Udawalawe's BEST Safari Resort: Greenwood's Unforgettable Adventure!
Greenwood's Unforgettable Adventure: Udawalawe's Best? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (A Rambling, Honest Review)
Okay, let's be real. Planning a safari? Udawalawe? Stressful. Finding the right place? Double stressful. But after stumbling (literally, a few times on the perfectly manicured lawns - more on that later) into Greenwood's Unforgettable Adventure, I’m here to tell you, the stress? Worth it. Prepare for a review that's less polished brochure and more, well, me.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and My Slight Panic Attack…
Right off the bat, Greenwood's makes a great first impression. Accessibility: Yes, they've got the elevator, ramps, and facilities listed as disabled-friendly. Now, I wasn't personally testing the wheelchair access, but from what I saw, it looked pretty darn good. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely highlighted. However, and this is where my anxiety kicked in… the grounds are vast. And beautifully landscaped. Which also means… uneven surfaces. Gorgeous, Instagrammable uneven surfaces. So, while the core accommodations seem well-thought-out, navigate those paved paths with caution if you're reliant on a wheelchair. I'm just saying, I almost ate it a couple of times myself! (Good thing I had my slippers on in the room to run around in! That window that opens was also essential for my anxiety, just saying!)
Internet, Glorious Internet (and Wi-Fi That Actually Works!)
First things first: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And unlike some places that claim to have it and then… well, you know, don't… Greenwood's actually delivers. Seriously, the Wi-Fi [free] was reliable. I could stream, video call, and, most importantly, upload my smug safari photos immediately. They even have Internet access – LAN for the old-schoolers, and of course, Internet services. If you need to stay plugged in, this is a huge win, especially with those stunning photo uploads! I also managed to do a bit of remote work from my laptop workspace, which was fab!
Rooms: My Oasis (and Where I Hid From the Monkeys)
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. My room was… Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check. Alarm clock? Yep, thankfully I didn’t need to rely on that after all. (I was too busy waking up before sunrise for the safari!). Bathrobes and slippers? Absolutely. Coffee/tea maker? Crucial. You know, for those early morning anxieties. Daily housekeeping? Spotless. Seriously, they came in and made everything look immaculate. The in-room safe box was also appreciated. The mini bar was well-stocked (although my bank account wasn’t thrilled). And the separate shower/bathtub was pure luxury. I also loved the complimentary tea. And the refrigerator. I am a very very busy person, what can I say? I was also grateful for the Extra long bed, and the Seating area! I did not care that much for the Mirror. But hey, it was there. Everything was set up, and it was great to have. I felt like I was at home.
Also, I really REALLY appreciated the non-smoking rooms. That's a major win for me. And, side note, the monkeys outside? They're cute, but they're also sneaky. Keep your snacks locked up! (That Umbrella was also a great item to have with me!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food! (And My Overeating Habits)
Alright, foodie confession time: I’m a sucker for a good buffet. And Greenwood's Breakfast [buffet] was… dangerous. Absolute, delicious, self-control-obliterating danger. The Asian breakfast was phenomenal, the Western breakfast, too. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and there was an endless supply of coffee. The Breakfast service itself was impeccable. I’m talking attentive staff, constantly refilling your cup, clearing plates… heaven! I'm telling you, I came back to my room every day feeling like I had to unbutton my pants.
Then there was the restaurants. Several to choose from, actually! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a standout, and the International cuisine in restaurant, was great too. The Bar was perfect for those post-safari sundowners (Happy hour, yes please!). Oh, and the Poolside bar? Perfect for a cheeky cocktail while you watch the sun go down, yes. I also had some great coffee/tea in restaurant. If I ever went to a Desserts in restaurant, I would be there for weeks.
But let’s not forget the other options. The Snack bar (perfect for a quick bite between adventures) and the Room service [24-hour]. That's right, you could order anything, anytime. A la carte in restaurant was also great, you know, if you wanted something a little different. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement!
I also appreciate the availability of Bottle of water, I always need water. And if I needed something quick, you always had the Salad in restaurant. And, to top it all off for a small quick meal, was the Soup in restaurant
Did I mention the Vegetarian restaurant? And the Western cuisine in restaurant? Seriously, there's something for everyone, and all of it is delicious. The Poolside bar was the best place to just sit back and have a drink.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Beyond the Safari (and My Almost Spa Incident)
Okay, safari is obviously the star of the show, but Greenwood's has plenty to keep you busy when you're not spotting elephants. They’ve got a Swimming pool (with a Pool with view) that's just begging for a refreshing dip after a dusty afternoon. A Fitness center, (but I’m pretty sure I got enough exercise dodging monkeys).
And the Spa… sigh. The Spa is where things almost went a little pear-shaped for me. I booked a Body scrub and a Massage. I was feeling extra adventurous, so I went for the Body wrap! And then, I got lost. I wandered around the Sauna, the Steamroom, and a beautiful Foot Bath, looking for my treatment room. I even accidentally walked into the Gym/fitness, which was a mistake, because I was trying to relax, and you can't relax at a gym. Luckily, someone eventually found me and guided me to my bliss. The Spa/sauna experience was incredible though.
The Staff trained in safety protocol. The Daily disinfection in common areas were just really incredible. Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (And Mostly Germ-Free)
I was so pleased with their commitment to cleanliness and safety. I felt so safe during my stay at Greenwood's. They had Anti-viral cleaning products. And Hand sanitizer everywhere. First aid kit was also a bonus. I'd heard they're pretty serious about hygiene. They also have Hygiene certification!
