Galle – Amangalla
Infused with the charm of a bygone era, Amangalla is set within a grand old building built in 1684 by Sri Lanka’s Dutch colonial overlords. In its heyday, the property was a popular hotel and today, original antiques, framed sepia photographs and 300 year old teak floors remind visitors of the island’s storied past. Outside it are sprawling, peaceful gardens shaded by mature trees, and beyond that, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks and ramparts of Galle Fort.
High ceilings, large shuttered windows and original floorboards are present in each of Amangalla’s 30 quaint rooms. Four poster beds, planter’s chairs and old tea chests adorn the bright, airy bedrooms, which overlook the leafy grounds, the harbour or the picturesque streets of Galle Fort. Some also feature beautifully furnished balconies where you can enjoy a quiet cup of tea.
Facilities at Amangalla include an inviting courtyard pool flanked by cushioned sun loungers as well as a delightful wellness spa which boasts a yoga pavilion and multiple baths. The cool, elegant Dining Room offers sumptuous meals and traditional English high tea on starched white linen, with the chef available for a lesson in Sri Lankan cooking. You can also dine by candlelight beneath a pavilion set amid emerald rice paddies or beside the swimming pool. If you can be tempted to leave the premises, Amangalla is a short distance from temples, tea plantations and ancient historic monuments.
Location
How to get to Amangalla
Amangalla is located in Galle, a coastal city in the south of Sri Lanka, 155km or 2 hours and 15 minutes by road from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
Amangalla Highlights
- A charming small hotel set within a 17th century Dutch colonial building
- Located within the ramparts of Galle’s famous fort
- Providing glimpses of Sri Lanka’s storied past
- Charming accommodation with 300 year old hardwood floors and period furniture
- Serene, established gardens, a gorgeous pool and exquisite cuisine
Featured
Accommodation
Below are a selection of our preferred hotels in Sri Lanka. Please contact us to tailor accommodation options to suit the style of your trip and your budget.
Annuradhapura – Ulagalla
Ulagalla offers the highest standards in eco-luxury just half an hour from the famous ruins of Sri Lanka's ancient capital.
Colombo – Paradise Road The Tintagel
Paradise Road The Tintagel Colombo occupies a stunning heritage building that once housed prominent Sri Lankan political leaders.
Colombo – Residence
Residence is a unique boutique hotel situated inside a beautifully updated mansion on a leafy street in downtown Colombo.
Ella – 98 Acres
98 Acres is a romantic retreat set amid working tea plantations in the misty highlands of Ella, a small, laid-back town in central Sri Lanka.
Gal Oya – Gal Oya Lodge
Secluded Gal Oya Lodge offers access to one of Sri Lanka’s least visited wildernesses, where swimming elephants are sometimes seen on boat safaris.
Galle – Amangalla
Charming Amangalla is set inside a grand old building built in 1684, with the ramparts of the famous Galle Fort just beyond.
Galle – Kahanda Kanda
Idyllic Kahanda Kanda is an ideal base for exploring Sri Lanka’s southern beaches and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort.
Galle – Tamarind Hill
A mile from Galle Fort, Tamarind Hill is an enchanting combination of old-world grace and contemporary energy.
Hatton – Ceylon Tea Trails
The Relais & Chateaux Ceylon Tea Trails sets the gold standard for colonial-style luxury in the cool, misty Sri Lankan highlands.
Hatton – Mandira Bungalow
The Mandira Bungalows in Hatton offer incredible luxury and time-worn traditions amid the temperate central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Kandy – The Kandy House
The Kandy House is perfectly placed to explore Kandy, Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and the misty central highlands.
Passikudhah – Uga Bay
Steps from beautiful Passikudhah Beach, Uga Bay is an outstanding resort that seamlessly blends tropical and Mediterranean architectural styles.
Sample
Itineraries
The following tours are private, independent and can be easily customised to suit your personal travelling requirements. Please contact us to begin designing your personalised Sri Lanka experience.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka In Style
Discover the many attractions of Sri Lanka while enjoying world-class luxury, superb service and mouth-watering cuisine on this sensational circuit.
Sri Lanka – The Enchanted Isle
Explore the treasures of Sri Lanka including the cave temples of Dambulla, the royal city of Kandy and the picturesque hill station of Nuwara Eliya.
Treasures of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is renowned for its culture and history; however it is also rich in natural wonders with elephant, leopard and abundant birdlife to see.
Sri Lanka Overview
Why Sri Lanka: This remarkable island off the south eastern coast of India might be small but it is jam packed with spectacular landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and ancient historical sites including 7 World Heritage Sites! Sri Lanka is also still relatively unspoilt by tourism, although there are many unique and wonderful hotels throughout the country.
When to Go: Dec – Mar is considered the best time to visit, being the driest season on the west and south coasts, in the ‘Cultural Triangle’ and up in hill country. The east coast is best from May – Sep when many of the beaches along the west and south coasts are experiencing the monsoon. During the monsoon, it is possible to travel as the rain is not constant – you’ll also enjoy lower prices and less crowds. The temperatures are high throughout the year, averaging around 27°C.
Combine With: Neighbouring India, Bhutan or Nepal.
Getting There: Fly into the international airport north of Colombo, the capital.
