Holiday Archives - GlenMyu Estate

Sri Lanka Summer 2025

Accommodation, Birdwatching, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Sri Lanka Holiday in the Summer of 2025

Thinking about a holiday in Sri Lanka during the summer of 2025?

At GlenMyu Estate, we are seeing a rise in visitor numbers during mid July, August and through to mid September.

August is our driest month and our guests particularly enjoy spending time at our natural spring fed infinity swimming pool.

A new summer destination?

Sri Lanka has been a favourite place to escape the winter blues for Northern Europeans.

The beaches on the west and east coast are idyllic at that time of year. You can also get your fill of culture, nature, hiking and history in the Central Highlands and cultural triangle.

Feeling the worn tropical sun during the depths of winter is good for the body and soul. It’s also an opportunity to arrive back at work with a suntan feeling refreshed and rested.

During the Northern Hemisphere summer months travelling to the Mediterranean was a shorter flight and inexpensive.

Now, as many of the resorts are suffering from over tourism and protests have made tourists feel unwelcome, lots of travellers are looking further afield.

Sri Lanka is becoming a more popular destination to experience during these summer months.

Since the countries civil was finished in 2009 the East and North of the island have been welcoming more tourists.

This part of the island is best visited during the summer months.

The beaches are different from the south and west and tourism is slowly developing.

Arugam Bay - re-found

Australians were regular visitors for the surfing at Arugam Bay.

Sri Lanka had many challenges including the global pandemic and a financial crisis and many Australians sought other destinations to escape their winter.

Now they are back and Sri Lanka is soundly on their tourist map again.

Many other nations have found Arugam Bay and as more Europeans seek to escape the European summer it will become even more popular.

Great ambitions for Sri Lanka during the summer of 2025

Tourism is one of the focuses for the government as it tries to rebuilt the economy.

Tourist numbers are rising fast.

They jumped from 719,000 in 2022 to 1.4 million in 2023.

The year 2024 saw 2.05 million and the plan is for 3 million in 2025 according to the newly released “Growth Scenarios for Tourism to Sri Lanka”.

Get here now - Sri Lanka Summer 2025

Given the ambitious targets by the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority, the message is loud and clear “Visit Sri Lanka soon!”.

We don’t envisage over tourism in Sri Lanka, but as numbers grow, unique experiences will get more challenging.

Great places to visit in Sri Lanka during the Summer of 2025

The beaches are not the only places to explore on this tropical island.

The Central Highlands are also good to visit during the summer months. Experiencing the sights around Ella, including Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall and Little Adams Peak are great places to visit.

If you like hiking then perhaps the new Pekoe Trail is for you.

Several of our guests at GlenMyu Estate start the stages from and to Haputale.

Kandy and the Cultural Triangle

You are also able to visit the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka during the summer months. You may come across some rain however exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage in the area is worthwhile.

The Cultural Triangle encompassing ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. There is an amazing array of ancient monuments, temples, palaces, and statues that showcasing Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions, royal history, and artistic achievements.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

Sri Lanka Summer 2025 Read More »

Finding inspiration

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Finding inspiration

Finding inspiration in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate.

My wind often wanders as I swim in the natural spring fed swimming pool at Glenmyu Estate.

Situated next to a stream, all I can see as I swim is a sea of greens, reds, yellows and other colours of the flora that surround me.

The background music is played by the water flowing and the birds speeding from tree to tree.

It’s hard not to be inspired when you are surrounded by natures beauty and sounds.

A morning swim

The water in the spring fed pool is a little cooler in the mornings.

Sometimes I am a little reluctant to go in as I want to avoid the shock to my body.

When I muster up the guile to enter within a few minutes I wonder what all the fuss is about. If I miss my daily swim I regret breaking my daily exercise routine.

After a couple of lengths I am meditating as I repeat the breast stroke, my favoured style since dislocating my shoulder on a rugby field in my late teens.

Nature helps me find my inspiration

Life has changed since I left London some nine years ago.

Escaping the busy city, a (relatively successful) career, stressed with life racing away, I could never have envisaged ending up in the Sri Lankan hills.

What luck found me.

It’s not all paradise, but it is a perfect place to be at my part in life.

Sharing our home and experiences

Life has colour as we share our home with guests throughout the year.

We get to meet interesting people from different places on their discovery of this paradise island.

It is humbling when our guests walk through the doors and are awed by the view.

The compliments about the house, the grounds, the animals and the food bring us a mixture of bashfulness and pride.

We just worked with nature to create the experience at GlenMyu Estate. Sourcing the best quality, freshest local produce helps bring out the best in the dishes that we serve.

Reflecting the levels of hospitality that you find all over the island is what we try to do.

Not a writer

As a banker for almost thirty years, the creative spirit was almost knocked out of me by my environment.

After a short creative writing course before moving to Sri Lanka my hidden artistic elements were found again.

I may not be a writer, but I get a lot of pleasure from my scribblings.

The environment that we have created at GlenMyu Estate is my inspiration to write.

An appreciation for nature

Coming from the hygienic west where we wipe everything with ninety nine percent germ free chemicals I have realised that letting nature create a balance is the way forward.

Far from chasing everything away in the city, we are encouraging wildlife and biodiversity at the five acre GlenMyu Estate.

Ducks, chickens, dogs a cow and a bull are residents on the land. Daily visitors on foot or by air feed from the fruit forest habitat we are growing. From monkeys to deer and parrots, all are welcome for a while.

A change of pace aids finding creative inspiration

There is a calmness at GlenMyu Estate which allows you the time to find creative inspiration.

Being a far enough away from busy tourist spots, but near enough to be within reach there is a comfort about being in this part of Sri Lanka.

The heat is not draining which provides energy sufficient to write, draw or paint.

You can find a source of inspiration or awe around every corner if you look for it.

We love it when we host guests at GlenMyu Estate that are moved as much as we are living in our little piece of paradise in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Finding inspiration Read More »

Bobbi is our youngest dog at GlenMyu Estate

A different kind of swim

Accommodation, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

A different kind of swim on a paradise island

Swimming in the pool at GlenMyu Estate is a different kind of swim.

No chlorine, filled from a natural spring and surrounded by nature.
It’s an experience that you won’t forget.

At GlenMyu Estate, we attempt to give you a unique experience as you discover this island paradise.

Cool and refreshing - a different kind of swim!

You know that you are alive!

The temperature in the pool varies during the year.

In early December, sometimes I have to brace myself before diving in and repeat that this is good for you.

As our Scandinavian guests arrive in January, they do not understand what the fuss is all about. The temperature is positively inviting!

Our German guests are of a similar disposition. They love the freshness and are probably the most regular users of this unique experience.

A different kind of swim - surrounded by nature

The swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is a short walk away from the house.

Lots of our guests like this are it is not overlooked and you can swim with a level of privacy.

The pool is surrounded by nature. Your eyes will be bombarded with a sea of changing greens and other hues from the flowers and other plants around the pool.

An experience in the morning and the evening

I particularly like swimming in the early morning or in the early evening.

Around 8 a.m or 4:30 p.m are my favourite times.

I love the colours of the sun peaking through the trees and the sounds of the birds at the start and end of their days.

My swim is regular disturbed by a noisy flock of parrots racing from tree to tress before retiring for the night.

You might be accompanied by a dog or two!

Our dogs don’t like water.

It really is a challenge getting them to have a bath. The sounds of reluctance are evidence enough.

However, you may be joined by some of them during your swim.

They love it when we have guests, especially if you give them a little affection.

So, your different kind of swim may include an informal security guard watching over you!

The waters warmer at the beach

The pool at GlenMyu Estate provides a different kind of swim to experience.

Lots of our guests find that the temperature of the water at the coasts are a little too warm. Some guests swim in the sea or lakes in Northern Europe and prefer the cooler water in the GlenMyu pool.

However, it’s great to have a variety of experienced on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

Spending time in a warm hotel pool or surfing on the southern coast is also a memorable experience.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

A different kind of swim Read More »

Looking Up

Birdwatching, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Photography, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel / By Mikeez

Looking Up!

Looking up at GlenMyu Estate and appreciating nature.

This morning I dumped my phone and just sat on black metal chair next to the lawn.

Listening to the birds, I inhaled deeply and connected with the nature around me.

Instead of looking at the grass that I needed to cut on the lawn, I looked up.

The early morning sun was glistening through the trees feeding me with vitamin D.

A kaleidoscope of greens and blues in the canopy above are colours that soothe the mind and I feel connected with nature.

I am joined by two of our rescue dogs at my side seeking a comforting touch.

Animals and wildlife are all part of what makes GlenMyu Estate a special place.

I, of course, had to pick up my phone to take the photos and video to add colour to my scribble.

Don’t worry, it was discarded again in quick time so that I could return to my mornings meditation.

Above and below the clouds

There are many places in the house and around the five acre estate where you can connect with nature.

The view from the lounges and the bedrooms often provide you with the sensation of being above and below the clouds.

Watching the clouds form and pass across the valleys below is more fulfilling than watching a screen, however big or small.

Slow down, connect with nature and replenish your soul

We have many guests that stay at GlenMyu Estate who race around the island to tick as many things of their Sri Lankan bucket list as possible.

When they arrive and settle in, many slow down and use their time here to get grounded and reenergised.

The environment in our five acres of Sri Lankan Hill country appears to guide you to refocus and take some much needed time out.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and appreciate nature

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Looking Up Read More »

Why French Travellers love Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Why French travellers love Sri Lanka

Why do French travellers love Sri Lanka?

We have welcomed many French guests at GlenMyu Estate Boutique Villa in Sri Lanka.

Here are the reasons why we think our French guests love visiting a exploring this paradise island.

Memories from childhood

One of our French guests mentioned that a favourite cartoon when he was growing up was Babar.

This series is about a family of Elephants who go on adventures including some to tropical islands.

He pondered that perhaps French travellers love Sri Lanka as Elephants and Tropical Islands are imprinted into your mind as children.

There is no science behind this idea, but perhaps there is something in this thought!

Why French travellers love Sri Lanka - Getting away it all in the Winter time

As the winter can be harsh in Europe with little sun, Sri Lanka is a well travelled place for French guests looking to escape for some sun.

The island doesn’t just offer fabulous beaches to get some winter sun.

It also has a bountiful mix of culture, nature and experiences to enjoy.

There is something for everyone.

Hiking

Perhaps hiking in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Horton Plains were you can see amazing views and be with nature.

Culture

Cultural experiences in the historic cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Wildlife and animals

Safaris in Yala National Park, Minneriya, Udawalawe National Park or Wilpattu National Park to see Elephants, Leopards and other wildlife.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Climbing UNESCO World Heritage site the Lion Rock in Sigiriya for tacking a section of the Pekoe Trail.

Why French travellers love GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

We have been delighted to host many French guests over the few years that we have been open.

As the temperatures in the Sri Lankan Hill country are lower than those in the parts of the country our French guests love the relief before heading on to warmer climes.

The space at the five acre estate and beautiful gardens and scenery are other things that our French guests particularly enjoy.

Our French Travellers love the food, the bread!

We know how important food is to our guests.

Ru and the team are starting to get a reputation for the quality of dishes they serve to our guests. Read our guest reviews to find out more.

We use the best quality, locally sourced ingredients that we can find.

Our French guests are also amazed at the bread we serve. We bake a variety fresh bread everyday for our guests. It’s good to have something familiar when you are so far away from home.

And so much more

A Natural Spring Fed swimming pool surrounded by nature.

Five acres of Sri Lankan hill country to explore.

Wonderful experiences within a drive from the estate including Horton Plains National Park and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Two stages of the Pekoe Trail start at Haputale which is a short twenty minute drive from the estate.

A place to relax and re-energise during your holiday in Sri Lanka

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Why French Travellers love Sri Lanka Read More »

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for three couples

Accommodation, Ella, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for three couples

Where are the best hotels in Sri Lanka for three couples.

Do you want to have the place all to yourselves?

Then GlenMyu Estate, in the Sri Lankan Hill Country, may be the ideal place for you.

Smaller is better

Since the global pandemic we have seen a move towards travellers choosing smaller hotels and villas.

They don’t want to be in a larger hotel, queuing at a buffet for their breakfast.

A smaller, bespoke hotel provides the privacy and level of service that some of the larger hotels cannot match.

If you and your friends are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka, then there are lots of great options for you to consider.

Near, but far enough away from Ella

At GlenMyu Estate, we have hosted guests that want to be in reach of the tourist hot spots, but don’t want to be in the heart of a touristy place.

Many guest choose GlenMyu Estate,

Exclusive use

We really like it when we have one group of guests taking all three bedrooms.

The exclusive use of the property with your friends or family mean that you can truly relax.

We can offer better direct booking rates when you book all three bedrooms for two nights or more.

Space for three couples to enjoy time on their own

An important thing to us is that you can have some time alone if required.

We have made sure that each bedroom has two comfortable places to sit, if you want time away for yourselves. There is a mix of chairs or beanbags for you to relax.

There are two lounges which also have comfortable seating. They are configured so you can sit together or spend some time in individual spaces.

Three luxury bedrooms for three couples

The Mango, Mahogany and Cinnamon bedrooms all have private bathrooms.

Each king-size bed faces out to the stunning views of the valley below leading towards the south coast.

As the temperature does not get too warm in the Sri Lankan Hill country, we do not have air conditioning. Overhead fans are all that is needed for those warmer times of the year.

Dining with friends is much more fun

Isn’t dining with friends and family much more fun. Conversations at the dining table reminiscing about the past or what you have experienced in the hill country.

This is a place where memories are made.

The food is great too.

Have a look at our reviews and you will read about what our guests say about the food.

Here is our food menu to start your taste buds going!

A pool less crowded

When you book all three rooms as couples you wont have to worry about pool time.

Six sun loungers await for you to relax around the beautiful natural pool.

It’s an amazing space where you can truly relax after a refreshing swim.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for three couples Read More »

Patch being a guard dog surveying the land

Not all paradise

Accommodation, Birdwatching, Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our dogs, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel / By Mikeez

Not all paradise!

It’s not all paradise living in Sri Lanka.

However, there is no place that I would rather be.

'You are living in a paradise'

When guests stay with us at GlenMyu Estate, I often hear them comment that it must be wonderful living in paradise.

Like most things, what you see looks great, but the reality is that it’s not all paradise.

A lot of work, a little bit of stress and a few obstacles in the way led top the creation of our piece of paradise.

There are still challenges every day, however, they are minor and worth meeting for us to be able to life our lives in Sri Lanka.

Far from a paradise

GlenMyu Estate was far from a paradise when we saw the abandoned five acres back in 2011.
It was in such a mess that we were not able to see much of it.

The Guinea Grass was so high that we were only able to scramble through around 150 metres of rough landscape before turning around.

Buy it, we might find something better

We had searched for a piece of land each year on our annual holiday in Sri Lanka.

The search was exhausting. We often were excited to reach the land being offered after a tumultuous journey down a never ending unmade path, only to be disappointed.

The journey had taken us ten hours on the train from Colombo Fort to Haputale followed by a Tuk Tuk ride to see what would become GlenMyu Estate.

Ru was happy that she could see some water traveling itself across the land. There was also an electricity line at the road.

I was happy that the access was from the main A4 road and not down a two kilometre bumpy track.

The price was okay, and I said to Ru that she should buy it.

I always had in my back of my mind that at least Ru would have some land. It could always be sold if we found something better.

Something that was not a paradise, eventually becomes a paradise.

After plunging a large sum into building a road that accessed the centre of the land we had to follow our money.

In the rains you come across leeches.

Having lived for many in the concrete jungle of London, where we chase away any wildlife, leeches were quite scary.

It took me some time before I accepted that giving an animal a little meal from blood that was surplus to my requirement was okay.

What I found was that if I cut the grass on GlenMyu Estate quite short on the pathways and lawn, the leeches disappear. They can’t handle any sun and really need long wet grass to live in.

So, we avoid the long grass and keep the pathways in good condition.

It took some time to create a paradise

If you have ever watched Grand Designs there is a regular pattern.

It starts with an ambitious project with a budget that may not be enough.

Delays, weather, difficulties in getting material and changes in specification along the way results in project delays.

We went through all these experiences during the development of GlenMyu Estate. There are so many stories that are in the back of my mind, one day I will put them down on paper. I think I haven’t so far as some bring back too many painful memories.

We didn’t have a timescale for the project.

The global pandemic occurred during our build and we really didn’t know that anyone would be travelling again to stay in the house.

At one point I thought that GlenMyu Estate would be an abandoned project and we would move back to the UK to a normal life.

It took around three years before we moved into the house at GlenMyu Estate.

Eventually, we moved our belongings into the upper floor of the property.

It was all worth it in the end.

The reaction reminds us that we live in paradise

‘You can never get bored of living here’

This is another phrase that we hear very often. The reaction that our guests have when they walk through the doors and see the view from the lounge makes us feel very humble.

When your landscape is similar every day, it is easy to treat it as normal and not appreciate it for what it really is.

We love having guests stay with us at GlenMyu Estate for many reasons. One is that thy keep us grounded and ensure that we appreciate this bit of paradise we have created.

Elements that make GlenMyu Estate a paradise

There are lots of elements that make this five acre piece of land in the Sri Lankan hills a paradise for us.

We are fortunate to be living in a microclimate that enables so many plants to grow. Ruwanthi is always happy to provide a garden tour for interested guests to see the spices, fruits and vegetables that we grow.

The climate is also great for us. It’s not too hot nor too cold.

Typically the temperature during the day ranges from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius. When it does reach 28 degrees there are plenty of trees to get some shade. The climate means that we don’t need to use air-conditioning. We are pleased that we don’t have that negative impact on the environment.

Nature led the way

I always say that we have worked with nature and not pushed her too much. Living on a slope, if you push too much then nature will let you know it. We have planted lots of trees and carried out as many steps as we can to stop the erosion on the hillside. Terraces of rock walls and hedgerows have been created all around the land.

Nature provides natural beauty. By working with nature it has created a more beautiful and calming environment than we could have planned.

Water

Water is important and Ruwanthi spotted the streams crossing the land on our first visit. Thankfully we have springs going through the gully or glen.

This means that we have water throughout the year which helps with the gardens.

We have created a natural spring fed swimming pool which is one of our favourite places at GlenMyu Estate. It’s refreshing whether you have been working all day or experiencing one of the Pekoe Trail Hikes or Horton Plains National Park

Surrounded by nature, it’s an amazing place to be.

A connection with nature

The whole of GlenMyu Estate is designed to connect you with nature. Ru took some inspiration from architect Geoffrey Bawa to bring the outside in.

Floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms and lounges are focussed to make the best of the environment. It is calming watching the clouds sail along by, or sometimes come and touch the windows.

Our food menu is mainly plant based. We source as much ingredients as we can from the garden or locally to the estate.

The garden produce are one of the elements of living in paradise. Eating seasonal from the garden is when the produce tastes the best.

What a feeling I have eating mandarins that have been picked from the garden. Slicing a lemon for the occasional G & T that I know has not travelled very far adds to the taste.

Feeling like you want to stay longer

We love it but we are also sad when guests say that they would have wanted to stay longer and do not want to leave.

Unfortunately many guests only have a short time to see this wonderful paradise island. Holiday allocation limits their ability to stay in one place for too long. Recently we have had more four days stays. However, this is still not long enough to really relax on the property and also explore the places too see within reach of the estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our little paradise

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Not all paradise Read More »

Horton Plains Ticket Price

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Horton Plains Ticket Price

How much is the Horton Plains ticket price?

At GlenMyu Estate, we have lots of guests that enjoy the amazing hike around Horton Plains to see the flora, fauna and views from Horton Plains.

There is much more to see and enjoy at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our guests have been kind enough to share their tickets for the entry into Horton Plains National Park.

It’s an expensive experience in Sri Lanka, but we still think it is worth the ticket price.

Entry Ticket to Horton Plains in 2025

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate visited Horton Plains National Park in February 2025 and kindly showed us their entry ticket.

As you can see, it cost just under 24,000 Sri Lankan rupees for two foreign adults.

This is around US$80 (April 2025 exchange rate).

Despite the price, we think that you will enjoy the experience and feel great after you have completed the 11 kilometre circular hike.

Why stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Horton Plains National Park?

In my opinion there are three main reasons to stay at GlenMyu Estate when you visit Horton Plains National Park.

Firstly, you deserve it!
You deserve a bit of luxury after completing the 11 kilometre walk at an elevation of ….. The comfortable bed and sofas are welcoming after your efforts.

Secondly, the Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool
We think that swimming after your walk will receive the stress you have put on your muscles during your hike. You will feel great after your swim.

Thirdly, the food
You deserve some really good meals after expending the energy on your hike.
Ruwanthi and the team prepare delicious meals for our guests. Just read our reviews and see what our other guests say about the food at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Horton Plains Ticket Price Read More »

Why Singaporeans like to holiday in Sri Lanka?

Ella, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Why Singaporeans like to holiday in Sri Lanka

There are lots of reasons why Singaporeans like to holiday in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of experiences that appeal to Singaporeans seeking a refreshing getaway.

Here are some reasons why it might be a great place for people living in Singapore to come to this paradise island on holiday:

Convenience

A shortish hop!

With direct flights taking under four hours, Sri Lanka is a convenient destination for a short holiday

Diverse Attractions

Different experiences around the island

From pristine beaches like Pasikuda, Mirissa and Arugam Bay to cultural landmarks such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala and ancient Buddhist temples in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka offers a mix of relaxation and exploration.

Wildlife and Nature

The country is home to incredible wildlife.

Many guests hope to see leopards in Yala National Park.

Others enjoy an elephant safari at Udawalawe National Park.

Its lush tea plantations and scenic hill country also provide a serene escape

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate enjoy walking from Liptons Seat to Dambetenne Tea Factory and taking a tea factory tour.

Others hike one of the two sections of the Pekoe Trail that start in Haputale.

Affordable Luxury

Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation, from budget-friendly options to luxurious stays.

We would recommend that you stay in a variety of accommodation during your travels around the island to have a range of experiences in different locations.

Rich Culinary Scene

The local cuisine, featuring dishes like kottu and egg hoppers, is a treat for food enthusiasts.

Our guests enjoy both the Sri Lankan dishes at GlenMyu Estate and also the Sri Lankan inspired fusion dishes prepared by the team.

Authentic Experiences

Sri Lanka tourist numbers are starting to increase, however there are still lots of untapped tourist spots to discover.

Even established sites such as Horton Plains National Park can have a low number of tourist during parts of the day making it a unique experience.

You will find warm hospitality and an authentic less commercialised travel experience when you visit some of the smaller hotels and restaurants. A homestay during your holiday with provide you with a special experience with a Sri Lankan family.

Something different

Sri Lanka is a destination offers something different for Singaporeans.

There is so much to see and experience on this small island.

Tourist numbers have not reached the levels yet so you can still find unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences and local culture.

Our Singaporean guests love staying at GlenMyu Estate

Since we opened in 2022 we have hosted several guests that live in Singapore.

One thing that really stood out was how much they enjoyed the food that Ru and the team serve.

In addition, staying on the five acre estate, without lots of guests, they really appreciated the space which we provide.

A maximum of seven guest can stay at the estate and there is lots of places to explore and get away from the crowds.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Why Singaporeans like to holiday in Sri Lanka? Read More »

The Luxurious Mango bedroom at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka. Wonderful for Valentine's Day in Sri Lanka

Three Bedroom Hotel in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Food and Drink, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Three Bedroom Hotel with a pool in Sri Lanka

If you are looking for a three Bedroom Hotel in Sri Lanka with a pool, then GlenMyu Estate delivers a special experience for you and your guests.

There are lots of reasons why taking all three rooms for your exclusive use makes a lot of sense.

The actual capacity at GlenMyu Estate is for seven people as we have one triple bedroom and two double bedrooms.

We also have a sofa bed in the main lounge. However this does mean that guests using the sofa bed have to share a bathroom with the other guests.

It works out satisfactorily when there is a family with children.

Creating special memories together in the Sri Lankan Hill country

Groups of friends and families have booked all three bedrooms and enjoyed the space that GlenMyu Estate delivers.

Spacious lounges, a swimming pool and five acres to explore all help to create special memories for those that stay.

Whether its an incredible sunset sky, laughter at the swimming pool or the guests sitting at the table enjoying a delicious meal together, we love that we can provide the facility to strengthen friendships and family bonds.

Why only three guest bedrooms?

It just happened that we made a building that had three bedrooms for guests.

We live on the upper floor, so that are four bedrooms in the building.

Three bedrooms work for us as it allows us to provide a personal service to our guests.

We can also pay special attention to the quality of food that we serve as we can focus a smaller number of guests.

Three is not a crowd

We recognise the importance of having space.

Many people live in more cramped conditions than they would like (as we did when we were in London).

By only having three bedrooms guests have the luxury of space.

Two lounges, five acres of land and with lots of places to sit and enjoy nature means that you will have the opportunity to be alone if you choose.

Three bedroom hotel -Excellent for friends

We have hosted small groups of friends who have taken all three bedrooms.

Having this amazing space just for six or seven people allows you to relax and spend some special time to strengthen those friendship bonds.

Being able to eat together around one table not being disturbed by others provides an opportunity to make new memories.

We love hearing the laughter from the dining area when groups of friends stay and reminisce about their past and the experiences exploring Sri Lanka.

Three bedroom hotel -Great for families

In a busy world where families live apart, it’s difficult to spend some quality time together.

Some guests book all three rooms for several nights so that they can spend that precious time with their families.

We love hearing the laughter and memories being made at the swimming pool from different generations of the same family.

Bespoke meals

We make every meal freshly to order. Whether it’s home made pasta, mushrooms in cashew sauce or our ice creams we make them all from scratch.

As it takes time to prepare the meals we do ask our guests to order their meals in advance.

We mainly have vegetarian, or plant based options for guests made with the best ingredients that we can source.

Some fish and chicken dishes are also available.

Activities to kept you entertained

There are lots of wonderful places to explore in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

However, you don’t have to go our for the day as there is enough to do at the estate. We have board games, books to read and we can set up a badminton net on the lawn.

Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

An activity that lots of our guests enjoy is our Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

Hosted by the dream team of Ru and her mother, it’s an informative and entertaining time.

And the best bit is that you get to eat the food that you have seen being cooked at our outside kitchen.

A spice garden tour

Ru regularly provides guests with a garden tour.

For many it’s educational, finding out where your food comes from.

We grow, cinnamon, pepper, cloves, jackfruit, banana, lemons, vanilla, tomatoes, and many more items.

Is five acres enough?

Most business people would have developed more units on the five acre estate.

We believe in the luxury of space.

Having five acres to roam around and enjoy the varying landscape provides the opportunity of spending time for yourselves without the intrusion of others.

Three wonderful bedrooms

All our bedrooms have fabulous views towards the south of the island to wake up to.

There is enough space in the rooms to hang out when you want to be alone.
We have made sure that there are two chairs or beanbags in the rooms so you have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the view.

There are two doubles and one triple and our maximum capacity is for seven guests.

Lounge around

Spacious lounges provide an opportunity to spend time together. We have some board games so that guests can get competitive if they want!

There are books to read and an amazing view to admire, so you will always have something to occupy your time…if you need to.

Contact us directly for prices for all three bedrooms

If you are taking all three rooms for two or more nights we will provide you with our best direct rate.

The best way to contact us is by WhatsApp.

Press the WhatsApp button on our website or send a message to 94 752999272

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Three Bedroom Hotel in Sri Lanka Read More »

Hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers and a swimming pool

Accommodation, Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers and a swimming pool

Hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers and a swimming pool.

GlenMyu Estate is located in five acres of the Sri Lankan hill country , just over one hours drive from Ella.

