Here are the best eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka that prove sustainability and good design can co-exist

From Colombo to Kandy, Sri Lanka is a tropic paradise with it all—stunning beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. You can join a safari to visit elephants and leopards in their natural habitats, taste Sri Lankan cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and swim or surf in the blue-turquoise Indian Ocean. It is also a forerunner in eco-tourism with some of the world’s most innovative environmentally-conscious resorts. Check out our list of the best eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka that allow you to indulge in the country’s beauty while offsetting your impact on the environment.

The best eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka

1. The Kip | Ahangama

Hotel: The Kip
Location: Mahavidana Gerdara, Dharmarama Road, Ahangama 80650, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A traditional village on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, close to a secluded beach
Rooms: Four guest rooms in the main villa, plus separate studio accommodation
Style: Relaxed colonial villa with minimalist interiors, handmade furnishings and locally sourced details
Family-friendly: Not suitable for children under 12
Wellness: Yoga-friendly garden setting; no dedicated spa
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: The Kip Café serves organic and locally sourced food, with produce from its garden
Best for: Couples, surfers and creative travellers seeking a slower coastal stay
Prices starting from: Approximately US$90 per night, depending on room and season

Set in an old colonial villa, The Kip was a former fisherman’s house converted to a charming four-room B&B. The owners, Phoebe and Seddy, wanted a more conscious and slower-paced life. The result is The Kip—a home tucked away in a traditional village, surrounded by lively jungles, and steps away from a secluded beach.

After a morning of surfing some of the best waters in Sri Lanka, refuel at The Kip Café that offers local and organic food made with love, using ingredients from their garden. The Kip is also the place to meet fascinating locals and immerse yourself in the regional culture. At night, you can fall asleep in their cosy queen-sized beds with the windows open to the sound of crashing waves.

Find out more about The Kip or Book through Booking.com

2. Gal Oya Lodge | Ampara

Hotel: Gal Oya Lodge
Location: Rathugala, Bibile, Ampara District, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: Protected jungle on the edge of Gal Oya National Park
Rooms: Lodge bungalows and a two-bedroom villa, with selected units featuring private plunge pools
Style: Low-impact jungle lodge built with locally sourced timber, stone and natural materials
Family-friendly: Yes. The two-bedroom Lodge Villa suits families and small groups
Wellness: Nature walks, cycling and time in the jungle; no dedicated spa listed
Pool: Shared outdoor pool; private plunge pools in selected accommodation
Dining: On-site restaurant serving meals alongside a bar
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families and travellers seeking remote jungle experiences
Prices starting from: Approximately US$320 per night for two people, depending on room and season

Gal Oya Lodge is the ideal hideout for those seeking adventures in the Sri Lankan jungle. In addition to elephant safaris and birdwatching expeditions, you can visit the Vedda—the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of central Sri Lanka. The lodge offers a walking tour with the village head, who will impart his knowledge on how his ancestors worked the land.

Gal Oya Lodge has nine luxurious bungalows and family villas designed with harmony with nature in mind. Each space is nestled in the jungle with minimal impact on that land. All bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors that open to a private verandah. There is even a pool on the property for when you want to take a break from exploring.

Find out more about Gal Oya Lodge or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

3. Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes | Trincomalee

Hotel: Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes
Location: 27th Kilometre Post, Pulmoddai Road, Kuchchaveli, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A secluded stretch of the north-east coast, between jungle, lagoon and beach
Rooms: 49 cabins across lagoon, jungle and beach categories, including cluster cabins
Style: Contemporary tropical design with nature-inspired interiors and cabins set among mangroves and coastal vegetation
Family-friendly: Yes. Cluster cabins and family facilities accommodate children and groups
Wellness: On-site spa offering massages and facial treatments; gym also available
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool
Dining: Main restaurant, bar and beach bar, with private beach dining and barbecue options
Best for: Families, couples and beach lovers seeking a nature-focused resort
Prices starting from: Approximately US$250 per night, depending on room and season

From the moment you set foot on Jungle Beach, you’ll feel nature all around you. Looking like glamorous treehouses, the resort is a great base for exploring the eastern coast but offers plenty of relaxing on-site activities, such as a spa, pools, and an ocean-view restaurant serving dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients for those who want to slow down.

Choose from beach, jungle or lagoon view chalets, each of which has been crafted to sit effortlessly within its natural surroundings. Sustainable linens and materials have been used throughout the interiors, but mod-cons like rain showers and WiFi are on hand to make your stay extra comfy.

Jungle Beach also features in our guide to the best boutique hotels in Trincomalee.

