The beauty of our surroundings
The staff of your lodge will make every effort to make your stay memorable. Whilst the Yala National Park is indeed the main attraction in the area, there is also much more that you, our valued guest can experience and carry back so many more memories. Our wish is to share with you and let you experience every bit of who we are – to share with you our heritage and our lifestyle. Life in these parts revolve around a few simple ideals. Our religion, our livelihood and our environment. We have put together a few curated excursions to help you experience these.
Wildlife Experience
Our Naturalist will accompany you on a visit to a Wildlife reserve and spot Sri Lanka’s BIG FIVE in its natural habitat. An experience not to be missed.
The Dune Walk
Experience a walk on the wild side accompanied by our own naturalist. The Ocean, the sand, and the jungle – all combined in this magical experience.
The Lakes
A tour to 4 lakes in the local area which nourish the paddy/rice fields. Off the beaten track these secluded lakes offer stunning views with the hills of Kataragama as a backdrop.
Situlpawwa & Magul Maha Viharaya
Bordering the Yala National Park, these two ancient temples dates to the 2nd Century BC. The former has two stupas built on top of a rock and a climb up to the summit offers a magnificent view of the lush green jungle below. Magul Maha Viharaya is said to have been built where the marriage of the ancient King Kavantissa married Princess Vihara Maha Devi.
Kirinda Viharaya & Beach
Built on the Kirinda coast, this temple is said to be dedicated to Queen Vihara Maha Devi. The temple is built on a large rock and one has to walk up the steps which are carved onto the rock. The temple overlooks the ocean.
Kataragama Devalaya & Kiri Vehera
A popular place of religious worship amongst Hindus and Buddhists alike. Many Sinhala Buddhists of Sri Lanka believe that Kataragama deviyo (God Kataragama) is a guardian deity of Buddhism and the presiding deity of the Kataragama temple. All Buddhists who visit Kataragama worship Kiri Vehera Dagaba as it is one of the “Solosmasthana”, the 16 pilgrimage sites of important to worship in Sri Lanka.
A Trek to Nimalawa Aranya
The Nimalawa aranya is an ancient Buddhist monastery. It is believed that Arahat Dhammdinna made Nimalawa his place of residence. An Arahat in Sanskrit is translated as ‘one who is worthy’, a person who has achieved spiritual enlightenment.
Poththegala Aranya & walk in the Village
A ten-minute walk from the lodge. This ancient monastery is said to have had many monks who practiced meditation.
Visit to a Pottery Workshop
The pottery industry in Sri Lanka is a traditional craft industry that has survived from time immemorial to the present day. Visit the home and workshop of ‘Thushari’ who makes a living by selling her products to the local curd industry. Try your hand at making your own mug or pot under the guidance of this lady.
Visit to a Chena Cultivation
Chena - also known as shifting, or slash-and-burn cultivation - is one of the oldest land-use systems in the tropics. In Sri Lanka, chena cultivation has been an integral part of the landscape and culture of rural life. See for yourself the process of clearing, planting and most importantly crop protection methods used by farmers in this area.
Boat Ride on ‘Yodha’ Lake (Yodha Wewa)
The Yoda wewa is a large man-made lake and is one of the many sources of water which irrigate the rice/paddy fields in the area. The surrounding jungle areas are a sight to behold with its marshes and the abundant bird life that is nourished by its waters. Take a leisurely ride in a catamaran used by freshwater fishermen.
Visit to a Curd making workshop.
The Tissamaharama area is well known for Curd making. The curd made here is believed to be the best in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan term for this is ‘Meer Kiri’. Learn how this much sought after milk product is made and see for yourself the traditional process which has been used for generations in making Mee Kiri.