Guide to Eco Hotels in Sri Lanka ( 2023 Updated)

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Sri Lanka are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Colombo and then beyond in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is at present going through dramatic weather and severe environmental challenges. It is also not a secret that this is due to most of us neglecting our environmental responsibilities.

Eco tourism in Sri Lanka is a huge trend right now, where most people want to experience their surroundings of the purest form, such as pristine seas and unexplored wilderness. A lot of rain forests are among the list of places to visit in eco–tourism. Pearly beaches and small islands are also famous among tourists.

Best Eco Tours in Sri Lanka

See all Eco Tours in Sri Lanka on GetYourGuide.

1. Jetwing Vil Uyana 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka

Located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Jetwing Vil Uyana features modern accommodation set amidst a spectacular man-made wetland. Free WiFi is available and rooms feature cable TV with an entertainment system.

Residences at Vil Uyana feature teak flooring and a balcony, with both fan and air-conditioning provided. Video games, a DVD player and radio are available.

Guests can get a relaxing massage at the spa, or workout at the fitness centre. Jetwing Uyana also offers an indoor swimming pool.

On sprawling grounds with reed beds, paddy fields and a lake, this imaginative, eco-chic hotel is 15 minutes’ walk from the Sigiriya Museum and 2 km from Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress.

Rustic wood cabins with thatched roofs provide complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Some add private plunge pools and/or furnished balconies.

Breakfast (fee) is served in an upscale restaurant that has a terrace with views of the lake. There are also 2 bars. The spa offers a plunge pool, a steam room and Ayurvedic treatments. Other amenities include yoga classes, a gym and bike rentals.

Infused with eco friendly, sustainable modern design, Jetwing Vil Uyana is nestled deep in the heart of the island paradise of Sri Lanka incorporating five main ecological zones from forests to marshes. It is a retreat perfect for tranquility seekers or for those who wish to be close to the island’s rich array of flora and fauna. The challenge of introducing a wetland system on reclaimed agricultural lands provides the unique backdrop for this exciting property. A strong ‘back to nature’ theme pervades your every moment at Jetwing Vil Uyana and the uniqueness of the experience is unforgettable.

The room was very cozy and it had an amazing view. I was overwhelmed with their eco friendly policy and efforts . The property connects you to nature as soon as you enter there and you feel sad to leave it behind when you Check- out. Their Sri Lankan food was so good with all the right and fresh ingredients.

The property in itself was just an inspiration with its water features , different chalets (jungle , rice , garden ) , architecture as a whole and a true testament to how true eco tourism should happen . We were in the jungle villa and spent 3 nights in Bliss ! the structure of the villa , the private pool , the clean , tidy and safe rooms and surroundings , which is by no means a easy feat to maintain in a dry zone jungle setting was amazing.

The food was simply excellent and hats off to the chef for a perfect selection and combination ,be it sri lankan or the western .We were wowed at every meal. The 7 course dinner was our favorite and made me wonder why on earth would anyone want a buffet . The beverages too was excellent whether it be the juices , mock tails or wine selection from over 20 countries.

Asanka was our naturalists , he kept us entertained with his knowledge and was very caring of the wild animal inhabitants in the property . The Loris walk is a must do, and Asanka managed to show us a fantastic sighting of the very elusive fishing cat , ring tailed civet and very elusive slender loris . Hats off to you jetwing for your efforts in the conservation of these wild animals and making them a inclusive part of your property footprint . Hats off also to your efforts with embark to help mans best friend.

A little piece of paradise. An eco friendly oasis in the cultural triangle, easy travelling to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa and Eco Park.

Ravi was our personal butler and an absolute treasure, again being gluten free was not an issue. The food was delicious and plentiful the views from the elevated dining room were over the lake and so peaceful. We had a marsh view villa with its own plunge pool and sun terrace. A great place for bird watching if you are inclined.

Would recommend getting up early to climb Sigiriya rock and then have a leisurely breakfast on return.

This place proves that ‘eco‘ does not mean lacking in comforts. The only sounds we heard were the birds! You cross over a walkway to the restaurant. The food is original, beautifully cooked and presented and not expensive. The wine cellar was interesting and they sold some pretty decent wines.

There is an abundance of wildlife, from water monitors, many different birds – the hotel even has its own resident crocodile, who occasionally poked his nose above water to see what was going on! We were allocated our own ‘butler; and although we didn’t feel the need to call on him very much, he was very willing to assist. In fact all the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Highly recommended.

