Getting to us

Ruk is about a bit under an hour’s drive East of Kandy.

From the main international airport (Bandaranaike) we’re just over 3 hours’ drive - and from central Colombo a little bit more.

If you’re in Colombo the train to Kandy is a good way to reach us - the direct train is just over 2 and a half hours.

There are some notes below on the best way to reach us from different places and if you want to book a taxi directly you can use the form below.

Google Maps is by far the easiest way to find us and works very well. Just follow Google’s instructions all the way to Ruk, at the very last point (effectively once on the property) turn left and up the drive to the Top House.

A slightly bumpy road

The last section of the ‘road’ to Rukgala is not concrete/tarmac (at all) and is quite bumpy in two (small) sections.

Our experience is that all vehicles can come all the way but some drivers may get nervous. We’d encourage you to encourage them! But if you think a major problem we’ll happily arrange a Tuk Tuk(s) to come and meet you and bring you in for the last section.

Please also note that this last section is not lit with street lights (as a recent guest had expected!) and so if you’re travelling alone and perhaps a slightly anxious traveller we’d recommend planning your trip to reach us during the day.

  • The airport (always assume Bandaranaike International Airport unless specifically mentioned otherwise) is a little north of Colombo (about 40 minutes drive) so it’s not so easy to just get into town and then take a train. If you want to do that it’s normally best to stay a night in Colombo first.

    There is a quick(ish) afternoon train that leaves at 3.35pm and so if your flight arrives in the morning you could potentially get to Colombo and then take the train - but it’s a long day!

    The train journey is approx. 2 hours 45 minutes.

    Most people prefer to just come straight to Rukgala. The drive from the airport is about 3 hours.

    We can arrange a car (USD 105) or van (USD 115 - up to 5 people) for you.

  • Getting out of Colombo can take a little time so the drive to Ruk is a little longer - currently around 4 hours.

    For many people the train is the best way to do it. It’s quicker and can be fun. The best Colombo to Kandy trains leave first thing in the morning (6.30am) or in the afternoon (3.35pm). You need to book a ticket in advance and collect it (showing your passport) from the station - this can take some time so leave an extra 20 minutes to be sure.

    Tickets can be booked here.

    If you prefer a taxi we can arrange for you. A car is USD 105 and a van (for up to 5 people) is USD 115.

  • We are about a 45 minute drive from central Kandy.

    You can take a Tuk Tuk and follow Google Maps to reach us or book a car using Uber or PickMe (the Sri Lankan version).

    Both should be under LKR 5,000 (approx. 16).

    We can of course arrange a taxi too but the cost is higher - USD 40.

For requesting transfers

We are generally, pending availability, able to assist in arranging transfers if helpful.

Please email us to arrange: reservations@rukgalaretreat.com