Find out more about Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

4. Kumu Beach by Teardrop Hotels | Balapitiya

Hotel: Kumu Beach by Teardrop Hotels
Location: 670/5 Galle Road, Welagedara, Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A quiet beachfront setting on the south-west coast, between Bentota and Ambalangoda
Rooms: 10 rooms and suites, including ocean-view and garden-facing options
Style: Contemporary coastal design with natural wood furniture and open-air living spaces
Family-friendly: Suitable for families, although the intimate setting and room configurations may suit couples better
Wellness: Spa treatments and massages
Pool: 23-metre infinity pool overlooking the ocean
Dining: Open-air restaurant serving regional seafood and locally sourced produce
Best for: Couples and design-conscious travellers seeking a quiet beachfront escape
Prices starting from: Approximately US$180 per night, depending on room and season

Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Kumu Beach is home to just 10 exquisitely appointed rooms, each offering beautiful vistas of the nearby beach. In each room, fans offer respite from summer heat, while furniture crafted from local wood complements the contemporary interior design.

Al-fresco dining features the very best regional seafood and produce, with a daily menu of platters and tapas-style dishes. Enjoy the beach and the infinity pool, or book in to visit the nearby Turtle Hatchery or to take a Sri Lankan cooking class with a local chef.

Learn more about Kumu Beach by Teardrop Hotels or Book through Booking.com Book through Agoda

5. Mahoora | Various Locations

Hotel: Mahoora
Location: Mobile safari camps in Yala, Udawalawe and Wilpattu National Parks, Sri Lanka; operator’s office at 20/63 Fairfield Garden, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: Wilderness and protected landscapes bordering Sri Lanka’s national parks
Rooms: Spacious tented accommodation in Elite and Explorer categories, with bedrooms, living areas, bathrooms and verandas
Style: Mobile luxury safari camping with solar power, low-impact facilities and natural surroundings
Family-friendly: Yes. Family-friendly camping options are available; suitability depends on the camp and safari itinerary
Wellness: Guided nature experiences and time outdoors; no dedicated spa or gym
Pool: No swimming pool listed
Dining: Freshly prepared Sri Lankan meals served at the camps
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts and travellers seeking guided safaris with a lower-impact stay
Prices starting from: Approximately US$200 per night, depending on camp, package and season

Mahoora is a provider of authentic, mobile-luxury adventure in the Sri Lankan wilderness. All Mahoora Elite & Premium Campsites border Sri Lanka’s most famous National Parks, such as Udawalawe, Yala (in the wetlands of southern Sri Lanka) and Wilpattu (the lowland dry zone of the northwest coast). All three locations provide premium safari experiences where you can see elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species.

We recommend the top-of-the-line, all-inclusive Mahoora Elite. It is a carbon-neutral safari experience covering game drives in the national parks, travelling in an exclusive jeep and guided by an experienced naturalist. You will stay in a spacious tented (32’x10.8’) accommodation with a bedroom, a living area, an ensuite bathroom, and a veranda. Meals are freshly prepared Sri Lankan food that you can wash down with arrack, the local liquor.

Find out more about Mahoora

6. Kodev | Kalpitiya

Hotel: Kodev
Location: Dutch Bay Island, Kalpitiya 61360, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A secluded island setting overlooking Kalpitiya Lagoon and the Indian Ocean
Rooms: Luxury wilderness tents with comfortable furnishings and private facilities
Style: Eco-conscious glamping using local materials and solar power, set within a mangrove reserve
Family-friendly: Yes, although the remote island setting and outdoor activities may suit adventurous families best
Wellness: Outdoor activities and time in nature; no dedicated spa or fitness centre listed
Pool: No swimming pool listed
Dining: On-site restaurant serving meals during guests’ stays
Best for: Kite surfers, nature lovers and travellers seeking secluded island glamping
Prices starting from: Approximately US$180 per night, depending on tent, package and season

Glamping at its finest, Kodev is built on a natural mangrove reserve overlooking the Kalpitiya Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Its isolated beaches have stunning sunsets and make a picturesque setting for stargazing. Kodev offers different activity packages, from kite surfing to safari tours, to crab hunting and island hopping—there is something for everybody.

Kodev’s Wilderness Tented Camp is modern, comfortable and built with conservation in mind. The site is built on existing patches of bare land (no clear-cutting), constructed using local materials, and powered by solar energy. You can indulge in luxury travel without adding to your carbon footprint.

