at a Glance.
Star Rating
⭐⭐⭐
Type
Location
Dambulla
Hotel Category
Ideal For
Double
Style
Half Board
Price / Night
Why Stay Here
Tucked amid golden paddy fields and framed by misty hills, Palwehera Village Resort captures the gentle soul of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Only minutes from the storied Dambulla Cave Temple, this tranquil hideaway offers the rhythm of rural life wrapped in refined comfort. The rustle of coconut leaves, the call of peacocks at dawn, the scent of frangipani after a passing shower — this is where the island’s timeless calm reveals itself.
“Evenings at Palwehera feel unhurried — a lantern glow over the pool, the sound of crickets, and the slow breath of the countryside.”
Sithiyam Insider: Combine Palwehera Village Resort with stays in Kandy or Habarana for a perfectly balanced hill-country-and-heritage circuit curated by Sithiyam Travel.
About the Property
Set within ten acres of lush greenery, Palwehera Village Resort is a sanctuary of serenity on the outskirts of Dambulla. Designed to echo a traditional Sri Lankan village, its clay-tiled roofs, open courtyards, and tree-lined pathways evoke the warmth of rural life while offering every modern convenience.
The main pavilion opens to a sweeping lawn where the turquoise pool mirrors the sky. Beyond, fields stretch toward distant hills dotted with stupas and forest canopies. This is where travellers pause between the ancient capitals — Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy — and rediscover stillness.
“Here the air carries the scent of earth after rain — the perfume of a land that has known kings, monks and elephants.”
Editor’s Note: The resort’s layout invites wandering — lanes lined with flowering trees lead to hidden courtyards and quiet garden benches.
Why Stay Here
- Peaceful countryside resort minutes from UNESCO sites.
- Spacious rooms and villas with garden and paddy views.
- Authentic local cuisine and warm Sri Lankan hospitality.
- Eco-friendly design and serene setting.
- Ideal base for heritage tours and wildlife excursions.
Sithiyam Insider: Palwehera pairs beautifully with coastal stays — try concluding your journey at Jetwing Sea Negombo for an inland-to-ocean arc.
Accommodation & Rooms
Palwehera’s 45 rooms are designed in soft, earthy tones, with terracotta floors, handcrafted wooden furniture and verandas opening to gardens or paddy views.
Room Categories
- Deluxe Rooms: Cosy spaces with balconies overlooking gardens or the pool; perfect for Flex travellers and couples.
- Superior Rooms: Larger rooms with contemporary décor and village vistas; ideal for families.
- Deluxe Villas: Stand-alone cottages with private terraces, four-poster beds and semi-open bathrooms — Luxe travellers’ choice.
Each room features air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibar and tea/coffee facilities, ensuring comfort without disturbing the rustic charm.
Pro Tip: Choose a Deluxe Villa facing the paddy fields — sunrise mist and birdcalls make it an unforgettable wake-up scene.
Location & Accessibility
Palwehera Village Resort lies about 3 km from Dambulla Town, close to the A9 Highway.
- From Colombo: ~4 hours by car via Kurunegala – Dambulla road.
- From Sigiriya: 25 minutes by car.
- Nearby Landmarks: Dambulla Cave Temple (5 min), Minneriya National Park (25 min), Ritigala Monastery (40 min).
CTA: Arrive effortlessly with Sithiyam Travel private chauffeur service — ideal for couples and families exploring the Cultural Triangle [Plan Transfers →]
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Dining & Culinary Experience
Food at Palwehera is a celebration of Sri Lankan harvests — rice from nearby fields, vegetables from local farmers, spices from Matale’s hills.
The main restaurant serves authentic home-style curries alongside international favourites, all complemented by tropical fruit desserts and Ceylon tea. Evenings bring gentle lighting, and occasionally, live traditional music.
Sithiyam Offer: Book three nights through Sithiyam Travel and enjoy a complimentary candle-lit dinner by the pool. [Plan with Sithiyam →]
Editor’s Note: Don’t miss their Ambul Thiyal — tangy black pork curry simmered with goraka — a Dambulla speciality.
.jpeg)
Spa & Wellness
Palwehera’s wellness ethos is inspired by Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic heritage. Treatments use locally sourced herbs and oils, often prepared by traditional therapists.
Massages, steam baths, and body scrubs are offered in open-air pavilions overlooking the garden. Yoga mats are available on request, and the quiet grounds make an ideal meditation setting.
“Wellness here isn’t choreographed; it’s found in the slow cadence of rural life — in still mornings and perfumed evenings.”
Similar & Recommended Hotels
- Amaya Lake Dambulla — Nature-lodge experience on the lakefront, ideal for Luxe travellers.
- Aliya Resort & Spa — Design-driven eco-resort with panoramic Sigiriya views.
- Heritance Kandalama — Architectural masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa spilling into the jungle.
- Sungreen Resort & Spa — Comfortable Flex option close to Minneriya Park.
Nearby Attractions
- Dambulla Cave Temple (5 min) — A UNESCO treasure of painted caves housing Buddha statues.
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress (25 min) — Ancient rock citadel rising dramatically above jungle canopy.
- Minneriya National Park (25 min) — Famous for elephant gatherings during dry season.
- Ritigala Monastery (40 min) — Misty forest ruins steeped in legend.
- Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs (10 min) — Archaeological site revealing Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisation.
Experiences & Facilities
- Outdoor Pool with shaded decks and sweeping views of coconut groves.
- Cycling Tours through nearby villages and paddy landscapes.
- Excursions to Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park and Ritigala Forest.
- Cooking Classes in traditional clay pots led by resort chefs.
- Evening Cultural Shows featuring Kandyan drummers and folk dance.
Pro Tip: Pair a morning Dambulla Cave Temple visit with a sunset swim — the contrast of sacred rock and open sky is sublime.
Sithiyam Insider: For wildlife lovers, add a Minneriya safari to witness the “Gathering” of elephants — Sithiyam can coordinate guides and transfers.
Insider Tips for Guests
Pro Tip: Rise early for a morning stroll through the resort gardens — the light is soft, birds active and air cool.
Editor’s Note: Pack light cotton clothing — the dry zone sun can be intense by midday.
Sithiyam Insider: Arrange a photographic journey through villages at sunset — Sithiyam can include local storytellers to enrich your experience.
Guest Reviews & Testimonials
Guests celebrate Palwehera for its “peaceful setting,” “friendly staff,” and “spacious rooms with tropical ambience.” Families praise the large pool and garden space, while couples commend the privacy and romantic dinners under stars. Most describe it as “an authentic Sri Lankan experience that feels like home.”
Sustainability & Design Ethos
Built using natural materials and minimal high-rise impact, Palwehera was conceived as an eco-village. Clay bricks, recycled timber and solar heating keep it energy-conscious. Greywater irrigation supports the gardens, and kitchen waste is composted for the organic herb patch.
The resort employs staff from nearby communities, reflecting Sri Lanka’s enduring village hospitality.
Editor’s Note: Many of the clay ornaments seen around the resort are handmade in local artisan workshops in Sigiriya.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Conclusion
Palwehera Village Resort is not just a place to sleep — it’s a breath of Sri Lanka’s soul. Here, heritage and hospitality flow together; time moves slowly, and every evening ends in the soft chorus of the countryside.
Experience Palwehera Village Resort with Sithiyam Travel — where luxury meets authenticity.
