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 ‘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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
What a beautiful looking hotel. I love the old world feeling that exudes about the place.
It is a beautiful quaint place.
Why House .. and how wonderfully you have detailed why choose it .it’s amazing
Thank you!
The hotel looks stunning. The place looks calm and relaxing. Just the perfect place to stay for holidays
Yes it is!
This looks like an Amazing place! I would love to visit Sri Lanka and this hotel Why house looks so warm and welcoming
So pretty. I would love to visit Sri Lanka some day.
This place is great! Thanks for sharing.
I’d love to stay here sometime
The ethnic touch in the photos are awesome, loved this place.
This place is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
This is an awesome place to stay. The rooms look amazing and the atmosphere feels warm.
Seems like you had a wonderful time. Why House looks relaxing and comfortable. And I like how they are welcoming and hospitable.
This looks so lovely! I’d like to visit Sri Lanka one day, I’ve heard so many great things about it!
That pool is awesome, it blends right in with the surroundings!
I hope I could visit this place soon!
So pretty. I would love to visit Sri Lanka some day.
This makes me want to visit even more now! The house looks amazing!
Stunning. Look at that pool! *drool*
I like this place! It looks comfortable and with a great view 😀
Glad you had an awesome weekend with them.
That was the first thing that came to my mind that why the place is called “why house”. Thanks for sharing the history behind. Beautiful property
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
Wow – What a place!!! Seems like a lovely mixture of feeling like a special guest at a wonderful private home combined with absolute privacy to just be quiet and relax.
Gorgeous pics… i love it!!!
I’ve always wanted to visit Sri Lanka, and the accommodation here looks beautiful. May have to book!
Why house, Liked the name! Beautiful place.
This looks so lovely! I’d love to visit this place one day.
So pretty! The house seems to be located in a very tranquil place. Sri Lanka is wayyyy different from what media portrays it and what I mostly read on travel blogs.
I had never even thought of Sri Lanka as a holiday destination but this article has opened my eyes, Great pictures too.
Hey Pujarini, even I believe that Sri Lankans the friendliest. And the hospitality that they offer is unmatchable!
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
This looks like a really beautiful place! Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
it looks very cozy 🙂
Now this hotel looks like a total dream. Sri Lanka is a place I certainly want to visit with my family.
This looks beautiful place to visit! I have yet to visit that part of the world x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
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.
What a fantastic place! this is my favourite kind of accommodation when I travel!
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.
What a beautiful home. Everything just goes together so well.
I’ve never been to Sri Lanka before, but it sounds great! This looks like a good place to stay!
Such an interesting story! Why House looks like a wonderful place to stay. I would definitely book for a cookery demo followed by a relaxing massage!
What an amazing place. You had me as son as I saw the little toy dog on the bed. It’s the little touches that make all the difference!
It so natural. Nothing really special about the apartment. It has that warmth balance. Great view
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
i love seeing other people’s houses and design schemes. this is such a beautiful place to stay!
Wow what a wonderful adventure. It is on my must visit one day list of places. The safari and walking tour sound great activities.
the pictures are amazing and I would love to visit one day !! thank you for sharing with us ! Beautiful houses !
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.
This is gorgeous, it looks like such a serene, Your description and pictures are beautiful. I hope to go there soon.
This is gorgeous. I would feel so pampered and taken care of here. I am drawn to that pool. It’s so peaceful.
That sounds like such an amazing getaway! House Galle is gorgeous from the grounds all the way throughout the rooms. I’d love to stay there.
This is gorgeous! I shall add this to my travel list for sure – I am yet to visit Sri Lanka, but now feel I simply must. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Why house seems like a nice place to relax and rejuvenate. Visiting Sri Lanka is on my travel list. Hopefully, next year!
this is gorgeous, never thought Sri Lanka was so beautiful.
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.