Super nice owners. Husband is great tour guide and wife is an awesome cook (especially her fried eggs). Nice view from balcony of rice fields.

Stayed in April 2025

Spectacular scenary, beautiful houses, friendly family taking care of it all, perfect guidance to the Rainforest, delicious food. Saman told us not only the name of the very many animals we saw but also explained us interesting things about them. He knows so much!!! He provided us with special "socks" and salt to protect us from leeches and when back in the hotel, he washed our boots himself before we realised it. So wonderful caring people! My man had problem in his back and he tool extra time so that he could do the tour without risks and didn't charge any more for the extra time. His wife Umesha cooked many different currys every evening to eat with rice. And breakfast was also delicious and different every day so that we could taste local specialities. We can absolutely recommend it!! Right now I am sitting in the terrace while watching a varan, peacoks, a fisher king and hearing the the sounds of nature. Heaven.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing really. Maybe a little hot in the room but not much of an issue with the fan

Beautiful location and rooms were lovely and clean. Hosts were so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The home cooked food was the best

Stayed in March 2025

Amazing place with amazing hosts. We enjoyed our stay very much. Everything was perfect - bungalow with a view, food, friendly hosts, perfect walking tour through the rainforest! We stayed at 9 different places during our trip around Sri Lanka and this one is in our top 2 together with one more place:)

Stayed in March 2025

N/A

Amazing location , beautiful view and the rooms where really well done , with a lot of attention to detail 100 percent recommended

Stayed in February 2025

Nice view from the room, hospitality owner. Recommend!

Stayed in February 2025

I literally have no complaints :)

I had an absolutely amazing stay at Rainforest Next! The value for money is incredible—each bungalow is separate and overlooks lush rice fields that blend into the rainforest, creating a truly peaceful and immersive experience. The room itself was comfortable, with a big veranda and a cozy double bed where I fell asleep to the soothing sounds of the jungle. The couple running the place go above and beyond to make sure every guest feels at home. Even though I arrived past midnight, there was no hesitation in preparing a meal for me, which I really appreciated. The next morning, I enjoyed a delicious complimentary breakfast made exactly to my request. The portions are generous, so if you prefer smaller servings, it might be good to mention it. One of the highlights of my stay was the private rainforest tour with the owner, who is a professional guide. It was such a fun and educational experience—his ability to spot animals is just unreal! After an adventurous day, we returned to a fantastic homecooked meal that was the perfect way to end the evening. Unfortunately, I fell ill overnight, but the care and concern from the hosts made all the difference. They were genuinely worried and made sure I had everything I needed, which I truly appreciated. Overall, Rainforest Next is a hidden gem—beautiful surroundings, wonderful hospitality, and an experience you won’t forget. Highly recommend!

Stayed in February 2025

The bathroom has a lot of traces of mold. It must be hard to fight this in a climate with high humidity (rainforest)

Very sweet people and amazing surroundings. The views are so nice and you can see so many beautiful birds. The owner took us to the rainforest and we also went for the night tour. Everything was really nice!

Stayed in January 2025

Not really negative but informative; they won’t tell you themselves the prices for the food ,tour, tuktuk & extra, so don’t hesitate to ask them.

The view is incredible, and lot of birds can be seen form the balcony of the room . The room is super nice ( but have to close the door of the bathroom to not have the smell of it ) We did a tour ; was super cool ! Saw lots of different birds & small insects & animals . Food was super good ! The family is super nice & welcoming.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

I had the most wonderful time at Rainforest Nest and recommend it highly to anyone seeking comfortable, peaceful accommodation run by amazingly kind and lovely people with a stunning view. The home-cooked breakfasts and dinners prepared by Umesha were amazing and so were the mango and papaya smoothies! Saman took me and my two fellow guests on a five-hour walk through the rainforest and we saw amazing wildlife. Saman was so good at spotting lizards and snakes and brave in getting up close with our cameras! It was lovely to stay in a small place with just two other guests and be so well looked after by people who really cared that their guests had a wonderful experience. The wooden cabin was private and very comfortable. I got there easily by bus from Galle and then went back to Matara afterwards by bus - Saman kindly gave me a lift in his tuk-tuk to the bus stop. Thank you Saman and Umesha I had a brilliant time!

