‘Lavish Eco Jungle’: Of nature, wild and calm
View(s):By Sanath Weerasuriya
Weerawila is a popular attraction mainly because of the beautiful Weerawila Lake. This magnificent lake is located along the A2, popularly known as ‘Galle Road’, but well beyond not only Galle but Hambantota, close to Thanamalwila
Weerawila Lake is a centre of attraction for several resorts and quite close to Debarawewa town and Tissamaharama. Apart from Weerawila weva, the bird’s sanctuary and popular wildlife parks such as Bundala and Lunugamwehera are in close proximity to the lake.
‘Lavish Eco Jungle’, a jungle based resort, is situated just 100 metres of the banks of the breath taking ‘Weerawila Lake’.
This hotel has a planned man made forest including variety of trees, fruits, hardwood and a lake too, situated in a village near the Weerawila Lake.
Pix by Ranjith Perera
Spanning four and a half acres of jungle and close to the endless miles of Lake, ‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ is truly a jungle resort of untamed.
‘This eco-friendly ‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ resort is a favourite place for many wildlife enthusiasts who find its wild atmosphere ideally suited to unwind after a hectic days in Colombo to enjoy the tranquility’ said Nandana Jayawardena, the proprietor of the Resort.
Planter turned hotelier, Nandana started his new venture in December last year. Ten years ago, a tea planter had a vision of converting his family property in the Deep South, into a manmade forest. Using his planting experience, Nandana and his supportive wife Lakmali began growing and nurturing various plants and tree species, resulting in the ‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ where accommodation is within a canopy of green that reduces the heat of the day inside the circuit bungalow and cabanas.
‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ boasts of one ‘green’ circuit bungalow and one Cabana. The circuit bungalow consists of three well appointed rooms which can accommodate up to eight persons, including two triple rooms and 1 double room, each having a spacious attached bathroom with modern luxury amenities. A living room, dining room and an open verandah make up the rest of the bungalow.
A large high roofed cabana at a corner of the ‘Jungle’ can accommodate up to six guests. The Cabana has attached bathroom, open verandah, TV and fans.
‘Rooms are very comfortable and clean. As this is an eco-friendly resort and very close to nature, Lavish Eco Jungle is a paradise for birds and few of the wild animals at the door steps. You can see wild animals and birds near to your rooms and garden areas’ said Nandana, who is an all-rounder of the business.
‘In our resort, guests can take a virtual green farm tour at our organic agriculture home garden. We provide them with organic vegetables and fruits as well as we encourage other village farmers to practise organic farming by buying their products, which also enhanced economic viability of villagers.’ Nandana explained the theme of the resort.
Lavish Eco Jungle Resort offers authentic Sri Lankan cuisine specialised in Southern preparations. The handicraft menus, give their guests a selection of harmonious blended traditional Sri Lankan foods or some endemic indigenoues cuisines to international fine dining with a bit of Sri Lankan touch to satisfy their taste buds.
‘Our experienced chef Namal Perera is a master craftsman in culinary industry. He offers fresh, locally grown ingredients that make all the difference in your dining experience. We make sure to use organic and fresh ingredients from spices to main course. Most of them plucked from our organic garden’ Nandana added.
The main dining area has been constructed without cutting down or damaging the surrounding trees. A rare jungle tree is in the middle of the restaurant, gives the green appetite.
‘The large garden with camp fire and barbecue facilities by the lake is possible, with a prior notice’ Chef Namal said.
Apart from cuisine and the nature, excursions to surrounding areas are possible using ‘Lavish Eco Jungle’ as the base. Bundala, Yala, Palutupana Salterns, Kataragama/ Kiri Vehera, Sithul Pawwa and Uda Walewe are some of the popular excursions.
The Resort is close to newly built Ridiyagama Safari zoo and bird research center (Bird Island).
An array of activities can be enjoyed on site ncluding cycling, fishing and hiking.
For more details call 0770418967, 0525715597 or log onto www.lavishecojungle.lk