We find that our guests like to stay out of the touristy areas but be within reach so that they can visit and experience the beautiful places to see in the area.

The swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is filled by a natural spring and you will sometimes be accompanied by one of our dogs who will watch over you whilst you swim.

Meet the dogs

Here are some of the dogs that you will meet at GlenMyu Estate

We are proud to say that we have re-homed many puppies over the time we have lived in Sri Lanka.

It got a little more difficult to find homes in 2022 during the financial crisis experienced by the country.

However, recently (February 2025), we have managed to re-home three street dogs. They are all settled in their new homes with loving owners.

Your bit of charity when you stay with us

We aim to give all dogs that go through pour hands the best start in life as possible.

By staying with us at GlenMyu Estate, part of the money you pay goes to supporting the dogs.

The dogs at the estate are fed, housed and get their annual vaccinations.

We feed street dogs in Beragala town and have recently been supporting a female who gave birth to five puppies.

As some of the local Sri Lankans find it costly to spay or neuter their dogs, we provide funding to ease the financial pressure.

Our fabulous swimming pool

We love our swimming pool.

It is surrounded by a sea of green and listening to the bords as you swim is a joy.

The pool os not overlooked by the house and our guests like the level of privacy.

No need to share

As we only have three guest bedrooms you will often find that you are the only guests at the swimming pool.

Some families or friends book all three rooms at the estate and have the luxury of having the pool all to themselves.

It’s a perfect place to relax, have some fun and make memories that will last for a long time.

No chlorine, just spring water

Don’t you hate the chlorine smell when swimming and when you get out of the pool.

I just can’t wait to have a shower and remove that chemical odour.

As our swimming pool is filled from a natural spring and is constantly flowing, we do not use chlorine in the pool.

It’s and amazing experience and great to know that you are swimming in water as natural as it should be.

Enjoy our dogs and fabulous swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers and a swimming pool Read More »

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers

GlenMyu Estate, located in the Sri Lankan Hill country, is one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers.

We know how much travellers miss their pets on holiday.

Our dogs provide you with a fillup whilst you are away from home.

It really makes us happy how our guests at GlenMyu Estate make friends and have a connection with our dogs in a short period of time.

Keeping Dog Lovers safe

All our dogs are vaccinated, friendly, and used to meeting guests.

They don't know how lucky they are!

Our dogs don’t know how lucky they are.

So many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate comment on the paradise that the dogs live in.

They are loved, get plenty of petting and are fed well.

GlenMyu Estate has five acres of land and we really think that the dogs see it as their playground.

It’s wonderful watching them run around the land, investigate and play.

If you are a dog lover, you will love our dogs!

GlenMyu Estate is a place for dog lovers.

We always send a message to guests that book with us that we have dogs at the estate.

If you are uncomfortable with dogs, then GlenMyu Estate is not the place for you. There are lots of other hotels, villas and guest houses for you to choose from on the island that are pet free.

Can I bring my dog with me?

We clearly are dog lovers and all the animals that live at the GlenMyu Estate.

There are also chickens, ducks, a cow and a bull.

Other animals visit the estate to forage. There are monkeys that come to the trees to eat our Jackfruit, Mangoes and Avocados when they are in season.

As this is our dogs home we don’t allow guests to bring their pets.

The dogs are quite territorial. It would not be relaxing for both us and the guests if we were to be worried about the safety of your pet.

The good thing is that you will be able to spend time with our friendly dogs and watch them living their special lives in the Sri Lankan hill country.

Meet our dogs and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best hotels in Sri Lanka for dog lovers Read More »

Horton Plain Entry Fee 2025

Birdwatching, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

What is the entry fee to Horton Plains National Park in 2025?

Horton Plains National Park Entry Fee 2025

Many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate enjoy a hike around Horton Plains National Park.

Some of our guests have shared their entry tickets with us so that we can share the information with you.

In February 2025, the cost for two foreign adults was LKR 23,382

This is approximately $82 USD for two adults.

The fee includes a service charge and taxes.

There is a lower cost for local Sri Lankans, which is normal at tourist sites on the island to make it affordable for them.

If you’re planning to visit, it’s worth noting that the park opens early, around 6:00 AM.

Going early provides you with the best chance to catch the stunning views at World’s End.

When you enter the trail, we would recommend that you our left to get to World’s End as early as possible before the clouds come in.

Horton Plains National Park is an amazing experience.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking landscapes and a unique biodiversity.

It sits at an elevation of 2,100 to 2,300 meters (6,900 to 7,500 feet) above sea level.

Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island.

The 11 kilometre hike around is a truly unforgettable experience.

Here's what you can expect during your visit to Horton Plains

World’s End 

This dramatic cliff with a nearly 1,200-meter drop, offering stunning panoramic views of the valleys and tea estates below.  

If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Indian Ocean.

Baker’s Falls (Waterfall)

 A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.  

The waterfall is a short detour from the main trail down some concrete stairs.

We find that it is a welcome relief and a place where the spray can be cooling during your walk.

It provides a serene spot for photos or simply enjoying nature. Here is a family enjoying the beautiful cascade.

Find out about staying at GlenMyu Estate when you want to hike Horton Plains.

Flora and Fauna

Horton Plains  is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

 You’ll encounter sambar deer (this one was at the entrance), endemic bird species, and possibly even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard if you’re lucky.  

The landscape is dotted with montane grasslands and cloud forests.

Chimney Pool and Mini World’s End

There are other viewpoints and features along the way.

Each has their own charm.

We would recommend that you don’t rush your walk which will enable you to enjoy this amazing environment.

Be prepared for a hike!

The park’s early-morning mist creates an almost ethereal atmosphere, and the trekking trails make it an adventurous yet peaceful experience.

Bring a jacket for the walk as it is cool in the morning and you may get a little bit of rain.

Make sure you bring sturdy shoes or walking boots as some of the early garden parts of the trail can be a little tricky to navigate.

Also, bring plenty of water as it can get warm and you will need to keep hydrated.

If you are travelling from GlenMyu Estate, we provide you with a packed brackfast so you have something nice to eat during you hike.

When should I visit Horton Plains?

The best time to visit Horton Plains National Park is during the drier months which are from January to March. We have had guests at GlenMyu Estate hike the trail in December and some were lucky and some unlucky with the weather.

During this period, the weather is more stable, and you can enjoy clear views at attractions like World’s End without the interference of mist or rain.

Early mornings are particularly ideal, as the skies are usually clearer, and the park is less crowded.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and Horton Plains

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Horton Plain Entry Fee 2025 Read More »

What should I pack for Sri Lanka?

Birdwatching, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, The Pekoe Trail, Travel, visa, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

What should I pack for my holiday?

What should I pack for my holiday in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an incredible destination with a lot of different experiences and environments.

It has natural beauty, rich culture, and tropical weather!

What you need to bring will depend on what type of holiday you plan on the island.

Here’s a suggested packing list so that you can make the most of your trip:

Clothing

Light, breathable clothes:

We would recommend cotton or linen to stay cool in the tropical heat.

A scarf or shawl:

Used for covering shoulders when visiting sacred sites such as temples.

These are also handy for the cooler evenings in Nuwara Eliya and the Hill Country.

Evening wear:

Some restaurants, five star hotels or events may have dress codes. If you are staying at more luxurious hotels, bring along some master clothes so you feel comfortable in the environment.

Comfortable walking shoes:

There are lots of great hikes and walking in Sri Lanka. You will need good walking shoes for hiking in Horton Plains, Knuckles Mountains and some of the other National Parks. Good walking shoes are essential for the stages of the Pekoe Trail.

Rain gear:

In the tropics, it can rain without much notice.
Packing a lightweight rain jacket or an umbrella will keep you dry during the occasional tropical showers.

Swimwear:

One of the main reasons travellers visit Sri Lanka is for the beach.

Whether you are swimming in the sea, the hotel pool, surfing or snorkelling you will need to pack your swimwear.

Essentials

Insect repellent:

The mosquitoes really like me!

Please buy the right strength repellant before you travel to deal with the mosquitoes that are on the prowl in the early mornings and evenings.

Travel-size toiletries:

Most hotels provide soap and shampoo, however you may wish to use a brand that you are familiar with.

It’s worth packing some basics like shampoo, toothpaste, etc, just in case.

Sunscreen and sunglasses:

You are in the tropics!

The sun is hot and strong!

Protect your body and eyes from the strong sun.

Medicine:

Please bring your personal medication with you. You may find it difficult getting the brands that you are familiar with on the island.

It may also be worth packing a basic first aid kit, if you have room.

Snacks:

If you are hiking or travelling a long distance bring some snacks with you.

You will be able to buy food and refreshments at cafes, restaurants and in supermarkets.

However, some of the food may be spicy and you may want to bring your own less challenging snacks with you.

Extras

A Camera or smartphone:

There will be so many opportunities to capture the amazing views and sights a camera or smartphone are important items to bring with you!

A Reusable water bottle:

You are in the tropics! It’s important to stay hydrated. Although you can buy plastic bottles with fresh water it’s better for the environment if you bring your own and do something for the environment in Sri Lanka.

Travel adapters:

Sri Lanka uses Type D, Type M, and Type G plugs.

Guidebook or travel apps:

It’s worth doing some research before your trip so we would recommend that you buy a guide book or get a map.

You will be surprised on how long it takes to travel around the island compared to your home country, so be prepared!

A map or guidebook will help you navigate and learn more about local attractions.

Before you travel - don't forget

You will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka.

The online system is your first port of call. It’s quite effective and you should get a response quite quickly.

Vacccinations

Check with your health service provider on what vaccinations that they recommend to get before travelling.

Make sure that you do this early as some vaccinations, such as anti rabies need a series of shot. Other vaccinations need time to get into your system so that they are effective for when you travel.

Money and passport

I know it’s obvious, but these are some of the most essential items that you will need.

Sri Lanka is a country that still uses cash and there are lots of places where you can’t pay with plastic. If they do take cards there is usually an additional card transaction fee.

There are lots of ATM’s around the country and you will have the opportunity to take some cash out for every day expenses.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

What should I pack for Sri Lanka? Read More »

What should I pack for Horton Plains National Park

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, The Pekoe Trail, Travel / By Mikeez

What should I pack for my hike at Horton Plains National Park?

What items should I pack for my hike around the amazing Horton Plains National Park in Sri Lanka?

This 11 kilometre hike in a Montane Cloud Forest is a favourite day trip for many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

We have compiled a list of 10 things that we would recommend that you bring.

10 Things to take with you to Horton Plains National Park

We have personally hiked around Horton Plains many times from GlenMyu Estate. It is around 1-1.5 hours drive from the estate and we recommend to leave early in the morning to get the best views.

It’s one of the more expensive experiences to do, but we think that it’s still worth the entry price.

Here are the things that we would recommend that you should consider bringing with you.

1. Comfortable clothing

We would recommend that you wear light, breathable layers as mornings can be chilly.

However, it does get warmer as the day progresses. My jacket and fleece is normally removed and put into my backpack some twenty minutes after starting the hike.

You can remove some of the layers and put them back on when needed to ensure that you are comfortable throughout your hike.

2 Sturdy Footwear

Although we often see local Sri Lankans hike around Horton Plains in flip flops, we would recommend that you wear suitable footwear suitable for a hike.

Sri Lankans are particularly adept at navigating the route and not breaking their shoes or slipping over.

Travellers should ensure that they use a a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good grip is crucial for the trails. Some of the trail can be a bit slippery, especially with the morning dew or if it has been raining.

3. Water and Snacks

If you are staying at GlenMyu Estate, we send you off early in the morning with a sumptuous packed breakfast.

You should bring enough water to stay hydrated and lightweight snacks for energy.

Plastic bottles are allowed with the wrappers removed. Glass bottles are forbidden. I normally bring a couple of metal bottles filled with water.

Keep in mind that littering is strictly prohibited and you must take al your rubbish with you.

It’s important to keep this natural site as natural as possible..

4. Sun Protection:

Although it is cool as you will be hiking at an elevation of ,100 to 2,300 meters (6,900 to 7,500 feet) above sea level, the sun can be strong at higher altitudes.

Make sure that you pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

There is very little tree cover on your hike so it is easy to get sunburnt.

5.Rain Gear:

I always take a lightweight rain jacket with me for the start of the hike and just in case the weather changes. You could also take a poncho which is light and can easily be stored when not needed.

6. Camera or Binoculars:

There are many photo opportunities on your hike. Taking a camera with a zoom lens is recommended as you will want to take wide angle photos of the landscape as well as telephoto photos of the wildlife.

There are lots of opportunities for birdwatching, so bring along a pair of binoculars.

7. Daypack or small rucksack:

It’s good to have a small bag to store your water, camera, snacks and other essentials whilst you walk.

8. ID and Cash:

You will be asked for your ID at the ticket office.

The entry fee is required in Sri Lankan Rupee cash, so bring enough local currency along with you.

For details about entry fees, see the information at the end of this page.

9. Travel Guide/Map:

While the trails are well-marked, it’s helpful to have a guide or map for orientation. You can pick one up at the shop before you start your hike.

It’s worth doing some research beforehand so that you don’t miss out seeing some of the flora and fauna on your hike.

10. A Reusable/Recyling Bag:

You will be visiting a beautiful unique environment and it’s important that everyone does their bit to preserve this natural beauty. Please take a garbage/trash bag with you so that you can take your trash with you and dispose of it responsibly.

What is the ticket cost for Horton Plains National Park?

Some of our guests recently completed the hike (in February 2025) and very kindly allowed us to take a photo of the ticket to share with you.

As you can see, it cost around 24,000 Sri Lankan Rupees for two Foreign Adults.

This is around US$80 (conversion March 2025).

Please note that you will need to bring Sri Lankan rupees cash for the entry fee.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

What should I pack for Horton Plains National Park Read More »

The House at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Large or small hotels. Where should I stay in Sri Lanka?

Accommodation, Holiday / By Mikeez

Large or small hotels?

Large or small hotels.

Sri Lanka has a large variety of accommodation for you to choose wen you are on holiday on the island.

From swanky five star hotels, boutique villas, treehouses, homestays, hostels and glamping, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

There are also properties for all kinds of budgets.

What type of hotel should I choose for my holiday in Sri Lanka?

Whether small hotels are better depends on your travel needs, personal preferences and budget.

Here’s some ideas which hopefully will help you decide:

Why Small Hotels Might Be Better

Personalised Service:

Smaller hotels often provide more attentive and customised service, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

An Authentic Experience:

These hotels can offer a more local and intimate vibe, helping you connect with the destination.

At GlenMyu Estate we offer a Sri Lankan cookery demonstration for those interested in the local cuisine.

Ru also provides a society garden tour where you can learn about the spices, fruits and vegetables that we grow on the 5 acre estate.

A Quieter Atmosphere:

Naturally being a smaller hotel there will be less people to share the property with.

A smaller hotel is likely to be more peaceful and a place you can relax without the hustle of larger establishments.

Unique Character:

More than often in Sri Lanka a family owned or boutique villa, may have charming, individualised designs and experiences that you won’t find in larger establishments.

When Larger Hotels Might Be Better

More Amenities:

Bigger hotels often provide extensive facilities, such as pools, gyms, restaurants, and conference centres.

They will also have a well sticked bar where you may well get your favourite whiskey or gin. Smaller hotels are unlikely to provide a large range of drinks.

Location and Convenience:

Chain hotels are often situated in central areas with easy access to attractions and transport.

There are lots of well know operators such as Hilton, Marriot, Taj in some of the more popular destinations on the island.

There are also good quality local operator groups such as Thema Collection, Cinnamon Hotels and Jetwing Hotels offering a more local experience in a larger hotel.

Consistency:

You know what to expect with bigger brands in terms of quality and standards.

Staff will be trained to the same standards as you experience in the same chain hotel in your own country.

The choice is yours

Ultimately, if you’re traveling in Sri Lanka, small hotels or guesthouses in places like Ella or Haputale might enhance your experience by giving you a more personal connection to the country’s culture.

In some areas there will be less choices and you may not come across a larger hotel.

Whatever you choose, you will experience fabulous Sri Lankan hospitality and staff that want you to have the best time on the island.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Large or small hotels. Where should I stay in Sri Lanka? Read More »

A morning swim in the infinity swimming pool.

Staying healthy on holiday

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Natural Swimming Pool, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Staying healthy on holiday

Staying healthy on holiday in Sri Lanka is straightforward with a bit of planning.

Here’s how you can make the most of your trip while taking care of yourself:

Stay Hydrated

– Sri Lanka’s tropical climate can be quite warm. Drink plenty of water, but ensure it’s bottled or boiled to avoid stomach issues.

– Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter for convenience.

Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea.

Eat Smart

– Enjoy Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine, but be mindful of street food if you’re unsure about hygiene standards.
– Try local fruits like papaya, mango, and rambutan, but always wash them thoroughly.
– Avoid drinking tap water or ice unless you know it’s made from purified water.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

It’s sensible to use sunscreen with a high SPF.

Wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to guard against the intense sun.

Wearing light, breathable clothing in light colours can also help keep you cool.

The UV levels can be quite high in Sri Lanka, even if there are clouds.

Taking precautions will help you have an enjoyable holiday.

Guard Against Mosquitoes

Make sure you buy insect repellent before you travel. Check the label to ensure it is right for Sri Lanka.

Carry the repellent with you so you don’t get caught out.

Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Choose accommodation that provide mosquito nets or screens, especially at the coast and in the cities.

Stay Active Safely

Take care whilst you explore Sri Lanka’s amazing hiking trails, beaches, or cultural sites. Make sure you pace yourself and take breaks in the shade. It can be surprising how much you can dehydrate in the tropics!

Ensure that you wear sturdy footwear for trekking. You will see Sri Lankans hike in flip flops, but they have years of experience in that kind of footwear in the local terrain!

One of our guests hiked to Upper Diyaluma in flip flops and one broke on the way! A good reason to wear the right kind of footwear.

Avoid activities that seem unsafe. If you are going to swim in a pool or river, check to see whether the current is strong.

Also, local people will let you know whether there are any animals that are dangerous in the location. Some lakes have crocodiles and Sri Lanka has several venomous snakes.

Health Precautions

Before you travel, check if you need vaccinations or preventive medication, such as for dengue or typhoid.

Although there are lots of pharmacies in Sri Lanka, it is wise to carry a basic travel health kit with essentials like pain relievers, antihistamines, and rehydration salts.

Listen to Your Body

Jet lag or busy sightseeing can tire you out.

Make sure that you get enough rest and allow time to relax between activities.

Consider wellness options like Ayurvedic treatments for rejuvenation.

Many hotels or cities have spas or treatment centres which you can use.

By following these steps, you can focus on exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka with the knowledge that you have done what you can to keep you safe and healthy.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Staying healthy on holiday Read More »

The best way to travel in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Best way to travel around Sri Lanka

What is the best way to travel around Sri Lanka?

This tropical island offers a variety of travel options, each with its own charm and practicality.

Some are more costly than others, so you will have to consider what budget you want to spend on travel.

Although the island is small, it does take a long time to travel from one place to another. When planning your trip, use Google directions so you get an idea about the travel times.

Coming from Europe, you will be surprised about how long it takes to get from one place to another. However, travel and adventure is all about the journey!

Here are some options for you to consider.

Go by Train

Sri Lanka’s train journeys are legendary.

The scenic route from Kandy to Ella, which takes you through lush tea plantations and misty hills is a popular way to traverse across past of the island.

Trains are affordable and offer a relaxed way to explore the country.

However, due to the age of the train lines and the landscape that they travel through, often they can be slow and sometimes delayed.

Check prices and book your tickets through the official Sri Lankan Railways site.

Tuk-Tuks -hire or self drive

For short distances or exploring towns, tuk-tuks can be a fun and authentic way to get around.

You can even rent one for a longer trip if you’re feeling adventurous!

Tuktuk rental is an ethical business and lots of tourists are using their services. Several guests at GlenMyu Estate have arrived in their own Tuk-tuk.

Buses

The buses in Sri Lanka connect most parts of the country, including remote areas.

This form of transport is cheap, but buses can be crowded and less comfortable.

You will need to make a decision between comfort and cost, especially for long journeys.

Lots of tourists have concerns about the speed and safety that the buses drive at. After your first trip on a Sri Lankan bus, you may well decide on alternative transport around the island.

Air conditioned coaches

There is a network of air conditioned coaches that travel to different parts of the island.

They are more comfortable than the buses and usually use the highways for at least part of the route.

Several of our guests have used these buses which are cheaper than hiring a car with a driver.

Some guests have used NGC Express to get from Colombo to Ella.

Private Cars with Drivers

Hiring a car with a driver is a convenient and flexible option.

It took me some time to get comfortable driving on Sri Lankan roads. I found it quite scary at first, especially on the narrower road. Although I am now used to driving, I think that hiring a driver is a good option.

You will get to see more of the countryside rather than watching the road.

Local drivers also usually can find you places that are off the beaten path, which you are unlikely to come across under your own steam.

Costs can be shared if you’re traveling with family or friends.

This form of travel is more expensive but saves time and effort.

Mix it up!

A mixture of hiring taxis, using Tuk tuks for small journeys and braving the occasional bus is a good way to see different parts of the island.

Check with the host you are staying with for taxi numbers and tuk tuks.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The best way to travel in Sri Lanka Read More »

Baker's Falls - a family enjoying the view

Family holiday in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Little Adam's Peak, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

A family holiday in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for a family holiday.

It offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Here are some ideas to make your trip memorable:

Hill Country Experiences

Explore the serene beauty of places like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, or Haputale.

You can enjoy scenic train rides, tea plantations, and waterfalls.

Wildlife Safaris

Visit Yala or Udawalawe National Parks for a chance to see elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.

It’s an exciting experience for kids and adults alike.

Days at the beach

Relax on the golden beaches of Bentota, Mirissa, or Unawatuna. These spots are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.

Exploring Sri Lanka's culture

Discover the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, or Sigiriya.

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a must-see for its history and breathtaking views

Connecting with Sri Lanka's abundant nature

Head to Horton Plains for a family hike to World’s End or visit the Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Spiritual Sites

Explore the sacred city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, or visit Kataragama for its spiritual significance.

A holiday for all the family

Sri Lanka’s diversity ensures there’s something for everyone in the family.

Stay with your family at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Family holiday in Sri Lanka Read More »

Windows looking toward the valley making the best of the view.

Hotels near Koslanda

Accommodation, Holiday, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Hotels near Koslanda, Sri Lanka

Hotels near Koslanda, Sri Lanka

If you want to be conveniently near to Diyaluma Waterfall, GlenMyu Estate is located around 45 minutes drive away.

This three bedroomed boutique villa is located between Beragala Junction and Koslanda on the A4 road.

Where is Koslanda, Sri Lanka

The town is on the A4 road between Beragala and Wellawaya in the Sri Lankan hill country.

Why should I visit Koslanda?

Koslanda is a small town which is in the Badulla District of Uva Province.

Koslanda is located near to Diyaluma Waterfall which is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is 220 m (720 ft) high.

The waterfall is becoming a more popular place for local and foreign

The views along the A4 road around Koslanda are stunning.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda

One of the amazing things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

If you are interested in nature, then you will enjoy the short hike to the top of the waterfall. There are beautiful pools for you to enjoy.

You will need to be careful swimming in the pools are sometimes the sides are slippery and the water flow can be quite strong if there have been recent rains.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Hotels near Koslanda Read More »

Tuk-Tuks in Sri Lanka

Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Tuk tuks in Sri Lanka

Taking Tuk tuks in Sri Lanka is a quintessential and fun way to explore the island!

Find out what you should know about this experience by reading on.

1. Convenience and Accessibility

Tuk tuks are everywhere, especially in cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, as well as in smaller towns like Ella or Haputale.

They’re a great was of transport for short distances or navigating narrow roads, like those in the Hill Country.

If you are visiting places such as Lipton’s Seat or Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, we recommend that you go by Tuk tuk.

2. Affordability

Hiring a Tuk tuk is normally more affordable than taxis. However, make sure that you agree on a fare before starting your ride if the tuk-tuk doesn’t have a meter.

In major cities such as Colombo and Kandy, look for tuk-tuks with meters so you are sure that you are not overcharged.

If you download the Uber or Pickme Apps you can get a cost comparison for your trip so you can ensure yay you are paying a fair price.

3. Local Experience

Riding in a tuk-tuk gives you an authentic Sri Lankan travel vibe, with open sides offering a close-up view of daily life.

Many local people use Tuk tuks for short trips as they are more convenient and less congested as the local buses.

They can also travel where larger vehicles can’t.

4. Hiring for the Day

Many tuk-tuk drivers offer day-trip services, taking you to key sights or hidden gems.

It’s a great way to see things other tourists might miss out on.

Be sure to negotiate a reasonable daily rate with the driver. If the driver does a good job please pay him a bit extra to show you appreciate what he has done for you. In the scheme of things it will likely be a small amount compared to what you would expect to pay at home.

5. Self-Drive Tuk tuks

If you are up for an adventure then you can rent a Tuk tuk and drive it yourself.

Companies like “Tuktuk Rental” offer rentals, training, and necessary permits for tourists. What I like is they are a social enterprise. When you rent your Tuk tuk from them you will be helping a local family attain a better life. The company do not own any tuk tuks, but simply rent them from their network of local owners. This creates an income for the owner of the Tuk tuk.

Several of our guests at GlenMyu Estate have arrived in Tuk tuks and enjoy the freedom that it brings when on holiday in Sri Lanka.

6. Safety Tips

Always keep hold on to your belongings. The open design of the Tuk tuk makes it easy for items to fall out.

Negotiate prices with non-metered drivers. Ask your accommodation for recommendations for reliable drivers.

Enjoy the ride!

Exploring Sri Lanka by tuk-tuk is not only practical but also full of charm.

Whether you’re winding through the streets of Kandy or cruising along the coast in Galle, it’s a journey you’ll remember!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Tuk-Tuks in Sri Lanka Read More »

How do I stay connected in Sri Lanka?

Birdwatching, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Staying connected on holiday in Sri Lanka

Staying connected in Sri Lanka has become much easier over the years that I have been travelling to the island.

Mobile coverage is generally quite good around the island.

Here are some practical options for you:

Tourist SIM Cards

Tourist SIM cards can be purchased from providers like Dialog or Mobitel at the airport or in major cities. These are the most popular choices for tourists due to their wide coverage and affordable data packages.

There are kiosks operated by the main providers in the terminal before you exit the airport. I have found that the sales clerks have been very helpful. They are happy to put the Tourist SIM card into your phone so you are ready to go.

A typical tourist SIM card costs around 1,400 LKR and includes generous data allowances. These packages are perfect for navigation, social media, and staying in touch.

eSIMs

If your phone supports eSIM technology, you can pre-order an eSIM online before your trip.

EeSIMS are a convenient option as it eliminates the need for a physical SIM card. You can also top up online if you find that you need more data and connectivity.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Like in other countries, many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.

But, the speed and reliability can vary, especially in rural areas.

Data packages for commercial businesses are high compared to Europe and therefore sometimes the data runs out or the business only offers a slower MBPS to save costs.

Sri Lanka is not set up for you to sit in a cafe all day using the businesses data to work or surf the net. The costs are just too high for the businesses unlike Starbucks or another coffee franchise.

Roaming

This is probably the most expensive option. However, if you want to limit your connectivity, perhaps the cost will allow you to focus on your holiday and forget about back home.

It is recommended that you check with your home mobile provider for international roaming packages.

This option is convenient but is likely to be more expensive than local options.

Coverage

What is coverage like in Sri Lanka?

Coverage is generally good in cities and along the coast, but it can be spotty in remote areas like the Hill Country or National Parks.

