Grand Tamarind Lake, Kataragama

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About the Hotel

Rajamaha Vihara Mawatha, Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Perfect

7.8

7.5

/10

4.7

“The amazing views of Tamarind Lake made my stay lovely.”view full review

Five-star Grand Tamarind Lake sits within Yala National Park, offering a free daily manager's reception and a distinctive firepit gathering space.

Dual-Space Living Rooms

All 27 rooms at Grand Tamarind Lake feature separate sitting and dining areas with air conditioning and 24-hour room service.

Multiple Dining Venues

Two onsite restaurants and a coffee shop serve meals throughout the day.

Recreation and Trails

A playground provides recreation space while hiking and biking trails surround the property.

Strategic Park Location

Grand Tamarind Lake stands 31 miles from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, with landmarks like Detagamuwa Wewa 1 miles away and Yala National Park Sri Lanka within 1.5 miles.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Twin Room Lake View

2 persons

33 m²

2 Single beds

Lake view

Shower

Balcony

room details

Triple Room Lake View

2 persons

33 m²

1 King-size bed

Lake view

Shower

Balcony

room details

Deluxe Double Room Lake View

2 persons

33 m²

1 King-size bed

Lake view

Shower

Balcony

room details

Economy Double Room

2 persons

27 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Spacious and Comfortable Rooms

“My room was incredibly spacious, measuring 6m x 5.5m. The king-size bed was ultra-comfortable, and it was great to have amenities like a fridge, TV, and even an overhead fan. The large terrace outside added a nice touch, complete with two chairs and a table, perfect for enjoying the serene atmosphere.” view full review

Well-Equipped Bathrooms

“The bathroom was quite spacious and clean, which I really appreciated after long days exploring. It had a hot water shower and was stocked with essentials like liquid soap and shower caps, making it very convenient for my needs.” view full review

Delicious Dining Options

“I had my meals in the spacious dining room and chose from a good a la carte menu. The food was packed with flavor, and I especially loved how they provided a packed breakfast for my early trip to Yala National Park. Each meal was a treat!” view full review

Family-Friendly Amenities

“The hotel truly caters to families, and I noticed how cute they were towards children. There is a well-maintained kid's pool with a separate section for younger children, a big hit with the little ones in my group.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
ATM/Cash machine

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Location

Rajamaha Vihara Mawatha, Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Map view

Rajamaha Vihara Mawatha, Kataragama, Sri Lanka

City landmarks

Landmark

Mari Amman Kovil

2.4 km

Pagoda

Kirivehara

3.8 km

Landmark

Sri Mayura Golden Temple

1.4 km

Landmark

Yala National Park Sri Lanka

2.2 km

Landmark

Detagamuwa Wewa

1.9 km

Landmark

The United Pentecostal Church kataragama

1.9 km

Landmark

Kataragama Mahadevale

2.4 km

Landmark

Murugan Temple

2.1 km

Landmark

Sivam Kovil

2.1 km

Landmark

Khizar Thakkiya

2.1 km

Landmark

Ul-Khizr Mosque

2.2 km

Event hall

Katharagama Museum

2.4 km

Landmark

Arunachalam Pillai Ganesha devale

2.4 km

Landmark

Kataragama Archaeological Museum

2.4 km

Landmark

Archaeological Museum

2.5 km

Landmark

Bodhi Tree

2.5 km

Landmark

Kebiliththa Dewalaya

2.6 km

Landmark

Weheragala National Park

2.6 km

Landmark

Mahamevna Buddhist Monastery

2.8 km

Landmark

Sri Saddhasoma Pirivena

2.9 km

Landmark

Jayasumanaramaya Temple

3.1 km

Landmark

Wedihiti Kanda Viharaya

3.2 km

Landmark

Sella Kataragama Temple

3.5 km

Landmark

Mahasen

3.4 km

Landmark

Kataragama Kiri Vehera

3.8 km

Landmark

Shrines of attendant deities

4.0 km

Landmark

Sacred Bo Tree

4.0 km

Landmark

Sri Bhairava Kovil

4.0 km

Landmark

Visnu kovil

4.0 km

Landmark

Ganesha kovil

4.0 km

Nearby

Detagamuwa Wewa

520 m

Getting around

City Centre

Kataragama11 min · 900 m

Airports

Mattala Rajapaksa International (HRI)70 min · 46.4 km

Mawella Lagoon SPB (DIW)160 min · 106.3 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

Vanessa

United States, March 2025

6.0/10

Overall, my stay at Grand Tamarind Lake was enjoyable with really good views and friendly service, though there were a few areas that could use some improvement. The spacious rooms offered stunning views, but the cleanliness was inconsistent. The dining experience provided a decent variety, but not all meals were excellent.

