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OverviewThe Rafters Retreat is situated 90km from Colombo (a 2.5 hour drive) in a sleepy riverside village called Kithulgala, sandwiched between the famous west coast and the towering central highlands. A small picturesque spot on the banks of the Kelani River, Kithulgala is the ideal stopover destination, breaking up long journeys.The Rafter’s Retreat is an ecologically-themed riverside retreat.AccommodationThere are 14 rooms in all, 11 of which are eco-lodges.Each has twin beds, lampshades and hooks made from natural woods from the estate. Roofed with palm leaves and walled by wooden slats, yet discreetly modernised with electricity and plumbing. Balconies overlook the river through the trees and wooden ladders lead you up and down from the lodges. Mosquito nets and fans keep nightly bugs away but plug points are also available for additional insect repellents. Bathrooms are annexed from the rooms and have modern toilets and corrugated iron showers. The water is direct from natural springs but sadly, so is the temperature.RestaurantsBreakfast and lunch menus are fixed - Western or Sri Lankan breakfast and rice and curry for lunch using local organic vegetables and meat/fish from Colombo.Dinner is either a BBQ or Sri Lankan fried rice or noodles. The menu is limited but tasty and relished after a days cycling or rafting. Special dietary requirements must be advised in advance as stocks are kept to a minimum. Chef will cook and clear away but a self-help approach and helping hand is always welcomed.The restaurant is open to the woodland and set on two floors. Tables and chairs are all from the local wood and can get a little hard on the ‘derrière’ after a few hours.
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