WiFi at GlenMyu Estate

Keeping people connected is important to us at GlenMyu Estate.

Whether it’s keeping in contact with your family so that they know you are safe or with the office we have Wifi delivered by SLT Fibre.

We find that the speed is adequate for our guests requirements.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

How do I stay connected in Sri Lanka? Read More »

How long should I stay?

Accommodation, Birdwatching, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

How long should I stay?

How long should I stay?

As GlenMyu Estate has evolved, we have found that most guests find that they wish that they had stayed longer with us.

Recently, we have been receiving more bookings for four night stays.
I came to the conclusion some time ago that seasoned travellers see the benefit of staying at one place for at least three nights.

I can see that in future, more guests will opt for longer stays.

Here are my thoughts as to why.

Race around Sri Lanka on your first time here

A typical first holiday on this beautiful island consists of a race around the island to see all of the headline sights. You must climb the Lion Rock, visit Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, take the train journey, see Nine Arch Bridge, safari in Yala and get a tan at the southern beaches.

I don’t think that there is anything wrong with this.

Most people think that this will be there one and only experience of Sri Lanka. The fact is that once you have been here once, you will want to come back again.

At GlenMyu Estate we come across many guests that are on their second, third and even twelfth time on the island!

There is so much more!

What people find is that there is so much more to experience on this small island.

Delving deeper on your following trips allows you to explore and get to understand the people and culture to a higher level.

A British thing

Being brought up in Britain has left me with being diplomatic and not pushy. I know that guest should stay longer and ought to tell them. Unfortunately, culturally, I find it really difficult to do.

I really don’t want guests to get the impression that we are just trying to make more money.
We are not naturally pushy people.
But, I know that a longer stay is the right thing.

I just hope that guests read our reviews on Google, Booking.com and Airbnb and see how many guests recommend a longer stay.

One night is not enough!

Although we are happy that guests get to experience GlenMyu Estate, one night is hardly enough.

So many guests really don’t enjoy unpacking for one night. Also, if you arrive late in the day, you won’t get the chance to enjoy the estate. You could spend a day at the estate alone, enjoying the pool, garden tour and the delicious meals we serve.

Why stay for three nights

Some time ago I came to the conclusion that seasoned travellers stay in each hotel for at least three nights.

There are lots of reasons

Unpacking your suitcase every night

I see so many guests getting frustrated by having to unpack one night and repack the following morning.

This is exhausting itself.

So much to see

If you research where you are staying and what to do in the surrounding area you will find that one night is not enough.

For example, within reach of GlenMyu Estate, there are several hiking trails, the tallest and second highest waterfalls, viewpoints, temples and small towns to explore.

Searching on TripAdviser or Google for things to do will provide you with lots of things you may be interested in visiting.

We have a ‘thing to do’ section on our website.

Spending time at the estate

Lots of our guests enjoy spending some time relaxing and exploring the five acre estate.

I love to see guests reading a book after enjoying a swim in the swimming pool.

Travellers need to combine exploring with relaxation during their vacation.

Garden Tours and Cookery Demonstrations

We offer a complimentary garden tour and cookery demonstration at GlenMyu Estate.

These are experiences that you can enjoy after going sightseeing in the morning.

How do I decide on how long I should stay?

Many of our guests contact us directly by WhatsApp to make their booking.

I always ask if they want any recommendations on what to see and do whilst they are here.

We know what previous guests like and are happy to share links to the fabulous sites and experiences to explore in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

We learn from our guests

Some of our guests have discover places that we didn’t know about. Typically these places would be lesser known and off the beaten path.

Recently some architects stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate. Fans of Sri Lanka’s famous architect Geoffrrey Bawa, they had arranged to visit a Bawa designed church near Bandarawela.

We were not aware of this place.

The architects were delighted to show us photos of the beautiful church on their return. It was stunning!

Subsequently, we have suggested to other guests to visit the church, especially if they have an interest in architecture..

Ask your hosts beforehand

So, we would recommend that you message your hosts and ask them. They really should be the experts in their local area and you might get to see something that is not on your list.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

How long should I stay? Read More »

What is the Sri Lankan Hill Country?

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

The Sri Lankan Hill Country

The Sri Lankan Hill Country is also known as the Central Highlands.

It is a scenic mountainous region located in the central part of the island. The Sri Lankan Hill Country is renowned for its lush tea plantations, cool climate, and breathtaking landscapes.

Stunning and inspiring landscapes

This part of the island includes famous destinations such as Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ella, and Haputale.

Each place offers unique experiences and stunning views.

Highlights of the Sri Lankan Hill Country

There are so many amazing places to visit in the hills. Here are a few highlights that we would recommend seeing during your holiday.

Tea Plantations

Sri Lanka is famous for its tea production, and visitors can tour tea estates, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a cup of world-class Ceylon tea.

Beautiful Train Journeys

This area of the country has some of the most scenic train rides

Train journeys through the hill country are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, offering picturesque views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and terraced fields.

Hiking and Trekking in Sri Lanka

There are numerous trails for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikes to Horton Plains, World’s End, and Adam’s Peak.

Wonderful waterfalls

The hill country is dotted with stunning waterfalls, such as Ramboda Falls, Diyaluma Falls, and Bambarakanda Falls.

Historical and Cultural Sites

The region is rich in cultural heritage, with places like the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, which is a significant religious site for Buddhists.

Something for everyone

This region is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

What is the Sri Lankan Hill Country? Read More »

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Reviews from our guests, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate we can accommodate seven guests.

We have two double bedrooms and one triple bedroom.

It’s a great opportunity to have the five acre estate exclusively for use for your family and friends.

Three bedrooms

We have one triple bedroom and two doubles.

In the lounge we also have sofa bed, so we can squeeze in another couple or some children if required.

The Mango and Mahogany bedrooms are on one floor connected by a communal lounge.

Our Cinnamon bedroom is on the lower floor and has some outside space.

All our bedrooms have their own private bathrooms.

The Mango bedroom is very popular with honeymooners or couples celebrating their anniversary.

The bathroom has a fabulous view of the hills towards the south of the country.

It comes with a spacious shower and a bath.

Some guests enjoy a bath looking out of the window at the stars.

The Mahogany bedroom is a triple with a king-size bed and a separate single bed.

They have fabulous views and the bathroom also has a bath similar to the Mango bedroom.

It’s a great space for a family with a child or if you just want the largest bedroom we have in the property.

The Cinnamon bedroom is on the lower floor of the house.

The bathroom has a shower, but no bath. However, this bedroom has a nice outside sitting space where you can enjoy your morning tea of coffee taking in the view.

There is a pathway from the room that takes you to a small lawn and then onto the swimming pool.

All our bedrooms have comfortable Sri Lankan made mattresses, overhead fan and seating.

There is no need for air-conditioning in the Sri Lankan hills. We provide duvets on the beds as it can be a little cooler at night.

Lounges to relax in

We believe in comfortable chairs!

It’s important to us that you can relax and enjoy the fabulous views of the Sri Lankan countryside. We have chairs and sofas on both floors which are comfortable and allow you to enjoy the landscape.

Swim surrounded by nature

Our swimming pool is one of our favourite places on the estate. Filled with spring water and no chlorine, it is an experience swimming surrounded by nature.

We have sun loungers so that you can spend more time in this amazing space.

Oh, and the food!

Food is another important part of the experience at GlenMyu Estate.

We source the best local ingredients that we can find. Our menu is mainly plant based with some fish and chicken options.

Read our food reviews and see what our other guests say about what they eat at GlenMyu Estate.

Contact us by WhatsApp for our best direct rates

We offer great rates for guests that book directly.

WhatsApp + 94 752999272

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Hotels for seven people in Sri Lanka Read More »

Loving life on the balcony

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Loving my life on the balcony

Little did I know how much I would love my life on the balcony.

Life on the balcony only play part of my day….but I love this time.

Sitting on the balcony, listening to the sounds of the birds gossiping in the background, seeing the light provide light and shade on the trees creating an kaleidoscope of greens is where I need to be now.

There is an amazing Sri Lankan Fig Tree next to the balcony. When it fruits it is full of life and sometimes I am joined by birds, monkeys and other animals that forage from the tree.

Spending time with the dogs

We have several rescue dogs at GlenMyu Estate. I am often joined by one of two of the dogs who survey the land below for any form of predators.

Clove sits with her chin on the lower railing as she scours the landscape.

It’s a chill out time for me and the dogs.

Little or no stess

There is little or no stress.
Nature soothes the soul and I have realised how good it is for me.

A good time

I love this time on the balcony.

I am dressed in shorts and a t-shirt.
Little did I know how comfortable it would be spending most of my day out of my two piece suit and shoes.

I think back to February in London. Often there would be snow on the ground to navigate on my commute to the city.
The chill, enhanced by the wind was not pleasant.

Sad to miss the seasons?

Don’t you miss the seasons.
Not at all.
We do have seasons, guided by the two monsoons. but they don’t attack the senses as acutely as that experience in the UK.

February

It’s a February morning, our guests are up early and enjoying the last roam around the garden and dip in the pool before heading towards Negombo.
They fly back to the UK tomorrow to thier lives in London.

I think back to my time in London, which seems to be a lifetime ago.
I do not miss it.

My annual trip does nothing to reinvigorate the fondest I had for that wonderful capital.
I’m often asked what I miss.
It’s eight years since I left the UK and my answer is easy.
Friends and family.

What do you miss?

Don’t you miss the food, the theatre, live music and the energy.
I did love all those things, and many more during my thirty years there.
However, with age and experience, Sri Lanka is the right place at this time of my life.

Simple food is good food

We eat what is local and seasonal in Sri Lanka. This was how people used to eat before we added air miles to the food we eat by bringing it halfway around the world so we can eat out of season.

What I have found is that the way we eat is healthier and the food just takes better. It helps that Ru and the team are fantastic cooks.

A healthier life

My time on the balcony provides me with some me time. I don’t feel guilty as I think it is a god use of my time.

You health is your wealth is what the wealthier clients at my bank used to say. Spending time on my own wellness and wellbeing is a good use of my time.

Work on you on holiday in the Sri Lankan Hills

GlenMyu Estate is a perfect place to work on you.

The space, landscape and being surrounded by nature helps you to switch off.

It’s easier to detach yourself from your phone when you are in an inspiring environment.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Loving life on the balcony Read More »

Lipton’s Seat Entry Fee

Holiday / By Mikeez

Lipton's Seat Entry Fee.

Lipton’s Seat Entry Fee.

What is the fee to get to see where Sri Thomas Lipton surveyed his tea empire?

Some of our guests at GlenMyu Estate visit Liptons Seat on Independence Day, the 4th of February 2025.

The entry cost for foreign adults is LKR 550 per person.

How did they get there?

Our guests had their own car and drove to Dambetenne Tea Factory.

They did a tea factory tour and left their car their whilst they made their way up to Lipton’s Seat.

The road to Lipton’s Seat is quite narrow and can be a bit daunting driving there yourself.

Lipton’s Seat is approximately 8 kilometres from Dambetenne Tea Factory.

Most of our guests take a Tuk Tuk to the top to view and photograph the beautiful tea estates. You can also take a picture of the tea Baron, Sir Thomas Lipton.

Tuk Tuk up and walk down

Taking a Tuk Tuk up allows you to enjoy the view and then walk back down towards Dambetenne Tea Factory.

There will be plenty of opportunities to take some iconic photos of the tea estates.

If you are taking photo of a tea plucker, please ask permission.

Vehicle Entry Fee

We recommend taking a Tuk Tuk up to Lipton’s Seat.

I have tried it by car before and wouldn’t recommend it. The road is quite narrow and I found it a little scary, especially when I had to reverse to let another vehicle pass.

There is an additional Rs 100 cost for the vehicle pass for Liptons Seat.

Where is Lipton's Seat?

Lipton’s Seat is around one hours drive from Haputale Town.

We would recommend hiring a Tuk Tuk to get you there.

It is possible to walk up and back if you are a really keen hiker.

Some travellers hike Stage 13 of the Pekoe Trail from Haputale to St Catherine and then walk on up to Liptons Seat.

Dambatenne Tea Factory

Visiting a Tea Factory is an interesting activity when you are in Sri Lanka.

Discovering how tea is processed and the many different types of tea are made is particularly interesting for tea drinkers.

You can buy Tea at the factory, however there is no tea tasting.

We recommend our guests to stop at Stassen Organic Tea centre on the way back to the estate to taste the tea there to take back home with them.

Orange Pekoe is our favourite and what we mainly serve at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Lipton’s Seat which is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Lipton’s Seat Entry Fee Read More »

Horton Plains Entry Fee 2024

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Horton Plains Entry Fee 2024.

Horton Plains Entry Fee 2024. How much is it? Is it worth it?, What is Horton Plains National Park and why should I go?

Here is some feedback from our guests who have visited the park in 2023.

Of course, prices can change and we will update this post during the year as we are told by our guests about any increases.

However, here we tell you about the entry cost paid by our guests in January 2024.

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site located in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Our guests love it and it is a favourite day trip from GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

What do our guests like?

They love the exhilaration when they complete the 11 kilometre circular hike.

Particular favourites are stopping at the precipices at Lesser World’s End, and Greater World’s End.

Sitting and watching the water creates patterns as it descends Baker’s Falls is a calming moment on the hike.

The abundance of flora and fauna which can be seen as you enjoy the hike through this Montane Cloud Forest.

What are the entry costs to Horton Plains?

Entry fees to Horton Plains have changed over the time that we have been visiting this unique experience.

In May 2023, our guests left GlenMyu Estate early in the morning to reach Horton Plains at the best time to try to see a clear view. If you leave late the clouds may obstruct the views from the precipices at Lesser World’s End & Greater World’s End.
It normally takes around 1 hour 15 to 30 minutes to get to the park entrance.
As our guest leave early we provide a takeaway breakfast to eat on arrival at the park or on the route.

Our guests provided a copy of their entry ticket to the park.
The entry fees totalled 22,597.50 Sri Lankan Rupees.
This cost was for 2 foreign adults.

The copy of the ticket provides the breakdown of the costs.

You can read our BlogPost about our hike in January 2023 to Horton Plains National Park.

Cash only entrance fee

At this stage Horton Plains National Park only takes Rupees cash for the entrance fee.

Please make sure that you bring sufficient Sri Lankan Rupees cash with you so you can get access to the park.

What did our guests see at Horton Plains National Park?

Our guests were very lucky to get clear views at both Lesser World’s End & Greater World’s End. It was worth getting up early.
We recommend getting up early for lots of sights and activities when in Sri Lanka. You can read our BlogPost about why here.

In May it tends to rain in the afternoon and our guests were fortunate enough to complete the hike, see the views and get back to relax at GlenMyu Estate in the early afternoon.

As it had been raining the previous evening the water flow at Baker’s Falls was strong which provided a stunning cascade of water.

There are also lots of Flora and Fauna to see in this unique landscape and there are information boards as you travail the hike worth reading.

Our guests were so lucky to see Purple-faced langurs on their walk. We have been to Horton Plains National Park many times but have never seen these unique creatures.

Despite the weather in May and potential rain it is a good time to visit the park. The Rhododendron Arboreum is in bloom only at this time of year.
This has inspired us to also do the hike this month and we will update this post with pictures of our hike.

You can read more about the Rhododendrons at this link.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and visit Horton Plains

If you want to stay in a peaceful part of the Sri Lankan Hill Country whilst you visit Horton Plains, Ella Town Nine Arch bridge, Diyaluma Falls and more Glenmyu Estate is an ideal place for your holiday.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Find us on Booking.com, Airbnb or book directly by contacting us via our website.

Horton Plains Entry Fee 2024 Read More »

A glass of wine in the afternoon

Accommodation, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Travel / By Mikeez

A glass of wine

A glass of wine in the afternoon is such a pleasure.

For me, it’s a little indulgent as wine is an expensive import in Sri Lanka.

It makes me appreciate the variety of good wine that I could buy, at a reasonable price, whilst living in the UK.

Wine is available in Sri Lanka, however unless you buy from a specialist store in Colombo, you will find most to be lower quality for a higher price than you would pay back at home.

This is why having a glass of wine is an occasional event for me. (Perhaps it’s better for my liver!).

Having a glass of wine in Sri Lanka

One of my pleasures is to have a glass of wine in the afternoon with a late lunch.
It feels rather indulgent here in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Good wine (at a reasonable price) is hard to come by in Sri Lanka, especially when you compare it to the UK.

However, every so often you will come across a wine that is drinkable and at an affordable price.
Today, I drank a few glasses of Pinot Grigio with my lunch of hummus, salad and cheesy onion bread.

Apart from the cauliflower that was hidden in the hummus, it was a perfect meal to have after a day picking up provisions for the guests that arrive tomorrow.

Orders for Chilli and Garlic Prawns, Sesame Crusted Tuna followed by delicious desserts have already been received in advance.

Our guests really don’t know what a treat they have in store. Both the prawns and the tuna are amazing dishes.

They will be a welcome exchange for the slow travel around the island and will send our guests to bed that evening satisfied in every sense.

Where can I buy wine, beer and spirits in Sri Lanka?

This is a photo of Beragala Wine Store.

You will find lots of wine stores around the island. They all have the same green signboard with white lettering.

However, don’t be fooled into thinking that there will be a large selection of wine on offer! I tend to often find that there is only one or two varieties of white and red wine on offer.

Sri Lankans favour stronger alcohol such as Arrack, locally made Vodka, Gin and Brandies.

Even the beers on offer are strong at around 8 – 8.8% in alcohol volume.

I tend to favour the 4.8% Lion Lager or occasionally a Lion Stout at 8.8%.

BYOB

At GlenMyu Estate, we encourage our guests to bring their own alcohol with them.

Apart from making it a more economical stay, you can bring along your favourite Whiskey or Gin which might not be available locally.

Do not worry if you forget to bring some drinks with you as we can get drinks collected from the wine store by Tuk Tuk.

Food and drink

We have a good reputation for the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate. Just have a look at our reviews and you can read what our guests say.

Have a look at our food menu so you can decide on what drink you would like to accompany your meal

Beware of the Full Moon Day!

Sri Lanka has a full moon day every month which is also a religious holiday.

You will most likely find that it is difficult to get an alcoholic drink that day as the bars will be closed unless the hotel has a special licence. The Wine Stores will be closed also.

So, if you really want a drink you will have to make plans beforehand.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

A glass of wine in the afternoon Read More »

Galle Literary Festival 2025

Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

The Galle Literary Festival 2025

The Galle Literary Festival 2025 took place from the 6th to the 9th of February 2025 and was a resounding success.

An amazing array of speakers shared their wisdom and experiences with the interested crowds.

Mother and daughter Andi Oliver and Miquita Oliver from UK TV fame were on stage as well as BBC Radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake.

Read about all the speakers in the following link.

There were things to spark all types of interest for different generations.

Along with the Literary Festival, there was also an Art Trail, Childrens’ Festival, Gourmet Galle and a Lit Market.

Make sure that you don’t miss next years Galle Literary Festival by keeping an eye on there website.

Stay in theSri Lankan Hills before visiting the Galle LitFest

Several of our guests at GlenMyu Estate explored and enjoyed the Sri Lankan hill country before attending Galle Literary Festival.

Book early as we only have three guest bedrooms and the festival takes place during the high tourist season.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Galle Literary Festival 2025 Read More »

A New Train Service

Ella, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

A New Train Service

There is a new train service in Sri Lanka. This will be welcomed by the thousands of tourists that take the beautiful train journey from Kandy to Ella.

A new ‘Ella Odyssey’ special train introduced by Sri Lankan Railways for both local and foreign tourists on the stunning Kandy-to-Ella section of this beautiful train journey.

When does the new train service run?

The Ella Odyssey will operate every Saturday and Sunday.

It departs from the Kandy Railway Station at 09.45 am

The train arrives at Demodara Railway Station at 05.22 pm.

Returning to Kandy from Demodara Railway Station commences 06.00 pm.

How much does the new train service cost?

The fares at February 2025 are as follows:

First Class LKR 7,000

Second Class LKR 6,000

Third Class LKR 5,000

Will I be able to get a seat?

The new train has 176 reserved seats in first class, 176 reserved seats in second class and 44 reserved seats in third class.

There is capacity for a total of 396 passengers.

Whats so special about the new train service?

The new train service will run slowly at sightseeing spats and also stop for 10 minutes at each the following stations so you can take some photos:
Peradeniya
Nawalapitiya
Hatton
Great Western
Nanu Oya
Pattipola
Ohiya
Idalgassinna
Haputale
Bandarawela
Ella

And also on the Nine Arch Bridge.

Where can I buy train tickets?

Visit the official Sri Lankan Railways online seat reservations by clicking on the following button.

Convenient for Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

Lots of our guests take a day trip from GlenMyu Estate to visit Nine Arch Bridge and the other sights around Ella.

Alight and Haputale for GlenMyu Estate

Haputale railway station is the nearest stop to GlenMyu Estate.

We are around a 20/25 minute Tuk Tuk ride from the station.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

A New Train Service Read More »

Facilities for Pekoe Trail Hikers

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Unique facilities for Pekoe Trail hikers.

We were asked recently what facilities we offer which are unique for Pekoe Trail hikers.

It is a good question.

What is the Pekoe Trail?

The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route that takes you around Sri Lanka from Kandy and ends in Nuwara Eliya.

There are 22 stages in the 300 kilometre hike through the beautiful landscapes of the country.

It has already won awards, despite only being opened in 2023.

At GlenMyu Estate, we have had several guests hike stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail.

The stages end and start in Haputale which is a 25 minute Tuk Tuk ride from GlenMyu Estate.

Stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail

We are finding that more of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are hiking parts of the Pekoe Trail whilst they stay with us in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Most are finding that there are very few other hikers on the route. However, we can only see this becoming a more popular activity in the coming months.

Some guest like to walk the trail without a guide and follow a walking app such as All Trails of Wikiloc.

Other guests hire a guide that knows the trail and also can add valuable information about the flora and fauna that you will see on the way.

What we do differently

Food glorious food.

You will need some great tasting food after the exertions of your hike. Ru and the team at GlenMyu Estate have a good reputation for the food that they serve to our guests. It’s something worth looking forward to after you efforts.

Read our reviews about our food on the various review sites.

Our breakfast is quite substantial and sets you up for the day.

Swim and ease those muscles

Our swimming pool is unique and offers a different experience to many other pools around the island.

The swimming pool is fed from a natural spring and is cooler that other pools you will see in Sri Lanka. Swimming after a hike is a great way to soothe those muscles that you have worked hard on your hike.

Comfortable beds and an amazing view

We selected our beds to provide you with a comfortable nights sleep.

It is amazing to wake up the the view of the hills leading towards the south of the country.

We do not have air conditioning in our rooms as it is not required. The temperature during the day is normally between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. At night it reduced to 14 to 18 degrees celsius which is a great temperature to get a good nights sleep.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Facilities for Pekoe Trail Hikers Read More »

Best places to travel in 2025

Birdwatching, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

The best places to travel in 2025

Sri Lanka is on the BBC list of the best places to travel in 2025.

Already in 2025, the country is seeing record numbers of visitors exploring the island.

By being featured on the BBC list in ninth position, this will inspire more people to discover this amazing and diverse island in the Indian ocean.

What is the attraction of the island?

The BBC article states that “Sri Lanka is a country that ticks lots of boxes”.

Sri Lanka offers a wide variety of experiences on an island that is similar in size of the Republic of Ireland.

Discover the misty hilltop tea plantations, watch wild elephants in its many National Parks, explore its ancient temples and enjoy the coasts with its rolling surf.

If you love nature Sri Lanka offers lots to those who want to spend time outdoors and marvel at the array of wildlife on the island.

The Pekoe Trail opened in 2023 and walking part of the 300 km route is already becoming popular.

In Sri Lanka’s many National Parks you will see more than just Elephants. Perhaps ou will see a Leopard, Sloth Bear or Crocodile.

Off the beaten path

As tourist numbers increase, it will be more difficult to find places that are not flooded with tourists.

GlenMyu Estate is located within reach of the popular tourist town of Ella, but far away enough to be away from the crowds.

With only three bedrooms for guests on the five acre estate, travellers are offered a unique experience without the crowds but within reach of many fabulous sights and hiking opportunities.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best places to travel in 2025 Read More »

Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

Are you thinking about getting away from the cold winter? Then December may be a good time for you to visit Sri Lanka?

If you are looking for more than just a beach, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experienced to enjoy whilst is is cold back at home.

The main holiday season in Sri Lanka starts towards the middle of the month as tourist start arriving from the Northern Hemisphere to escape the winter weather.

Historically, the main tourist season is between late December until March.

However, as Sri Lanka is now on so many travellers bucket lists, the tourist season is extending. More tourists are willing to take a gamble on good weather to avoid the crowds at the tourist hot spots.

Sri Lankan Tourist Numbers doubled December 2023 compared to December 2022.

The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority (SLTDA) publishes tourist arrivals on a weekly and monthly basis.

You can see by clicking the link that December 22 arrivals were 91,961 and they rose to 210,352 in December 2023. This is a staggering 128% increase year on year!

The SLRDA has an ambitious target of increasing annual tourist arrivals from 1.487m in 2022 to a revised 2m travellers in 2023.

In 2025 they are aiming for 3m tourists!

Sri Lanka in December

Early December can be a bit more of a risk weather wise and you may get a bit of rain spilling over from November.

Avoid the North and East coasts of the country as the weather is better during May to September to explore those sides of the island.

The West coast and Southern beaches are popular with sun worshippers wanting to get some winter colour. There are lots of activities at the beach and you will find many surf camps allowing you to enjoy more than just the beach.

Visit a Turtle hatchery and watch the little ones make their way into the ocean.

Venturing away from the coast will allow you to explore the history and culture of the island.

Many travellers visit the cultural triangle to see the temples in Kandy, Anaradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

It can be rainy in this part of the country in December, so take a rain jacket.

An early morning climb of Lion Rock in Sigiriya or Pidurangula can be joined with a safari to see elephants in Minneriya of Kaudulla National Parks.

New Year's Eve in Sri Lanka

For Sri Lankans, the 31st December is not as significant as Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

However, as tourism is an important industry for the island you will find lots of opportunities to welcome in the New Year.

Lots of larger hotels hold New Years Eve dinner and dances.

In 2023 there was a firework display around the Lotus Tower in Colombo. You can read about the plans for 2024 in the following link.

What's the weather like?

As the North East monsoon dissipates and the dry season approaches, you can expect pleasant warm weather.

The temperatures tend to be around (25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) ), with minimal rainfall and lots of sunshine.

Rainfall along the western and southern coasts the continues to decline during the month and the south-west monsoon fast becomes a distant memory.

As the unsettled weather fades away, plenty of sunshine and dry days are expected which is great for spending time at the beach.

Rainfall reduces somewhat in the hill country, however it still can be wet and the evenings may be chilly.

The rainfall around the Cultural Triangle, is still likely to be high, although it will be less than the previous month, especially as you near the month end.

Avoid the north and the east coast as rainfall continues to be high.

For up to date information on the weather in Sri Lanka please visit he Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology.

What beaches are best in December?

Pick the south-west and south coasts in December.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. Make sure you select the part of the country which is monsoon free during your visit.

Where to avoid!
During December the monsoon hits the East coast and the central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards).

The best weather for beaches in December
The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast.

Seeking waterfalls

Sri Lanka has a variety of waterfalls around the country.

We have both Diyaluma and Bambarakanda Waterfalls within an hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Discovering and enjoying the Upper Pools at Diyaluma Waterfall are a special experience that we love.

Provided it has not rained very much, later December is a great time to enjoy the pools.

