!! was originally built in the 1800s, Illuketiya is set midst 10 acres of lush tropical forestry and land located 800m from the 4 km post on the Akuressa Road from the Galle-Matara main road. It is about a 3-hour drive from Colombo and about 4 ½ from the airport. Illuketia, about 5 Kms from Galle Fort, was already placed on 19th century British maps. The present plantation house is rebuilt on the old foundation. There are four suites in the main house and two suites at the separate Pond House overlooking a lotus pond. The compound sits on 10 acres of mature garden and rice fields.

Rice fields, tea estates and rural clusters surround the estate. Be prepared to be part of nature and the Sinhalese village culture reached by interwoven country lanes.

Illuketia plantation is a botanical wonderland. Tall trees, majestic bamboo and giant heliconias loom over flowering shrubs, creepers and ferns. Fruits, vegetables, rice and herbs are organically grown in our garden. Our daily floral arrangements are fresh cuts from the plantation. At last count there are 156 bird species, 556 tropical plants, 20 mammals, pond fishes and a variety of reptiles, land monitor lizards and frogs living discreetly within the boundaries.

Illuketia’s 25-meter long (75 feet) swimming pool lies a distance from the main house. Comfortable deck chairs and cushions are placed on the lawn.
The poolside is the place to watch the sunset.

See an abundant variety of exotic tropical blooms and ferns at every turn. Some local plants and herbs are medicinal or used as dyes; others are food for humans and the wildlife. The adjacent rice fields produce our organic red rice. We use traditional methods for pest control and propagating

Grandstand for the garden and ponds outdoor. Breakfast is served in one corner while dinner is laid out facing a different setting.
Find your strategic place for afternoon tea and quiet reading or writing. A water channel runs alongside and calls of birds, monkeys and cicadas provide background sound.

Nine matching carved temple doors and a two-tier roof with Balinese carvings allow air to circulate freely inside !!. Giant bamboo furniture, lacquered Chinese cabinets, antique porcelains, chandeliers and paintings from Indonesia are personal touches of the owners.

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