Rooms

6.0

My room was very spacious with a amazing view of Detagamuwa Lake, but there were issues with cleanliness (like the dirty bed linens).

Service

9.0

The staff provided lovely service and were always friendly and helpful, especially the executive chef Sujith, who created a good breakfast.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location was fantastic, right on the lake and close to the main Kataragama Temple, making it perfect for exploring the area.

Dining

7.0

I enjoyed the buffet meals, with a mixture of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, but the options felt somewhat limited. Breakfast was particularly good with traditional sweet meats.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offered good facilities, but the lack of an elevator can be inconvenient for those on higher floors. Nonetheless, it had everything I needed for a pleasant stay.

Blake

United States, January 2025

7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was quite pleasant overall. The rooms were modern and offered a fantastic view of the lake, making it a peaceful retreat. The service was efficient, and I appreciated the various amenities available. However, the dining experience could definitely use some improvement, particularly in terms of breakfast variety. While I found great value for money, there are areas that could be enhanced for an even better experience.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were modern, clean, and provided an excellent view of the lake. It made my stay comfortable.

Service

8.0

The management was responsible, and the staff was helpful with room service and housekeeping, ensuring a seamless experience.

Location

9.0

Nestled amid greenery, the hotel is very close to the Kataragama temple and offers a serene environment.

Dining

5.0

The dining options were a bit limited, especially at breakfast, which was a letdown for me.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel had all the necessary facilities, including housekeeping and tours/ticket assistance, making things convenient.

Lawrence

United States, January 2025

7.0/10

My stay at Grand Tamarind Lake was mixed, highlighting both its stunning location and some service flaws. The massive rooms were a definite plus, but my initial experience with the reception staff was disappointing. The dining options were decent, but the restaurant atmosphere could have been better managed.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms are massive and very spacious, making it great especially when traveling with kids. However, they felt stark and sparsely furnished.

Service

6.0

While some staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, particularly in the restaurant, my experience with the reception staff was lacking. Their level of English and overall service left much to be desired.

Location

10.0

The hotel is in a truly beautiful location, with grounds that are perfect for bird watching and close to local temples.

Dining

7.0

The buffet had a mix of Sri Lankan and Western options, which was okay. though I found some of the Sri Lankan dishes less authentic than expected.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel boasts a decent-sized pool and offers various facilities, but I found the lack of information about services in the room to be a drawback.

United States, January 2025

7.2/10

My stay at Grand Tamarind Lake was a mix of wonderful experiences and some disappointments. The location is stunning, with amazing views of Detagamuwa Lake and the surrounding mountains. The service from staff like Indika was really good, but other areas, such as the dining experience and room service, could definitely improve. Overall, I appreciated the peaceful ambiance and the spaciousness of the rooms, though I encountered some issues that need addressing.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were quite spacious and clean, providing a relaxing atmosphere with views of the beautiful Detagamuwa Lake. However, the chrome fittings seemed low quality, lacking shine.

Service

6.0

While the service from certain staff members like Indika was lovely and proactive, I found that response times were inconsistent and room service lagged behind.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location is idyllic, right near Kataragama and with easy access to Yala National Park. The view of Wedasiti Kanda from the lake-facing rooms is an added bonus.

Dining

5.0

Dining was good at times, especially with the array of traditional sweet meats prepared by the executive chef, but I encountered issues with food quality, including dishes that had dead flies.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities like the lovely pool and spacious garden were enjoyable, but the service and attention to detail in areas like room service and on-site amenities need improvement.

Eric

United States, November 2024

8.0/10

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel with its modern design and spacious layout. The view from my room was breathtaking, and the amenities offered made my visit comfortable and enjoyable. However, I found the dining options somewhat lacking in variety, and the Wi-Fi connection could use some improvement. Overall, it was good value for money and a pleasant experience.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were modern, spacious, and offered a stunning view.

Service

8.0

The service was quite responsive and attentive, which made my stay more enjoyable.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located amid beautiful greenery, which added to the tranquil atmosphere.

