Leopard's Lodge, Mahatenne hilltop retreat

2024 - OUR PLACE IS UNDER REMNOVATION AND IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. WE PLAN TO REOPEN LATER THIS YEAR Escape from the normal tourist routes and experience the simplicity of village life, the beauty of nature and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. Leopard’s Lodge is a modest and peaceful retreat set in 5 acres of mature jungle. Expert local guide to lead walks through jungle and village. Delicious high quality local food and spectacular views in all directions. The space Leopard’s Lodge, Mahatenne has been my Sri Lankan home for over 20 years and has developed from a basic field camp to a simple but comfortable retreat. The Lodge is run by Karu who will take care of all arrangements and can act as local guide. There are three rooms - a double, a small double with an adjoining single. It best suits a couple or a family of four but there are extra camp beds so that up to six people can stay. There is a good supply of bed linen, towels and thicker bedcovers for cool nights. All beds have mosquito nets. The bedrooms have locks for security and there is always someone at the property. The bathroom is located 25m away and is reached by a flight of steps. The bathroom has a shower but no hot water at present. The kitchen is local style and meals are prepared by Karu's sister, Manjula but guests have access to the refrigerator. Manjula's meals are delicious! There is parking space for 1-2 vehicles and drivers can be offered basic accommodation, with an additional small charge to cover food. It is also possible to arrive by public transport. A pick-up from Colombo or elsewhere can be arranged. The booking fee covers bed and breakfast. Other local meals can be arranged with Karu at a reasonable charge. Extra nights can also be arranged with Karu. Guest access Whether you are a lone traveller looking for peace and quiet or a party of six, you will have the use of the entire property. You are free to roam the 5 acres, although basic field sense applies - canvas shoes and thorn-proof clothing advisable, use torches and stay on paths especially at night. There are footpaths to explore the land. The property is managed by Karu, who has looked after it and visitors for the last 20 years with the help of family members. Karu will greet guests and will be the main point of contact throughout your stay. Other things to note There is WiFi router and the password is on the welcome document. There is a common water filter on the verandah that is kept supplied with boiled water. Guests can store personal drinks, including alcohol, in the refrigerator. Personal torches are advisable as is suitable footwear and clothing (long trousers and sleeves if venturing into bush). The vegetation at Mahatenne includes many trees and plants that Karunasena can identify for visitors, including the distinctive and attractive marang tree, which the area is known for and was once the source of the charcoal fuel that powered medieval iron smelting furnaces which I have been studying for many years. We share Mahatenne with all the wildlife that lives here, including all manner of moths and butterflies, frogs, occasional snakes (very rare), a resident pair of giant squirrels, passing monkeys, porcupine, miniature deer and a friendly visiting dog. On the whole, humans and wildlife rarely interact (except for the ever-present insects!) but meeting any of these local characters is part of the richness of staying at Leopard’s Lodge.