"Pros: Wonderful peaceful location, great for getting a bit of a reset in nature. Hosts were so warm and could not have done more for us including getting up at 5 to take us to the foot of Pidurangala. Breakfast and dinners were delicious!
Cons: Didn’t bother us but Wi-Fi was a bit patchy" ~Harriet
"Pros: The owners were excellent host. Very helpful with information and arranging tours and transport. The food was wonderful home made Sri Lankan style. Highly recommend.
Cons: The location was a bit out of town but very close to Pidurangala Rock." ~Bernie
"Pros: Our family had the absolute pleasure of staying at Sigiri Arana in Sigiriya, and it’s safe to say we left with full hearts, happy stomachs, and unforgettable memories. From the moment we arrived, Sunanda, Samadi, and Randi made us feel like part of their family. Their warmth and hospitality turned their lovely home into a home away from home.
The property itself is nestled in a peaceful, green location—comfortable, clean, and serene, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. We genuinely wished we had booked a longer stay.
One of the highlights was the early morning hike up Sigiriya Rock. Despite the 5am start, it was already bustling with other sunrise seekers. Sunanda kindly offered to take us, sharing interesting stories along the way. The panoramic views from the top were stunning, and the local wildlife—monkeys and birds—were all too happy to mingle with the tourists!
We also visited Pidurangala Rock, just a short walk away (definitely bring shoes with good grip). And our jeep safari with Sunanda in his own vehicle was a standout experience. It was an incredible day seeing elephants up close, spotting monkeys, peacocks, and a range of wildlife. The kids absolutely loved the ride, and the thoughtful touch of snacks and drinks made it all the more enjoyable.
Every morning and evening, we were treated to delicious home-cooked meals by Samadi, who is truly a fantastic cook. The variety of curries was astounding—some of the best food we had throughout Sri Lanka. We looked forward to each meal on the porch, sipping a beer, watching the wildlife, and chatting with the family about the day’s adventures and plans for the next.
Sunanda is deeply knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife, and he’s always eager to share this with his guests. His passion for nature and community really enriched our experience.
We left feeling incredibly grateful—not just for the amazing memories, but for the seeds from their garden, which we’ll plant at home as a reminder
Cons: Moving on!" ~Lindsey