Experience
At ON Houses we believe luxury lies within the diversity and authenticity of the experiences provided during your stay with us. A true home away from home; our friendly and kind staff will help you to do as much or as little as you should like. Whether it’s dining in the privacy of your own villa, traditional afternoon tea within the historic walls of Galle Fort, releasing a baby turtle into the Indian ocean, your first surf lesson or a sighting of the majestic Indian Elephant there is a plethora of options available to you. Please do have a read through and see what could tempt you during your stay on the stunning Sri Lankan Coast.
In-Villa Dining
Meals are prepared in the tranquility of your villa by our personal chefs who are dedicated to using fresh local produce and recipes that celebrate the rich Southeast Asian and Sri Lankan culinary traditions. Our meals are designed to be nourishing and healthy as well as delicious.
Yoga
We can arrange one-to-one or group yoga at your villa with Sala, a local yoga teacher. providing a personal opportunity to stretch, strengthen and harmonise both body and mind.
Surfing
Our direct access beach, Jungle Beach, is perfect for intermediate surfers, with its mellow and lengthy left and fun right that comes out to play when we’re lucky!
Ocean Swimming
Although Sri Lanka is known for its surf breaks, there are many wonderful places to swim as well. We are fortunate at OnHouses to have direct access to one of the best swimming beaches on the south coast.
TURTLE HATCHERY, HABARADUWA
There are two turtle hatcheries in Habaraduwa founded to help reverse the sad decline in Sri Lankan sea turtle numbers. If you are lucky enough to be there on a day when babies are ready for release, for a small donation you can release your own into the ocean. A very special experience, and especially good for children.
Sailing
Sail Lanka is the most trusted, luxury sailing outfit on the South and West Coasts of Sri Lanka and offers a range of stunning cruises. Guests can choose from sunrise and sunset sailing trips
Local Train Journey to Galle
One of our favorite local experiences. All aboard at the charming Weligama train station for a half hour 3rd class train journey to Galle. Enjoy views of local village life, lovely Dutch architecture, and palm groves. Disembark in Galle, and be met by our driver, who will take you to the Amangalle for afternoon tea and scones.
Guided Bike Rides
We recommend Idle Bikes for experienced local trips through paddy fields, around lakes and through hilly or flat terrain to suit your group.
HUNDUNGODA TEA ESTATE
Hidden in the hills above Koggala, this lowland tea plantation produces one of the world’s most expensive teas, Virgin White Tea. On the free hour-long guided tour, you’ll learn about the plantation and enjoy a cup of tea and a piece of cake in the old colonial plantation house.
KOGGALA LAKE, KOGGALA
One of the largest natural lakes in Sri Lanka, Koggala Lake is dotted with small islands and is home to a wide variety of birdlife (hawks, herons, egrets etc.) as well as crocodiles and monitor lizards. Boat trips that stop at all the main sights, including a small island village, can easily be arranged and normally last around 90 minutes.
Cacao Ceremony & Sound Healing
Cacao ceremonies create a safe, nourishing environment for participants to connect with themselves, the spirit of cacao, and each other in profound ways. We collaborate with our neighbours at Kalukanda house to offer this magical candlelit experience for our guests.
cinnamon experience
Top House is a beautiful, working cinnamon estate of 25 acres. The Top House cinnamon tour is an entirely private event and is unique in Sri Lanka. It’s led by the owner and is intended for couples and families and smaller groups. It’s an informative and fun tour, designed to teach you all about Ceylon cinnamon farming as well as give an impression of the life of an expatriate farmer in Sri Lanka.
Galle
The beautiful Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built by the Dutch in 1663. The fort is filled with historic houses, museums, churches, mosques, temples and old colonial buildings. Totally unique in Sri Lanka, we highly recommend visiting Galle, even just to walk around and explore.
Safari
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is one of the world’s best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it’s also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting. Elephants are Udawalawe’s key attraction, with around 600 in the park in herds of up to 50. You might also see water buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, monkeys and many types of birds.
Safari
Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. Forming a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, it’s rich in wildlife and you’re virtually certain to encounter elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys and peacocks. Yala is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot a leopard, the best time being February to June.