Hiking, trekking, walking

There are amazing opportunities to walk through different landscapes around the island.

It all depends on how much energy you want to expend and what type of terrain you can handle.

The weather in December is quite good for hiking as it is not as warm as it is during January to March. You are also less likely to see many walkers on your way.

Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO) is one of our favourite places to hike.

The eleven kilometre circular walk takes you past Lesser and Greater World’s End where you can enjoy spectacular views.

Bakers Falls is a beautiful waterfall that you will see during the hike.

These elements are fantastic however, the flora and fauna that you will come across in the Montane Cloud Forest is for us the real beauty.

The all new Pekoe Trail

This new 300km trail which consists fo 22 stages opened in 2023.

The hike starts in Kandy and passes through the different landscapes of Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella.

It’s becoming quite popular with hikers and there are some that have already completed the entire 300km.

GlenMyu Estate is near to stages 12 and 13 which start or end at Haputale.

The Weather in the Central Hills

What is the weather like in the Sri Lankan Hill country and Ella

December through February is the perfect time to be in Ella and the Sri Lankan hill country.

The average temperature on the higher side fluctuates between 27°C and 23°C. However it rains during this period (8-17 days in a month) so you will need a train jacket occasionally.

You can read more about the weather in the Sri Lankan hills and Ella by clicking on the link to Accuweather.

December is good in Sri Lanka, but later in the month is better

December is a good time to visit Sri Lanka, particularly later in the month when the rains die down.

Although visiting the island early in December provides more chance of rainy days, you will find it easier to get a train ticket or there will be less crowds in some of the tourist spots.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka? Read More »

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka.

Ella, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Reviews from our guests, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Finding a Hidden Gem

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka.

Discovering a place to stay that you fall in love with before others do is a great feeling.

However, once it’s on the tourist radar, you may find it difficult to get a room!

As more tourists visit Sri Lanka there are less chances that you will find a hidden gem.

Of course, as more people discover the hidden gem, the cat will be out of the bag and everyone will know about it.

The trick is to get there early before others do.

Sri Lanka is becoming a more popular tourist destination

Sri Lanka has seen its’ tourist numbers increase substantially over the last year.

In December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024, tourist numbers when compared against the previous period.

It still has a long way to go before it competes with Bali, Cambodia or Thailand.

The tourist board have ambitious targets for the coming year, so get there before it becomes too busy.

A hidden gem in the Sri Lankan hill country

GlenMyu Estate has only been operating since the start of 2022.

Guests love it and there are already we have had several returning guests.

What's so special?

A comfortable place to stay, space and amazing food are there things that our guests comment upon.

As we only have three guest bedrooms at the five acre estate, you are not fighting with other guests for space.

There are no need for time slots to enjoy the natural spring fed infinity swimming pool.

We don’t have staff bothering you too often looking to upsell.

What my wife and I have found is that we can assess the level of interaction our guests want shortly after your arrival.

There is so much more, but you really have to stay to find out what you like best.

Feedback from our guests is important

We have been humbled by what our guests say about their stay with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Neither my wife or I are extroverts and we are really overwhelmed and amazed by our guests taking the time to write the words about their time with us.

It won't last for long!

Some of our guests tell us that they want to keep GlenMyu Estate undiscovered so that there will always be a room for them when they come back!

We have no plans to expand from the three bedrooms that we have and therefore we do believe that in time it will be more difficult to get a room at the estate.

Although we have not been trading very long, we already have had several returning guests and recommendations to their friends and family.

Find us and experience what we have to offer

We love having new guests experience what we do at GlenMyu Estate.

Hopefully we will meet you soon on your next holiday in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Finding a hidden gem in Sri Lanka. Read More »

Honeymoon Hearts for Valentine's Day in Sri Lanka

Valentine’s Day Sri Lanka

Holiday, Honeymoon, Natural Swimming Pool, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Valentine's Day Sri Lanka

Do you want to do something special on Valentine’s Day in Sri Lanka?

A stay at a luxury boutique villa in the Sri Lankan Hill country, away from the crowds, may be for you and your loved one.

Valentine's Day - what is it?

February the 14th is a special day around the world where loved ones.

It is thought that that this holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which is held in mid-February.

This festival celebrated the coming of spring. Part of the festival included fertility rites and the pairing off of women

Towards the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I forbid the celebration of Lupercalia and he is sometimes attributed with replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day.

The actual origins are not certain however, Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century.

A romantic getaway in Sri Lanka

February the 14th happens to fall during the main tourist season in Sri Lanka.

Many travellers from Northern Europe escape the cold winter temperatures and visit this paradise island.

We, at GlenMyu Estate, think that just because you are on holiday, you should still celebrate Valentine’s Day with your someone special.

As we only have three guests bedrooms, it is a perfect place to spend a romantic night or two together whilst on holiday.

What makes Valentine's Day special?

According to a 2022 US YouGov poll, when asked what they would like to receive as a Valentine’s Day gift, the most common answers were as follows;

A card ( 30%)
To go out for a nice dinner (28%)
Chocolates or candy/sweets 27%)
Flowers (22%)
A homemade meal or baked goods (20%) to celebrate the day.
Under one in five (17%) want sexual favors to celebrate the holiday!
16% would welcome a piece of jewellery.

Going out for an expensive Valentine's Day dinner

In the UK, I used to get quite anxious trying to find the right restaurant to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
It’s a commercial event where restaurants bump up their prices to make the most of the demand in bleak mid February. And February payday is a long time coming!

Apart from feeling a bit ripped off, I really didn’t like sitting in a busy restaurant for the meal. It didn’t feel that special.

GlenMyu Estate has only been open since 2022 and we only have three guest bedrooms, Valentine’s Day feels so much more of a special experience for our guests.

The food is great (read our reviews!) and it is a really special place to spend that romantic night together.
We even encourage you to bring your own wine or bubbly in order to keep the costs as low as possible for you.

Here are a couple from Austria who enjoyed a special Valentine’s evening together at GlenMyu Estate.

Great food to warm the heart

Ru and the team prepare something special for our guests on Valentine’s Day.

We have enough space in the lounges to provide you with some privacy making it a memorable experience for you and your partner.

Spend your Valentine's Day at GlenMyu Estate in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Valentine’s Day Sri Lanka Read More »

Inspiration to write at the swimming pool.

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

Is this the Best Homestay in Sri Lanka?

GlenMyu Estate is a bed and breakfast that offers a lot more.

Guests have regularly commented that they can’t believe that GlenMyu Estate is a homestay.

We try to make our guests feel that they are friends and are able to properly relax without the formality of a five star hotel.

What is a Homestay?

In Sri Lanka a homestay is defined by the Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority as follows;

“a house occupied by a family with guest rooms that are ready to accommodate and provide services to paying guests, where the guests and the host family interact with each other, immersing themselves in Sri Lankan culture and experiencing authentic Sri Lankan hospitality”.

There should be a minimum of one and a maximum of four rooms.

Although GlenMyu Estate is a B & B, it does also fit into the definition of a homestay.

A homestay in Sri Lanka with a difference.

Designed with a balance of luxury and comfort.

The house at GlenMyu Estate was only completed in 2021.

It is set in five acres and there are only three guest bedrooms. There is a feeling of luxury knowing that you don’t have to share the space with many other guests when you holiday in Sri Lanka.

The property has been designed so that there is a contemporary but natural feel.

Locally sourced wood is blended with cool titanium concrete floors.
Large windows look out over the stunning Sri Lankan landscape and appear to let nature in.

More than just a stay

We had Polish guests last year, and Greg, said in his review that GlenMyu Estate was more than just a stay, it was an experience.

You can read Greg’s Google review by clicking on the following link.

Please read our other reviews in Booking.com, Airbnb, and Tripadvisor.

The food - not a typical homestay in Sri Lanka

Normally in a homestay in Sri Lanka you would have typically rice and curry for most meals. They will be delicious as the dishes will be made from locally sourced ingredients and cooked by experienced cooks.

At GlenMyu Estate, we offer both traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and also fusion dishes made with the best local ingredients that we can source.

Ruwanthi did a short Le Cordon Bleu course whilst she lived in London and is growing a reputation for her food in Sri Lanka.

Please click on our food menus to see what types of dishes we offer to our guests.

A Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration

One of the things that we do which you would often have the opportunity to see is a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration at a homestay in Sri Lanka.

We have found that with the successes of contestants Brin Paripathan and Sav Perera in UK Masterchef and Australian Masterchef, there has been a heightened interest in Sri Lankan food.

Our own ‘Masterchef’ is Ruwanthi’s mother, who has over fifty years of experience cooking delicious Sri Lankan dishes.

Getting an authentic taste of Sri Lankan food is a real benefit when staying at a homestay.

As Ruwanthi lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka, she is able to temper the level of chilli to the Western palette.

A garden tour at a homestay in the Sri Lankan Hill country

We feel extremely fortunate to live in the area of this paradise island that we do.

The estate sits at an elevation of around 1,000 metres above sea level and the climate enables us to grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and spices.

There are lots of organised spice garden tours around the country. It’s great seeing what is grown, but what we don’t like is the hard sell to buy some products as you leave.

Ruwanthi really enjoys delivering an informal garden tour which is complimentary for our guests. And, there is nothing to buy at the end of your walk!

The best homestay in Sri Lanka?

At GlenMyu Estate, we are not interested in titles and accolades.

All we want is for our guests to have the nest time on their holiday in Sri Lanka….and want to come back again.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

The Best Homestay in Sri Lanka? Read More »

Street dogs in Sri Lanka

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Charity work in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Street Dogs in Sri Lanka

When you visit Sri Lanka you will come across lots of Street dogs as you travel around the country.

Street dogs were highlighted in Dr Scotts Animals of Asia for ITV’s This Morning programme.

There are around 3 million street dogs in Sri Lanka.

They don’t want a home however, they need feeding, medical and support.

Spaying and neutering dogs in Sri Lanka will help keep the over population of street dogs in Sri Lanka under control.

Ben Fogle was also in Sri Lanka

Ben Fogle has visited Janey on two occasions which highlighted the issues with street dogs in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about We Care Worldwide

Dr Janey and her team at We Care Worldwide do a fabulous job and are deserving of support.

Find out more about We Care Worldwide by visiting their website.

Other great work supporting Street Dogs in Sri Lanka

There are many other organisations doing great work supporting, feeding, caring and arranging adoptions for the street dogs in Sri Lanka.

Here are a few links to others in Sri Lanka that are worthy of your support.

We do our bit for street dogs at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate, we have collected several dogs since we moved to the area in 2018.

We did peak at around 35 when our first dog, Clove, managed to have 7 puppies with her first litter! Yes, we were in trouble.

However, as Clove has a wonderful personality, all of her puppies were in great demand. Is she had 20 puppies, we could have found homes for them all.

We kept one, her grumpy son Roti.

At this date (November 2024), we have 9 rescue dogs that live on the 5 acre estate.

They are all vaccinated, friendly, and love meeting guests.

Some of our guests come and stay at GlenMyu Estate to meet the dogs and explore the many wonderful places to visit within a drive from the estate.

Support our work by staying at GlenMyu Estate

If you read our reviews, you will see that our guests really love their experience at GlenMyu Estate whilst they are on holiday in Sri Lanka.

By staying with us, you support employment for local people and also help to feed and care for our 9 dogs, ducks, chickens, cow and bull!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Street dogs in Sri Lanka Read More »

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka

Dr Scott from ITV’s This Morning programme was on the search for Leopard in Sri Lanka.

He visited Sri Lanka’s second largest National Park, Yala, which is located on the south of the island.

The Sri Lankan Leopard

(Panthera pardus, Linnaeus, 1758)

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a leopard species that is native to Sri Lanka.

It is the most secretive and elusive of the large carnivores, and also the shrewdest.

The Sri Lankan leopard has a tawny or rusty yellow coat with dark spots and close-set rosettes, which are smaller than in Indian leopards.

Watch ITV This Mornings Dr Scott

You can watch the episode which was broadcast on the 11th November 2024 here.

Maybe one day!

I unfortunately, have not seen a Leopard in Sri Lanka (Yet!).

The photos I have used are stock photos and not me own.

I hope to see a Leopard myself in Horton Plains National Park, like one of our guests from GlenMyu Estate, did last year.

Animals of Asia

Dr Scott previously was searching for Elephants and you can watch the following clip to see what he found.

Supporting the Street Dogs with Janey of WeCare Worldwide

Ben Fogle on his New Lives in the Wild series had met Janey, the British vet who lives on the south coast of the island and cares for street dogs.

The original programme was launched in 2020 and there was a follow up programme in May 2024.

Dr Scott visited Dr Janey on his recent series Animals of Asia for ITV’s This Morning programme.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Searching for Leopards in Sri Lanka Read More »

The best bread in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

The Best Bread in Sri Lanka

Finding good bread in Sri Lanka is a challenge.

Although you ought to be tasting great local cuisine when you are on holiday in Sri Lanka, sometimes it is good to have something that reminds you of home.

We love bread at GlenMyu Estate and our guests love it too!

At GlenMyu Estate we really believe that the you are on holiday you should try the local cuisine.

With the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef in the UK and Australia, we expect that there will be an increase in tourists looking to experience Sri Lankan food.

Our Sri Lankan food is special

My mother in law orchestrates our Sri Lankan food demonstration in conjunction with her daughter Ru (my wife!).

The demonstration starts around 4 p.m so it’s good for guests that stay more than one night at GlenMyu Estate.

I love bread

We have a standing joke with my oldest friend Peter whose catchphrase when he says at GlenMyu Estate is “I love bread!.

This saying is a daily occurrence when we have breakfast and always is followed by laughter.

Bread is my nemesis. I know I should control how much I have, but when it’s good it becomes more of a challenge.

My wife would like me to control the amount of bread that I eat. I tell her that if she made even average bread, I might be able to do what she askes. However, the bread at GlenMyu Estate is the quality that demands to be eaten. So my waistline might not achieve the inches she would like.

I always say to guests that it is okay to indulge in something good when you on holiday as you can work it off when you get home.

Please have some sympathy for me who has to deal with the delicious offerings everyday!

French people in Colombo visit GlenMyu Estate because of our bread!

It’s quiet an accolade that we have French guests that live in the capital or the south coast that visit Glenmyu Estate because of our bread. It’s hard being away from home and not having baguettes on tap.

We are not saying that our bread can be compared to the boulangeries of France, but our French guests are very happy with what we serve.

There are places in Colombo who do great bread such as Baguette.

However, it’s hard to get great bread when you are away from Sri Lanka’s Metropolis.

Something sweet

Lots of our European guests like something sweet at breakfast.

Ru and the team regularly make sweet brioche type buns and chocolate babka rolls.

We also make our own jam at GlenMyu Estate. Typically we have Mulberry jam made from mulberries picked at the estate.

A ‘marmalade’ jam is made from either Pomelo or the oranges we grow.

Ginger and Passionfruit jam is also normally available.

A special breakfast will mean that you will probably skip lunch

Our breakfasts are quite substantial at GlenMyu Estate. It’s hard to resist having an extra slice of the freshly baked bread topped with our homemade jam.

We offer a fusion of Western and Asian tastes at breakfast with added twists by Ru.

A stay at GlenMyu is not all about bread!

In addition to the food, there are lots of other things to enjoy when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

A great nights sleep and waking up to the beautiful views from your bedroom window.

Exploring the 5 acre estate and meeting our cows, chickens, ducks and dogs.

A garden tour by Ru showing you what spices, fruits and vegetables we grow.

Ru’s mum showing you how we cook Sri Lankan dishes.

Relaxing at the swimming pool and reconnecting with nature.

There are also many wonderful places to explore which are within a short drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The best bread in Sri Lanka Read More »

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka

Ella, Holiday, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka

Kandy to Ella is a 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka.

Is, what is considered as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world worth it?

I would be horrified contemplating a seven hour train journey in the UK or Europe.

So why do so many tourist have this train journey from Kandy to Ella on their bucket list?

This journey is known as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world due to the spectacular scenery that you will see on the way. The landscape changes as you leave Kandy as the train makes it way through the Sri Lankan Hill country.

One of the highlights of the train journey is getting to Ella to see Nine Arch Bridge.

This bridge is beautiful and iconic. Crowds arrive in time to see a train cross the bridge to take their photos and selfies to post on social media sites such as Instagram

The bridge is just over one hundred years old (opened in 1921).

It is an amazing feat of engineering as it is made of stone, rocks and cement. The steel that was going to be used for the bridge was redirected for use for the Great War in Europe.

There are many train stations on this seven hour train journey, all which have their own character.

Some of the trains stop for a while at the station. We managed to jump off and buy a cup of tea at the station cafe!

The newest train ‘Ella Odyssey” stops for a time at many of the staions so that you can get off and take some photos. This does add some time to the already very long train journey.

Experiences on a seven hour train journey.

In both these videos they get on the train in Perideniya to attempt to get a seat.

You can reserve seats, however as the train ride is so popular, train tickets are sold out fast.

These travellers bought unreserved tickets and took a chance on whether they would get a seat

Sit on the right if travelling to Ella if you can

It is commonly suggested that it is best to sit on the right hand side of the train for the best views if you a travelling from Kandy to Ella.

However, you will still get good views on the left hand side for part of the train journey if you are not able to bag that seat.

Buy your tickets from Sri Lankan Railways

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An authentic experience or guaranteed comfort

First, Second and Third Class?

Choosing what class you should pick depends on what type of experience you want.

The First Class compartments have air conditioning and the windows cannot be opened.

According to most people you don’t get an authentic experience travelling in First Class.

In Second and Third Classes you will be able to mov e around and perhaps sit at the doorway during your journey.

Please be careful though as some people do fall off and end up in hospital trying to get a selfie!

I guess the class that you choose is all about whether you want comfort for a seven hour train journey or you want to move around and perhaps stand for some of the journey.

Get off in Haputale and stay at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate is about 20-25 minutes in a Tuk Tuk from Haputale station.

We are around 1 hour from Ella and most of our guests do not want to stay in a touristy town. They normally enjoy a day trip to Ella to see the sights there.

The estate is convenient to visit sights including Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Liptons Seat and Horton Plains National Park.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

A 7 hour train journey in Sri Lanka Read More »

Maalu Maalu - swimming at the East Coast of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Holiday in 2025

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan holiday in 2025.

A Sri Lankan holiday in 2025?

Everybody appears to be going to Sri Lanka on holiday!

Why should I go on a Sri Lankan holiday in 2025?
When is the best time to go on holiday?
What are the best places to see on the island?

Why is Sri Lanka so popular?

Since the end of the global pandemic Sri Lankan tourist numbers have been increasing.

The country has been through some difficult times economically and now, after a period of stability, is regularly at the top of recommended places to visit in various polls.

Over the last twelve months holidaying in this paradise island came out high in the following awards and news;

Sri Lanka is projected to emerge as one of world’s fastest-growing travel destinations in 2025 according to the 2024 WTM Global Travel Report

Timeout.com ranked Sri Lanka as no 1 in their “Best places for solo female travel in 2024” .

In April 2024, Sri Lanka ranked 5th in CEO World Magazine’s “World’s Best Countries to Visit”

Sri Lanka was awarded the Best International Tourism project in the Wider World for The Pekoe Trail by the British Guild of Travel Writers Tourism in November 2023.

Other countries are suffering from over tourism

Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers peaked at 2.333 million in 2018.
The number of visitors had grown since the end of the 26 year civil war which ended in 2009.

Since 2018 the tourist numbers dropped again due to the global pandemic and then a financial crisis.

It has since been supported by an IMF bailout and stability has now come back to the country.

The main peak tourist season is from December to March when the country welcomes many visitors wanting avoid some of the northern hemisphere winter.

Tourist numbers doubled in December 2023, January and February 2024 compared to the previous years.

However, Sri Lankan tourist numbers are still very small compared to established markets in South East Asia such as Thailand 28 m, Vietnam 11 m, Philippines 5.5m, Cambodia 5.43 and Bali 15.4 m

Tourist numbers are low (comparatively)...at the moment

However, Sri Lankan tourist numbers are still very small compared to established markets in South East Asia such as Thailand 28 m, Vietnam 11 m, Philippines 5.5m, Cambodia 5.43 and Bali 15.4 m

Why should I go on a Sri Lankan holiday in 2025?

The ambition for tourist numbers by the country is high.

It is expected that 2 million tourists will visit in the calendar year to 2024. This is 300,000 short of their original target.

In 2025 the target tourist numbers are 3 million which is a significant rise.

We would suggest that you visit in 2025 so that you can enjoy the sights before it gets too busy.

You can read about the monthly tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka at the following link.

When is it best to visit Sri Lanka on holiday?

Well it depends!

As mentioned, the main tourist season is from December through to March/Mid April.

If you are wanting a “winter’ holiday you will be coming when there are the most tourists in the country.

The island is affected by two monsoons which will determine what part of the island that you can visit without getting too wet!

You can visit the central parts of the country including the cultural triangle and central hill country for most of the year.

It is good to visit the West and Southern beaches and coasts during December to April.

The Northern and Eastern beaches and coast are best visited during May through to September.

What are the best places to see on the island?

The island has so many amazing places to visit that it is impossible to say what the best places are.

Again, it depends on what you really want our of a holiday.

There are a large variety of beaches around the coast where you can get a tan, swim, surf and enjoy the local nightlife.

Wildlife is abundant in many of the the National Park, such as Yala and Udawalawe. There are safari parks around the county and you will find one in reasonably close proximity wherever you are on the island.

You can get your fill of the culture and heritage from many of the sights in the Cultural Traingle.

If you want to hike and get closer to nature there are many hiking trails around the country. The newest is the Pekoe Trail which covers 300 kilometres over 22 stages staring in Kandy and finishing after Ella.

There is hiking to suit most abilities and energies from Little Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains National Park, Knuckles Mountain Range and the religious pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak.

It's your first trip to the island - what we would recommend.

Sri Lanka really can’t be seen in one trip.

However, we would recommend that you start by staying a night in Negombo to get over your flight.

Then most guests do a circular tour around the island, either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

Start from Colombo/Negombo and travel towards Kandy and visit the cultural triangle.

Head south towards Nuwara Eliya and visit a tea factory.

Visit the central hills to see the sights near Ella. (Stay at GlenMyu Estate to hike Horton Plains, see Lipton’s Seat and visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall).

Travel south to Yala and enjoy a safari.

Finally spend time to recuperate and get a tan at one of the southern beaches.

Visit Sri Lanka - you wont be disappointed!

We find that all of our guests that arrive at GlenMyu Estate have already had a wonderful experience of their time travelling around the island.

Once you have visited you will want to come back again and again.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lankan Holiday in 2025 Read More »

Escape the winter and soak up the sun in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Escape the winter

Escape the winter and soak up the sun in Sri Lanka from December to March!

It’s the perfect time to take a walk in south beaches, explore misty highlands, and dive into vibrant culture.

A tropical paradise awaits you, the best way to escape through the cold season in Europe and the US and Canada.

Variety is the spice of life, they say

This renowned saying was originally a quotation from the poem The Task (1785) by the English poet William Cowper (1731–1800).

‘Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour”

Escaping the winter on a holiday in Sri Lanka provides you with man amazing amount of variety and choices of what to do and see.

There is so much to do on this small island that many travellers return again and again,

Escape the winter - Beaches

Sri Lanka has a variety of beaches on its southern and western coasts that will allow you to top up the tan during Northern Hemisphere winter.

You can sunbathe, visit a turtle hatchery, learn to surf and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

These beaches offer something for everyone.

Surfing

Surfing is a popular thing to do whilst you are in Sri Lanka.

If you are new to surfing there are plenty of surf camps where you can learn something new.

The Central Highlands

At GlenMyu Estate, we find that many of our guests find the cooler temperatures of the hill country a relief.

Ella is one of the must see places to visit in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Seeing Nine Arch Bridge, hiking Little Adams Peak and taking a dip in Ravanna Waterfall are all great experiences.

We find that guests choose GlenMyu Estate as they don’t want to be in a busy tourist town.

Not just Ella

Ella is a great place to visit, but there is so much more to experience in the Central Hills.

Horton Plains National Park, Lipton’s Seat, Diyaluma Waterfall and Bambarakanda Waterfall are just a few places that are amazing.

Visit the things to do section on our website to find out what you can see when you are at GlenMyu Estate

An island with so much to offer

Although Sri Lanka is a small island, similar in size to Ireland, there are so many things on offer.

You could take many weeks just to touch the surface on the places to see and experience.

No wonder the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s latest campaign is “You Will Come Back for More”.

Ancients cities and a fascinating history

Culture and religion play an important part of life in Sri Lanka. This majority Buddhist country also has Hindu, Christian and Muslims places of worship in most towns and cities.

The Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisers left their mark on the island. Other influences in culture, food and religion have resulted as it was part an important part of a sea trading route.

Visiting Colombo. Kandy and Galle Fort will provide you with a taste of the colonial architecture by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Escape the winter - Wildlife and safaris

Not just elephants and leopards!

There are lots of safari parks around the island where you can see a variety of wildlife.

It’s not just all about elephants and leopards. Sloth Bears, Barking Deer, Monkeys, Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards are just some of what you might see.

If you are particularly interested in bird watching, there are national parks that provide good habitats for birds.

Ayurvedic Treatments and relaxation

Holidays should not all be about exploring.

We know that you need to unwind as well.

You will find lots of opportunities to get a massage or some of the Ayurvedic treatments from your hotel or spas near where you are staying.

We are currently developing a spa for our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

Escape the Southern Hemisphere Winter

Don’t worry, if you are living in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa you can visit this paradise island during your winter.

The beaches in the North and East are fabulous during May until September during the Southern Hemisphere winter.

Explore Jaffna, Trincomalee, Pasikudah and end up with some surfing at Arugam Bay.

Visit during the Europen and North America summer holidays - avoid the crowds

The main tourist season for Sri Lanka is from Mid December to March/Mid April.

If you want a less crowded holiday and want to avoid the masses in the Mediterranean, perhaps Sri Lanka is for you.

The North and East are the places to visit during May until September.

Ella and the Central Hills - almost always open

Make sure you add variety to your holiday by spending some time in the Central Hill Country.

You can visit Ella and the great sights in the Central Hills for most of the year. Expect rains in May and October and November. Despite being a bit wetter during those months you can get lucky and have some great sunny days.

Escape the winter and stay at GlenMyu Estate in the Central Hills of Sri Lanka

Treat yourself to a stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Escape the winter and soak up the sun in Sri Lanka Read More »

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Diyaluma Waterfall or Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Diyaluma Waterfall or Bambarakanda Waterfall?

Diyaluma Waterfall or Bambarakanda Waterfall?

What waterfall should I visit when I am in Sri Lanka if I have limited time?

Which one should I visit on my holiday in Sri Lanka.

What waterfall is better to see?

Avoid weekends or public holidays if you can!

We always recommend to our guests at GlenMyu Estate to avoid weekends or Sri Lankan holidays if possible.

The number of people visiting during those times increase as you also have local people enjoying the sights.

If you can’t avoid the weekend, we would recommend that you visit early in the day as typically, local Sri Lankans tend to arrive a little bit later on.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Diyaluma or Bambarakanda Waterfalls

GlenMyu Estate is located within 45 minutes to 1 hour drive from Diyaluma Waterfall and Bambarakanda Waterfall.

It is convenient to visit either or both of the waterfalls when you are on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Lots of our guests get up early and visit Upper Diyaluma to avoid the crowds. Some have had the unique experience of having the upper pools all to themselves before the crowds from Ella arrive!

Diyaluma Waterfall

The most popular waterfall to visit when staying at GlenMyu Estate is Diyaluma Waterfall.

