Tekanda Lodge

Tekanda Lodge

High above the southern coastline, where salt breezes dance through rewilded jungle, Tekanda Lodge offers more than just rest—it offers connection. Family-run and soul-led, it’s a place where mornings begin with birdsong, days flow to the rhythm of the sea, and every stay supports the local community at the heart of Tekanda’s story.

Tucked high on a jungle-clad hillside, just minutes from Sri Lanka’s golden southern coastline, Tekanda Lodge is a rare kind of retreat—family-owned, deeply personal, and designed to connect you to the natural rhythms of island life. With just six individually styled rooms, this intimate boutique hotel near Ahangama and Kabalana Beach feels like the private pool house of a very stylish friend—laid-back, quietly luxurious, and wrapped in greenery with far-reaching views across rice paddies and rainforest.

Located just 2km (a five-minute tuk tuk ride) from Kabalana Beach, and only eight minutes from the cafés and surf breaks of Ahangama, Tekanda offers the best of both worlds: seclusion when you want it, and the buzz of Sri Lanka’s south coast within easy reach. The historic city of Galle is just 30 minutes away, making this the perfect stop on a tailor-made itinerary or multi-centre Sri Lanka holiday.

At its heart, Tekanda Lodge is about community, sustainability, and soul. The estate’s ten acres—once a working coconut and tea plantation—have been thoughtfully rewilded, with organic cinnamon, tea, and pepper now growing alongside the palms. The lodge itself is built from sustainable local materials and powered primarily by solar energy. Just down the road, the not-for-profit Tekanda Foundation—co-founded by the owners—supports over 300 local women and children through free education and vocational training, including Sri Lanka’s first ever girls’ cricket academy.

Tekanda’s six rooms—four Lodge Rooms and two stand-alone Cabanas—are light-filled and full of character, with handcrafted furniture, calming natural tones, and private verandahs overlooking the valley. Families can pair Lodge Rooms to create an easy, informal suite. The swimming pool, fringed by palms and surrounded by jungle, is the heart of the estate—perfect for a morning dip or watching the pink skies roll in at dusk.

Dining is a highlight—wonderfully laid-back and informal, with daily changing menus served either around the long communal table or in a more private corner of the lodge. Meals showcase the very best of Sri Lankan cuisine, with a strong focus on sustainably sourced local produce and fresh coastal fish, reflecting Tekanda’s proximity to the sea. Many of the ingredients come from the estate’s own gardens or nearby village markets.

Days here unfold gently. Join a sunrise crocodile safari on Koggala Lake, walk through tea fields at golden hour, or explore nearby Galle. Spend your afternoon by the pool or discover the lodge’s community projects. And while there is Wi-Fi, it’s best to download anything essential in advance—the slower pace is all part of the charm.

This is conscious travel at its most graceful: where barefoot luxury meets meaningful local connection, and every stay supports something greater.

Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. Tekanda Lodge is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary. To explore how this hotel might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.

In a nutshell

Prices From: Prices on request
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Number of Rooms: 6 (4 rooms and 2 cabanas)
Number of Guests: Family Friendly
Distance to Beach: 2KM ( 5 min tuk tuk ride) from kabalana beach
Distance to Town: 8 minute tuk tuk ride to Ahangama
Distance to Airport: 2 hours 15 mins to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (domestic flights – sea planes with Cinnamon Air land on Koggala Lake)
Views: Jungle and paddy field views
Car Hire: Most guests utilise a vehicle and driver, trains or tuk-tuks to explore the wider region
Wifi: Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though as with many rural areas in Sri Lanka, connection can be intermittent at times.

Our guests love

Tekanda Lodge is our jungle-chic favourite on Sri Lanka’s south coast—an elegant, family-owned hilltop hideaway wrapped in nature, just minutes from the beach. With wildlife on your doorstep, soulful community projects to discover, and slow, barefoot luxury at its heart, it’s the kind of place that quietly stays with you.

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