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Outside Dining At Water Garden Sigiriya

Water Garden Sigiriya

This hotel offers both comfortable luxury and views of Sigiriya
The Cultural TriangleSri Lanka· 30 Rooms · £££
Luxury meets nature in the heart of the Cultural Triangle

Stylish modern villas with private plunge pools, surrounded by paddy fields and winding tributaries in the shadow of Sigiriya

Location: Nestled in the shadow of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Water Garden Hotel draws inspiration from the 2,000-year-old water gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its location within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle offers easy access to historic attractions such as Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, as well as Minneriya National Park.

Rooms: The property features 30 private villas set amid landscaped gardens. Each villa combines spacious, stylish interiors with secret gardens and private plunge pools, offering guests a luxurious, intimate retreat in the heart of the countryside.

Amenities: Guests can enjoy a large outdoor swimming pool, a Water Garden spa with organic herb-based treatments, a fitness centre, and a helipad for aerial tours. A dedicated butler service ensures every need is met, while dining options include Sri Lankan and Western cuisine prepared with ingredients from local organic farms, served in the dining pavilion or in private garden settings. The bar offers a relaxing spot to watch the sunset over the horizon.

Activities: On-site activities include archery, cycling, buggy rides through the gardens, croquet with high tea, and cooking classes focused on Sri Lankan curries. The hotel can also organise guided tours of Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves, and Polonnaruwa, as well as jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park.

Sustainability: Water Garden Hotel emphasises eco-conscious practices, sourcing ingredients from local organic farms and integrating the landscape into its design to minimise environmental impact, while maintaining harmony with the surrounding natural and cultural heritage.

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Trips in The Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle Trip Inspiration

When to visit Sri Lanka

Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.

February

February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.

March

March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.

April

Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.

  • Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.

May

In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.

  • Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

June

During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.

July

As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.

August

In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

September

All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.

October

October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.

November

In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.

December

During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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