This One-of-a-Kind Eco-Resort In Sri Lanka Is The Perfect Escape

Deep in the Sri Lankan jungle sits a 40-foot (12-meter) elephant construction that takes your breath and then gives you life when you sleep inside of it. KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire welcomes you as the “World’s Leading Eco-Lodge” and one of the world’s 10 most unusual hotels. Take a look at this one-of-a-kind resort in Sri Lanka, and plan your visit!

This place is the epitome of luxury in nature. Far from the tourist trail and in its own little world, KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire is for nature lovers who are looking to enjoy a calm and relaxed getaway. Escape from the rat race and take a walk with the wild peacocks, stand on your balcony under a full moon, and see elephants rustle in the bushes nearby.

The Elephant Villa

The main attraction at KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire, apart from the intense nature experience away without wi-fi, is the giant elephant structure that makes up the main villa of the resort. This architectural marvel can accommodate a couple on their honeymoon or a group of up to 10 people in its two giant bedrooms and open plan lounge. The elephant villa will have all the amenities a visitor will need during their stay while being close to nature. The bathroom on the ground floor has a tree inside of it next to the hot water shower.

The air-conditioned two-story treehouse has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Kumbuk River; it’s close enough to nature with enough luxury for those guests who like a bit of both. The bathroom connects to the treehouse via a bridge.

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Jungle Cabin

Could there be anything cooler than a huge elephant with a villa inside? Only an antique British delivery truck turned into a cabin with flower boxes in the windows. The bedroom features a large window overlooking the river and trees. It’s perfect for honeymooning couples looking for a quiet destination away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Boat House

The fourth villa at KumbukRiver is the Boat House right on the river. In a wooden structure in the shape of an elephant, visitors sleep over the water in the midst of the jungle. Need to use the bathroom? No worries. Just go on up to the loo wedged in the tree because you can’t get any more fun than that.

The food

The cuisine at KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire is as Sri Lankan as it gets. All local dishes are cooked like they have been for centuries, thereby making sure that visitors get the real deal. If anyone prefers any Western-style recipes, they are also available. In order to accommodate the dietary needs of their guests better, the host at KumbukRiver suggests letting them know what you would like to eat in advance.

Things to do

There is plenty to do around the resort. From fishing experiences to nature walks, all visitors need to do is talk to the host about the possibilities. Kids love the sky bridge between trees and riding the hand tractor. You can also learn to farm the paddy fields or check out the mini islands.

Wellness

Experience the jungle and river on a deeper level by partaking in the wellness programs at KumbukRiver. “Sunrise for Life” comprises a walk along the river at dawn, yoga, meditation, and a healthy breakfast. “Rendezvous at Sunset” includes a silent meditative walk through the jungle, fruit therapy for the taste buds, yoga, and meditation.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.