A journey to Talalla with Handun Villas

The drive to Talalla is pretty straightforward, and only two and a half hours away from Colombo. Once you exit the Southern Express highway at Matara, you will begin to feel like you have truly left the city behind, especially with the abundance of greenery around you. In fact as you close in on Talalla, you probably won’t

 see any shops, save the occasional fruit or king coconut vendor by the side of the road, for the rest of your drive. Don’t be surprised if you find that you prefer to sit in silent introspection as you take in the natural splendour around you until journey’s end. 

Devoid of the usual holiday-makers that haunt beaches down-south, the breathtaking beach in Talalla provides a perfect backdrop for rest and relaxation. Unlike most coastal destinations that thrive off tourism, the beating heart of Talalla is its charming village that deals in the typical comings and goings of Sri Lankan village life. Back in the day when the area was known for its booming coir industry, coconut estates used to play a significant role in the lives of the inhabitants of the village. Sadly with the decline in demand for coir products, most of these coconut estates have dwindled away, save few. 

One such functional coconut estate owned by the Handunnetti family has continued to maintain a vital role within the community, with the inception of Handun Villas. Although its primary function as a boutique hotel provides job opportunities and patronage for the inhabitants, and entrepreneurs of Talalla; Handun Villas goes the extra mile with its CSR and responsible travel initiatives. Hotel guests are given a rare opportunity to become an active part of the local community, and to make a positive impact upon the lives of the people who work hard to make their stay a comfortable one. 

According to Nayomi Handunnetti of Handun Villas, “We offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where people can lose themselves, and focus on wellness of both body and mind.” What you get at Talalla, and incidentally at Handun Villas, is a simple yet unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years to come. So leave your cares at the door of this Dutch-inspired mansion and lose yourself in home-cooked meals, warm Sri Lankan hospitality, and the simplicity of coastal village life.