Athgira River Camp

Hotels
Independent
8.4 (13 reviews)
Mudunmangada Road, Udawalawa, 70190 , Udawalawa , LK

Facilities

Free breakfast
Newspapers in lobby (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Outdoor pool - seasonal
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Limited amenities
Overpriced food

Categories

Cleanliness
5.5
Mixed reviews regarding cleanliness, with some guests mentioning maintenance issues.
Service
6.7
Service received mixed feedback, with comments on chaotic check-in and pushy upselling.
Location
7.5
Guests appreciated the good location of the hotel near key attractions.
Room Quality
6.5
Rooms were described as basic, with some cleanliness concerns and poor lighting.
Amenities
5.5
Limited amenities and maintenance issues reported by guests.
Value for Money
3
Most guests felt the hotel was overpriced for the services offered.
Food and Beverage
8
Compliments on the buffet meals, but criticisms on the high prices for food at the hotel.
Overall Experience
6.8
Mixed reviews, with families enjoying the amenities while couples found the hotel lacking.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-08-05 16:17

Property Description

Recreational Amenities
Indulge in our indoor and outdoor pools, and explore the area with our available bicycles for rent.

Dining Experience
Enjoy exquisite international cuisine at our restaurant, Athgaala, or opt for the convenience of room service. Unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge after a fulfilling day.

Comfortable Accommodations
Relax in one of our 36 uniquely decorated guestrooms, each equipped with a private balcony or patio. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and refresh in bathrooms featuring rainfall showers.

Make the most of your stay at Athgira River Camp, with a plethora of amenities, delicious dining options, and comfortable accommodations. Book now for an unforgettable experience!

Important information:

  • Pool access available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
  • Contactless check-out is available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: CMB

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 13 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.5
Service: 6.7
Location: 7.5
Room Quality: 6.5
Amenities: 5.5
Value for Money: 3
Food and Beverage: 8
Overall Experience: 6.8
B
Bethan partner
4
Pros:

We would probably not recommend Athgira. We stayed for just one night, but that was enough.
The issues for us were that the WiFi was practically non-existent, the shower was cold and never got hot or even luke warm, the fruit and baked goods were left uncovered at breakfast so they were swarmed with flies, when we put the mosquito net down it let out a stench that suggested it had never been washed (we didn’t end up using it), and there was no safe or lockable cupboard or any way to secure the tent. The tent itself was poorly lit and although it was generally clean, the floor looked quite grubby.
The check in was a little chaotic, with multiple people asking us the same questions multiple times, and asking whether we wanted to stay longer, order champagne etc.
Whilst I would not recommend this venue for a couple, there were a lot of families with children who appeared to be enjoying themselves. I can see the positives if you don’t mind a cold shower and a cheap basic accommodation. It does have a pool and a little place to play racquet sports. The location is also good and the staff are friendly, taking care of the surrounding area, although we did see one of them throw a shoe at a cat.
If you do stay, we would suggest looking outside of the hotel for food as the evening meal was 9,900 rupees for two people which is extortionate by any standard and more than we paid for the room.

2025-04-23 via Nuitee
T
Theodore
10
Excellent place
Pros:

Agthira river camp was excellent. The staff were all friendly and the room was so nice. Looking onto the river was very relaxing and hours were spent watching the monkeys. The buffet in the morning and evening was great. The safari was booked via the hotel and was a great experience.

2025-04-19 via Nuitee
C
Carine
10
Super séjour
Pros:

Super séjour

2025-01-05 via Nuitee
H
Hannah
10
Pros:

The staff here go above and beyond, the ‘glamping’ experience was great. Food was really nice but quite expensive. The safari company run joint with the camp was amazing and extremely well run. The downside to this accommodation is that I would say it is only accessible via tuk tuk or car it’s not in walking distance to shops / other restaurants.

2023-11-20 via Nuitee
T
Thibaud
10
A ne pas manquer
Pros:

Un accueil chaleureux, un emplacement idyllique… tout était parfait pour notre séjour
Ils nous ont réservé un super safari avec un excellent guide !

2021-12-05 via Nuitee
L
laura
8
Nice tent
Pros:

We liked the tent and breakfast. It rained while hard while we were there and we got very bit up around our ankles walking to and from the restaurant at night as well as sitting on the deck overlooking the river. No hot water in the shower.

2019-12-08 via Nuitee
K
KEN
10
Good choice for Udawalawe
Pros:

This was " glamping " with part canvas , part solid construction to create the impression of a safari tent . It worked quite well and they were comfortable and peaceful. Try and book a river view one if you are going to stay here. The food was very good and the place is liquor licensed. Food and drinks a shade on the high side , but you are a captive audience anywhere in the location. The arrange and run safaris directly from here , so this is a good place to do your safari experience then kick back and relax . We stayed on a recommendation from a family member and I in turn would recommend it.

2019-03-29 via Nuitee
P
Paul partner
10
Pros:

The charm of the river camp added to park experience. It was wonderful to hear the sounds of the forest.

2019-03-24 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
8
très bon accueil
Pros:

hotel tout à fait conforme aux guides qui le recommandent , et très bien pour des familles.

2018-05-01 via Nuitee
M
Maximilian
8
Eine besondere und schöne Art zu schlafen
Pros:

Unbedingt die neuen Zelte buchen. Die alten sind wirklich schon sehr in die Jahre gekommen.
Frühstück und "BBQ" am Fluss sind nicht sehr empfehlenswert. Alles sehr lieblos und auch ein bisschen unhygienisch. Ausserdem sind speziell am Fluss sehr viel Schnacken unterwegs... Eigentlich kein guter Ort um sich abends dort lange aufzuhalten.
Die neuen Zelte sind top, der Pool sauber und schön!

Insgesamt etwas zu teuer für die gebotene Leistung!

2018-02-27 via Nuitee
K
Kimberly
10
Great experience
Pros:

Great experience! Only downside no hot water for shower. Lovely bbq and delicious breakfast.

2018-01-25 via Nuitee
J
Jorge
10
Great place to stay
Pros:

The location is a bit far and difficult to find but the place is great, unique and with a great pool and river front. The tents add a safari feel. The cold shower was a negative

2017-04-02 via Nuitee
D
Daniel
6
Great location for udawalawe park, One night only
Pros:

Good place to stop for a One Day visit to udawalawe. 10 min off the track with tuktuk, so nothing is really close to the hotel. Food was good, room pretty much as promised and pool area better then expected. The hotel books the safari jeep for you, and you should go in the early morning.

2016-01-20 via Nuitee