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4.5
#2 of 13 lodges in Kataragama
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We are located on the border of Yala Nacional Park. It's an ecological place, built in a natural way for a responsible tourism and safari. Bordering the Gem Menik River where guests can enjoy the clean water and refresh body and mind. We organize responsible safaris in Yala NP, we go from Kataragama entrance which is more quiet and wild and we go far from the crowded and busy jeeps to observe the wild life and vegetation. We offer visits to the ancient temple - Situlpowa in the jungle. We have at one's disposal free bicycles for tours long the lakes and we help the guests to explore the local area. We guide the guests to a visit in the Kataragama multi-religious site and participate in the daily Pooja. We have 4 comfortable rooms (one is a large family suite) with terrace and sitting area all built in a rustic style using renewable and natural material. We serve Sri Lankan cuisine prepared daily and cooked on an open fire with terracotta pots. We share a comfortable and traditional atmosphere where everybody are welcome to join for a relaxing experience in harmony with nature and wildlife for an unforgettable stay and experience.
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We absolutely loved our stay at Gem River Edge. The accommodation is beautifully designed and constructed to incorporate and blend perfectly with the forest and natural surroundings. After a day of exploring or safari, you can relax and unwind in the refreshing Gem River, safe and fun for the kids too- my son would have been happy in there all day. The kitchen provided some of the best rice and curry we have ever had, vegetarian, homegrown and organic- the jack fruit curry is not to be missed. A true paradise for nature lovers!
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Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gem River Edge: such a beautiful stay and fabulous way to live so close to wildlife in Sri Lanka!
Though, a trip to Gem river is so much more than just wildlife. Everything about Gem River eco resort has been put together thoughtfully and carefully in respect of nature.
We stayed in a nice cottage in the middle of a big park, surrounded by huge trees and close to a river. Beautiful surroundings!
The food was exceptional with a great variety of organic vegetables cooked in traditional ways. My dietary requirements were perfectly catered for.
During our Safari with Muna, we were very fortunate to see some wild bears, elephants, buffaloes, birds, crocodiles etc. Muna, who is also the owner of Gem River, speaks quitly and is very knowledgeable, informative and can spot everything. We had a stop close to the beach at Yala Park and had a fine breakfast picnic organized by them: the view, quietness and food were simply amazing.
We have stayed at Gem River Edge several times and the last time it was during Poya Day, the full moon Buddhist celebration, and we celebrated it in a traditional way by lightning oil lamps, offering flowers to Buddha in their private little temple and making a big fire in their forest. Such a great and touchy experience.
The owners, Muna and Carla, a beautiful mixed Sri Lankan-Portuguese couple, are very supportive and helpful. They come round all the times and invite us to visit the surrounding areas. A big highlight was their paddy field with a lovely traditional wood fired dinner at the camp fire.
Simply excellent. Fully recommended.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything about this place was absolutely perfect.
We were made to feel so welcome and the staff made sure we had everything we needed and more. You are surrounded by so much natural beauty on your door step, they have a lovely river close by with monkey everywhere playing in the trees. The food was so good, we never left and had breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. The bed was so comfortable, I slept like a baby every night. I honestly couldn’t fault this place one bit.
We also booked a full day safari tour and a bush sunset walk with them and both were amazing experiences! So much fun and well worth every penny. Our only regret is that we didn’t book for longer, it’s a perfect place to stay to relax and see Yala National park. We will be back, thank you so much to everyone at the eco lodge for the best time! We were so sad to leave!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have seen this place grow, over 9 years, into the haven of peace it is today. Set in a forest garden where if you take the time to stay quiet, and look, you will see a wide variety of Sri Lankas wild life. Monkeys, Palm squirrels, even the giant ones, Civet cat and the beautiful birds all live in or visit the gardens. The food is Sri Lankan vegetarian and very good. There's a very good walk from here to the local lake through the paddy field areas. We always walk to the temple complex but a tuk -tuk is always available if you are in a hurry.
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Date of stay: February 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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What a beautiful location! Located in a beautiful garden on a beautiful river, an oasis of peace in the warm south of Sri Lanka. In this ecolodge you can enjoy delicious food (note: only vegetarian, but very tasty!) and the hotel provides excellent excursions (we did an afternoon safari with them in Yala and a full day to the coast, completely tailored to what you want). want to). The owner is very helpful and the staff very friendly. There is no air conditioning (but there is a fan, more than enough for a good night's sleep despite the 38°C during the day) and the WiFi works only moderately - especially early in the morning you seem to have a good connection. The only downside was that there was little water pressure in our room upstairs and no hot water (but then again, it is an eco-lodge...). We enjoyed our stay immensely!
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gem river is the most beautiful and peaceful place we have in been in Sri Lanka. We felt immediately at home and decided to stop for two nights instead of only one. We spent lovely time with Muna and Kelum during the safari and at the lodge. We enjoyed delicious Ayurvedic recipes with fresh and locally sourced produces. We could borrow the scooter to visit Kataragama and they also drove us to the bus station after our check out. I’d love to go back one day ♥️ Ayubowan Gem River!
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Gem River Edge - Eco Home and Safari
Responded 9 May 2024
Thank you very much for your reveiw. It was a pleasure to host you and share our natural spot with you. Was a please to serve you our delicious food and drive you in our conscious Yala safari. Always welcome.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Comfortable, clean and welcoming hotel. Green surrounding area with birds, primates and squirrels, very beautiful, natural and relaxing. Excellent service from staff and owner. Very good vegetarian food and good breakfasts with typical Sri Lankan cuisine. The safaris organized by Muna were excellent and the breakfast and lunch served next to the river within the Yala NP were the icing on the cake.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful place in the middle of the jungle with river next door and hammocks to relax, there is also a common area to have tea. The restaurant offers hearty vegetarian meals in part of the house; very kind and very welcoming staff. Great to then go to the Yala Safari
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:andateci è stupendo 🤩
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Place itself is real gem. Perfectly blended with the nature and the jungle but at the same time very extraordinary. Here it's like a getaway from outside world to calm, find connection with nature and peace within. Waking up to a bird alarm, having morning bath in the Gem river, seeing wildlife all around and just enjoying..What else you need? So much love Mona put into this place you can feel that all over. And the fooood. Wow. One of the best Sri Lankan cuisines I've eaten in the country. Best Coffee there for sure. Thank You for everything, see you soon!
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Relaxing eco lodge set close to Kataragama’s famous temples but remains secluded with access to the river. The hosts and food was great but the highlight was the safari. Very well organised, we saw the elephants, leopard, wild bore, different types of birds etc. And had an amazing breakfast served on the beach. Would highly recommend!
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Go see the temples early evening before sunset, you will see all the locals come. Check first...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear guest,
DO you have a reservation with us?
Kindly let me know and i'll inform you.
The laundry service depends on the package of our guest.
Thanks and looking forward to welcome you and share this nature.
B regards
GRE
Hi, thanks for your request.
Yes our driver can pick you up at the Colombo airport to our hotel Gem River Edge.
Do you have already a reservation with us, please let me know the booking name.
The price to pick you is 150$ ( including high way fees). Kindly send me an email to our web side and send me the fly details and arrival time.
B regards
Carla
Merci pour nous contacter.et votre intérêt à rester sur la Gem River Edge.
Nous avons la availble chambre familiale, s'il vous plaît nous contacter directement pour notre e-mail ou page FB.
Je voudrais avoir votre dates.
Je l'attends pour votre e-mail
Merci
Carla e Muna
There are more places to choose from in the Kataragama area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$73 - AU$76 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaUva ProvinceKataragama
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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