What we say

Living Heritage Koslanda isn’t what you’d expect from luxury accommodation in Sri Lanka, and that’s entirely the point.
Over 30 years ago, Manik Sandrasagra, a Sri Lankan film director and cultural visionary, dreamed of creating an oasis in “one of the most sacred and secret places on Planet Earth.” His vision went far beyond accommodation – this was about preserving Sri Lanka’s natural biodiversity and traditional heritage, keeping ancient practices relevant in the modern world.
Manik designed Living Heritage Koslanda in collaboration with renowned architect Channa Daswatte, but never saw it completed. After his death in 2008, his wife Lucy carried his dream forward, opening the property in 2012 as a testament to everything Manik believed in.
What strikes you is how far removed this is from Sri Lanka’s tourist trail. No traffic noise, no influencer hotspots – just genuine warmth and hospitality rooted in purpose.
The food is exceptional, grown in their organic kitchen gardens, I loved their garden to table cooking class, recipes I still cook at home. The architecture celebrates Sri Lanka’s vernacular design – traditional building techniques that naturally regulate temperature, keeping spaces cool in summer and warm in winter. Rooms overlook regenerating forest, where elephants still traverse, monkeys play, giant squirrels leap and endemic birds call.
This is luxury stripped of excess and rebuilt with meaning. You leave understanding that true luxury isn’t about what’s provided, but what’s preserved for generations to come. You leave feeing rejuvenated, reconnected to nature. Don’t miss out on a sublime Ayurveda massage in their brand new pavilion.

Our three words:

Authentic | Tranquil | Healing

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Founded over 30 years ago by Manik Sandrasagra, a Sri Lankan film director and cultural visionary, alongside his wife Lucy, Living Heritage Koslanda emerged from dreams of creating an oasis in “one of the most sacred and secret places on Planet Earth.” Manik pioneered preserving Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and traditional heritage, envisioning emerging technology to connect those blessed with serendipity—people seeking to “replenish, breathe, regenerate and heal.” His projects preserved island traditions while maintaining modern relevance and protecting natural biodiversity.

The philosophy centres on sustainable tourism’s trifecta: environmental preservation through rewilding schemes and natural wildlife corridor protection, local community employment, and celebrating vernacular architecture from Sri Lankan royal times. This commitment to conservation creates sanctuary for endemic species while supporting traditional livelihoods.

This magical retreat spans 80 acres of restored forest featuring a private waterfall and dedicated naturalist guiding wildlife exploration. Accommodations follow traditional architecture, built by local craftsmen using revived methods. Forest Pavilions on cantilevered platforms offer treetop views through semi-open walls. The iconic infinity pool overlooks paddy fields, while three Ambalamas provide perfect relaxation spots. The organic farm-to-table operation supplies fresh produce for exceptional cuisine. Guests enjoy authentic Ayurveda treatments, guided nature walks discovering endemic flora and fauna, evening gatherings sharing adventures, and understated luxury amid spectacular scenery where traditional heritage meets conservation excellence.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 53.5/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius 9
  • Organic Produce 6
  • Wastewater Recycling 0
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building 9
  • Single Plastic Use 10
  • Local Staff 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Tree planting programmes & In-House Seed Bank
  • Environmental protection programmes with Local schools
  • Volunteer programmes
  • Solar electricity harvesting around 40% of our requirement.
  • Significant Carbon sequestering with 80 acres of mature Forest
  • Affiliated with PLANT ( Preserving Land& Nature )part of WNPS  (Wild Life & Nature Protection Society) Sri Lanka .

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 53.5/70

  • Land Reclamation/Rewilding 10
  • Food from 50 Mile Radius 9
  • Organic Produce 6
  • Wastewater Recycling 0
  • Natural Materials / Heritage Building 9
  • Single Plastic Use 10
  • Local Staff 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Tree planting programmes & In-House Seed Bank
  • Environmental protection programmes with Local schools
  • Volunteer programmes
  • Solar electricity harvesting around 40% of our requirement.
  • Significant Carbon sequestering with 80 acres of mature Forest
  • Affiliated with PLANT ( Preserving Land& Nature )part of WNPS  (Wild Life & Nature Protection Society) Sri Lanka .

EXPERIENCES

Birdwatching with naturalist
Guided Nature Walk
Private waterfall & River Swim
light river canyoning
organic veg and spice garden
Diyaluma Water Fall with local guides
Visits to local tea estates (Poonagala)
Visits to secret Temples and Shrines
Our Authentic Ayurveda treatments Wellness Pavilion
Our garden to fork Cookery class
Guest Tree Sapling Planting

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), approximately 5-6 hours drive from Living Heritage Koslanda

BY RAIL: The nearest railway station is Haputale, about 30 minutes drive from the property. Ella Railway Station is approximately 45 minutes away.

The location provides easy access to numerous attractions including Lipton’s Seat, Little Adam’s Peak, Diyaluma Falls, and the famous Pekoe Trail.

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Haputale Railway Station 30 Km 45 Minutes
Ella 40 Km 1 Hour
Colombo 300 Km 5 – 6 Hours
Kandy 170 Km 5 Hours
Lipton’s Seat 25 Km 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Diyaluma Falls 5 Km 15 Minutes
Arugam Bay 120 Km 3 Hours