How much does a room costs at Jetwing Vil Uyana?

Prices start 757$/night for Garden Dwelling. The Paddy Dwelling is 837$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Stilt house built over paddy field features a private plunge pool. It features teak flooring and a balcony, with both fan and air-conditioning provided. Video games, a DVD player and radio are available.

Where to book online – Jetwing Vil Uyana – Eco Hotels Sri Lanka – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Sri Lanka during Vel Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Sri Lanka on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. Marari Beach – CGH Earth 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Kerala

2. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge 5* – Eco Lodge Sri Lanka

Located amidst rolling green hills and the Madulkelle Tea Estate, this property offers tents with a terrace, a seating area, and en suite bathroom with hot/cold water. Wired internet access is available.

The peaceful Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge offers a retreat away from the city. It is just a 15-minute walk to Hatale Waterfalls and a 40-minute drive to Knuckles Mountain Range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests can soak up the sun or take a dip at the outdoor pool. The friendly staff at this Eco Lodge can organise a campfire or a visit to the tea factory.

On a lush tea plantation with views of the Knuckles Mountain Range, this refined hilltop hotel is 24 km from Pattam Paha Sub railway station.

Safari-style canvas lodges provide porches with mountain views, as well as rustic decor and en suite bathrooms. A suite adds free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen, an iPod dock and a mini fridge, plus a living area, a furnished patio and a soaking tub.

An airy, polished restaurant features a fireplace, a terrace and scenic views, and there’s an English-style bar. Other amenities include an infinity pool, gardens and a library.

This eco lodge is situated in a mountainous area, and all ‘tents’ have extraordinary views of adjacent mountains and valleys.They have verandas to sit and watch sunrise and sunset.

Breakfast is included which was amazing, and served by polite and professional staff.
We also had dinner here, plus afternoon drinks on the lawn by pool. Beautiful.

Walked around the tea plantations and enjoyed the mountain air. We truly could not fault this place – it was unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed.

The views from this lodge are breathtaking, and this was part of the reason we were so excited to visit.

The drive up as others have said is quite winding and long, but our guide got us there, albeit quite late in the evening so we didn’t see the views on the first evening.

The tents are extremely roomy and comfortable, although you might get some inquisitive monkeys stopping by for a visit, so remember to lock your tent zip!

They are very much focused on being eco friendly at Madulkelle too.

The eco lodge is in the middle of a stunning tea plantation, it’s so high up you feel like you’re amongst the clouds at times. It’s very isolated but that’s what makes it totally wonderful.

The tent/room itself was really cool, lovely decor, simple and good quality facilities – here the touches were a little more eco in style. Having our own, large verander to sit on to look out at the view was incredible! We got up at 5am to watch the sunrise with the lovely choices of tea provided in the rooms and also watched the sunset there with a bottle of red on another occasion.

These were both really special times that we will never forget – a great place for photographers! Also, there is enough space for some yoga or stretches out there which is also a wonderful experience.

The pool is lovely, and the setting with the view of the Knuckles mountain range behind it makes it very special. We spent a lovely afternoon there reading with a bottle of wine, it never gets over crowded either and guests there tend to be very calm and quiet.

Overall we really enjoyed our stay but that was because of the incredible location, our tent and the pool

After a winding drive up from Kandy, nestled in a fully functioning tea plantation, the Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is a beautiful lodge on the top of a ridge overlooking the Knuckles mountain range. The tents are luxurious and comfortable, each with a private balcony with an unbelievable view.

The staff are very friendly and willing to cater to your every need and the food is prepared and served with care and attention. They offer excursions (bird watching, tea plantation tours, waterfall excursions, etc.) which are carefully thought out and enriching.

Thank you to everyone at Madulkelle for taking such good care of us.

How much does a room costs at Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge?

Prices start 495$/night for Deluxe Tent with Mountain view. The Honeymoon Suite with Mountain View is 585$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Where to book online– Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge – Eco Lodges Sri Lanka – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Sri Lanka during Vel Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Sri Lanka on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Agoda.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

3. The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka

Located on a division of the Enselwatte Tea Estate, The Rainforest Ecolodge offers accommodation with a private bathroom surrounded by a forest habitat. It features an observation desk, lounge and restaurant.

