Traveling through Sri Lanka, the one thing that stands is the warmth of hospitality. Sri Lankans are very friendly and will do almost anything to show you the best of their country. We were helped numerous times by total strangers. There was a sense of eagerness across to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Sri Lankans love kids and if you are traveling with young kids, be prepared for a lot of attention and friendly chats. Visiting Galle was no different but the best part of our trip there was our stay in Why House, a luxury family boutique hotel in Galle.

An oasis of tranquility, the property spreads across 3 acres, surrounded by paddy fields and jungles. Being so close to nature, it has an easy and laid-back vibe. And gives you a feeling of stepping into a retreat the moment you enter. While I was still adjusting my eyes to the serenity of the colonial-style bungalows set in picturesque gardens after a drive through the bustling streets of Galle town, the Why House team reached the gates to welcome us. The whole team led by Henrietta exemplifies Sri Lankan hospitality. Always smiling and ready to help, Henrietta and her team are experts in making your family holiday a wonderful experience with their eye to detail and genuine care.

Why House

Why ‘Why House’?

I was quite curious to know more about the name of the hotel. And it does have an unusual story behind it. The hotel is privately owned by a British architect. He was on his first trip to Sri Lanka when things weren’t going exactly smoothly. And he wondered why he was in Sri Lanka but he found a good deal on a piece of land and bought it. He built the main house and some smaller villas. ut still wondered why this house and why this adventure. And in resonance with the same sentiment that he felt at the beginning of this journey, the owner named his hotel ‘Why House’.

Why House, is located at a walkable distance from the beach. It is about 15-20 minutes away from the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort. It is a family-oriented hotel and has a beautiful pool and wonderful lush grounds to keep the kids engaged and busy. The rooms come with a private terrace that overlooks the gardens. The main house and the garden pavilion is also where you would most likely find Nigella and Tigga the hotel pet dogs. Nigella, the resident Dachshund is lovingly called Jelly and is a hit with kids.

The Facilities

Time seems to stand still in Why House with a breezy atmosphere and a slight hint of British Ceylon. The colonial-style main house reminds of the British Bungalows often seen in erstwhile cantonment areas with lush green lawns and gardens around. The suites in the main house are spacious with waiting rooms and grand en-suite bathrooms. The terraces are perfect to relax and read or spend some time chatting with new friends. I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to meet and get to know other guests. Every evening, it felt like a dinner party and catching up with old friends from different countries. And the kids seemed to have formed their own party.why house

There is plenty to do yet not do in Why House if you are seeking a relaxing holiday. The large pool and the loungers around give a beach-like ambiance and the pool has a sand-hued bottom. Ayurvedic and Aromatherapy massages can be booked in the massage pavilion set amongst the lush gardens. You could also request a cooking demo to learn how to cook popular Sri Lankan dishes like curry and hoppers. Generally once a week, there is a cultural show organized in the evening with music, dancers, traditional costumes, fire breathers, tumblers followed by a traditional Sri Lankan dinner. We were lucky that the show was organized during our stay and the show is a cultural delight. The dinner was also very interesting as you could create your own hoppers with various fillings and curry. A very unique and quite tasty twist to the traditional flavors of Sri Lanka!

kandy dance

What to See

Why House can be a good base to visit Galle Fort and nearby spots. The beaches on the south coast are very scenic and popular beaches like Matara, Tangalle, Mirrissa and Unawatuna can be covered as day trips. The hotel also arranges safari trips to Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park.

Galle Fort
Galle Fort

We had planned our trip to Galle basically to visit and explore Galle Fort for a couple of days but in addition, we loved our time at Why House. It proved to be the perfect place to rejuvenate and socialise after a tiring day of safari or a walking tour of Galle Fort.

We were hosted by Why House for a couple of days during our trip to Galle and nearby places.

Looking for other places to explore in Srilanka. Check out our adventures in Kandy.

57 COMMENTS

  1. Why House looks amazing and I can see why any guest can be very comfortable there. I loved the colonial feeling of the buildings and the grounds. I enjoyed the story behind the ‘why’ – that was an interesting read. Galle is definitely on my list for travelling to.

  2. This looks amazing, the nature that surrounds you, the tranquility, perfect for those getaway trips when you just want to be at peace, and I have been hearing about how the people of Sri Lanka are welcoming, I hope I get to experience it once on my own, and not just through stories

  3. I had never even thought of Sri Lanka as a holiday destination but this article has opened my eyes, Great pictures too.

  4. Sri Lanka certainly a lot to offer to a tourist. Beautiful countryside’s and beaches . Why House certainly looks amazing and the surroundings great.
    Lovely article with nice pics

  5. I think the travel gods are really pushing me to head to Sri Lanka, there are signs everywhere. Thanks for sharing this post. Very helpful indeed.

  6. This house looks so beautiful and peaceful! Love that there is plenty to do there. I can’t wait to visit Sri Lanka one day.

  7. The name of Why House is definitely as interesting and beautiful as the Why House itself. It looks so serene and calm, I would love to some day have a house like this. And when I go to Sri Lanka, I will love to stay here

  8. The name “Why House”, sounded intriguing, but after reading the story behind it, can very well appreciate it. The place looks so elegant and vintage. Love the fact that it is strategically located too in Galle. I would say just the sort of place we love to stay in.

  9. Why House looks like such a serene, relaxing spot to spend a couple of nights. happy to hear there was plenty to do during your stay. Great that they will arrange day trips as well.

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