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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Best places to stay 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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