Find out more about Kodev or Book through Booking.com Book through Agoda

7. The Mudhouse | Anamaduwa

Hotel: The Mudhouse
Location: 153 Pahaladiulwewa, Anamaduwa, Puttalam District, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A rural forest setting near Anamaduwa, surrounded by lakes and wildlife
Rooms: Individually designed huts and shared accommodation, including a dormitory-style Camping Hut
Style: Rustic village-inspired retreat built with natural materials, thatched roofs and traditional techniques
Family-friendly: Yes. Children are welcome, with reduced rates for younger guests
Wellness: Outdoor showers, nature walks and quiet spaces; the Yoga Hut is currently out of service and due for rebuilding in 2026
Pool: No swimming pool listed
Dining: Traditional Sri Lankan meals prepared with local ingredients; meals are included in the stay
Best for: Families, groups and travellers seeking an off-grid countryside retreat
Prices starting from: Approximately US$190 per adult per night, depending on room and season

A rustic getaway, The Mudhouse is on a spectacular 60 acres of land next to a lake. It has been designed as a traditional Sri Lankan village, with cow dung floors and palm-thatched roofs.

The Mudhouse grows its own fruit and vegetables and uses solar power or oil lamps as the light source to reduce its carbon footprint. The Camping Hut is perfect for a weekend trip with friends. It is a dormitory-style accommodation that can sleep up to 12 people. It is equipped with two indoor bathrooms and outdoor showers. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and can help you plan your day’s activity, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, birdwatching or visiting the local Paramankanda Rock Temple.

Insider tip: To enjoy a sundowner by the lake, be sure to bring your own liquor. The Mudhouse has no liquor license but is happy to build you a bonfire while you enjoy a few drinks with friends.

Find out more about The Mudhouse

8. The Rainforest Eco Lodge | Sinharaja

Hotel: The Rainforest Eco Lodge
Location: Enselwatte Tea Estate, Deniyaya 81500, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A tea estate on the southern edge of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Rooms: Individual chalets and interconnected rooms, designed with sustainable materials
Style: Eco-conscious lodge featuring elevated chalets made from repurposed shipping containers
Family-friendly: Interconnected rooms provide an option for families; confirm age and occupancy arrangements when booking
Wellness: Rainforest walks, hiking and birdwatching; no dedicated spa listed
Pool: No swimming pool listed
Dining: On-site restaurant serving meals with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce
Best for: Nature lovers, hikers and birdwatchers exploring the Sinharaja rainforest
Prices starting from: Approximately US$200 per night, depending on room and season

Nature lovers are sure to fall for the beauty of The Rainforest Eco Lodge. Nestled on the Enselwatte Tea Estate and bordering the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Forest, rooms here offer sweeping views of the pristine landscape.

One of the first eco lodges to open in Sri Lanka, the design here prioritises making minimal impact on the land, with chalets crafted from repurposed shipping containers. Dining experiences prioritise seasonal, local produce from breakfast to dinner, and activities include everything from waterfall trekking to bird watching.

Learn more about The Rainforest Eco Lodge or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia

9. Apa Villa Illuketia | Wanchawala

Hotel: Apa Villa Illuketia
Location: Melegoda, Wanchawala 80120, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A rural jungle setting inland from Galle and Unawatuna
Rooms: Eight individually styled suites in a restored colonial-era property
Style: Elegant heritage villa surrounded by tropical gardens, paddy fields and natural greenery
Family-friendly: Suitable for families seeking a private villa-style stay; confirm room arrangements for children
Wellness: Forest bathing and a peaceful garden setting; no dedicated spa listed
Pool: Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by trees
Dining: Restaurant serving Sri Lankan, South Asian and Western dishes, with vegetables from its greenhouse
Best for: Couples, food lovers and travellers seeking a peaceful heritage retreat near Galle
Prices starting from: Approximately US$150 per night, depending on room and season

Hidden away in a patch of jungle just inland from Galle, Apa Villa Illuketia offers six suites in a botanic wonderland surrounded by 10 acres of tropic ferns and blossoms. Once a colonial home on a plantation, choose to stay in the main house or in one of the pool house suites, each promising furniture crafted from natural materials alongside great design and restored glam.

Foodies will love the restaurant here, which serves a selection of Sri Lankan, South Asian, and Western fare lovingly created with produce from the on-site greenhouse. There’s a pool for cooling off in, but one of the biggest draws here is the ease at which guests can experience a good dose of forest bathing to help them reconnect with nature and forget about the outside world for a bit.

