Nestled in a corner of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is The Other Corner hotel – a good example of the lesser-seen side of this popular tourist area. This hotel is tucked away and sits surrounded by the region’s beautiful natural environment. The hotel is a 30-minute drive to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and about an hour from Polonnaruwa, which makes it an ideal stay for a few nights while you visit these key attractions in Sri Lanka.
The Other Corner hotel at Habarana is spread over about 5 acres of natural landscape. The property has a focus on preserving the natural beauty and environment and features of dense grasslands and abundant trees that are home to many bird species. The hotel prides itself on maintain habitat and corridors for wildlife. All the rooms have been constructed with the intention that they merge into the natural landscape as much as possible. This also uses the natural environment to provide guests with privacy at their rooms.
There are three types of rooms at The Other Corner hotel – chalets, tree houses and the main lodge. The freestanding chalets are ground level with front and back verandahs and can accommodate triple bookings. The unique tree houses are wooden cottages that sit off the ground with inviting front verandahs that are ideal places to relax and watch for wildlife. They have warm, wooden interiors and tasteful, earthy tones. The tree house rooms are spacious enough to accommodate a family.
The main lodge features two rooms and bathrooms that can inter-connect and can host as many as seven people – making it suitable for a large family or families or friends travelling together. The lodge is again built above the ground so as to reduce the impact on any wildlife passing through the property – just in case an elephant finds its way onto the property! From the lodge you will have a perfect view to watch it pass. Its interiors feature clay and wood and again reflect the natural environment of this property.
The Other Corner makes our list of hotels we love in Sri Lanka as we believe it’s a great option for families and ideally located close to some of the best sights of Sri Lanka – including Sigiriya. The rooms are suitable for accommodating families, the property is set on beautiful natural grounds which give room for children to explore and run around and the hotel also features an inviting pool – a great place to spend those tropical Sri Lankan afternoons with kids after a morning of sightseeing. For bird lovers, this property is a dream come true. The hotel also has an in-house naturalist who will take guests on guided nature walks or a canoe ride across the marshland at no additional costs. There are also bicycles available should you wish to explore the nearby quiet back roads.
A stay at The Other Corner can be included in any circular tour of Sri Lanka that includes Sigiriya. We can also include this hotel in our suggested itineraries Family Holiday Sri Lanka and Quintessential Sri Lanka.