You can view the waterfall from the road, however the amazing experience is when you hike to the top to visit the upper pools.

Upper Diyaluma is about a 45 minute drive from GlenMyu Estate.

You can experience the pools early in the morning and get back to the estate for a late breakfast.

Diyaluma Waterfall is 220 m (720 ft) high.

It is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 619th highest waterfall in the world.

Seeing Diyaluma Waterfall from the A4 road is an amazing experience, especially if there is a good flow of water.

However, the thing we and our guests at GlenMyu Estate like most is exploring the Upper Pools at Diyaluma.

Apart from being immersed in a nature in a relatively untouched area, there are lots of things to do.

After the twenty minute hike to the top of the falls there are lots of pools to swim in.

Spending time surrounded by the amazing scenery in fresh cool water will make you forget about all the stresses of work.

Our experience at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

We have visited Upper Diyaluma Waterfall several times with friends and guests.

It is am amazing places and you can read more about what we saw and did by clicking onto this link above.

Bambarakanda - is biggest best?

Upper Diyaluma is the second highest but Bambarakanda is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

It has a height of 263 m (863 ft), it ranks as the 461st highest waterfall in the world.

The falls are based off the main A4 road coming from Colombo towards Beragala/Haputale.

After a short walk from the car park through a pine forest you will reach the base of the falls.

You will be met by a horseshoe pool and will see the water descending from a very nearly vertical rock face.

There are concrete benches where you can sit and enjoy this magnificent view.

You can trek up the falls however we would recommend that you hire a guide to ensure that you don’t get lost.

Which one is better?

Both Diyaluma and Bambarakanda Waterfalls are amazing experiences.

We at GlenMyu Estate have a preference for visiting the pools at Upper Diyaluma.

In future we plan to hike to the upper parts of Bambarakanda and perhaps we will have a different favourite in the future!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the waterfalls in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights including Upper Diyaluma and Bambarakanda Waterfalls and many more..

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Diyaluma Waterfall or Bambarakanda Waterfall Read More »

Making people happy

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Making people happy

Making people happy – that’s what we aim to do!

This phrase really resonated with me whilst I was listening to a podcast.

Michel Roux Jr. was being interviewed by James O’Brien for the Full Disclosure Podcast.
Towards the end of the interview James ends saying that the impulse driving the hospitality industry is “making people happy”.

This impulse is ultimately what we aim to achieve at GlenMyu Estate.

We feel that we have an advantage

We feel that we have an advantage in our aims of making people happy.

For most of our guests GlenMyu Estate is not their first stop on their holiday in Sri Lanka. The estate is located just over five hours from the airport and therefore it is only the dedicated few that make GlenMyu Estate their first stop.

Fortunately for us, guests arrive already having been wowed by the country and the hospitality of its’ people. They come with smiles on their faces and rave about their experience so for on the island.

Fall in love with the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Cleary, we then have a job to do to continue the feeling that our guests have when they arrive.

We want to create an atmosphere where you feel relaxed and are visiting an old friend. In some hotels you can feel uncomfortable and not fully be able to let your hair down.

The atmosphere that we have tried to create is somewhere that you can truly relax and unwind. It was really important to us that there were comfortable chairs and sofas in the rooms and lounges. Space was also important, so, if you want to spend some time alone, you can.

We have not overdeveloped the land and only have three guest bedrooms. There is always space to swim in the pool and lots of places to explore on the five acre estate.

It makes us feel great when our guests connect and fall in love with GlenMyu Estate.

Full Disclosure with James O'Brien - one of my favourite podcasts.

Watch or listen to the Full Disclosure Podcast with James O’Brien and Michel Roux.

I tend to listen to lots of podcasts in the Sri Lankan Hill country and have waned myself off of television over the years I have lived here. There are many more podcasts that I subscribe to which gives me my fill in entertainment, news, sport and politics.

Food is an important part of what we do at GlenMyu Estate

Eating great food, prepared with love is a way of making people happy.

Ru and her team take pride in the dishes that they prepare for our guests. They are motivated when they hear the positive feedback from our guests.

We try to source as much as we can locally as it is fresh and tastes great. You will find that our menu is mainly plant based with some fish and chicken options.

If you read our reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Airbnb you will see how much our guests love the food at GlenMyu Estate.

Shared experiences with friends and family

We love to see the smiles on pour guests faces as the sit and eat together.

Hearing the shrieks of joy as families enjoy the swimming pool together puts smiles on our faces. We know that family bonding is important and that we have the facility to enable people to come together and create memories.

Sharing the love for Sri Lankan cooking

Sri Lankans are very proud of their country and also their cuisine.

Our guests really enjoy our complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration which is provided when they order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mum, who has over 50 years experience in a Sri Lankan kitchen, shows our guests how the dishes are made.

The great thing is that you get to eat a delicious Sri Lankan meal after an entertaining hour or two.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

The colour of fresh local fruits and vegetables really add something special to the meals we cook. It is really important that we source the best ingredients that we can to cook for our guests.

Reconnecting with nature

Most of the world lives in cities and has pushed nature away.

Reconnecting with nature is good for the heart and the soul.

GlenMyu Estate has five acres for you to explore and enjoy. We have planted species on the estate to encourage wildlife to visit.

Listening to the birds as you swim in our Natural Spring Fed swimming pool is a beautiful experience.

Making a connection with our rescue dogs or watching the ducks wander around the land as they forage brings a bit of inner peace.

Connect with the animals at the estate

We have several rescue dogs at GlenMyu Estate.

Most visitors to Sri Lanka see the poor condition of the stray street dogs as they travel around the island. There are some good organisations that help these poor animals such as WeCare, Embark and Dogs of Ella.

All of our rescue dogs are vaccinated, friendly, and used to meeting guests. We would not recommend that you pet any dogs or cats in Sri Lanka as rabies is still an issue and dangerous for humans.

You can been comfortable in petting our dogs as they have all their vaccinations and love it when guests stay.

Look out for Clove, who thinks that you have come to visit her!

Our dogs add to our aim of making people happy during their stay.

Be happy and come to Sri Lanka on holiday.

Your experience of a holiday in Sri Lanka will put a smile on your face and you will remember your time here for many years.

The tourist boards’ new slogan is ‘You will come back for more’.

Once you have experienced this paradise island we are sure you will want to come back again one day.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Making people happy Read More »

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Ella, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

A holiday in Sri Lanka in 2025 will be an experience that will live with you for many months and years after your time on this paradise island.

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025? WTF project that it will emerge as one of world’s fastest-growing travel destinations in 2025.

Visit Now!....Tourist numbers in Sri Lanka are on the rise

Visit in 2025, before tourist numbers get too large!

The government have ambitious targets to grow the number of visitors to this small island.

Visitor numbers doubled in the months of December 2023, January 2024 and February 2024 .

Calendar year figures for 2023 was for 1.487 million visitors. There were 1.484 million visitors from January to September 2024.

The plan for 2024 was 2,3 million, a rise of 700,000. It was a stretching target and the number has now been revised to 2 million. This is still an additional 400,000 tourists!

In 2025 the targeted numbers are 3 million!

The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Board publish weekly, monthly and annual tourist arrivals.

You can see how the numbers have increased by visiting their website.

What is the World Travel Market

World Travel Market is an organisation that brings the travel industry together through events, content and digital tools.

is home to the world’s travel trade – the most influential travel and tourism event globally.

WTM London brings together the international leisure travel community; providing inspiration, education, sourcing, and benchmarking to travel professionals while providing exhibitors a place to do business and showcase their services to the international press.

In 2023, WTM welcomed over 40,000 professionals from 184 countries. WTM is the easiest, most resourceful place in travel to get networked, saving time, money, and effort on the way.

You can register and download the full report at the World Travel Market website.

The report was made in conjunction with Tourism Economics. This company state that ‘Tourism Economics combines the expertise of the travel industry with proven economic tools to answer the most important questions facing our clients’.

Why is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025?

This small island nation located off the tip of India, has incredible diversity in its landscapes. A varying coastline with beautiful beaches to high mountains and rich fertile valleys, there is something to see for everyone.

Stunning wildlife, safaris, hiking, water sports, cultural and history are all elements of what Sri Lanka offers.

The highlight is the people. They proudly welcome visitors with Sri Lankan smiles and want you to have the best experience during your visit. Hospitality is natural to those that live here. Don’t be surprised if you are asked into a strangers home for a cup of local tea!

Visit Sri Lanka in 2025 before others find it!

We would recommend that you visit in 2025 before tourist numbers rise too much.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Is Sri Lanka a good place to visit in 2025? Read More »

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka

Ella, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka

Where are the must see places in Sri Lanka?

There are so many places and experiences to choose from, the list could be very long.

However, most travellers have too short a time on this paradise island to see enough.

This is why many visitors to Sri Lanka come back again and again.
The Sri Lanka Tourist boards slogan is ‘You will come back for more’.

Our 5 best must see places?

We have listed five places that we think that you must see on your first trip to Sri Lanka.

Some are prominent in guide books and we considered that we had to put on the list.

We could have put five places that you must visit whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate as there are so many amazing places within an hours drive away.

However, we understand that your time on holiday is short and we have highlighted five places you must see around the island.

1. Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara

This bridge near Ella Town has probably taken over the Lion Rock, Sigiriya as the number one place to visit on the island.

But its’s just a bridge!, I hear you say.

Nine Arch Bridge is in a stunning setting and is part of what has been coined the most beautiful train journey in the world.

The bridge is just over one hundred years old (Opened 1921).
Apparently it is just made from stone, rocks and cement as the steel that was to be used in its’ construction was redirected to be used in the First World War effort.

I guess is Scotland can have the Harry Potter Bridge at Glenfinnan Viaduct, Sri Lanka can have a stunning bridge too!

2 Lion Rock, Sigiriya

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is known as Lion Rock.

Prior to being built as a fortress, it’s thought the rock was a Buddhist monastery.

The citadel on top of Sigiriya Lion Rock was built by King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD. As he was worried of potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne, he used the fortress as his royal residence.

The Lion Rock was once again used as a monastery after Kasyapa’s death until it was abandoned in the 14th century.

You will ascend 200 metres climbing 1,200 steps and will be met with a magnificent view.

We would recommend that you go early to avoid the heat of the sun.

Remember, you can always see the Lion Rock from Pidurangula Rock which is likely to have less tourists.

3. Horton Plains National Park, World's End

Our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate love hiking at UNESCO World Heritage site, Horton Plains National Park.

The exhilarating views that you will see from Greater World’s End and Little World’s End are worth the 11 kilometre circular trek itself.

At an elevation of around 2,100 metres you will feel that you have had a good workout at the end of your walk.

Information boards highlight the landscape, flora and fauna that you are likely to see on your hike.

You will enjoy sitting watching the cool water cascading down the beautiful Baker’s Falls waterfall.

Make sure you go early to get a chance of a clearer view at both Worlds End viewpoints.

4. The Southern Beaches

There is so much variety for you to experience at the southern beaches of Sri Lanka.

Apart from catching the rays to show off when you get home, there are lots of different things to do.

Visit one of the turtle hatcheries.

Learn to surf at a surf camp

Enjoy the nightlife at one of the

Watch the sunset with your partner

Don’t forget, if you are visiting the island during May to August, you should stick to the beaches of the East and North coasts.

Beaches to visit on the Southern Coast

Here are some of the better known beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka with links to show you what they are like.

Ahungalla Beach
Unawatuna Beach
Hiriketiya Beach
Bentota Beach
Mirissa Beach
Jungle Beach
Hikkaduwa Beach
Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa)
Mihiripenna Beach
Polhena Beach

5.Yala National Park

Yala National Park is probably the best known park on the island to do a safari and see animals. It is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.

The park covers a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons.

You are likely to see a wide range of wildlife such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks and many more types of birds.

However, there are plenty of other safari parks around the country. So, if you want to avoid the crowds look for other parks as you travel around the island.

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka - Summary

Watch the train pass over Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara
Discover the history behind the Lion Rock, Sigiriya
See the view from Little World’s End
Enjoy the variety at the Southern beaches
See the animals on safari at Yala National Park

Too much more to mention!

These five must see places are only just some of the amazing sights and experiences you can have on this small island.

Sri Lanka has something for everyone and we are sure that you will be back for more.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Horton Plains and many more

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

5 Must see places in Sri Lanka Read More »

A New Year's resolution - to swim every day.

Gardening followed by a swim

Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Organic, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Gardening followed by a swim

After a hard days gardening at GlenMyu Estate, it is great to finish off the day with a swim in our natural pool.

You can imagine that with five acres of land there would be a lot of gardening to do.

We did not realise what we had taken on when we built GlenMyu Estate which is located in the beautiful Sri Lankan hill country.

If I had realised how much work was created by putting in so many grass pathways along with a lawn in front of the house and around the swimming pool, perhaps I would adopted another strategy!

The Garden at GlenMyu Estate

When GlenMyu Estate was purchased by Ru, it was overgrown and had not been touched for many years.
The land had been part of a larger tea estate and subsequently used for sugar cane production.

We didn’t realise that leaving the land fallow for so long would provide great quality topsoil that gave the items we planted a great start in their life.

The garden is still a work in progress. With five acres to manage, I believe it will always be a work in progress!

However, what we have created so far, has gone down very well with our guests.

We have tried to work with the landscape. If we push it too much we believe that nature will bite back. This has created a natural looking landscape which is where the gardens beauty really lies.

Our Swimming Pool at GlenMyu Estate

We love our swimming pool.

Surrounded by nature and for the exclusive use of the guests that stay at the estate, it really is a piece of paradise.

After spending a day gardening, it is a fabulous place to end the day easing the muscles I have used

Sometimes I swim twice a day, early morning and early evening.

It’s a remarkable experience and one that changes everyday. The light and the sounds of the birds is never the same. It’s one of the beautiful things living in the Sri Lankan Hill country where the weather changes so often.

A Healthy Lifestyle - gardening and swimming

I’m sure that my wife would like me to be a bit healthier. I always say that it took many years for me to end up with the body I deserved! It will take several years to get the body that we both would like.

I feel a little bit like the Tortoise in the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.

In the long run I will win!

A Garden Tour

Ru likes to offer a tour of the garden at GlenMyu Estate.

It is one of the things that our guests really enjoy.

You will see a variety of spices, fruits and vegetables that we grow.

Perhaps Ru will ask you to pick some vegetables or leaves that will be used in your evening meal!

I love the feedback after the garden tour. It makes all those hours I spend gardening worth it!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Gardening followed by a swim Read More »

Animals in Asia

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Animals in Asia

In November 2024, The UK’s This Morning programme started a series on the Animals of Asia.

In the first feature, Dr Scott looks for Elephants in Sri Lanka.

Watch the clip from This Morning to see his amazing experience of his search for animals in Asia.

Supporting Biodiversity at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

Since we moved to Sri Lanka some eight years ago one of our aims was to encourage wildlife to visit GlenMyu Estate.

We are continuing our work creating a habit and food forest to bring a wider biodiversity to the 5 acres of land.

By staying at GlenMyu Estate on part of your holiday, you will be helping to support our work.

Where can I see Elephants in Sri Lanka?

It’s possible to see elephants as you drive around the country.

Some of the roads on the island have been built close to elephant corridors. You will see warning signs on roads to drive carefully as you may come across elephants on or beside the road!

Animals in Asia - Safari Parks

There are lots of safari parks located around the island.

Here are a few picks from a much longer list of parks you can visit on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

Great for elephants:

Udawalawe National Park

Minneriya National Park

Kaudulla National Park

A wider variety of wildlife

Yala National Park

Wilpattu National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park

Bundala National Park

Flood Plains National Park

Maduru Oya Park Sri Lanka

Great for birds and birdwatchers

Thangamale Bird Sanctuary

Kumana National Park

Gal Oya National Park

Horton Plains National Park

Elephant Orphanages and Sanctuaries

There are lots of elephant orphanages located in Sri Lanka.

In this article by ‘Elephant Sanctuary Sri Lanka’ they cover the following orphanages and sanctuaries:

Udawalawa Elephants Transit Home

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Millennium Elephant Foundation (Private Project)

Elephant Freedom Project (Private Project)

Some of our guests at GlenMyu Estate have volunteered at Elephant Orphanages prior to staying with us in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

The most well known elephant orphanage is Pinnawela which is located 10 km north-west of Kegalle town and very close to Rambukkana town

Elephant Orphanages - the good and the bad

There are mixed reviews and feelings about visiting and supporting elephant orphanages.

Some people love the experience and think that the orphanages are a good idea. Others believe that the way the animals are treated and the conditions are far from good.

Here are video from ‘Poohs World’ and Trisha & Nikhil showing their experiences at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage .

This Blog Post from Hand Luggage Only highlights the negative side of orphanages.

Animals in Asia - Not just Elephants!

Although seeing elephants in Sri Lanka is a great experience, there is lots of other wildlife to see throughout the island.

In most parts of the island there are National Parks and Safari Parks that all offer different experiences.

As you travel around the island you will see a wide variety of colourful birdlife.

Taking an organised tour or safari in one of the well know parks will ensure that you see more wildlife than you would on your own.

Lots of the safari guides are amazing a spotting animals in the jungle that I would missed.

Encouraging wildlife at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate is a luxury bed and breakfast located in 5 acres of the beautiful Sri Lankan Hill country.

The once abandoned estate has and continues to be restored into a haven for wildlife. We have consciously planted species at the estate that will attract, feed and provide a home to a variety of wildlife.

Our ultimate aim is to create a food forest that will provide a food source for us, our guests and the wildlife that visit and live at the estate.

It is early days creating this haven and by spending part of your holiday at GlenMyu Estate, you help to support our ultimate goal.

Some animals and birds seen at GlenMyu Estate

I clearly need to replace my camera to get some beer photos!

However, these photos will provide you with an idea of what you mights see if you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate, enjoy nature and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see animals in this part of Asia.

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Animals in Asia Read More »

ITV’s This Mornings’ Dr Scott explores the animals of Asia

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

ITV This Mornings' Dr Scotts 'Animals of Asia'

In a brand new series on ITV’s This Morning programme Dr Scott Millar explores the ‘Animals of Asia’.

Dr Scott is embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the tropical island of Sri Lanka.

On the 5th of November 2024 Dr Scott was out on safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka searching for the Asian elephant.

This Morning - a daytime magazine TV programme

ITV’s This Morning is a British daytime magazine programme that is broadcast on ITV live every weekday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The programme covers a whole range of topics including news, celeb guests, expert advice, real-life stories and competitions, plus a mix of cookery, health and more.

Dr Scott visits Udawalawe National Park to see the Elephants there.

We can see the reservoir at Udawalawe which provides water for the animals in the park in the distance from our lounge at GlenMyu Estate.

He watches a Crested Hawk Eagle having a bath in the water close to his safari vehicle.

Dr Scott comments that he is in Sri Lanka as it has the highest density of elephants anywhere in the region.

Dr Scott describes himself as a “Broadcaster Author Welfare and Wildlife Warrior” on his Instagram profile.

He also has a Tok Tok channel called Rescue Vet which mainly show his work with animals in the UK.

Rescue Vet

The vet has his own YouTube Channel called Rescue Vet.

This channel shows fresh and new Dr Scott content. It takes a sneak peek inside a Veterinary practice in London.

Sri Lanka - the best place to see animals in their natural environment

According to Dr Scott, Sri Lanka is the nest place to see animals in their natural environment.

On ITV’s This Morning Programme he focussed on the Elephants

There however, is a human elephant conflict in Sri Lanka where the elephants habitat is reducing as more development is taking place.

Sri Lankan Elephants

According to the World Wildlife Fund ‘The Sri Lankan subspecies is the largest and also the darkest of the Asian elephants”

The herd size in Sri Lanka ranges from 12-20 individuals or more. It is led by the oldest female, or matriarch.

The Sri Lankan elephant population has fallen almost 65% since the turn of the 19th century.

Safari Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many safari parks around the island, all of which provide different experiences to see the animals in their environment.

The most well known is Yala National Park which is on the Southern Coast. Lots of our guests at GlenMyu Estate visit Yala prior or after their stay in the Central Hills of the country. Yala has a wide range of animals that you may see on your safari.

We can see Udawalawe Reservoir from the main lounge at GlenMyu Estate. This National Park is great if you want to see mainly Elephants.

There are many other National Parks around the country where our guests have provided positive feedback on their visits.

We have been to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks which were particularly good for seeing elephants and birds.

There are many other safari parks around the country which provides a variety of experiences and animals and birds to see.

If you are interested in birdwatching then there are some parks that are particularly good. Sinharaja, Kumana, Bundala, and Gal Oya are just a few of many options.

Building a habitat to encourage animals to thrive at GlenMyu Estate

From the outset building GlenMyu Estate, we were focused on bringing biodiversity back to the once dilapidated five acres of land.

The land was once part of a larger tea estate and then a sugar cane plantation. When the production of sugar cane became uneconomic, the land was abandoned.

When Ru bought the land, it was overgrown with mainly Guinea Grass, which was brought in to Sri Lanka as quick growing cattle fodder. It took over the land and did not allow any of the endemic species to thrive.

We have taken some years to take out much of this unwanted grass and aimed to create a food forest. The produce would be a source of food for ourselves, our guests and the animals that visit the estate.

The forest is still in its infancy, however, Ru loves to give our guests a garden tour to show what we are growing on the estate.

Leaving space for the flora and fauna

We also wanted to make sure that we did not overdevelop the land so that we could provide space for flora and fauna.

Commercially, it would have made sense for us to build lots of other guest accommodation around the estate. However, this would not leave sufficient space to create the habitat for the animals that visit or have their home on the estate.

What animal life will you see at GlenMyu Estate?

Nature does not guarantee anything however we regularly get one of two types of monkey visiting the estate.

Occasionally you may see a Barking Deer in the distance.

However, we can almost guarantee that you will see a variety of birdlife foraging at the estate every day.

Support our work by staying at GlenMyu Estate

By choosing GlenMyu Estate as part of your holiday in Sri Lanka you will be supporting the work that we are doing on the land to encourage wildlife to thrive here.

You will also have an amazing experience, as supported by the guest reviews that we have on various platforms.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

ITV’s This Mornings’ Dr Scott explores the animals of Asia Read More »

Exciting new plans in Sri Lanka

Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Exciting new plans in Sri Lanka.

Exciting new plans in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate.

We had a choice, and circumstances led us in, what we hope, is an exciting new direction for GlenMyu Estate, which will enhance the experience for our guests.

Our reviews reflect how much our guests love the experience at GlenMyu Estate.

Never, ones to sit on our laurels, we have plans to make our guests stay in the Sri Lankan Hills even better.

Exciting new plans in Sri Lanka.

We had choices to make. Hopefully our plans will enhance the experience for guests at GlenMyu Estate.

The Old Greenhouse

This building was once a greenhouse.

It was originally a cow shed which was dilapidated when the land was purchased. We rebuilt and extended the structure with the help of some local craftsmen.

You can see how beautiful the stonework is which makes it quite an attractive building. Perhaps a little too attractive for a greenhouse.

For a while it was housing to our cow and chickens. The ducks had an enclosure stuck onto the end of the building.

We aso had a nursery for seedlings and plants.

When the clear plastic roofing broke and the roof started leaking we decided that there was no point in replacing the clear roof.
Our chickens were getting wet in the wetter parts of the year and we were worried for their health.

A new metal roof was installed and the chickens were dry!

Plans change

Lots of our guests at GlenMyu Estate had a look at the building as Ruwanthi carried out her tour of the garden.

There were many suggestions for the property and we did consider converting the building into family accommodation.

After the busy tourist season that ended in April we decided that we would proceed and convert it into accommodation.

Let down....again!

With the builder lined up, the construction was due to start after we had moved the cows 9now two of them), the chickens and the ducks.

The new cow house was complete and Maali and Boo Boo were moved into their new home.

A new duck house was constructed next to the cow shed, so Maali and Boo Boo had some company.

We had already constructed a new home for some of the chickens some time back. The batch that lived in the greenhouse were moved into where we had a cow shed when we just had Maali.

So, we were all ready to go – we thought!

Unfortunately, the builder did not return to start on the conversion of the greenhouse. We had experienced this in Sri Lanka in the past, so it did not come as a surprise.

A lucky break

The absent builder resulted in a little bit of luck for us.

We were not convinced that developing the old greenhouse into guest accommodation was the right way to go.

I was a little concerned about the noise from the chickens, who may have disturbed our guests having a good nights sleep. There were also lots of other little factors that made us a little nervy about diving into building new accommodation.

Excited again - Our builder came back to us!

The builder came back and we were really pleased. Unfortunately he had to deal with some personal matters which led to his absence.

We were just happy that we could get back on track with our new project.

Our exciting new plans revealed!

So, what do we plan to do?

Now that the contractor has returned to work we plan to convert some of the space into additional staff accommodation.

That’s not very exciting!

Here is the exciting bit!

The lower floor will be a place for guests to enjoy Ayurvedic massages and treatments. We also plan to conduct yoga classes from here.

An additional experience at GlenMyu Estate for our guests

Many of our guests have requested massages and treatments whilst they have been on holiday at GlenMyu Estate.

Although we didn’t have adequate facilities massages were performed outside near the pool or in a bedroom which happened to be empty at the time. We were not happy with this and wanted to provide a better experience for our guests.

We had considered building a separate unit for these treatments, but with only three bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate, it would be a large investment with little return. There was also some difficulty in identifying a place on the estate which would work for a new building.

Although GlenMyu Estate sits in five acres, it was a challenge agreeing on a site which would keep the privacy and level of the experience for our guests. our guests like the fact that the swimming pool is not overlooked by bedrooms or other facilities. this is important for us as most hotels have their rooms overlooking the pool.

Dual purpose makes a lot of sense.

The dual purpose building makes a lot of sense and we will be able to provide a beautiful environment to look out to whilst guests are enjoying their treatments.

A deadline we would like to aim for!

Our experience in Sri Lanka, dealing with contractors has been varied and we know that it is a challenge meeting deadlines.

We hope and pray this we will have a better experience and deliver on time.

Our guest are important to us

We feel blessed that guests want to come back again and again to GlenMyu Estate.

A German couple from Dusssledorf were recommended to stay at GlenMyu Estate by other German customers.

They came and stayed for three nights.Our guests loved it so much that they booked again for the Festive period in 2023 for ten nights! We were delighted and humbled.

Our lovely guests enjoyed some massages when they stayed at the estate, albeit we didn’t have proper facilities.

The change in plans for the old greenhouse has provided the opportunity to create a space for Ayuervidic Massages and treatments in this building.
As it will be away from the main house it should be a perfect environment to experience these traditional treatments.

A deadline to meet

Our returning German guests have booked to stay again for 5 days over Christmas in 2024.

We aim to surprise them and provide them with a place where they can really relax when enjoying their Ayurvedic treatments.

We hope that this will be a unique offering in Sri Lanka and it will encourage other guests to spend more time at the 5 acre estate.

Early November 2024

How is the progress.

Here are some photos that I took on the day of the US elections, 4th November 2024.

We have recently had some downpours of rain which is usual for this time of year.

This will slow down the drying of concrete and plater.

We are hoping for better weather in early December when the titanium cement finish will be applied to the building.

Will we make it in time?

Building in Sri Lanka is not a Science and therefore timelines can slip.

We are trying our utmost to complete the Spa by the main tourist season which starts at the end of December 2024.

Our exciting new plans hopefully will be a fabulous addition to our guests experience at GlenMyu Estate.

Wish us luck!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Exciting new plans in Sri Lanka Read More »

We met dancing, and moved to Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Life in Sri Lanka, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

We met dancing..... and then moved to Sri Lanka

My wife and I met dancing in London , may years ago.