The Hot water linen and laundry washing, was also a great thing to see. The Individually-wrapped food options also gave an extra touch. The Professional-grade sanitizing services also just proved how clean they are at Greenwood's. And a bonus, the Room sanitization opt-out available was a great thing to know!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
From the moment you arrive, Greenwood's feels like a well-oiled machine. The Doorman and Concierge were always helpful. They had a Cash withdrawal machine, which was a lifesaver. And Currency exchange. Even the Convenience store was handy for picking up forgotten essentials (like more sunscreen, because I’m terrible at remembering that stuff). Their Daily housekeeping was top-notch.
Getting Around: Effortless Exploration.
They offer Airport transfer, which is a life-saver after a long flight. They have a Car park [free of charge] if you're driving which is a score and also a Car park [on-site]. They can arrange a Taxi service to get in and out of Udawalawe. They also have Valet parking!
For the Kids: Family Friendly Fun! Babysitting service! And Family/child friendly! They have Kids facilities! I actually can’t wait to come back, they make it feel so family friendly!
The Offer: Book Now & Unleash Your Inner Explorer!
I'm not one for hyperbole, but Greenwood's Unforgettable Adventure truly is unforgettable. So, if you’re looking for a safari escape that blends adventure, luxury, and genuine hospitality, this is it.
Here’s what you get:
- Luxury Wildlife Viewing: Direct access to Udawalawe National Park
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause here's my attempt at an itinerary for GreenWood Udawalawa Safari Resort. This ain't no polished travel brochure, this is a messy, honest, and thoroughly human adventure diary. Prepare for emotional whiplash!
GreenWood Udawalawa: The Wild, the Wonderful, and the Slightly Buggy
Day 1: Arrival and the "Okay, This is Actually Stunning" Moment
Afternoon (ish… let's be honest, it was more like 3 PM): Arrived at GreenWood. First thought? "Wow, the pictures didn't do it justice." The drive in? A bit bumpy. A local tuk-tuk nearly lost a wheel on the way, adding a layer of "oh god, are we actually going to reach?" to the excitement. This is what I call the authentic start to the adventure. the staff was very welcoming. I got the vibe of being with the most caring people ever.
Settling In (And the First Bug Whisper): Checked into our… well, a bungalow is an understatement. It's a freakin' deluxe eco-lodge, sprawling, with a freaking plunge pool! Immediately, I made the obligatory poolside-pose-for-the-Gram. Then, the bugs. Oh, the bugs. A curious (and slightly terrified) encounter with a particularly large ant. We should've sprayed the room earlier…
Evening: Dinner at the resort. The food? Actually quite delicious! A buffet of Sri Lankan curries – the crab curry set my taste buds on fire; the heat was almost too good to handle, but I devoured every single last bit. Met fellow travelers – a couple who'd been traveling for six months and another family from a nearby resort. Good chatter, lots of laughs, and one too many Lion Lagers.
Night (The Sounds of the Jungle and the "Is That a Leopard?!?!" Moment): Sat on the veranda, listening to the jungle orchestra. It was the most immersive, atmospheric experience ever. Bats swooshing around, and strange calls echoing in the distance. A very sudden, heart-stopping thump nearby nearly made me pee my pants. "Maybe a leopard?" I whispered to my partner, wide-eyed. Turns out, likely a monkey. Either way, the adrenaline was pumping.
Day 2: Safari! (And the Eternal Search for the Elusive Elephant)
Dawn Patrol (AKA the 5:30 AM Alarm from Hell): Ugh. Sleep felt like a distant dream. But the promise of a safari makes it worth it. The early sunrise through the hotel compound feels magical.
The Safari - The Thrill of the Hunt! The safari started. I learned the driver was really good and that we were with the best. The Jeep was dusty and exciting. The safari guide, had eyes like a hawk.
Elephant Dreams (And Some Disappointments): We saw a lot of elephants! Huge, majestic ones, bathing in the water. Baby elephants, playing and tugging on their mothers' tails. I was ecstatic! Got the most mind-blowing photos ever.
- But also, we had some moments of quiet. A longing for the elusive leopard. Seeing a wild boar. Then the water buffaloes.
Afternoon - Back to the Bungalow and Pool Time! After the safari, the sun hit my face. The pool was an oasis and pure bliss.
Evening - The Sky on Fire and the Curry Comeback: Dinner again at the resort. The sky put on a show. Truly spectacular. The food was exceptional, again. I felt lucky the hotel staff was the kindest ever.
Day 3: Elephants, Farewell, and a Feeling of Deep Satisfaction (Plus, Bugs, Still)
- Morning - One Last Safari to Say Farewell to the Elephant: One last safari, and the most rewarding one.
- Goodbye to GreenWood: Sad to go. But I left with a feeling of awe.
- I was bit by a mosquito. I will never forget their bites.
Honestly, this is the best place to be with nature. And to be with the people in the hotel
My Verdict:
- The Good: The staff? Amazing. The location? Stunning. The elephants? Unforgettable. The food? Delicious. The overall vibe? Relaxing.
- The Bad: Bugs. I mentioned the bugs, right?
- The Messy: It was a rollercoaster of emotions, from pure joy to mild panic. And everything in between.
- Would I Go Again? Absolutely. But this time, I'm bringing a hazmat suit and a camera. Maybe a team of bug-repellent-wielding bodyguards, too.
So, what *is* this all about, honestly? Because I'm already confused, and I haven't even started reading.
This all seems pretty broad, let's get into specifics. How do I *deal* with [insert vaguely related topic or irritation... maybe it's tech]? I tried this, I tried that...
Right, sounds about right. Anything else in that vein? Like, something *truly* frustrating?
Okay, moving on, what are some of your most *ridiculous* observations? Like, the ones that keep you up at night. The *really* important stuff.
This is starting to feel cathartic. How do you handle… everything? The stress, the "stuff," all of it?
So, is there anything you have learned to be your true passion?