The tea estate borders the South-eastern side of the Sinharaja Rainforest. Matara city is a 1.5-hour drive away while Colombo city is a 4.5-hour from the Southern Expressway. It takes 5.5 hours to travel from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Boasting a balcony with mountain views, each bungalow includes a sofa, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Private bathroom comes with a hot and cold shower and hairdryer.

Within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, this remote ecolodge surrounded by verdant rainforest and tea fields is 42 km from Maduwanwela Walawwa, a historical house.

Overlooking the forest canopy, the clever chalets are made from recycled shipping containers and are set on stilts. All come with en suites facilities, as well as tea and coffee making facilities, living areas and private decks. There are no TVs.

Breakfast is complimentary. Metal walkways connect the refined, open-air restaurant to a lobby bar, a lounge and a reading room. Activities include hiking and bird-watching.

Rainforest Ecolodge is located in the south of Sri Lanka, in the midst of the scenic Enselwatte Tea Estate, and bordering one of the world’s last remaining rain forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Our 16 innovative chalets are built out of repurposed shipping containers and sit high off the estate ground, offering our guests a panoramic view of the forest from their own terrace. Rainforest Ecolodge is approx. 4 1/2 Hours drive from Colombo city.

Amazing place facing the sinharaja rain forest. Simple and cosy atmosphere. The food was authentic and have many varieties of Sri Lankan dishes. Mr. Rohan looked in to all our needs in the restaurant. He was very friendly was already to help. Our tracking guide Nimesh, took us on an adventurous 3 hour journey in to the Sinharaja Forest. The last 10 km to the eco Lodge was a bit challenging but it was worth the effort.

The Rainforest eco lodge is an eco friendly hotel which situated at the borders of Sinharaja rainforest. It is the perfect escape from the busy city life to a calming and mind relaxing environment. You could feel the difference of the environment right after you step in to the hotel.
The staff was really friendly and provided a customised service. The foods and beverages were so delicious. We went on a trail at Sinharaja & were able to explore wildlife, flora & fauna and waterfalls with amazing views.

I would recommend this hotel to all the nature lovers out there.

One of the most secluded beautiful places we’ve visited. Wonderful getaway for a break from the concrete jungle. The beautiful view, location , eco friendly state of the art interior truly amazed us. The friendly and nature enthusiastic staff will be of great help while ensuring nature is preserved. This place does not use any plastic nor anything harmful to nature.

Sinharaja is definitely the highlight of our family trip, and our stay at the eco lodge was amazing. The long windy bumpy road was definitely worth it. The staff are gracious, friendly, and very inviting. Mr Jaggath immediately pulled our attention as we checked in, showing us birds through the high definition telescope. We immediately felt welcome. The rainforest walk to the waterfall was very educational and beautiful, and the forest bathing was unforgettable. The kitchen staff were also super pleasant, and we really enjoyed the food that the chefs prepared.

After a beautiful drive on a surfaced road with superb views we reached the unique Forest Lodge and were very impressed with their commitment to eco tourism.

On arrival we were given one of the best Sri Lankan curries on our trip and all our other meals were of an excellent standard served by friendly staff. Our container/room was very spacious with fascinating outlook over the tea bushes and forest beyond.

We went on a very interesting walk to a waterfall where we had fish therapy. Our guide was enthusiastic explaining about the varied plants, trees, insects, birds etc.and our bird walk early next day was well worth the early start to see and hear the variety of birds. Our stay here was one of the highlights of our amazing trip around Sri Lanka.

How much does a room costs at The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja?

Prices start 234$/night for Chalet.

Featuring a balcony with mountain views, each bungalow includes a sofa, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Private bathroom comes with a hot and cold shower and hairdryer.

Where to book online – The Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja – Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Sri Lanka during Vel Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Sri Lanka on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

4. Habarana Village by Cinnamon 4*– Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka

Offering bungalow-style rooms surrounded by greenery, Chaaya Village Habarana is a 15-minute drive from Minneriya National Park. The hotel features an outdoor pool and facilities for tennis, volleyball and badminton.

Chaaya Village Habarana is an hour’s drive from Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Driving from Bandaranaike International Airport takes 6 hours.

Featuring wooden furniture, the air-conditioned rooms at Chaaya Village Habarana come with private terraces. Each room has a TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Set amid lush forest off the A6 highway, this relaxed, rural resort on Habarana Lake is 18 km from Sigiriya Lion Rock, the ruins of a 5th-century city.

