquito nets. They organized a safari for us with probably one of the best driverd as he had such sharp eyes, he even spotted the smallest lizards, birds and snakes on the way. Other vehicles drove past those animals, but we stopped and were able to take many photos. In addition, there are four street dogs and a cat which belong to the accomodation and are absolutely lovely. We cuddled a lot with them.

Stayed in December 2024