Stayed in January 2025

Fantastic friendly hosts. Welcoming and providing excellent food. Saman is a brilliant guide to take you into the forest with excellent knowledge of Sinharaja, birds and wildlife. Very generous with time, waiting while we swam in the jungle pool. The husband and wife team were really well organised, food was delicious, communication outstanding.

Stayed in January 2025

Rainforest Nest was hands down the highlight of our entire trip! The accommodation is spotlessly clean and has the most stunning view over the surrounding rice fields. On top of that, it’s just a few minutes away from the entrance to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which made it the perfect base for exploring the area. What really made our stay special, though, were the hosts, Saman and Umesha. They are such warm and welcoming people that we instantly felt at home. Umesha spoiled us every day with the most delicious breakfasts and dinners, all cooked with so much love. Her food was absolutely incredible, and we couldn’t wait to see what she’d prepare next! We also went on a rainforest tour with Saman, and it was unforgettable. He knows so much about the plants and animals in the forest and has an incredible eye for spotting even the tiniest creatures. He went above and beyond to make sure we didn’t miss anything—he even spent the entire next day searching for a snake we didn’t manage to see on the tour and showed it to us the morning we left. That kind of dedication and passion is so rare, and it made the whole experience even more special. We couldn’t have been happier with our stay. If you’re visiting Sinharaja, you absolutely have to stay here and take a tour with Saman. We can’t wait to come back someday!

Stayed in January 2025

Lovely owners, great atmosphere and good food. The beautiful small house has stunning views from the balcony. The guided tour with the owner trough the rainforest was very interesting; he sees everything and takes the time to explain. The shower has hot water.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing springs to mind!

Saman and Umesha are wonderful hosts; Saman is a very capable rainforest guide with a sharp eye and very good knowledge, and Umesha is so welcoming - they are lovely, kind people, nothing is too much trouble for them. The property was easy to get to by tuktuk from the nearest village and the comfortable room had the loveliest views over the paddy fields. The internet connection was exceptionally good! My brother in law and I thoroughly recommend Rainforest Nest and would love to return there one day!

Stayed in January 2025

Highly recommend! The cottage has beautiful views with peacocks visible from the porch. Saman & Umesha (the hosts) are incredibly warm & welcoming people. They will go out of their way to make sure your stay is comfortable & enjoyable. I came to this cottage because I heard Saman is an excellent nature tour guide & Umesha is an excellent cook. Both I can verify are true! :) Saman went out of his way to find the animals I wanted to see (vipers, white monkey, etc.) & Umesha easily accommodated my vegetarian diet.

Stayed in December 2024

Nothing we didn’t like.

Spent a lovely 3 nights here with Saman and his family making sure we had a great time. Bungalow was modern and well equipped with a fantastic view over rice paddy with lots of birds. We did a day time rainforest tour with Saman which was excellent and the other 2 days we walked alone in the local area with a 20k walk to a waterfall one day which was beautiful. Can highly recommend staying here to get a real feel of local Sri Lankan life.

Stayed in December 2024

This was one of the best accommodations I've had in Sri Lanka. The Stuff is so friendly and we hat an awesome time with the hosts. Also, the jungle Tour with Saman was perfect. I wanted to see a snake and he did everything to find one. I can totally recommend this place!

Stayed in December 2024

Our experience at the Rainforest Nest was absolutely wonderful, thanks to incredible hosts Saman and Umesha. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed, and their kindness and care shone throughout our stay. Saman took us on an unforgettable day exploring the rainforest - his deep knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna made the experience truly special, and we learned so much. The setting of the Rainforest Nest is breathtaking – peaceful, serene, and surrounded by nature. If you have the time, enjoy relaxing on the balcony and taking in the surroundings and watching the birdlife. Umesha’s delicious home-cooked meal was another highlight. And they even helped us arrange a taxi to Ella. A special mention to their young son, Arjun, the best tuk-tuk driver in the area! Highly recommend this place for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in a stunning location with exceptional hosts. We only regret not booking a longer stay. Thank you!

