Saraii Village : The Essence of Lanka
Yala, Bundala, Kirinda and Kataragam are some of the biggest attractions in the Deep South. With the tourism boom in Hambantota District, Weerawila is gaining popular attraction mainly because of the beautiful Weerawila Lake. This magnificent lake is located by the A2 highway, popularly known as ‘Galle Road’, which stretches well beyond not only Galle but beyond Hambantota.
Weerawila Lake is the centre of attraction for several resorts and is quite close to Debarawewa town and Tissamaharama. Apart from Weerawila weva, the bird sanctuary and popular wildlife parks such as Bundala, Lunugamwehera, Ridiyagama and the Dry Zone Botanical Garden in Mirijjawila are in close proximity.
Saraii Village is located just 200 metres away from the banks of the lake Weerawila.
Saraii Village believes that travel is not just about seeing the new, but about feeling and breathing in a rustic experience that touches the soul of the traveller. As one of the most eco-conscious hotels in Sri Lanka, Saraii opens for the conscientious traveller seeking something off the beaten track.
Hidden beneath a canopy of trees deep in the heart of Weerawila, Saraii Village is a private estate featuring a series of mud chalets and tree houses designed to imitate the open air concept of rural homes in the locality.
The only thing that is not authentically Ruhuna is its name. ‘Saraii’, meaning ‘the essence’, in Hebrew and true to this it allows visitors to experience authentic Sri Lankan life to the fullest.
Saraii Village promotes sustainability while encouraging guests to become one with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, while experiencing authentic Sri Lanka.
‘Saraii is for those who understand sustainability and eco-tourism. It’s all about experiencing something different and understanding authentic Sri Lanka’ said Archana Sivapragasam, the Operations Manager of the property.
Pix by Amila Gamage
Saraii offers accommodation in five mud houses and five tree houses. Mud chalets, tree houses and superior mud and tree houses can be seen all over the three acre expanse of land set up amidst hardwood and fruit trees. The tree houses are named as Loft, Nest, Crib and Sky to go in line with their themes and structure. For example, the Nest is designed on a tree top like a bird’s nest and it was named as ‘Nest’ etc. The mud chalets are designed in such a way as to give the guests an experience of living in a ‘gama gedara’; a house built from mud with a thatched roof which can be found in remote areas of the country. However, they are equipped with modern amenities such as tea/coffee making facilities, hot/cold water baths, fans mosquito nets, telephone, all modern amenities in the bathrooms and of course wi-fi.
‘Though it has ten rooms, it can go up to sixty pax easily. The newest tree house has two bedrooms and hanging area on three levels, which is specially designed to accommodate families with kids’ explained Ossie de Silva, the Resort Manager of Saraii.
Saraii’s philosophical approach to dining comes at the Spice Lounge. The island, famed for its delectable cuisine, is served to guests on a plate by Saraii artisan chefs who perform gastronomic alchemy with the fresh organic ingredients plucked straight out of Saraii’s gardens.
‘At Saraii, we serve local fare daily, by serving wholesome and delicious organic meals expertly prepared by local culinary geniuses who aim to delight you with the authentic tastes of their homes.Whilst our carefully curated menu is not vast, we guarantee that the sensory explosion that every bite delivers far exceeds your expectations; Ossie said.
A fresh farm lunch, village cuisine and fresh catch from the lake are some of the popular dishes.
‘Our signature dish is extra large prawns from the Weerawila Lake. This is the only place in Sri Lanka that breeds 14 to 16 inches long fresh water prawns’ Archana added.
Saraii upholds the value of the ‘Slow Food’ philosophy where they believe that good, clean and fair food should be catered to guests to experience the taste of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. The produce is sourced locally, harvested in a sustainable manner, ensuring a revenue source to the community.
There are some experiences revolving around food, culture and wildlife that one can look forward to at Saraii Village. Cook your Catch, Farmer’s and Chena lunch, making curd, Rod fishing, pottery and Palmyrah weaving are some of the attractions amongst the travellers.
Apart from cuisine and the nature, excursions to surrounding areas are possible using ‘Saraii Village’ as the base. Bundala National Park, Yala National Park, Palutupana Salterns, Kataragama/ Kirivehera, Sithul Pawwa, Kalametiya and Uda Walewe are some of the popular excursions.
An array of activities can be enjoyed on site including cycling, fishing and hiking.
The room rates for ‘Saraii’ range from 14,000/- to Rs 45,000/- (on DFB basis).
For more details call 0768216363, 0774182096, 0777795595 or log onto www.saraiivillage.com