Little did I know that I would end up moving to Sri Lanka many years later.

I’m so glad that we did.

Sri Lanka is a magical island and we have created an amazing place to stay, off the beaten track, in the Sri Lankan hill country.

Find our more about our story and also about our luxury bed and breakfast, GlenMyu Estate.

The photo is of us dancing at our wedding in Negombo. I had a full head of hair when we met!

Ceroc - the perfect type of dancing for me!

A friend of mine in the UK introduced me to Ceroc.

I had no idea about what this dance style was about. He had taken me to a Salsa club in London, but I was overwhelmed with the dance steps and it didn’t appeal to me.

Ceroc was a completely different for me.

I loved it as I could pick up the simpler dance moves.

After some weeks of practice and some ‘beginners weekends’ I managed to grasp what was needed. I loved it so much that I would dance at various venues around London at least three times per week.

What is Ceroc

Ceroc explains on their website that “Our dance moves incorporate a wide variety of dance forms such as Jive, Ballroom, Latin, Tango, Salsa, West-Coast Swing, Blues, Bachata, Zouk…..the list goes on”.

The format in the same every night. There is a beginners class and an intermediate class. In between the classes you get to practice the moves that you have learnt.

You have no rhythm!

At one of my ‘beginners weekends’ I was told by one of my partners that I had no rhythm. She told me to listen to the music.

As much as this was hard to hear, she was right. I could mechanically master the dance moves but I hadn’t connected them to the beat of the music at that stage.

It was a time where I could have easily given up hearing this crushing view of my dancing ability.

However, I was determined to go forward as I enjoyed dancing this style so much.

Over the coming weeks I listened to more music and it clicked.

At the Ceroc sessions that followed, I would be asked to dance by the ladies rather than the other way around.

She happened to be Sri Lankan

I met my future wife through Ceroc dancing.

One of the venues was at International Student House near Great Portland Street station in London.

Ruwanthi was working in London at the time and a work colleague brought her along for a night out. She regularly attended the venue when she was in London and we danced from time to time.

The rhythm was good between us and we really enjoyed dancing with each other.

Ruwanthi was from Sri Lanka. Little did I know that several year later I would be living with her on this beautiful paradise island. I also did not envisage that we would both give up our successful careers and build and operate GlenMyu Estate.

Are we still dancing?

It certainly was a lot easier to dance when you have the lure of a great fun dance venue to go to.

We don’t dance as often as we would like to as there are lots of things for us to do with our time at GlenMyu Estate.

I’m inspired when there is some music on and when you see our lounges we certainly have the setting to dance.

Perhaps this will be a joint New Year’s resolution for us in 2025. Dancing more often as the sunsets at GlenMyu Estate!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

We met dancing, and moved to Sri Lanka Read More »

Swimming with my wife

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Swimming with my wife

I like swimming on my own, however swimming with my wife is also an amazing experience.

What do I prefer – I am too diplomatic to say!

It was all her idea

Building a swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate was all her idea.

Sure, I thought that if we were opening a bed and breakfast facility, then a swimming pool would be a great addition.

The hitch came when it looked like we were running out of money to build the main house.

Being a conservative ex-banker, I wanted to finish the house first and then build the pool.

My wife insisted that we start the pool early, and, as usual, she got her way.

And then I found out that she couldn't swim

I was a little bit perplexed when we completed the swimming pool.

Trying it out for the first time, I realised that my wife couldn’t swim!

But my wife was the driving force behind building the swimming pool?!!!

The best decision

Building the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is one of my wife’s many excellent decisions.

She learnt to swim in her own pool. I guess that we had spent so much money on the pool that she was determined to use it.

I calculated the cost compared to my gym membership and personal trainer cost in London. Working out how much we would need to use the swimming pool to recoup our investment was an incentive for me!

The joy of swimming in an uncrowded swimming pool, as often as we want, is a real luxury.

It certainly was the best decision to build the pool in conjunction with the house construction.

No chlorine

One of my major bug bears with most pools is that you end up smelling of chlorine once you come out of the pool.

The thought of being covered in some nasty toxic smelling chemical was not a great feeling.

We do use a little chlorine from time to time in our pool at GlenMyu Estate. This usually when we don’t have much rains during August and September.

However, the small amount of cholrine we use is added at night. The great thing is that the chemicals evaporate and the smell has gone by the time of your morning swim.

It's not a bath, it's a swimming pool!

We find that swimming in a warm pool is energy sapping. Also the water does not give much resistance making it harder to swim.

My wife and I swam at a hotel pool near Galle earlier in 2024 and we really didn’t like it. We both felt exhausted in the warm water and really didn’t want to swim.

I was really disappointed as I wanted to expend some energy and reenergise myself after a long car drive.

Some swimming pools are too cold

Several years ago we stayed at a hotel near Haputale and used their swimming pool. Haputale is at an elevation of just over, 1,400 metres which is 400 metres higher than GlenMyu Estate.

The pool was cold. So cold that I used it once and didn’t want to use it again. It was not a pleasant experience (although probably very good for you!).

If the sun does not hit our swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate, sometimes it is a challenge getting into the cooler water. However, after a few lengths, my body is warmed up and attuned to the temperature. Once I get myself over this challenge, I love it!

Swimming with my wife - more often please!

The shared experience swimming with my wife is good for us for our fitness. It’s also good for our relationship.

Sure, she splashes sometimes and says that I haven’t swam enough, but it’s a great experience to spend some special time together.

Our guest love our pool

We have found that our guests love the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate.

It’s a different experience for them on their holiday on this paradise island.

We have some guests that are used to cold water swimming in lakes or the sea and they love our pool.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and swim in our fabulous pool.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Apart from enjoying the pool and the amazing five acer estate, you can visit sights like Horton Plains National Park, Liptons Seat and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and so many more fabulous places to experience.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Swimming with my wife Read More »

Jackfruit growing at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka.

These delicious fruits are a staple dish on our menu at our luxury bed and breakfast in the central hills of Sri Lanka.

I was delighted to return from my UK trip in October to see so many Jackfruits on the trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

An island of many seasons

There are several different zones in Sri Lanka which give rise to different climates and growing conditions. Also, there are two major monsoons that affect different parts of the island during the year.

In the Sri Lankan hill country we have two drier seasons and two season where we have some much needed rain.

The weather patterns have changes due to global warming. However we normally have a dry spell from mid-June until mid-September.

Rains were late coming to GlenMyu Estate this year and our Jackfruit trees were quite bare!

When I returned, this is what I saw!

Before I left GlenMyu Estate for the UK at the beginning of October the tree had not delivered Jackfuits for around month.
I could see a few small shoots starting on the tree. But I was pessimistic that we would have a crop for our guests during the peak tourist season from December to April.

I was amazed, and very happy to see the number of fruits that had grown in less then three weeks.

As you can see, we should have plenty of Jackfruits during the season to make delicious dishes for our guests.

Keeping the food miles low

We are lucky to have some mature Jackfruit trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

They provide an abundance of fruits which we use in dishes that we serve to our guests.

The food miles are about as low as you can get being around twenty metres from the kitchen!

What do we use Jackfruit for?

We mainly use Jackfruit for a curry which we serve along with the other elements in our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Most guests are surprised at how meaty the texture of the Jackfruit is when it is cooked. It is however a carbohydrate rather than a protein.

Therefore, we make sure that you get your protein from other dishes that are part of the Sri Lankan sharing platter.

We also make a Pulled Jackfruit Burger which is cooked in a barbecue sauce.

Lots of our guests have been surprised that it isn’t pulled pork as it has a similar texture.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka -How we open the Jackfruit

Jackfruits are huge and heavy.

Once they have been cut from the tree they are a challenge to break open and get to the good stuff inside. There is also a sticky sap which makes it a tricky item to handle.

Sri Lankans are experts when it comes to opening the Jackfruit, as you can see from this video.

The Jackfruits aren't all ours!

Fortunately there are lots of Jackfruit on the tree. There are lots of animals that visit GlenMyu Estate that also love Jackfuit.

Monkeys, birds and squirrels are happy when they ripen.

Luckily there are enough fruits to share with the wildlife.

We have also planted lots of fruit trees on the edge of the estate which will feed the wildlife in the future.

Learn how to cook Jackfruit

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter, Ru’s mum happily provides a complimentary cooking demonstration.

She has over fifty years experience of Sri Lankan cooking and her food is delicious.

Our guests really enjoy the informal setting and give great reviews of the food after they have eaten their evening meal.

It commences at around 4 p.m and therefore is suitable if you are staying more that one night at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka Read More »

Developing an interest in Birdwatching

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Birds, Ella, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Developing an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

It’s easy to develop an interest in bird watching in Sri Lanka. The birds appear to be more interesting on this paradise island.

Whether it is the colours of their feathers or just the light that they fly in, it has heightened my interest.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

It’s easy to develop an interest in birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

There are many endemic species, residents and migrants to spark your curiosity.

According to Nature Odyssey, currently there are 33 identified species of endemic birds in Sri Lanka, out of which most are found in the wet zone

A colourful world

I didn’t really have much of an interest in birdwatching when I lived the UK.

Since living in Sri Lanka my curiosity about all forms of nature has increased. Perhaps it’s just living in a place that is surrounded by nature.

Maybe it’s because the birds appears to have so much more colour than those in the UK.

A little help from our neighbours to bring about an interest in birdwatching

At GlenMyu Estate we are really fortunate that some of our neighbours have a lifetime interest in birdwatching.

They have helped develop our interest in birding and we have often had informal early birdwatching session with our neighbours on the estate.

Some of our guests have got up early and joined our neighbours at their estate for a bird watching session.

Informal birdwatching opportunities

Sri Lanka really is a paradise island and there are lots of opportunities for spotting birds.

You don’t just have to visit a reserve or sanctuary. As you travel around the country you will see birdlife wherever you go.

Sri Lankan bird sanctuaries

There are a large number of wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka and there are many that have a great variety of birds which will interest birdwatchers.

Sri Lanka Birdwatching Tours has a long list of great places that you should visit in Sri Lanka if you have a particular interest in birding.

It's not all about Elephants and Leopards on Safari!

There are lots of safari parks around the island that offer different experiences.

One thing that you will always find it an array of birdlife.

Lots of our guests come to GlenMyu Estate and are disappointed that they didn’t get to see that elusive Leopard. I’ve never seen a Leopard in Sri Lanka and therefore I’m not too surprised (however I am disappointed for them).

Birds are always present in the National Parks and , if you look close enough, you will get your wildlife fill from what you see.

Bring your binoculars

Nowadays, no-one leaves home without their mobile phone. Sure, you can snap away when you spot any wildlife.

However, carrying your binoculars with you means that you are more likely to get a good view of the birds you will see Ella round the island.

Birdwatching opportunities near to GlenMyu Estate, Haputale.

If you are interested in birdwatching spending time at GlenMyu Estate will provide you with lots of opportunities to see a variety fo birdlife.

You can see some of the birds that I have managed to capture with my camera by pressing on the following link.

Thangamale and the Pekoe Trail Stage 12

This sanctuary is located within reach of GlenMyu Estate, just outside of Haputale.

Some of the sanctuary falls within Stage 12 of the new Pekoe Trail and therefore you can get some exercise, see some fabulous views and practice your hobby all on the same day.

Birdwatching at GlenMyu Estate

Throughout the year we have regular flying visitors at GlenMyu Estate.

We have developed the land to encourage wildlife to visit and forage from our five acres in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

I do not profess to be the best wildlife photographer, so my photos are not great.

Perhaps you can do better and share them with me so that I can add them to my bird photo gallery on our website?

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the nature of the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Developing an interest in Birdwatching Read More »

Planning your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Food and Drink, Holiday, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka.

Planning to spend your Christmas vacation on a paradise island?

Why Sri Lanka is a good option.

Sri Lanka is a popular place to visit during Christmas vacation.

It’s a great place to escape the miserable weather in Northern Europe and the US.

The island offers a variety of things to do for most travellers.
Whether you are a beach lover, want to see wildlife and culture or like to hike, we have it all.

Find out why you should consider a holiday in Sri Lankan for your Christmas vacation this year.

The best places to visit in Sri Lanka during your Christmas vacation

The weather is the key factor when deciding the places that you should visit in Sri Lanka in December.

Did you know that the island has two monsoon seasons?

The good news is that during December you can visit quite a lot of the country.

You will need to avoid the East and North coast in December if you don’t want to get wet!

The Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka is a good place to do some research on what the weather will be like when you visit the island.

Go to the section “Climate Seasons” to read about the monsoon seasons.

As you will see the Northeast Monsoon hits the country from December through to February. Therefore if you want the beach you should stay on the south and west coasts during your Christmas vacation.

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka. So, where should I go in December?

The Southern and Western beaches on the island are great places to visit during the Christmas vacation for some sun and surfing.

You can also visit the Central Hills, Nuwara Eliya and Ella during this period. Lots of our guests at GlenMyu Estate love the hike at Horton Plains National Park.

The cultural triangle, in Sri Lanka’s central plains which consists of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla are also good to visit.

Kandy and the Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle is situated in the centre of the island.

It covers an area which includes the World Heritage cultural sites:
The Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy.

In Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical gardens.

Kandy is also a popular place to catch the train to Ella and enjoy the stunning scenery on the way.

You must see Ella and Nine Arch Bridge

Ella is one of the most popular tourist spots in Sri Lanka. Historically it was difficult to get to and the main travellers were backpackers.

Since its development and better travel links the town has boomed.

Crowds visit Nine Arch Bridge, which is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

A selfie as a train goes over the bridge is a must and you will see a throng of people waiting in anticipation of the train. Beware though, it is common that Sri Lankan trains run late!

Your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka -Away from the crowds

If you want to be away from the crowds, as GlenMyu Estate only has three guest bedrooms, you can have a unique Christmas in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Within reach of Ella, you can do a day trip and see the sights around the town.

There are also some fabulous things to see and do near to GlenMyu Estate.

Some of our guests just stay at the estate and get some real downtime in a peaceful landscape.

Please read our reviews on Booking,com, Airbnb and Google.

Christmas at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate was only opened in late 2021 so we now have a few Christmases under our belt.

Throughout the year our several of our guests enjoy our Traditional Roast Chicken dinner. For the festive season we jazz it up to reflect the colours and tastes you would expect over the holidays.

We cater for Plant Based, Vegan and vegetarian diets, so don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the festivities.

The house is decorated to reflect the season and lots of the trinkets are made on site by the staff from natural products from the estate.

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

So, if you are looking to have a unique Christmas vacation on a tropical island, then Sri Lanka is a good choice.

We would recommend booking early as Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers are increasing rapidly. Arrivals doubled in December 2023 compared to the previous year and the country has ambitious targets for the coming peak tourist season.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate over the festive season and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Planning your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka Read More »

Movies filmed in Sri Lanka

Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Movies filmed in Sri Lanka

What Movies filmed have been in Sri Lanka?

You may be surprised but Sri Lanka has been used as a film location over the years by the movie industry.

Here are some films that were shot in Sri Lanka.

movies filmed in Sri Lanka

What movies have been filmed in Sri Lanka. A surprising number of films have been shot in Sri Lanka – Indiana Jones, The Jungle Book and more.

International films shot in Sri Lanka that you should recognise

There have been lots of films where Sri Lanka has been used as a location.

Some you will know and there are others that may end up on your bucket list.

Perhaps you can spot parts of Sri Lanka when you are rewatching these movies.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Starring Harrison Ford, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom begins with an action sequence that’s almost exactly 20 minutes long.

The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli and Baloo (1997)

Mowgli is happily growing up in the jungle under the protection of Baloo the bear.
His carefree existence is threatened when he is spotted by Harrison, American circus scout who wants him for his sideshow.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

An epic war film directed by David Lean and based on the 1952 novel written by Pierre Boulle.

Farewell to the King (1989)

An American soldier Learoyd (Nick Nolte) escapes from imprisonment by Japanese forces and takes shelter in the remote wilderness of Borneo. He becomes the king of the headhunters in the jungle. When the tribe is threatened by the invaders, Learoyd fights for their rights and to protect their independence.

Tarzan the Ape Man (1981)

Miles O’Keefe plays Tarzan and Jane is played by Bo Derek. The film was directed by Bo’s husband John Derek

Midnight’s Children (2012)

A film about a pair of children born within moments of India gaining independence from Britain.

The book that the movie was based on was written by Salman Rushdie.

Movies filmed in Sri Lanka -too many films to mention

The list of movies filmed in Sri Lanka is long. Here are some articles that give you an insight into what have been filmed here.

Funny boy’ (2020), an adaptation of the novel by Shyam Selvadura.

This movie is about the coming of age of Arjie Chelvaratnam, a young Tamil boy in Sri Lanka who is coming to terms with his homosexuality.

India, being a close neighbour, has an interest in the movies that are filmed on the island. This encourages a large number of tourists from India to explore Sri Lanka.

Here are 5 films listed by India.com that have been shot in Sri Lanka.

Bollywood

Several Bollywood directors have chosen Sri Lanka to shoot their movies.

You can read more in the following article by FrontPage.LK

A series that my wife and I really enjoyed that was filmed in Sri Lanka

The Good Karma Hospital (2017 – 2023) is a TV drama with four series.

The story follows Ruby, who was born in England, and moves to India after enduring a heartache.

Although it is a story based in India, the Good Karma hospital is actually filmed in Sri Lanka’s Galle district.

Inspiring Documentaries

Ben Fogle has filmed documentaries in Sri Lanka for his series New Lives in the Wild.

He visited British Vet, Janey, of we Care World wide on the south coast of the island in X and then did a follow up visit in X

Ben also spent time with Naveen and Anke at the off grid glamping experience at the Cliff Lodge, near Haputale.

Inspiring landscapes around the island

Sri Lanka has a stunning and varied landscape which is an attraction for filmmakers.

Expect to see more of the countries beauty being shown as a backdrop in many movies in future.

Look out for more movies filmed in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and see the beauty in of the Sri Lankan hills

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Movies filmed in Sri Lanka Read More »

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka now?

Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka now?

Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka now?

Many people ask is it safe to visit Sri Lanka? I am writing this article in September 2024, just before the Presidential election.

We believe that Sri Lanka is safe to visit, and actually has been over the years despite the negative press in the media.

So many tourists in 2024 and more projected in 2025

Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers have been increasing. Targeting 3 million tourists in 2025 is a large rise from the 2.3 million planned for 2024.

The Sri Lanka Tourist development Board publish monthly and weekly tourist arrivals.

So, you can see for yourself that lots of travellers are visiting Sri Lanka. They don’t appear to have concerns about safety, and providing that they are sensible, they shouldn’t have any concerns.

The best place for female solo travel - maybe!

Sri Lanka was recognised as “The best places for solo female travel in 2024” by Timeout.com”.

Clearly, the Island was delighted with this survey.

However as always there are always stories that could be highlighted that would make you a little bit more cautious.

Our general rule is that 95% of people are good and have genuine intentions.
However, in every country there are the 5% that have no morals and you have to be careful of.

I have seen too many TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos showing the negative side of travelling on the Island.
One negative video is too many, so I want to assure you that most Sri Lankans want you to have the best experience on their paradise island.

We have many good stories where Sri Lankans have gone the extra mile or genuinely provided hospitality that have awed the tourists visiting the island.

It is safe to visit, just be cautious in Tourist Hot Spots

Where there are lots of tourists, petty criminals see opportunities to make a fast buck. Just be on your guard in the larger towns and cities and at the poster boy tourists sites.

We have a great Tuk Tuk driver that we recommend to our guests, but you will come across some who will try to make quick money.

Getting a Meter Taxi, using Uber or Pick Me are some methods you can use to stop being ripped off.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka - in the scheme of things.....

We hate guests paying over the odds for all things in Sri Lanka.

Therefore we have gathered a number of contacts where we are confident that they will offer a fair price for a trip of excursion.

However, in reality, paying a little bit extra is not going to make a big difference to you as a traveller, apart from the feeling that you have been a little bit duped.

I recommend that you look on this philosophically and, in the scheme of things, it is not worth getting upset about.

Just don’t let these trivial things spoil your holiday, it’s not worth it.

I’m not a Buddhist, however I’m sure there is a way of looking at these scenarios and going forgiveness or perhaps looking at it as a charitable donation.

I assure you that, over the years living on the island, I have decided to let things go rather than let them give rise to unwarranted levels of anger.

Over the last eight years, I have not felt unsafe.

Having lived on the island for the last eight years, I’ve experienced events that you would have thought that I would have made me feel unsafe.

The horrific Easter bombings on the 21st April 2019.

Living in the island during the global pandemic when there were a limited number of vaccines available.

The Aragalaya protests during 2022 against the Government which saw the President flee the country and people having a swim in the presidential pool.

Despite all these scary events, I never felt unsafe.

Perhaps, residing out of the main conurbations and in the Sri Lankan Hill country meant that we were away from the main action.

The tourists that did visit during these times were looked after and provided Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality.

Presidential Elections and then what?

Sri Lankas’ Presidential Elections are taking place on the 21st September 2024.

I think that once the elections are over and the people have accepted the result, Sri Lanka will be as safe as ever to visit as ever.

The peak tourist season is between December and April,. We expect that monthly arrival records will be achieved and tourist will love their time exploring the island.

We expect to be there or thereabouts on tourist number targets

As previously mentioned, we expect tourist numbers in Sri Lanka to increase substantially.

From just under 1.6 million to December 2023 the plan is 2.3 million to December 2024. As at mid- September 2024 the country had welcomed almost 1.3 million visitors.

In December, the main peak season starts. In December 2023 the country was visited by 210,000 tourists, so if the country does not achieve its’ target, it will come close.

Keep up to date with your countries Foreign Office Advice

As situations can change quickly we would recommend that you check your countries Governments’ advice on Foreign Travel to Sri Lanka.

We have inserted the link for the UK Government Travel Advice.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka? - Don't worry, be happy

Of curse, we can’t provide a guarantee that Sri Lanka is safe, as individuals will always have different experiences and views of their visit.

However, in our experience, Sri Lanka is generally a safe place to visit.

So, book those flights and experience this amazing island!

We would be happy to see you at GlenMyu Estate if you are visiting the Sri Lankan hill country.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka now? Read More »

The carving in the ricks at Upper Diyaluma Waterfalls

Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

You should Visit Upper Diyaluma now!

That’s our strong recommendation as once this hidden gem is truly discovered you will regret not going earlier.

At GlenMyu Estate, swimming in the natural pools is one of our top experiences that our guests enjoy.

Find out why we, at GlenMyu Estate, have an advantage over travellers that stay in the busy tourist town of Ella by reading on.

We recommend that you visit Upper Diyaluma waterfall and pools now, before it is truly discovered by the increasing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan tourist numbers are expected to surge to 3 million in 2025. This is a huge increase from the 2.3 million numbers targeted by the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority for the year end December 2024.

In July 2024 it was reported in the Ceylon Times that Sri Lanka was facing behind its tourist target. At the end of June 2024 the country had welcomed just over 1 million visitors.

However, even if it does fall behind the target slightly, there will still be a large increase of tourists in the country year on year.

In 2023 the country welcomed 1,487,000 tourists. If they get close to the target an additional 800,000 tourists will visit the island in 2024.

So, more travellers will find Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools. This is the reason why we recommend that you visit now.

Sri Lankan is known for its' gems

Sri Lanka renowned in the global market as the most important source of high quality sapphires.

The Island has built her reputation as one of the finest gem cutting and finishing centres in the world.

The island is famous for large exceptional Blue sapphires.

There are many World famous Sri Lankan Gemstones and you can read more at the following article by Ceylon Gem Hub.

You can also read more about Sri Lankan gems by clicking on the following links to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Exports Development Board.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools

Diyaluma Watercfall is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

It is a spectacular sight when you view the waterfall from the roadside near to Koslanda, Sri Lanka.

However, there is a wonderful experience if you visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

What will I see at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

We recommend our guests to start at the topmost pools as most travellers start at the bottom pools.

You are more likely to enjoy the waters with less crowds.

As we are closer than Ella to Upper Diyaluma, we are our guests have regularly enjoyed the pools ourselves without any other visitors.

There are several pools to explore and enjoy the fresh water.

As you climb to the lowest pools which are near the edge of the cliff, you will see the most beautiful carvings created by water erosion. One of these spots is becoming a favourite Instagram spot due to its outstanding beauty.

What does it cost to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

There is a ticket booth on the new concrete path that takes you on the initial way to Upper Diyaluma Pools.

The cost is a very reasonable LKR 350.

This is just over US$1, Euro €1 and less than GBP £1 at the time of writing (September 2024).

Where should I stay if I want to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall?

The advantage of staying at GlenMyu Estate is that you have more of a chance of experiencing Upper Diyaluma Pools without crowds.

We are much closer to this beautiful experience than hotels in Ella.

Several of our guests have left early in the morning and had all this natural environment to themselves. What an experience!
They have been able to return to GlenMyu Estate for a sumptuous breakfast after their exploration of the pools.

The crowds normally arrive later in the day and staying with us means that you are less likely to queue to get into the beautiful pools.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Visit Upper Diyaluma now! Read More »

Haputale to Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Haputale to Horton Plains National Park

How do I get from Haputale to Horton Plains National Park?

Does it take long to get there?

What will I see when I get to Horton Plains?

How do I get from Haputale to Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka?

Our guests regularly visit Horton Plains National Park when they stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Find out more about how long it takes and how to get there.

How do I get from Haputale to Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka?

The road from Haputale to Horton Plains National Park takes you through tea estates and some small towns.

You can find the route on Google Maps.

When leaving Haputale you take the B48 road past Haputale Police Station towards Boralanda. This road will take you through a tea estate, over a small railway crossing and through vegetable gardens.

From Boralanda you take the first exit (B508) towards Rahangala and Ohia.

At Ohia you will cross the railway tracks and make your way through Pine Forest and you will reach Horton Plains National Park.

Once you have paid the entrance fee you will make your way to the car park and you can commence your hike.

Entrance fee in Rupees Cash only!

At this stage Horton Plains National Park only takes Rupees cash for the entrance fee.

Please make sure that you bring sufficient Sri Lankan Rupees cash with you so you can get access to the park.

How long does it take to get to Horton Plains from Haputale?

The journey takes around one hour and fifteen minutes and is around thirty kilometres.

From GlenMyu Estate it will take one and a half hours and is around forty kilometres.

We normally send our guests off early in the morning with a packed breakfast which they can eat on their walk.

What will I see when I get there?

Hiking the eleven kilometre circular hike around Horton Plains National Park is an amazing experience.

Apart from the unique landscape, special flora and fauna there are three main sights to visit.

World’s End is a cliff drop of around 970 metres.

Lesser World’s End is also spectacular with a drop of around 270 metres.

Baker’s Falls is a beautiful waterfall within the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Staying at GlenMyu Estate and visiting Horton Plains National Park

A limited time special offer

We have special offer for guests staying at GlenMyu Estate until the 30th of April 2025. Please see the attached offer.

It takes around one hour and thirty minutes to get to Horton Plains from GlenMyu Estate.

We recommend going early in order to get the best chance of a view at World’s End before the clouds come in. A sumptous breakfast is provided so you have the energy for your hike.

The hike will take you around three hours and we always feel great having completed the walk in this special environment.

Returning to our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool

One of the great benefits of staying at GlenMyu Estate is that you can ease those muscles by having a swim in our swimming pool.

The pool is fed from a Natural Spring and the water is cool encouraging you to swim.

It’s a great way to spend the afternoon surrounded by nature..

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Haputale to Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka Read More »

Swimming in fresh water

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Swimming in fresh water

Swimming in fresh water on holiday in Sri Lanka.