Stayed in December 2024

Everything was great

Like a gem in the middle of the rainforest. A great spot with homemade food cooked with love and great view from your room.The host couple are very friendly and helpful. The host is a certified rainforest guide so he'll provide you with all the necessary help and gear for a hike- tuktuk, leech socks. And the hike itself is definitely an unforgettable experience 🌿

Stayed in December 2024

Everything was excellent from the very beginning of our arrival. We were warmly welcomed with refreshing tea. Dinner and breakfast were outstanding—everything was incredibly delicious. The hosts were very friendly, and we felt right at home. Umesha is an amazing hostess. Thank you so much for the magical tea that helped me recover faster. The best memories of this place. Many thanks to Umesha and Saman!☺️

Stayed in December 2024

It was simply the best! Saman and Umesha treated us like family from the second we got there. They gave us everything we needed and more. We did a night tour and a half day tour with Saman, which were both amazing! Umesha prepared delicious home cooked food for us. I highly recommend to book at least two nights, because there is so much to do and it’s such beautiful place. At the end they were also able to help us arrange a car to our next destination. Thank you so much for the unforgettable experience.

Stayed in December 2024

A Perfectly Quiet Getaway with Stunning Views If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, this is the place for you. The property is small, with only two bungalows, making it perfect for a small group or family of up to four people. The best part? The views are absolutely breathtaking. Even on rainy days, you can sit on the terrace and watch the wildlife around you. At night, you'll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature – it’s truly a serene experience. The local owners are incredibly welcoming and helpful. They go above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable, from preparing delicious dinners to guiding you through the rainforest. They even arrange transport for your next destination, which was a huge help. If you're seeking tranquility and natural beauty, this is an ideal choice. Highly recommended!

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing really at that price point. (Maybe more ventilation in the bathroom would not hurt [not a major issue though])

I picked this place with consideration of time-of-year, i.e. the high likelihood of rain (it did in fact rain 2 of the 3 days I stayed). Having an airy, light room with covered private balcony became very easy and comfortable, guarded against sticky low airflow, darkness and mould - while having access to a sheltered external space. The hosts are super-friendly, made my stay extra comfortable and enjoyable. Saman (host and accredited guide) took me on a day/night rainforest walk, pointed out a variety of critters -- with the highlight of seeing Loris in the wild! Umesha's fruit juices are delicious and keep coming, dinner requests were possible. Son Arjun helped out as well. Bring binos and watch a variety of birds and reptiles straight off the balcony. Mozzie nets on entrance and over the bed kept critters out, too. I'd happily stay again! See guest 'Ozlem' review , I happily second that :-) (stayed same time)

Stayed in October 2024

We had the most amazing time at Rainforest Nest. Saman and Umesha are such warm and welcoming hosts, easily two of the kindest people we’ve ever met. They made us feel right at home from the start. Our bungalow was perfect - clean, airy, and super comfortable. It’s not too hot or humid there so the first night the ceiling fan cooled our room enough and the next two nights we didn’t even have to use it. The terraces overlook beautiful rice fields, and we spent hours just relaxing and watching the wildlife. We saw so many different birds, even before setting foot in the rainforest. Saman even helped us identify them all. We very much enjoyed Umesha’s cooking too ❤️ The rainforest tour with Saman was incredible. We spotted all kinds of insects, birds and animals, many of them unique to the area. Saman’s knowledge of the forest made the experience very special, and we loved spending the day exploring with him. Like so many others, and despite staying three nights, our only regret is not staying longer! If you want to use public transport, Deniyaya has a direct bus connection to Galle. We’ll really miss Saman and Umesha and hope to come back one day ❤️

Stayed in October 2024