Learn more about Apa Villa Illuketia or Book through Booking.com

10. Tri | Ahangama

Hotel: Tri
Location: Koggala Lake, Aladuwa Watte, Pelassa, Thittha, Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A secluded lakeside setting surrounded by tropical vegetation and cinnamon trees
Rooms: Eight accommodation types, including water tower rooms, lake suites and private villas
Style: Contemporary sustainable architecture using recycled wood, local materials, green roofs and solar power
Family-friendly: Yes. A family villa with a shared plunge pool accommodates four to six guests
Wellness: Yoga shala, signature spa and massage treatments
Pool: Shared swimming pool and private plunge pools in selected villas
Dining: Restaurant serving seasonal, organic and locally sourced dishes
Best for: Couples, design enthusiasts and wellness-focused travellers seeking a secluded lakeside stay
Prices starting from: Approximately US$280 per night, depending on room and season

Situated on the bank of the eco-diverse Koggala Lagoon, Tri is a hideout that offers sustainable luxury. A hotel built with local materials and guided by its surroundings, Tri has green roofs, solar arrays, and edible gardens. We love the compact and comfy Water Tower Room in the cinnamon-wood-covered hilltop water tower. It has a king-size bed, and the ensuite bathroom has slate floors, hand-cut terrazzo walls, and a rainfall shower.

One of the best things about Tri is its locale. You can get on a bike to experience the countryside or take a tour of the lagoon to visit Cinnamon Island—the source of some of the best cinnamon in the world. For some city life, ride a tuk-tuk to the colonial town of Galle for some gelato. After a day of exploring, you can unwind at Tri with a massage or a quantum yoga class.

Find out more about Tri or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia

11. Banyan Camp | Udawalawe

Hotel: Banyan Camp
Location: Banyan Camp, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Neighbourhood: A remote lakeside setting in rural southern Sri Lanka, within reach of Udawalawe National Park
Rooms: Four distinctive lodges, including family-sized options and the Mercedes Lodge, converted from a vintage minibus
Style: Off-grid retreat featuring reclaimed materials, driftwood furniture and rustic open-air spaces
Family-friendly: Yes. Several lodges accommodate families and small groups
Wellness: Canoeing, paddleboarding and nature excursions; no dedicated spa listed
Pool: No conventional swimming pool listed; the camp offers lake-based activities
Dining: Local food and floating breakfasts, with Sri Lankan cookery experiences available
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families and adventurous travellers seeking an off-grid retreat
Prices starting from: Approximately US$100 per night, depending on lodge and season

Banyan Camp is an off-the-grid, eco-retreat in rural Sri Lanka. One of its main attractions is its access to Udawalawe National Park, famous for wild elephants in their natural habitat. It is also the perfect spot for seeking waterfalls, exotic birds, and fresh mountain air.

The retreat itself blends in with its surroundings and leaves little carbon footprint. It is outfitted with scavenged doors and windows and furnished with driftwood furniture. One of the rooms—Mercedes Lodge—is made from an upcycled 1971 Mercedes minibus. It is a “dreams on wheels”—a unique outdoor room with a thatched roof made with dry grass.

Find out more about Banyan Camp

12. Back of Beyond | Various Locations

Hotel: Back of Beyond
Location: Multiple retreats across Sri Lanka, including Jungle Hideaway, Kurulu Uyana, Temple Road, Pidurangala, Sigiriya; and Water’s Edge Bungalow, 23 Jaya Mawatha, Pothanegama, Anuradhapura
Neighbourhood: Natural settings near Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and other rural destinations
Rooms: Varies by property, with treehouses, cottages, villas and a three-bedroom bungalow
Style: Low-impact nature retreats designed to minimise disruption to their surroundings, with rainwater harvesting and natural materials
Family-friendly: Yes. Selected properties offer family accommodation and activities for children
Wellness: Ayurveda treatments at selected locations, plus nature walks and outdoor activities
Pool: Available at selected properties, including the Wellness Retreat in Kahandamodara; not available at Water’s Edge Bungalow
Dining: Local meals and property-specific dining arrangements; Water’s Edge offers Sri Lankan and Western dishes prepared by an in-house cook
Best for: Nature lovers, families and travellers exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural and rural landscapes
Prices starting from: Approximately US$100 per night, depending on property, room and season

Back of Beyond offers several sustainable retreats across Sri Lanka. All of their locations have been planned and developed with minimal disruption to their surrounding areas. They practice rainwater collection, and their mini lakes for storing excess water have become a life-giving source for the wildlife during the dry season.

All their properties are fantastic, but our favourite is Water’s Edge in Anuradhapura. It is a bungalow that has modern and comfortable accommodations and a tree-filled garden. If you prefer to sleep in a tent or a treehouse, try Jungle Camp in Sigiriya. Both locations are close to Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, so be sure to partake in some of the cultural excursions that can connect you to Sri Lanka’s history.

Find out more about Back of Beyond

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