We were genuinely impressed with our experience. The rooms were exceptionally spacious, providing a remarkable sense of luxury that made our stay incredibly comfortable and enjoyable. The staff were very friendly and helpful, always ready to assist with a warm and professional manner.

We did encounter a minor issue during the check-in process. The primary focus seemed to be on processing the payment, and unfortunately, the full amount was charged without verifying the advance payment we had already made. Although this was later rectified, and the payment was reversed, it did cause some inconvenience. Kindly suggest that the hotel avoid requesting full payment immediately upon arrival and ensure that any advance payments are confirmed beforehand.

I have rarely been welcomed so warmly in a hotel; you immediately feel at home. The scenery around the hotel is breathtaking and the staff is even more professional and courteous. We had dinner and breakfast, both of which tasted very good! Demmi was also very accommodating, read every wish, really crazy. Our esteemed Chamma drove us from the hotel to Trincomalee, a real guide who has Sri Lanka in his blood, he knows so much about this country and is very accommodating. We have already booked a second trip with him. Sri Lanka and this hotel is a dream.

Nothing

Only stayed 1 night before a safari. Truly fantastic rooms, great pool and very close to park. They provided us a take-out breakfast to go which was amazing.

Restaurant choice, only one on-site and buffet only, no a la carte. Buffett was nice and extensive I must say. Not for everyone but I will share, no alcohol is served at the hotel. So after a long hot day if you wish to have a beer or cocktail, unfortunately not. They will get beers from a local shop as most guessed opted for, VERY expensive charge for a beer, London price.

The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The President's suite was massive and absolutely gorgeous with a beautiful view of the little lake outside. The beds were great and very comfortable and the room was well ventilated and bright. Bathroom was equally massive and all the fittings and taps worked without issues. The staff were helpful and arranged a safari tour for us and provided all the necessary details. The breakfast buffet was lovely and the servers were extremely attentive and went out of their way to provide us with everything we requested.

No issues with the room or staff or buffet. Only a few minor issues with the bathroom. The shower cubicle door seemed to have been broken at some point and had not been replaced. The hot water was a bit slow at times but also wasn't a major issue.

We had a fantastic stay at Grand Tamarind Lake hotel. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The location was ideal, The food was exceptional, offering a great variety and quality that made each meal enjoyable. The cleanliness of the rooms and the hotel overall was impressive. Plus, it's definitely value for money. Great service and an overall wonderful experience. Highly recommend!

If you are visiting Kataragama, I strongly recommend The Grand Tamarind (TGT). The room was big, the linen was exquisite, the breakfast was delicious and big, and the staff everywhere were friendly and most professional. The location of TGT is strategic being so close to the Dēvālē and Kiri Vehera, and a short drive from it we were able to visit Yala Sanctuary and Situlpawwa rock temple. If I visit Kataragama again, TGT will be my choice for accommodation.

Nothing. I loved everything about The Grand Tamarind.

Spacious rooms with air conditioning and big fans. Big swimming pool with monkeys around. Beautiful scene of bats flying over after sunset. Excellent restaurant with excellent staff. Super clean. Big garden for kids to play in.

Short story: Reception staff. No taxis around for departure. Long story: No taxis around when departing. Uber and pick me up apps cannot find rides there. The reception staff offered us a ride from a “friend” for 17,000 rupees. Uber and pick me up were at 11,000. We ended up accepting only to see another family who took the same offer taking an old car to their destination. After waiting an hour for their friend, a taxi dropped another family and I ended up taking that taxi instead of their “friend’s”. Make sure to arrange a ride out of there before getting there.

We had a great stay at the Grand Tamarind. It was low season so very quiet and peaceful. The location is beautiful and would highly advise getting a lake view room. Stunning sunrises! Rooms are huge and if youre lucky, the monkeys will get you up in the morning. The food was excellent and the young team in the restaurant were so lovely and helpful. I had my birthday there and they went out of their way to make a cake and get some beers in! The pool is great for a dip after a day out on safari. With regards to safaris, I'd highly recommend going through the hotel. They work with a local cooperative who provide a great experience. I booked with a private company the first day and did not have a good experience. The second day I booked via the hotel and was amazed. Really knowledgeable guide and got to see two leopards and a bear. All round, a great stay! As we stayed for a couple of days, the team even gave us a ride in their 1940s Rolls Royce.

The front desk staff were not too helpful. Always needed to look for the manager to get anything sorted. If you're expecting a beer or a glass of wine, bring your own as they do not have a bar/license.

Rooms are spacious and provides good facilities. The bathrooms are good and clean. Food are excellent. The garden of the hotel facing to the Tamarind Lake was very nice and well maintained.

The maintenance of the rooms can be improved. There was a slight water leak from the shower cubicle (water coming outside the cubicle). A one place of the floor in the room was bit slippery. Probably due to a cleaning material used at that location. However, in overall the facilities are maintained well.

A fantastic place to stay in Katharagama with an excellent location. The pool is wonderful, and the atmosphere is calm. The staff provides exceptionally friendly service. The breakfast and dinner at the restaurant are very good, and you can also order from the menu—everything is delicious!