Dining

5.0

I found the dining experience limited, particularly with the breakfast options.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel had excellent facilities, including a well-maintained pool that was great for relaxation.

Chad

United States, November 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at this grand hotel. The location is absolutely perfect, nestled amid greenery and just a short distance from the Kataragama temple. The rooms were spacious and modern, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring. However, I found the dining options to be limited, especially during breakfast. The pool area was a real highlight, offering a relaxing escape. Overall, the experience was good, but there's room for improvement in the dining department.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were spacious and modern, equipped with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable stay.

Service

9.0

The management was responsible and attentive, ensuring I had everything I needed during my stay.

Location

10.0

It's located amid beautiful greenery and very close to the Kataragama temple, making it convenient for sightseeing.

Dining

7.0

While the dining was decent, I was hoping for a wider variety of options, particularly at breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The pool area was well-maintained, providing a lovely space to relax.

Great location

Limited dining options

Bill

United States, November 2024

8.2/10

I had a great time at this hotel, nestled amid lush greenery and right on the lake. The rooms were modern and spacious, with stunning views that made each morning feel special. The service was attentive, but I did notice a slight delay in getting assistance a couple of times. The dining options were good, though the breakfast could have used a few more choices to fully satisfy my morning cravings. Overall, I felt it was worth the price, but there is room for improvement in certain areas.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were modern, spacious, and provided excellent views of the lake.

Service

7.0

The service was attentive, although there were moments of delay in response.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location is serene, surrounded by greenery and right on the lake, making it a perfect getaway.

Dining

7.0

I enjoyed the dining experience, but I wish there were more breakfast options available.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel has great facilities, including a pool that is perfect for relaxation.

United States, November 2024

6.2/10

I had a pleasant stay at Grand Tamarind Lake. The spacious rooms were clean and offered beautiful views of the lake. However, the dining experience was somewhat limited, with fixed meal times and not many choices. Overall, it was a modern hotel with great potential, but there were a few areas that could use improvement.

Rooms

8.0

My room was really spacious with high ceilings, clean and offered a lovely view of the lush grounds and the lake. However, there were some amenities that didn't quite match the overall splendor.

Service

10.0

The staff were kind and proactive, especially in the restaurant. I appreciated their friendliness and attentiveness, which made my dining experience enjoyable.

Location

9.0

The hotel is ideally located for visiting Yala National Park, making it perfect for those looking to explore the wildlife. The serene surroundings and views of the lake added to the atmosphere.

Dining

7.0

Dining options were fairly limited, with a fixed menu for lunch and not many choices for breakfast. While the quality of the food was decent, it didn't stand out compared to other places I've visited.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel offered basic facilities, including room service and an ATM at the entrance. However, I missed having a bar or more casual dining options on-site since alcohol is not served in this area.

Timothy

United States, November 2024

8.0/10

My stay at the hotel was quite enjoyable, with spacious and modern rooms that provided a lovely view. The staff was genuinely accommodating, making me feel right at home. However, the dining experience could use some improvement, especially with the breakfast variety. The facilities were great, particularly the pool, but I found some amenities lacking in availability. Overall, it was a good experience for the value received.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious and modern, with beautiful views and all the necessary amenities.

Service

8.0

The service was impressive; the staff was accommodating and attentive to my needs.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location was amidst greenery and close to the lake, which provided a tranquil atmosphere.

Dining

6.0

While the dining experience was decent, I hope to see more variety at breakfast during my next visit.

Facilities

8.0

The pool area was great, providing a relaxing spot to unwind.

Spacious rooms

Limited breakfast options

Robert

United States, November 2024

6.0/10

I had a lovely stay at Grand Tamarind Lake during my visit to Kataragama. The spacious rooms and really good dining experience stood out, though the loud air conditioning was a bit of a drawback. Overall, it was a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were super spacious and very ventilated, with high ceilings that added to the comfort. However, the decor felt a bit plain, which could be improved.

Service

9.0

The staff were incredibly welcoming, especially in the restaurant. I appreciated the friendly and helpful service, which made my stay even more enjoyable.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located near Kataragama and the game reserve, surrounded by beautiful nature. I even spotted various birds, which made for a good experience.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was truly good! I loved the mix of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, especially the roast pumpkin soup. The chef was accommodating and whipped up fantastic dishes, including special requests.

Facilities

7.0

Facilities like the pool and game room were great for relaxation. However, I felt that a dedicated bar area would enhance the social aspect of the hotel.