We would rather get some exercise rather than loll around in a swimming pool with the temperature of a bath!

We love swimming in fresh water in the GlenMyu Estate Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool.

Most travellers to Sri Lanka imagine tropical beaches and swimming in the warm waters touching the shore.
There are lots of opportunities to experience this sensation at the array of beaches around the coast.
Many hotels have swimming pools that have warm pools where you can cool yourself after sunbathing in the tropical sun.

We offer a different experience at GlenMyu Estate, which is located in the Sri Lanka hills at an elevation of around 1,000 metres above sea level.

What's the difference?

In fresh water, however, you will feel less buoyancy since it is not as dense – meaning you’ll need to put more effort into your strokes while swimming.

We like this as it’s one of the ways we get our exercise at GlenMyu Estate.

Read about the differences in the article by Blue 70 All for the Swim article “Swimming in Fresh Water vs. Salt Water: What to Know”.

We recently took a short break at Marble Beach, Trincomalee, and experienced the difference in buoyancy. The water was warm and was a welcome relief to the August sun. My wife and I swam in the warm waters in the early evening and the buoyancy was such a different sensation.

Snorkelling in Trincomalee waters

Whilst we were staying at Marble Bay and subsequently in China Bay, we snorkelled for the first time in our lives. We loved it and saw lots of fish.

The instructor asked us if we wanted buoyancy aids which are important if you are a weaker swimmer.

We declined and for us it would have not added tenth experience. I had difficulty lowering my legs in the salty water to get my flippers going! So I ended up mainly using my arms to pull me around to explore the sea life.

Having a bath in Galle

Another experience we had was in a hotel swimming pool near Galle in June.

The temperature of the water was so warm sapping my energy so much that I didn’t want to swim.
For me it was a place where you could play with a beach ball or frisbee, drink a cocktail at the pool edge and certainly not a place where I could swim.

As with lots of hotel pools, the smell of chlorine was almost suffocating, and didn’t add to the experience.

Sometimes it's a challenge swimming in fresh water

I love the temperature at GlenMyu Estate. It’s like an English summer for most of the year. Living in shorts and t-shirts is an idyllic way to spend your life.

Daily temperatures we experience at GlenMyu Estate ranges from 22 °C and 26 °C . It can go a little higher but we have lots of tress to provide some shade.

However, during October, November and early December we get less sunlight to warm the swimming pool. This makes getting in the water for a swim a little more challenging. I always recommend to guests that they do two or three lengths of the pool to warm themselves up. After that you can really enjoy your time in the pool.

It's all about what you prefer

The great thing about being on holiday in Sri Lanka is that you have the option of fresh water or warm water swimming.

They say that “variety is the spice of life”, so having options whilst you travel around this tropical island gives you plenty of choice.

Fresh water swimming near to GlenMyu Estate

Just under one hours Tuk Tuk drive from GlenMyu Estate are the fabulous Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Pools.

It’s still being discovered by travellers and we normally visit early in the morning and have experienced the whole place to ourselves.

So far, Upper Diyaluma Pools are unspoilt and visiting is an amazing experience and is something we recommend to our guests.

Our guests have an advantage over the travellers staying in Ella. As we are closer to Diyaluma our guests can beat the crowds to the pools and enjoys a less crowded experience.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Swimming in fresh water Read More »

Taking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Traditional British Sunday Dinner / By Mikeez

Taking cooking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka

Ruwanthi took some of the cooking skills and techniques that she learnt on a short Le Cordon Bleu course to GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Ruwanthi completed a basic Le Cordon Bleu course in London. She has and taken what she learnt to the kitchen at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Prior to spending sixteen years in the UK, Ruwanthi had limited cooking skills.

Her mother is a great cook, and she provided all the meals for the family as Ru was growing up.
Focusing on her Gymnastic skills whilst attending Ananda Balika Vidyalaya School in Colombo, Ru’s focus was not in the kitchen. Her concentration on her sport led her to becoming National Gymnast champion for several years.

However, a career move to London meant that Ru would need tolerant to cook for herself.

I think that the competitive streak she has resulted in the quality of cooking she delivers at GlenMyu Estate.

I was so lucky

How lucky was I? Ruwanthi used to bring what she cooked home in the evening for me to taste.

Quite often, her Le Cordon Bleu dishes became my lunch the next day much to my colleagues envy.

The place to eat in Queens Park

We lived in our tiny flat in Queens Park, North West London.

As Ru’s cooking skills gained momentum, our flat became the place that everyone wanted to eat.

The number of dinner parties that took place around our small lounge dining table were numerous and are remembered by our friends who were the beneficiaries of Ruwanthi’s food experiments.

What good times we had.

Delia Smith and a Traditional Roast Dinner

Ru knew that Sunday lunches were a favourite of mine.

She decided one day to follow Delia Smith’s cookbook to create a Roast Dinner for myself and my flatmate Phil.

We were amazed on what she served up. Perfect Roast Potatoes and superbly crisp and fluffy Yorkshire Puddings.

High praise was lauded and a Sunday Roast became a welcome meal after I retrained from coaching rugby to the junior teams in my local London rugby club.

Our Traditional Roast Chicken Dinner is a favourite amount the ex-pat community that live on the island. Recently, we have added a mushroom pie for our Plant Based guests so that they don’t miss out on this delicious meal.

Taking those skills to Sri Lanka

The skills that Ru learnt in the Le Cordon Bleu basic cookery course has stayed with her over the years.

There have been many more influences that have developed what she serves to our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

I encouraged Ru by bombarding her with cookbooks for birthdays and at Christmas.

She has quite a collection, from Michel Roux Jnr, Raymond Blanc to Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver. I managed to get Rick Stein to sign several of his series of cookbooks over the years.

Delia Smiths Simple Cookery was added to with other books in her collection.

Sri Lankan influences

For many year Peter Kuruvita’s beautiful Sri Lankan recipe book “Serendip, My Sri Lankan Kitchen” has been a reference point for Ru’s Sri Lankan cooking.

Of course, her mother has also been a major influence. Ru continues to hone her Sri Lankan dishes under her mothers guidance.

Food is an important part of GlenMyu Estate

Nourishing our guests with outside and in is an important part of what we do at GlenMyu Estate.

We have tried to create an environment throughout the five acre estate and within the house that is uplifting and connects you with nature.

The dishes that we serve, including our sumptuous breakfast to give you a good start to the day, provides you with good healthy nutrition.

Ingredients from the garden and great local suppliers

One thing that we have learnt from our time in Sri Lanka is that you should use fresh local season ingredients.

We grow a lot of things in our organic garden at GlenMyu Estate which are used as ingredients in the meals we serve.

It is important for us also to support good local producers. We have a great fruit and vegetable suppliers in the Sri Lankan hill country. Mushrooms are supplied by a grown in Bandarawela which is 26 kilometres from the Estate.

Fish is brought from the coast daily and therefore we get great Tuna and Prawns on a regular basis.

Heading towards a Plant Based Diet

It has become a natural process for us to move towards a more Plant Based diet.

You will see from our menus that we have a lots of dishes that are suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians. We still offer some chicken and fish dishes too so that we can cater for all types of diets.

In the past Sri Lankan diets were naturally Plant Based as little meat and poultry was eaten on the island for various reasons.

We have found that as we have such great fresh ingredients that provide a balanced nutritional diet, that it has been easier to move towards a more Plant Based offering.

The meals are delicious and we have had many die hard carnivores tell us that they didn’t miss meat in the dishes that we served them.

A complimentary Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration

One of the fun things that we do at GlenMyu Estate is to provide a complimentary cooking demonstration when guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

In additional to having a delicious meal to look forward to, you also get fifty plus years of cooking experience showing you how to make the dishes from Ru’s mother.

It’s an entertaining way to see how our Sri Lankan dishes are made.

We get a kick out of seeing pictures from our guests of their Sri Lankan dishes that they have made when they get home.

Sri Lankan food - the next big thing?

We love Sri Lankan food and we don’t believe that it has properly arrived on the World stage.

Hopefully, with increasing numbers of tourists visiting Sri Lanka and the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef this will be righted in the future.

In 2024 Sri Lankan chefs did well on Masterchef. Brin Pirathapan won UK Masterchef. Savindri Perera (Sav) came third on Australian Masterchef.

The judges were wowed by the food that they both served that had a Sri Lankan influence in the dishes.

We should be asking for commission!

Supporting Sri Lankan businesses and championing Sri Lankan cuisine is something that we feel is right to do.

Many of our guests seek out Sri Lankan food when they get back home as they have enjoyed what they eat at GlenMyu Estate. We know that several of our guests have eaten at Rambutan, Kolamba, Hoppers in London.

Other have sought out Sri Lankan restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide including Sagara and Lakruwana which are both based in New York.

Peter Kuruvita and Cynthia Shamugalingam’s book Rambutan must have made additional sales from our guests.

Perhaps we should be charging commission!

To be honest, after meeting us, you will know that we are not that type of people. We just like supporting good business and good people.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the great food served by Ru and the team.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and sample the dishes that we prepare freshly for our guests.

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Taking skills from Le Cordon Bleu to Sri Lanka Read More »

Newly opened in 2021 - GlenMyu Resort, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Inspired by Raymond Blanc (and others!)

There are so many elements that inspired us as we developed GlenMyu Estate. Raymond Blanc, Geoffrey Bawa and Peter Kuruvita and many more.

Are there any unique ideas and new thinking? Aren’t most things a spur or inspiration from another idea?

Both my wife and I are humble creatures and are happy to deflect and shine the limelight elsewhere.

However, we do believe that we have created something unique in our little part of the Sri Lankan hill country.

The affect that our little paradise has on so many of our wonderful guests is amazing.
It inspires us to strive harder for everyone who stays with us.

Inspirations that live in my head and dreams

There are so many elements and people that have and continue to inspire us.

Nature now is a main driver as we aim to increase the level of biodiversity at the estate. Growing trees and plants that create a habitat and food for wildlife is our focus.

In order to meet the cost of our ambitions, we have three guest bedrooms that generate the income we require.

I am happy to admit that I have been inspired by Raymond Blanc. However, I’m a little embarrassed that one of the main places drove the inspiration is a place that I have never been.
Perhaps, some things are better left in our dreams.

There are elements of GlenMyu Estate that have been inspired by or influenced by many ideas my wife and I had over the years.

Sri Lanka’s influential architect was also an inspiration and elements of his style can be found at GlenMyu Estate. Again, I have never visited the Kandalama Hotel. I have only seen photos of it in the Bawa books that we own.

Peter Kuruvita is another inspiration for us. We believe that Sri Lankan food is not in the position that it should be as a world cuisine. The beautiful way that Sri Lankan food is presented, in his book Serendip, should be the standard. It would lift the food to another level.

Raymond Blanc - Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

I just love the whole idea of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.

It is one of the reasons why I always tried to stay in the hotel where the reception of the many weddings that I attended over the years. The idea of having a good meal, function or just a good time, and being able to wander up the stairs to bed is my idea of luxury.

I did attend a few weddings where I stayed in a cheap B & B as close to the venue as I could. The frustration of waiting for a taxi to take me to inadequate accommodation was not worth the saving in cost.

At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons the idea of arriving and having a Michelin Star meal in the early evening. Then retiring to a comfortable room, and knowing that a superb breakfast awaits in the morning is just heavenly.

Not a Michelin Star of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

GlenMyu Estate does not and have, or aspire to achieve, a Michelin Star.

What we want to provide is a comfortable place to stay, with amazing freshly prepared meals. And, of course, a short distance to a comfortable bedroom.

Inspired by a great Sri Lankan architect (and others)

We bought several of Geoffrey Bawa’s books when we were living in London in our small flat.

They were beautiful pieces of art that were not studied, but dipped into from time to time.

As mentioned, I have not been to Kandalama Hotel.

However, you will see that we have incorporated several rocks inside the building at GlenMyu Estate.
Some were inspired by Bawa some were by accident, but Ruwanthi can explain this further when you meet her.

And Sri Lankan food

I say that I was brought up on South Indian and Bangladeshi curries when I was living in London. A staple “British Cuisine” and I loved them all.

However, when I tasted the curries made by my mother in law on my annual trips to Sri Lanka, I was amazed at the difference.

Most Sri Lankan curries use coconut oil as a base rather than Ghee. I feel that Sri Lankan curries have a cleaner taste than the “Indian” curries that I was used to eating in the UK. Rather than being smothered by a sauce (delicious of course) I could really taste the individual dishes in a Sri Lankan curry.

So many tears

Quite often there are tears in the eyes of our guests as they leave us to explore more of the wonderful island.

It’s emotional for us too.
We do get really attached to our guests in a short space of time.
They provide so much colour to our lives sharing their experiences of Sri Lanka, their home and lives.

We were moved recently when two separate German guests sent us messages and photos letting them know that they think back to the experience that they had at GlenMyu Estate.

Experiences reflected in our customer reviews

We are humbled very often by what our guests write about their stay with us.
Whether they have written their review on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor or Google.

We are always amazed that they would take the time to write about their experience.
Surely, they have more important things to do!
We are so grateful and soak up the words which provide us with inspiration to make every guests stay as wonderful as we can.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and see what inspired us

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc Read More »

What is Horton Plains famous for?

Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

What is Horton Plains famous for?

We tell you the highlights, what not to miss and why we at GlenMyu Estate, and our guests love hiking the 11 kilometre circular trail.

A unique environment in Sri Lanka

Horton Plains is a national park located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
It was designated a National Park in 1988 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 3,169 hectares consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem.

The plains are also of outstanding scenic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the habitats and endemic plants and animals.

The Flora and the Fauna

As Horton Plains is at an elevation ranging between 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft), the environment hosts some interesting flora and fauna.

Pick up a book in the gift shop before you enter the trail and see how many birds, animals, trees and shrubs that you can spot

Horton Plains is famous for Amazing precipices

Horton Plains hosts two amazing sheer drops where you can sit and enjoy the wonderful landscape.

Both Lesser World’s End and Greater World’s End are top Instagram spots.

Lesser World's End

We normally walk in a circular clockwise direction to reach Lesser World’s End first.

The drop at Lesser World’s End is around 300 metres (1,000 ft)

Greater World's End

Continuing the hike, the next cliff you reach is the famous Greater World’s End.

This spectacular cliff drops around 1,200 metres (4,000 ft).

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate regularly visit Horton Plains. Find out more by clicking this link

A beautiful waterfall named after the founder of Nuwara Eliya

Baker’s Falls were named after British explorer and big game hunter Sir Samuel Baker.

After admiring the landscape, listening to the birdsong and spotting various animals you eventually reach the stunning Baker’s Falls.

There are steps that take you to a seating area where you can sit, regain some energy and enjoy the cascade.

What does it cost to visit Horton Plains National Park?

Horton Plains is one of the more expensive places to visit in Sri Lanka.

However, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, creates local employment and protects an important landscape.

Here is a copy of an entry ticket in January 2024.

The total cost for two foreign adults was LKR 23,612.

This is around US$80
Euros €72
GBP £60
(Exchange rate August 2024)

Bring cash for your entrance fee!

At November 2024 Horton Plains National Park only takes Rupees cash for the entrance fee.

Please make sure that you bring sufficient Sri Lankan Rupees cash with you so you can get access to the park.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

What is Horton Plains famous for? Read More »

UK overtakes Russian tourist Numbers visiting Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, Travel, visa / By Mikeez

The UK overtakes Russian tourist numbers visiting Sri Lanka

In August 2024 it was reported that the UK overtakes Russian tourist numbers visiting Sri Lanka.

Now the UK is the 2nd largest source market in cumulative tourist arrivals.

India is still number one, but at GlenMyu Estate, we are finding that more visitors from the UK are discovering the island,

Sri Lankan Tourist Numbers

Over the last few years, since Sri Lankan tourists numbers started increasing, the main source markets were India and Russia.

Historically, Sri Lanka was a favourite destination for travellers from the UK.

It appears that the UK has found Sri Lanka again and now delivers the second highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka.

You can read more about this in the Sri Lankan Daily Mirror Article.

Sri Lankan Tourists numbers are published weekly by the Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority.

We feel that we are at a bit of an advantage

GlenMyu Estate is owned and run by Ruwanthi who lived in the UK for about 16 years.

I am from the UK and travelled to the island for many years before relocating from London, UK.

As we have this Sri Lankan/UK mix, we feel that we have an advantage communicating and understanding our guests needs.

Great food - not too spicy!

Another advantage is that we are used to cooking for Western palettes.

In London, our flat was the place that all our friends wanted to come for dinner.

Ruwanthi understands that most people cannot handle the levels of chilli, salt and pepper that most Sri Lankans would add to their dishes.

Lots of visitors from all around the World

We love meeting people from places that we haven’t visited ourselves and get to know more about places from our guests.

Lots of our guests come from the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and Germany. We are seeing more visitors from Spain, Italy and Portugal.

During August we have had visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Israel and the US and Canada. More Australians are finding Sri Lanka again and exploring the Hill country and East coast during their winter.

We find that we also have a lot of guests from Scandinavia, escaping the winter during the peak tourist season from December to April.

It has been very interesting us meeting guests from Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Both my wife and I feel that we get to see more of the World through our guests eyes.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

UK overtakes Russian tourist Numbers visiting Sri Lanka Read More »

Sri Lanka aims for 3 million tourists

Accommodation, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Little Adam's Peak, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Sri Lanka aims for 3 million tourists

The Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority are aiming for an influx of 3 million tourists in 2025.

It’s a steep rise from the 1.6 million that arrived in 2023. The target in 2024 is 2.3 million.

A huge rise in tourist numbers

Usefully, the Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority (SLDTA) publishes monthly tourist arrivals so you can see the increasing trend of visitors to the island.

Overtourism?

We have read so many articles about overtourism in parts of Europe and the Americas.

At this stage, Sri Lanka is welcoming tourists and will continue to do so for a long tome in the future.

Finding less crowded places

We have found at GlenMyu Estate that there is a desire to seek our less crowded places. Off the Beaten Track or Path are the aims of lots of tourists who want do something different.

GlenMyu Estate is a different experience on the island.

How to avoid the crowds

We think that the best chance of avoiding the crowds is to get up early to see the sights.

I know that this is the opposite of what you want from a holiday. However, you will have plenty of time to relax in the afternoon. Perhaps you can catch up on the missed sleep by taking a siesta!

3 guests bedrooms on 5 acres of land

At GlenMyu Estate, we deliberately did not want to develop too many properties on the five acre estate.

Sure, we don’t make as much money as a “proper” commercial business, however we want our guests to enjoy the space.

Restoring the land so that it attracts a wider range of biodiversity improving its’ health is also important to us. We believe in providing space to share the property with animals and wildlife.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lanka aims for 3 million tourists Read More »

New puppies at GlenMYu Estate. Dogs in Sri Lanka

The Stress and Heartbreak of searching for a missing dog

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Holiday, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs / By Mikeez

The stress and heartbreak of searching for a missing dog.

Never having given up finding him, a Tik Tok video gave us a bit of hope!

A missing pet - it's hard to explain the feeling

It’s hard to explain to someone that doesn’t have a pet that they adore with undying love.

Before we moved to Sri Lanka, my wife and I didn’t have pets of our own.
I remember my boss at the bank losing his dog to a hot and run by a car. My thoughts were, it’s only a dog and I’m sure you will get over it. I managed to deal with the loss of elder family members, so a dog should be no problem.

How wrong and naive I was!

If you have a pet and it lives to a ripe old age, although it is heartbreaking when they pass.

Eventually you can accept that they are fine because they had a good, loving and fulfilled life.

They were treated like a member of the family and were the recipients of unequivocal love. It was their time to go and they had a good life.

You have to live life to really understand how it can affect you.

Being responsible for a dog is a special experience that is hard to communicate to someone that has not had a relationship with a dog.

From afar, it would be understandable for someone to have the view that you have so many dogs, if you lose one, then it’s not really a problem.

All I can say is that you didn’t meet Fleur.

The male dog with a female name. That is another story for another time.
We were blessed to have two dogs who were the stars of GlenMyu Estate.

We got lucky with our first

Clove was our first dog. We got so lucky! Clove and her sister were delivered to us by our staff who had seen that they had been dumped at the entrance to GlenMyu Estate. She had been abandoned along with her brother an sister and were all were the sim of my palm.
The brother had perished by the time that our staff had alerted us to these unwanted pups.
Reluctantly we took in the two waifs and named them Clove and Cinnamon due to they dark coats and relaationship with the spices of Sri Lanka

A Sri Lankan Tragedy

Cinnamon didn’t make it. That is another story. We failed Cinnamon and it meant that Clove was precious to us.

Perhaps she was a spoilt child. The guilt led us to be overprotective to this petite soul that we felt that we had a obligation to protect. Clove was over from outside to inside. She was allowed to sit and snuggle in between us on our expensive London department store settee.
We fell in love with this adorable, fun bundle of joy that was full of love that we envied. She broke into our hearts and would never leave us.

Fleur was a different case altogether.

The sickest of dogs that was not meant to live. A desperate plea by a neighbour to try to save this dying dogs. We picked that half alive bundle and took him to the nearest vet. A saline drip and several injections limped life into this lost soul.

We were travelling from the Sri Lankan Hill Country to the countries Capital of Colombo and he would hopefully recuperate with my in-laws.
Fortunately for this waif, my other in law had several dogs through her hands over the year. A dose of worm liquid delivered the main problems then next morning. A mess in the garden but issues expelled giving a hope for the future.

Getting better in Colombo

Convelescene in Colombo was the doctors orders and over time Fleur was managed back to “reasonable health”. A bad start in life led to ongoing medical problems. Multiple visits to various vets gave hope for an average life.
Loved (and named) by our nieces and spoilt by may mother in law Fleur was weaned back to reasonable health.
However, he was a dog that was always going to need regular care and vet visits. He has touched our hearts and we were committed to doing as much as we could.

Living in Colombo, Fleur, being a really furry creature, was happiest under the air conditioning unit. We concluded that dogs with fur should not be living in 36 degrees celcius.

With the air and graces of a Colombo City dog, Fleaur was eventually despatched back to the area where he was born in th Sri Lankan Hills.

It was a challenge meeting and assimilating with his new brothers and sisters at Glenmyu Estate. A loner dog that was used to being King of the Hill had to adapt. Fights, working out places in the hierarchy, and domain were eventually agreed and harmony mainly existed. There is always the occasional toff between brothers and sisters!

Our two stars

Clove believes that all our guests visit to meet and spoil her. She is a special soul that can reach into you heart within seconds of meeting. Clove has an energy of love that makes is hard for you not to reciprocate.

Fleur was our other star at GlenMyu Estate. This furry ball was hard not to fall in love with. We were embarrassed often about his antics with our guest, but all were taken in the spirit that they were given.

Photobomber

A photo bomb at a wedding photo shoot at the estate. The star of many a photo with our guests. Turning the fear of dogs for small children into love. We has so many guests asking to take Fleur home with them.

For me, I will always appreciate the time he spent with me as I was working in the garden at the estate. Fleur would spend hours with me as I worked in the garden, He would demand some attention occasionally, but appreared to just like being near me as I worked. Perhaps he was my casual security guard, just making sure I was safe from snakes or other dangers I might face as I went about my work.

I just really appreciated his company, An occasional rub of his head was all he required to be content.

An unwanted birthday gift

My birthday in February 2022 was a great event. Neighbours and guests at GlenMyu Estate had a great evening. Poor quality wine and fabulous food was sampled. Conversations and debates were had over the course of the evening and a good time was had by all.

The next day the question was asked ‘Where is Fleur?”.

He had not returned to my mother in law, who now lived at GlenMyu Estate the previous evening. It was not unusual for him, and the other dogs, to want to sleep outside in the warm February nights.

A no show for breakfast meant that we stated to worry.

The search for the missing dog starts

Search and rescue teams were sent out and returned with disappointing results.
I drove for miles in search of our absent dog. I feared that he had met with an accident on the road.

We were bereft as we were unsuccessful in our search.
Posters were printed and displayed. Many red herrings were followed up in our quest to be reunited with Fleur.

Trips to and back from Colombo and Banderawella were treacherous as I couldn’t concentrate on the road as I searched for dogs on the side of the road.

Searching for the missing dog goes on

Two years on I still look for Fleur.

My thoughts are “Why did you pick my birthday to disappear?”. Is that the depressing memory you want me to have on my special day. It’s not that I want to feel better in my misery. But could you not have chosen another day. My hope would be that my birthday would be a happy occasion every year.

I had given up hope and hoped he has passed. We were always concerned that if someone had taken our lovely character that he would be abandoned when the stealers worked out how many time he would need to be seen by the vet.

A glimmer of hope

A chance video on Tik Tok in July 2024 gave us hope. Hopefully what we saw was not a Doppleganger and our hopes are going too be dashed. Confidence is low, but what can we do but investigate with the hope that we will be reunited.

My confidence is at an all time low but we have to go.

I wonder whether I will get any sleep tonight on the anticipation that I will be reunited by and old loving friend. Tonight I will hope and pray that we will have happy ending.
If we do find Fleur we will hold him so close he will never leave us again.

The morning arrives

Both my wife and I were anxious and full of hope that we might find our missing dog.

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

We had not visited Bomburu Ella Waterfall before. In order to maintain a positive outlook, if we didn’t manage to find Fleur, then at least we would see something new.

The waterfall is located near to Nuwara Eliya and was around a one hour forty minute (51 kilometre) drive away.

We set off early on a Monday after a long weekend. If we had gone on the weekend, then the waterfall would have been very busy with local tourists.

It was an enjoyable drive to the waterfall and we parked close to the walkway up to the falls.

There were a few other Sri Lankan tourists who had extended their weekend to enjoy Bomburu Ella.

We asked the person taking the money for parking about the dog and showed him the video.

He recognised the dog and this gave us the encouragement to start the walk.

Commencing our journey to find our lost dog.

The pathway was a little hard to navigate, but with advice from some locals we were on our way.

Climbing up a concrete pathway we were amazed by the view of the agricultural landscape below.

We were pleased to see the recycling bins and the notice boards asking people to dispose of rubbish properly.

Ticket costs for Bomburu Ella Waterfall

Entry fees to Bomburua Ella Waterfall are quite reasonable.

LKR 700 is around US$2.50

(August 2024)

Entry Fees (Sri Lankan Rupees)

Local Adult 100
Local Child 30

Foreign Adult 700
Foreign Child 300

Disappointed, we carried on

After the heartbreak of the disappointment, we thought that we would make the best of the day and carry on to the waterfall.

After the disappointment - something to make us smile

We certainly needed something to cheer us up and put a smile back on our faces.

Bomburu Ella Falls were the right tonic for us.

What an amazing sight. The falls are spectacular, albeit we did not visit in the best weather. The local Sri Lankans that were enjoying an extended their long weekend added to the atmosphere. It’s great being surrounded by people that are having fun.

Our mistake was not to have brought our swimming costumes with us. We had focused on finding our lost dog, and therefore we couldn’t enjoy the full experience of Bomburu Ella.

However, the amount of rubbish dumped in the pools and the streams made it less attractive an option. We will certainly visit Bomburu Ella Falls again, but we will steer well clear of a busy long holiday weekend.

After chatting to the ticket attendant on the way out, he assured us that a team would be picking up the litter later on during the week.

Sri Lanka is full of many sights of outstanding beauty. It’s unfortunate that education pressing local people to look after their natural environment and not use it as a garbage dump had not been effective. We hope that in future years the people will respect this amazing environment and take their litter with them.

A rollercoaster of emotions

As we made our way back to GlenMyu Estate, we talked about our day. We were happy that we pursued this little chance of finding Fleur.