Warmly decorated rooms with wood accents offer patios, free Wi-Fi and cable TV, as well as minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add lake views, 4-poster beds, living areas, and open-air bathrooms with soaking tubs.

A casual buffet restaurant with a terrace serves international cuisine. There’s also a cafe, and a bar with garden views. Other amenities include a spa, a triangle-shaped outdoor pool, and a cricket pitch, as well as tennis, badminton and volleyball courts.

Habarana Village by Cinnamon lies sprawled across 27 acres of luxuriant land bordering a stunning lake of Habarana. The hotel’s cozy cottages, inspired by the typical thatched roof huts found locally, lie in clusters with low roofs and brownish yellow exteriors. Habarana Village by Cinnamon boasts of 94 Superior Rooms, 12 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Suites set in the middle of thousands of high-rise trees that provide fruit, medicinal properties and plenty of shade.

A calm and a quiet place to chill in the evening with a drink and a sandwich in an awesome weather adding up with the best service from Hansaka, Abhishek and shashika. It’s an eco friendly place where you can do your stressed out work load in a peaceful and a cheerful manner without any disturbance with an amazing view.

This is one of the best eco hotels i have been visited. it is about 4 /5 hours drive from colombo. About 90 km to Anuradhapura, but since the roads are well constructed it take only 2 hrs drive. Polonnaruwa also about 30 km distance. Also you can visit places like ritigala , kaudulla and minneriya forest which are at the close proximity. The hotel garden was with plenty of space with big old trees which provides fresh air and calm atmosphere . Backside there is a lake and you can have a “paaru” ride. Staff is very friendly and supportive. Room facility also good. Can experience good sri lankan diets. Both cinnamon lodge and village in this same premises.

The holiday resort is perfectly situated for travelers and tourists visiting historical sites Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya.The eco-friendly environment blended with nature and wildlife is an ideal location to relax.

The spacious apartments were of high standard with beautiful public areas and all other activities needed for a resort.

Food was delicious and perfect with a wide variety.

Eco Park is nearby for a jeep safari to see Elephants; loved seeing them and their babies close up in the wild, but were concerned at the number of jeeps crowding them.
The hotel rooms are clean and basically furnished (Cinnamon Lodge has more furniture, but is more expensive!). We were “All Inclusive” and it isn’t entirely clear what specific drinks etc that includes, but if you want something ask nicely and they will try very hard to accommodate you. We felt very well looked after.

Restaurant buffet food is good quality and generally good choice, with a mix of Western and Sri Lankan options, but some Sri Lankan curries (and the Poppadum) can be eye-wateringly hot – so check! A couple of lunchtimes were very quiet and therefore not much choice on the buffet, but staff were eager to prepare something of our choice (no charge).

The shining glory of the hotel is its staff who are the most willing, accommodating and friendly people I think we have ever met in our travels. We went on from here to a Cinnamon hotel in the Maldives and found it by contrast rather impersonal and inflexible. We would love to return to Habarana Village. Thank you to all the staff and please don’t change.

How much does a room costs at Habarana Village by Cinnamon?

Prices start 118$/night for Deluxe Room. The Suite is 440$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This double room has a tea/coffee maker and private entrance.

Where to book online – Habarana Village by Cinnamon – Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Sri Lanka during Vel Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Sri Lanka on Booking.com or Trip.com or Agoda.com or Hotelscombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

5. Back of Beyond – Dehigaha Ela 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Sri Lanka

Set amidst a natural landscape, Back of Beyond – Pidurangala offers a peaceful getaway in Sigiriya. Just 1 km from Sigiriya Rock, this property features free Wi-Fi, free parking and a natural setting in the middle of a forest.

Rooms come with traditional interiors and wooden furnishings. A private bathroom comes with hot and cold shower facilities.

A fine selection of local and Western dishes are served at the restaurant.

Located in the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka and within 30 minutes from Sigiriya World Heritage Site, Back of Beyond Dehigaha ela is situated in a circular clearing at the base of a hill, ringed in by the thick forest on the sweeping curve of the two streams. It is a small secret place for all forms of wildlife – elephants, sambhur, deer, birds, butterflies – to visit. It is an ideal location for those who dream of sleeping under the stars, of exploring the jungle and streams on foot with all its joys and little discomforts. We have of course, added the comforts and care.

