Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
There's been a surge of hotel construction in the past two years, including a number of
very luxurious options. However, generally speaking, the cost of accommodation is almost
universally overpriced and completely out of sync with the rest of the country. There are
two main areas to stay: Alankuda beach and Kalpitiya beach.
As well as all the water sports activities, most places can also organise Wilpattu Nation-
al Park safaris, but it's a fairly long drive and you'll miss dawn, which is the best time for
seeing animals.
Omeesha Beach Hotel
HUT
( 072 787 8782;Alankuda beach;huts with/without air-con US$75/65; )
Situated right under a giant wind turbine (and we mean
right
under) the rooms here are in
rough-walled huts. Though dark and gloomy, the price makes them more interesting than
most other choices. The bathrooms (cold water only in the non-air-con rooms) are open-
plan affairs. Breakfast is included.
Sethawadiya Dolphin View Eco-Lodge
HUT
(Kalpitiya;full-board r €38-78; )
Down a maze of confused tracks from Kalpitiya town, this place, which is very popular
with long-staying kitesurfers, has rustic and rather basic palm-thatch huts of varying qual-
ity. The cheapest ones have shared bathrooms and are very basic indeed while the pricier
ones are fairly comfortable.
Big pluses are the warm staff, sociable restaurant area, and lagoon-front location with
good kiting on tap.
Rosaanne Beach Resort
HUT
( 072 251 3224;
www.rosaanne-kalpitiya.com
;
Alankuda beach;huts with/without air-con US$100/
90; )
Probably the best bet around Alankuda beach, this very friendly and helpful family-run
place has five whitewashed, thatched cottages huddled under the palms. No hot water in
the non-air-con rooms.
