Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

The hotel preemptorily cancelled our reservation for the art suite 6 weeks prior (we had booked months in advance) without giving any reason. When we called reservations to enquire, we were told “this is a management decision, we in reservations department do not know the reason.” No further explanation was proffered. This caused considerable inconvenience as the other room types we liked were no longer available, and other hotels we liked were already booked up as we were already in high season. We wrote to them 6 days ago to request management to provide an explanation for this peremptory cancellation of our reservation. To date, they have also not responded to our email. If management cares so little about disappointing guests during the reservation process, what about after guests have arrived. It seems we might actually have been lucky they cancelled on us. I am also curious what sort of due diligence Michelin guide does before recommending hotels.

Caters to all age groups. Beautiful property with activities such as tea tasting, cooking classes and the highlight are the hikes they offer. Well maintained. Junior staff are extremely friendly, knowledgeable and eager to serve. Supervisor and Estate manager not very accommodating. Overall an excellent experience to just detox from everything and reconnect with nature

The hotel is in a fabulous hilltop location with outstanding views across the tea plantation . However , the long narrow road to the hotel is in terrible condition , with badly broken surface and potholes, We were disappointed to find our glamping tents were damp and mouldy , and the food mediocre , having paid a 5 star price in advance . The staff were very helpful.

The location is beautiful set in tea plantations however the food lets the entire thing down. For the price payed (the most expensive of our whole trip in Sri Lanka) the food was the worst we experienced. Dry bread and a few baked beans for breakfast and the menu is just an attempt at terribly cooked western food. The only dish that was moderately ok was the Sri Lankan curry. Because it’s up such. Steep winding road you also have to eat on site and can’t venture out anywhere else. They really need to work on the food and then this place would be great.

This place is a complete rip off ! They say they are eco friendly but we got plastic bottles every evening and with our breakfast (take away). Staff were very nice and helpful but I feel it’s the owner and management here are the issue. Food was very basic and not at all what one expects for the price .. Sri Lanka is a really good value country yet this place charges more than some European countries. We were given a lodge far from the hotel despite the fact the place had only 2 other couples when we arrived. The walk was steep and because the rain was so torrential on the day we were there we were soaked on the way up as no umbrellas were at our lodge only at the hotel. The therapists were excellent for massage but again very expensive and 10% service charge on everything The absolute insult was the day we left ( as it was before breakfast time ) we were given a packed lunch which consisted of a child size juice, a small orange that could not be peeled without a knife and stale pastries .. these pastries were at least 2 days old. It’s a difficult drive from the nearest village and an arduous one from Kandy .. forget it ! Go someplace else !!

Other reviewers have mentioned the uncomfortable journey to reach the lodge. The road is indeed dreadful. The Lodge itself was very good. Accommodation is in large and well appointed tents which have a large balcony overlooking the valley, although our tent was in need of some maintenance of the zips. Watching sunrise over the Knuckles mountain range from our bed was a highlight. The food in the restaurant was OK but not as good as elsewhere on our holiday, and service was a little slow (seemed to be understaffed) and we had to ask for water for our rooms and at mealtimes. The walks through the tea plantation, including one to the local Hatale mini-World's end were very relaxing, and we enjoyed learning about the planting and harvesting of tea and seeing the picking and sorting of the leaves. However, - as we found out - the Lodge is NOT a good base for hiking the Knuckles range (one of the reasons we came here). We did do a full day hike - 7 hours of hiking with a local guide which was a great hike, and we reached the top of the highest of the Knuckles. However, it took 2 hours by car to reach the start of the hike, and a further 2 hours to return to the lodge, making for a very long day. Anyone wanting to hike in the Knuckles would be better off staying close to the trails.