The entire retreat is powered by solar energy. A backup generator is also provided. All hot water is also supplied via solar energy. A biogas generator has been installed to convert kitchen waste to biogas for cooking. All tree houses and boulder cottages in this retreat are designed to be very open to nature, with coconut thatch roofing, wooden floors, and folding bamboo tats. Each lodge maintains standards of comfort by providing fans, mosquito nets, and modern toilets.

The eco-retreat consists of a 2 tree houses and 4 boulder cottages. Each of the tastefully furnished units, is designed to maximise the impact of the surrounding environment. The reception, living and dining areas are separate, and the staff and drivers quarters are also housed separately to allow maximum privacy to guests. The surrounding forest is a haven for birds, smaller mammals and larger mammals such as deer, sambhur and even elephants.

Can you imagine waking up to a symphony of birds every morning, rather than traffic. This place is an eco retreat, so your phone has no signal and no wifi which is a blessing. Take a soak in the nearby stream and be cleaned by the little fish. The staff are passionate about preserving the environment so there is a limited number of guests at any one time. Whilst you are residing in your tree house, you will be visited by squirrels, a variety of birds, lizards and insects including lightning bugs, which phospheress at night.

All staff are extremely knowledgeable on the local flora and fauna, so ask to be taken on one of their nature walks. Make sure you take cash as credit card facilities are not available. Last but not least, the service from staff is second to none.

The remoteness of the place is what makes it so special. We stayed in one of the Boulder houses and were thrilled with the sympathetic eco friendly design. Really creative, unique and beautiful are words that sum it all up. The staff were lovely and cooked us fabulous food. Going to sleep with the sounds of the jungle and fireflies glowing is something I will always remember. We are looking forward to our next trip to Sri Lanka so we can stay at Back Of Beyond.

What an amazing place! In the middle of nowhere (or the back of beyond), it was perfectly situated to escape from everything. We stayed in one of the tree houses- a truly unique experience! Loved the Eco ethics of the place and although it’s outside, the facilities of a flushing toilet and light switches were very much appreciated, although we would have managed if these weren’t available.

The staff were very friendly and actually went out specially on an errand for us which was an hour round trip. The food was very lovely too. Although you’re effectively sleeping outside, we felt very safe throughout but do ensure your bags are monkey proofed overnight. 10/10 experience, one that we’ll never forget. Thank you Back of Beyond for making our time in Sri Lanka very special and we really hope we’ll be back soon.

At a time when ‘ecotourism’ is bantered around shamelessly, this place is a shining example of what the term really stands for. Spent 2 blissful nights.
The tree houses are very well built. A lot of thought has clearly gone into their design. Being up there really provides a different perspective of the landscape.

The many birds around also feel closer, and some literally are. The design is also fairly safe for children (not sure about toddlers though). Our 5 year old loved it and had no issues negotiating the staircase. The barrier on The overhang is quite sturdy. That said, we did keep an eye on our son, though it was not a strain.

The outside bathroom is brilliant. Very few creply crawlees due to well maintained netting above the sleeping area. The mattress on the ground was comfortable and the mosquito nets around the mattress was not intrusive.

The staff were excellent – friendly, informative and well organised. We noted how they took a lot of effort to keep the are clean.

We chose Sri Lankan food from the menu for all meals. It was excellent in terms of taste and variety of local vegetables. The curd and honey for desert was a highlight. Because there are no fans (place runs on solar) it can get a bit stuffy in the afternoons, but the nights were cool and perfect for sleeping.

Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks can be accessed with the 4 wheel drive used by the property, while Sigiriya is about a 20 minute drive. You can also go on quiet walks in the surrounding are and see how the local communities cultivate rice and vegetables.
But basically it is a place for peace and quiet. If you are into birdwatching, don’t forget your binoculars as any species prefer the safety of the tall forest that surrounds the compound.

How much does a room costs at Back of Beyond – Dehigaha Ela?

Prices start 55$/night for Boulder Cottage. The Deluxe Tree House is 65$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

The Tree House features a split level living and bedroom with private bathroom and show facilities.

The sleeping areas are supported by large tree branches whereas the living areas and private bathrooms are situated below.

Where to book online – Back of Beyond – Dehigaha Ela – Eco Hotels Sri Lanka – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Sri Lanka during Vel Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Sri Lanka on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.