He is worth the time and effort.

We will continue searching for our lost dog and hope to be reunited with him some day.

Support our work caring for rescue animals.

By staying at GlenMyu Estate, you do not use support giving employment to local people and restoring the five acre estate. You also support our efforts caring for the street dogs that now have a home on the estate. We also have a rescue cow and bull, chickens and ducks which all have been provided with a loving, caring home.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

The Stress and Heartbreak of searching for a missing dog Read More »

We are receiving more Australian visitors to Sri Lanka

Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Are there any Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Are there any Hatted or Michelin Star Restaurants on the paradise island of Sri Lanka?

There are some great restaurants and places to eat when you are on holiday on this paradise island.

What is a Hatted Restaurant?

Hatted Restaurants are a recognition by the Australian Good Food Guide.

A chef hat is a high honour in a chef’s career and a notable achievement in a restaurant’s history. The prestigious ‘hats’ are presented by the Australian Good Food Guide, who use precise award criteria on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency, on food alone

The association limits its reach to Australia and therefore restaurants in Sri Lanka do not qualify for the award.

There are Hatted restaurants in Australia

Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand

A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavours, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.

Bib Gourmand
Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand – named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group – is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.

We are awaiting the first Michelin Star restaurant in Sri Lanka

At present there are no Michelin Star rated restaurants in Sri Lanka.

We hope that with the highlighting of Sri Lankan cuisine from Masterchef contestant Brin Pirathapan (winner in UK Masterchef 2024) and Sav Perera (third place in Australian Masterchef) that more Sri Lankan restaurants open and share this wonderful fare.

The number of Sri Lankan cookbooks such as Rambutan (Cynthia Shamalugan) and Serendip (Peter Kuruvita) will enable cooks to try dishes at home.

Hopefully, the first Sri Lankan based Michelin Star restaurant is not that far away.

Amazing Sri Lankan food

At GlenMyu Estate we are always delighted when guests arrive from different parts of the the island and tell us how much they love Sri Lankan food.

It’s a great cuisine, especially if you follow a Plant Based, Vegan or vegetarian diet. The food lends itself to these diets.

Of course, being an island there are also some delicious fish dishes and curries for your to sample.

Flying the flag for Sri Lankan food

We endorse the cuisine by encouraging our guests at GlenMyu Estate to try our fusion dishes or our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mother, who has over 50 years experience cooking, delights in showing Sri Lankan cooking when guests order the sharing platter. An entertaining and informal time in front of our traditional kitchen is a memorable experience for our guests.

It is heartwarming when our guests send picture of the Sri Lankan food they have cooked when they returned home.

Find out more about the GlenMyu Estate Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter there is an opportunity to see how the dishes are made.

Ru’s mum, who has over 50 years experience cooking Sri Lankan food leads the entertaining experience. If the weather is good we hold this event in our outside kitchen.

It’s great learning about how to create these dishes and getting to eat the results afterwards.

The session normally starts around 4 p.m. and therefore is suitable if you are staying at GlenMyu Estate two nights or more.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate experience great food and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Hatted Restaurants in Sri Lanka Read More »

A view of Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara, Ella, Sri Lanka.

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

Ella, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella, Sri Lanka

There was a heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge in August 2024.

Here is the reason why this tourist attraction was so busy.

It was reported in the Sri Lankan Daily Mirror that on the 22nd of August there was a heavy influx of tourists to visit Nine Arch Bridge Ella.

Read the article by clicking on this link.

Why was there such an influx of tourists to see the bridge?

August is in the middle of school holidays for Sri Lankan children.
It was also a long weekend and therefore many local tourist visited the Sri Lankan hill country that weekend.

This is the main reason why there was lots of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge.

There has also been an increase in foreign travellers visiting the island.

Avoid public holidays or long weekends

If you like less crowded tourist spots then we would recommend that you check the public holiday in Sri Lanka. You can avoid the large number of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge

On public holidays and long weekends, you will be competing for space at the tourist spots with local travellers along with foreign tourists. Local tourists tend to visit Nine Arch Bridge in numbers during these times.

Take a day trip to visit Ella and Nine Arch Bridge from GlenMyu Estate

Ella Town is just over 1 hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Many of our guests take a Tuk Tuk to Haputale and then take the 1 hour train journey to Ella or Demodara Station.

Apart from visiting Nine Arch Bridge you can also do some great hikes near to the town

Little Adam’s Peak is a short hike that end with an amazing view.

Ella Rock is a little bit more challenging of a hike, especially as you reach the top.

There is also some stages of the new Pekoe Trail that you can trek.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Heavy influx of tourists visiting Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Read More »

Free Visa Access to Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, visa / By Mikeez

Sri Lanka Visa - free visa access to 31 countries!

We were delighted to read in the press that Sri Lanka will allow free visa access to 31 countries from the 1st October 2024.

Is my country on the list?

Here is a list of countries in alphabetical order that on on the list for free visa access to Sri Lanka.

Australia, Austria,
Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium
Canada, China, Czech Republic,
Denmark,
France,
Germany,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy,
Japan
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand
Oman
Poland
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Thailand
United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States

3 million tourists in 2025?

Sri Lanka is aiming to welcome 3 million tourists in 2024. The access free visa to enter Sri Lanka for the 31 countries will help the country towards this target.

GlenMyu Estate is looking forward to meeting new guests in 2024

GlenMyu Estate has only been open since 2022 and already we have several returning guests.

We only have three bedrooms on the five acre estate and therefore we can foresee limited capacity in 2024 due to the expected increase in visitors to the country.

GlenMyu Estate is great for those travellers that want to escape from the busy tourist town of Ella and avoid the crowds. Our guests regularly do day trips to Ella to see the sights and return to the peace and quiet of the estate. There are also many more places to explore and experience within a short drive of the estate.

We recommend that guests stay at least three nights as there is so much to see when you visit the Sri Lankan hill country.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Free Visa Access to Sri Lanka Read More »

Bomburu Ella Waterfall, near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Bomburu Ella Waterfall (Nuwara Eliya)

Holiday, Photography, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

Bomburu Ella Waterfall, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

We did a day trip from GlenMyu Estate to Bomburu Ella Waterfall in July 2024.

Where is Bomburu Ella Waterfall?

Bomburu Ella waterfall is located in Nuwara Eliya District, 15 km away from the town of Welimada.

It is the widest waterfall in the country as it consists of several little waterfalls together.

It is the ideal area for a fun picnic with family and friends.

A beautiful agricultural landscape

As you start your ascent there are some beautiful landscapes to enjoy.

The surrounding area is known for growing all types of vegetables and rice.

There are also places to explore as you make your way towards the main Bomburu Ella falls.

What does it cost to visit Bomburu Ella Waterfall?

We visit the falls in August 2024 and the entry costs are as follows:

Local Adult LKR 100
Local Child LKR 30

Foreign Adult LKR 700
Foreign Child LKR 300

Recycling efforts

It was good to see that the local council are encouraging recycling. As many travellers to Sri Lanka know, garbage disposal is a problem on the island.

Sri Lanka is slowly getting to grips with the amount of plastic it uses. It has a long way to go, however, initiatives like this should change the landscape in the future.

Unfortunately, we visited after a long holiday weekend and the amount of rubbish we saw in the pools at Bomburu Ella was disappointing. A team was due to clear up the garbage later in the week.

Climbing through the forest on the way to Bomburu Ella Waterfall

You certainly can get your heart rate moving as you make your way through the forest up to the falls.

I am always careful in these situations as it would be difficult to get back down with a sprained ankle or a worse injury.

Navigating the tree roots as you climb can be tricky.

However, the shade provided by the trees make it a pleasant climb.

A magnificent sight

The effort to get here was all worthwhile.

We didn’t travel in the best of weather, but the sight that greets you does not disappoint.

The water was in good flow creating a natural soundtrack to this beautiful landscape.

Although the long weekend had ended and most locals had returned to work, there were lots that had extended their holiday.

It was great to see so many people enjoying the water and the spectacular views.

I was one of the few foreign visitors to the falls as it is not on the main tourist itinerary of things to see.

A favourite place for local Sri Lankans

Bomburu Ella Waterfall is not a main spot for foreign tourists to visit, however it is a favourite place for local Sri Lankans.

As this is a little off the beaten track it is not on the main tourist route.
However, if you are staying in Nuwara Eliya and want something different to do, we would highly recommend it as an experience.

It’s great if you want a unique experience in Sri Lanka, especially if you can avoid holidays and weekends when it will be less busy.

We made did this day trip from GlenMyu Estate and had a fabulous experience which we will do again at a less busy time.

Day trips from GlenMyu Estate

Bomburu Ella Waterfall is around 1.5 hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

You can also visit the waterfall when you are staying in Nuwara Eliya. It is only 45 minutes drive from the town (18.5 km).

There are lots of day trips that you can do when you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Many of our guests do a day trip to Ella to climb Little Adam’s Peak and visit Nine Arch Bridge.

Our guests also love visiting Horton Plains National Park, Lipton’s Seat and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Bomburu Ella Waterfall (Nuwara Eliya) Read More »

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

We offer a free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration when the guests at GlenMyu Estate order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

It’s not just informative and fun, at the end of the demonstration, you get to eat a delicious meal!

Sri Lankan Food - The next big thing?

We love Sri Lankan food and, with the recent success of Sri Lankan contestants on Masterchef, that it will reach a wider audience.

Both Brin Pirpathan on UK Masterchef and Sav Perera on Australian Masterchef in 2024 have highlighted what a great cuisine there is on this paradise island.

Brin won UK Masterchef and Sav came this on Australian Masterchef.

We believe that Sri Lankan cuisine is so good that it should be sampled by more people. Perhaps it will be the next big thing to break through as a culinary powerhouse.

Not a Masterchef but....

We don’t have a Masterchef, however, we do have Ru’s mother who has been cooking Sri Lankan food for over fifty years!

She loves showing guests how she cooks the dishes that make up our Sri Lankan sharing platter. Ru translates and adds a bit of colour to her mothers entertaining cookery demonstration.

She loves to hear how much our guests like her food and always is eager to get feedback the following morning.

The cooking demonstration normally starts between 4 pm and 4.30 pm, so it is suitable if you are staying more that one night at GlenMyu Estate.

What is the GlenMyu Estate Sri Lankan sharing platter?

Our Sri Lankan sharing platter usually consists of six or seven vegetarian dishes accompanied by paratha (flatbreads) or rice.

It’s a filling meal and a meat, poultry or fish dish is not required. You will get a nutritionally balanced meal and will not need any additional dishes.

The individual dishes Ru and her mother prepare will depend on availably of ingredients.

However, our Sri Lankan sharing platter normally consists of the following:

Jackfruit Curry (the Jackfruit is harvested from the trees next to our lawn).

Aubergine/Egg Plant Curry (one of my favourite dishes)

Kollu (a dish found only locally to the estate which is similar to satay but full of protein).

Banana flower curry

Dhal curry (lentil curry)

Mallum (a healthy mixture of shredded leaves picked from the garden)

A sample of what we do at our complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

If the weather is good we cook at our traditional Sri Lankan kitchen which is outside.

The curries taste great when they are cooked on a wood fire in locally sourced clay pots.

Here are some videos which reflect the relaxing, informative and entertaining cookery demonstration.

You can subscribe to our YouTube channels for GlenMyu Estate and Ru’s Recipes.

Trying the recipes at home

We love it when our guests send us messages and photos of them preparing some of the dishes when they return home.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Free cookery demonstration for our Sri Lankan food Read More »

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes / By Mikeez

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka?

Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka.

Given the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef in the UK and Australia, I was surprised that there are no Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan food is a great cuisine that has been promoted by successful chef such as Peter Kurivita in Australia and Cynthia Shamulangan in the UK.

Cynthia’s restaurant, Rambutan located in Borough Market in London, features as a recommended restaurant in the Michelin guide. We had the pleasure of hosting Cynthia at GlenMyu Estate when she was in the process of writing her award winning cookbook, Rambutan.

We hope that the success of Brin Pirathapan in the UK and Savindri (Sav) Perera in Australia that this wonderful cuisine will become available in more restaurants around the world.

What is a Michelin Star Restaurant?

In the late 19th Century, the Michelin brothers produced a small guide filled with handy information for travellers. It included maps, information on how to change a tyre, where to fill up on petrol. The magazine also provided recommendations for places to eat and stay.

in 1026 the Michelin Guide started awarding stars for fine dining establishments.

Now the Michelin Guide rates over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories across three continents.

Australia has its own version to rate fine dining restaurants. The Australian God Food Guide Chef Hat Award rates restaurants throughout Australia. Chef Hats’ are awarded for consistent culinary excellence.

I could only find one restaurant with a Chef’s Hat in Australia. It is Ella by Minoli which is located in Darwin. Minoli De Silva appeared on Australian Masterchef.

We are so proud of our food at GlenMyu Estate

Food is a essential part of the experience for our guests at GlenMyu Estate.

We use the freshest and most local ingredients that we can find. Most of our menu is great for a Plant Based, Vegan or Vegetarian diet. Of course, we also cater for those who want to eat chicken or fish.

We love the positive feedback that our guests say and write about us.

What our guests say

Ru and the team at GlenMyu Estate are very proud of the food that they serve to our guests.

Feedback is important to us as it provides guidance and motivation to provide the best we can for our guests.

We are delighted that we have so many complimentary comments in our customer reviews on Booking.com, Google, TripAdvisor and Airbnb.

Please read our reviews so you can see what our customers think.

We believe that the food we serve at GlenMyu Estate is the icing on the cake for your stay with us in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Here is an excerpt from a review from Ali (Dubai) from a recent booking.com review.

The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world

Other comments about our food

“Some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru’s coconut cake!)”

Charlotte (UK) – Booking.com -April 2024

Nicola (UK) – Booking.com – February 2024

“The food was something else. I can’t rate this place highly enough. I felt so at home here we’re already planning out next trip!”

“it was like staying with friends and Ru’s cooking was to die for. The smell of fresh baked bread in the morning was enough to get us out of bed, and we looked forward to every evening meal, with ingredients straight from the garden.”

Sharon – Oman – April 2024

We are not aiming for a Michelin Star

Although Ru is competitive (she was National Gymnast champion for 5 years) we are not targeting a Michelin Star.

We just want to provide the best experience for our guests at GlenMyu Estate. The food that we serve is an important part of this recipe for the whole experience in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Fresh local ingredients are important

One of the important things for us is to source the best local ingredients that we can find.

We believe that keeping food miles to a minimum is good for the planet and you also get the best tasting seasonal products.

Although we grow lots of different fruits, vegetables and spices on the five acres at GlenMyu Estate, we know that we cannot provide the amount of produce we need to feed ourselves and the increasing number of guests.

We also believe that we should support good quality local producers.
There are fruits and vegetables that grow well in different parts of the island and therefore we buy and support local Sri Lankan farmers.

We also think that it would not be neighbourly or good for the local community if we were to be self sufficient. Mushrooms, Kitul Treacle and Jaggery, Organic Tea and Sri Lankan Coffee are some of the foodstuffs that we have found locally.

A tendency towards a Plant Based Menu

The longer we have been living in Sri Lanka, the more we have been moving towards a plant based menu.

It makes sense to us as we are able to grow and source great quality, fresh vegetables, spices and fruits.

Sri Lanka historically had mainly a diet that was full of fruits vegetable and, of course rice.

We are not fully satisfies with the animal husbandry on the island and although we do offer some fish and chicken dishes, a majority of our menu is plant based.

Even the most dedicated carnivores that stay with us can’t help being satisfied with our Sri Lankan sharing platter. We often hear that with the texture of our Jackfruit curry and Mushrooms dishes that they don’t miss meat!

We hope that there will be Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka in the future

It is disappointing that there are no Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka in 2024.
We hope that there will be some in the future!

There are restaurants and hotels around the country that serve spectacular tasting food.
We hope that more chefs in Sri Lanka are inspired by the success of Sri Lankan chefs on Masterchef and other cooking programmes.

During the off season, we at GlenMyu Estate like to travel around the island and we would love to have the choice to eat in a Michelin Star restaurant in Sri Lanka ourselves.

Sharing how we cook Sri Lankan Food

At GlenMyu Estate, we are happy to share.

Ru’s mother has over 50 years experience of cooking Sri Lankan food.

She delights in providing a complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and experience great Sri Lankan food.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Are there Michelin Star restaurants in Sri Lanka? Read More »

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Ru’s cashew sauce recipe from GlenMyu Estate.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Our Cashew Sauce Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.

Our guests love our cashew sauce.

Dipping our home-made roast paan into the sauce is a delight and taste that you will remember for a long time.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

We normally serve our cashew sauce with our mushroom or prawn dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

If you want to find out more about the food we serve please click on the link for our food menu below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Cashew Sauce Recipe Read More »

Why Sri Lanka is the best place to visit in South Asia

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Why Sri Lanka is the best place to visit in South Asia.

Freelance journalist Kate McMahon writes that she has fallen in love with Sri Lanka in her Business Insider article of July 2024.

The article is headed “I’ve visited 60 countries. Skip the crowds in Bali — visit this lesser-known gem in South Asia instead”.

“I’ve been traveling for years but never encountered a place like Sri Lanka before”.

If this is not a reason to visit this paradise island, I don’t know what is.

Less tourists than Bali

Bali is a popular tourist destination and a well trodden path by Australian travellers. We have found that more of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are wowed by their tour of the island. They like the lower number of tourists and that it has not been affected by too much development.

Kate McMahon points out that “Sri Lanka has much of what Bali has to offer and more, but with a fraction of the tourists”.

What's so special about Sri Lanka

“It has a lot of amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches, and a rich culture and history”.

Sri Lanka offers so much for a small island and we find that travellers return again and again.

More tourists are finding Sri Lanka - come now before it gets too busy!

The Sri Lankan government and tourist authority plan to increase the tourist numbers from 1.48 million in 2023 to 2.3m in 2024.

Sri Lanka will get busier, so we would recommend coming sooner than later.

If you like less crowds

We are conscious that travellers do not like places that are overdeveloped.

This is why we only have three guest bedrooms on the five acre (20,000 sq. m) estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Why Sri Lanka is the best place to visit in South Asia Read More »

Okra Salad Recipe

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Okra Salad Recipe

Our Okra Salad Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.
One of our guests from the USA loved it so much we published it.

So, if you liked this recipe please think your thanks to Janice from Los Angeles for inspiring us to publish our recipe.

Okra Salad Recipe

We normally serve our Okra Salad as an accompaniment to our Chilli and Garlic Prawns or Sesame Crusted Tuna dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read more about the other food we serve got guests at the following link below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Okra Salad Recipe Read More »

Best food in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Best food in Sri Lanka

The best food in Sri Lanka.

We are humbled by guests at GlenMyu Estate when they write in their reviews that we serve the best food in Sri Lanka.

Best food in Sri Lanka!

My wife and I are a little shy, introverted and don’t really like to blow our own trumpets.

Thankfully our guests at GlenMyu Estate are happy to let the world know what they think of the food that we serve.

Some of our guests have said that they have had the best food in Sri Lanka when they have stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Humbled and immensely proud

We are humbled and immensely proud of the words that they write about us in their reviews.
They also tell their friends and we love it when we get recommendations from our guests.

I'll be back!

Some say that they will stay at GlenMyu Estate again when they visit Sri Lanka again on holiday. And they do!
We look after our returning guests with the best rates as they book directly with us.

Don't believe us?

Of course, it’s easy to write an article to lure you to our little piece of paradise in the Sri Lankan hill country.

However, once you get to know us, you will understand that we are genuine and just love having guests visit and enjoy everything we do at the estate.

Food is an important part of what we do and we believe an essential part of the hospitality at GlenMyu Estate.

Read all about it!

Our guests have no reason to write anything but the truth about their experience at GlenMyu Estate and their views on the food we serve.

We don’t say that we have the best food in Sri Lanka, but some of our guests do.

Snippets from our guests reviews

Here are some snippets from our reviews on Booking.com, Google and TripAdvisor.

Please have a look for yourself at the full reviews on the relevant sites.

Charlotte from the UK

(Booking,com) April 2024

“Some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru’s coconut cake!)”

“The food was absolutely incredible! We never ate so deliciously during our entire vacation”.

Oleysa from Russia

(Booking.com) March 2024

Deimante – Belgium

(Google Review) April 2024

“Oh and the food! Great traditional food is made using ingredients from the garden”.

“All of the meals were outstandingly good using local fresh ingredients and produce”.

Barbara – UK

(TripAdvisor) March 2024

We don't want to be the best - we want everyone to deliver fabulous food in Sri Lanka

My wife and I ae not particularly competitive people. We love Sri Lanka and the smiles and stories that our guests relay when they arrive at GlenMyu Estate.

We love that they have had a great time and great food at other hotels and restaurants that they have stayed at before arriving here.

Sri Lankan food is delicious and we are really happy that it is getting more exposure from contestants in Masterchef. Both Brin Pirathapan and Savindri Perera have shone a light on Sri Lankan food in the 2024 series in the UK and Australia.

Find our more about what food we serve guests at GlenMyu Estate

As Ru lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka and developing GlenMyu Estate, she likes to experiment with her dishes

You will find Egg Hoppers with a twist. Our Sri Lankan sharing platter includes a dish that it local to the area in the hill country

A Chicken Roast dinner - a reminder of back home

Although we do champion Sri Lankan food, we do have guests and residents in Sri Lanka that come to us for their traditional roast dinner.

Some tourists want to have something to remind them of home.

There are also lots of people from the UK living for part of the year in Sri Lanka. They have become regular visitors to sample Ru’s roast dinner. We also offer a plant based option for those that do not want to eat chicken.

An informal complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

The dream team of Ru and her mum offer a complimentary informal cooking demonstration when guests order our sharing platter.

It’s a fun and informative experience which is conducted at our outside kitchen (weather permitting!).

As you can hear in this video, there is a lot of laughter accompanying the demonstration.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Sri Lankan food offering.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best food in Sri Lanka Read More »

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food

Although we were really disappointed that Sav Perera left Masterchef, she, along with other contestants have created an interest in Sri Lankan food.

At GlenMyu Estate, we are lucky to already know what an amazing cuisine the country offers.
We truly believe that it should stand alongside other World food in reputation.

Our deepest thanks go out to Sav and Brin (UK Masterchef), for what they have done for the awareness of Sri Lankan food.

Masterchef Top 3 - an amazing achievement

10 Play AU’s website article “‘Intensely Proud Of Myself’: Sav Perera Leaves MasterChef With A Final Love Letter To Sri Lanka”

Savinda Perera made it to the top three in Australia Masterchef in July 2024 which is an amazing achievement.

Sav wanted to illustrate the bold flavours along with refinement and elegancy of the three-course meal for 20 diners and the judges.

“I knew it was going to be a chance to showcase all that Sri Lankan food could be”

Click on the button to read the article on 10 Play AU.

Sri Lankan success in Masterchef UK 2024

Another contestant with Sri Lankan heritage went further in 2024.

Brin Pirathapan, a veterinary surgeon whose love of cooking is inspired by his Sri Lankan heritage was crowned the 20th winner of BBC Masterchef in the UK.

Championing Sri Lankan food in Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate we love our guests experiencing Sri Lankan food.

Our Sri Lankan Sharing platter is a favourite with our guests as they get to sample a wide range of flavours.

Most of the dishes are vegetarian, aubergine curry (eggplant), dhal (lentil), potato, pumpkin and more.

Read our food reviews on Google, Booking.com and Airbnb to see what our guests say.

Our breakfasts are a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western style dishes. As Ru lived in the UK for 15 years, she knows how much spice to add for Western palettes.

A complimentary cookery demonstration by our own "Masterchef"

Ru’s mother has been cooking Sri Lankan food for over 50 years!

We offer a complimentary cooking demonstration for guests when they order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

The variety of dishes provide you with a good understanding of the breadth of Sri Lankan cooking.

Our guests find the informal cookery demonstration, interesting, informative and fun.

Ru conducts the demonstration in connection with her mum providing explanations and translation of what you are seeing and tasting.

You can see some of videos of the demonstration on our You Tube Channel or on Ru’s Recipes.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy delicious Sri Lankan food

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Masterchef creates an interest in Sri Lankan food Read More »

Population in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

Population in Sri Lanka.

The Population in Sri Lanka.What is the population in Sri Lanka?

What are the numbers?

Does it feel overpopulated

Is Sri Lanka too touristy and where should I go?

Population of Sri Lanka

The population in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s population has risen significantly since independence in 1948. At that date the population in Sri Lanka was 7.2 million people.

According to Sri Lankan government statistics the population in mid 2023 was just over 22 million.

The island is similar in size of that of the Republic of Ireland and the population is around four times in amount.

Does Sri Lanka appear to be overpopulated?

During the financial crisis the population reduced by around 1 million people.

However, once you leave the larger cities of Colombo and Kandy, it doesn’t appear to be overpopulated.

The lush vegetation also appears to hide buildings and residences which gives the appearance of space.

Is Sri Lanka too touristy?

Although there is a large population in the country who enjoy the wonderful sights around the island, the number of tourists visiting the country is small compared to others in South East Asia.

Tourist numbers for the year ended December 2023 were 1,487,303.

This was just over a 100% increase from the previous year. The countries tourism industry had been recovering from the effects of the global pandemic and subsequently a financial crisis which delayed its recovery as a popular tourist destination.

Tourist numbers are minor compared to Thaland (28.15m), Vietnam (12.6m), Indonesia (11.68m – Bali -5.2m), Singapore (13.6m), Cambodia (5.5m), Philippines (5.5m), Laos (3.4m) and Malaysia (20m).

An increase is planned

Sri Lankas’ peak tourist numbers were 2.3 million in 2018.

There are plans to increase tourist numbers from 1.5 million (2023) to 2.3 million in 2024.

As reported in the Sri Lankan Financial Times in May 2024, the plan is to achieve 5 million tourists by 2030

Where are the less populated and touristy places

Finding places that are off the beaten track.

Most tourists to Sri Lanka take a circular route around the island visiting the country highlights.

At GlenMyu Estate we think that this is the right thing to do on your first visit. Sri Lanka is a place which has so much to see and do, it needs to be visited again and again.

On your second visit you should dive deeper into the country and the culture to get a fuller experience of Sri Lanka.

Love Sri Lanka highlight Gal Oya, Kitugala, Mannar, and Hambantota as off -the beaten path destinations. You can read more about these places in their article.

Selecting places to stay with fewer rooms

Finding places to stay where there are less numbers of guests is the best way to

There are lots of villas and smaller properties that only have two of three rooms for guests. This will mean that you are not sharing the property with many other guests and are able to spend some time on your own.

Avoid large branded hotels that have lots of rooms. Hostels are usually places where there are lots of travellers packed into rooms.

Go for homestay, small guest houses or villas. Look to see whether there are lots of other properties nearby. It may be a small property but it could be surrounded by lots of other buildings which defeats the purpose of what you re looking for.

Some of these properties may be a bit more expensive, but if you like your privacy, it may be worth the additional; price.

GlenMyu Estate - off the beaten track

Ruwanthi created the boutique Bed and Breakfast, GlenMyu Estate, which opened in 2022.

With only three bedrooms in the main house in the five acre estate, it is truly off the beaten track. Guests regularly take day trips to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Horton Plains and also to see the sights around Ella.

The Cliff Lodge - an off grid experience

The awareness of Cliff Lodge was heightened earlier in 2024 as it featured in an episode of Ben Fogle’s “New Lives in the Wild”.

Anke and Naveen have created an off grid experience in the Sri Lankan Hill country near to Haputale. It’s a huge contract to the popular tourist town of Ella which is also nearby.