‘Flameback Eco Lodge’: Incomparable new concept

By Sanath Weerasuriya

View(s):

Located in close proximity to Lunugamvehera National Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most recently declared ‘elephant jungles’, Weerawila is centrally located amongst the top tourist attractions in the deep south of Sri Lanka.

Though Weerawila is a not a popular tourist destination, beautiful Weerawila Lake and its rich bird life draw hundreds of travellers to the location. This magnificent lake is located along the A2 motorway, popularly known as ‘Galle Road’, which runs up to Wellawaya in the Uva Province.

With the tourism boom in the Hambantota District, Weerawila is gaining its attraction mainly because of the picturesque Weerawila Lake, which is the centre of attraction for several resorts.

Nestled amidst a bird sanctuary by the banks of tranquil Weerawila Lake, ‘Flameback Eco Lodge’ comprising luxury tented lodges is the latest Rs 1000 million investment in the ‘Destination Weerawila’.

Starting its operations in March 2018, ‘Flameback Eco Lodge’ is the very first of its kind in Southern Sri Lanka offering a revolutionary and contemporary concept to the traditional warmth and hospitality that Sri Lanka is famous for.

‘Flameback Eco Lodge’ offers a legacy of rejuvenation and a place to unravel the senses to its visitors. Apart from the spiritual pamper, it offers new experiences in luxury tents with a terrace, a seating area, and en-suite bathroom with all modern amenities.

‘Flamebacks or goldenbacks are large woodpeckers, commonly spotted in the area. We have used this name most appropriately to the property. Weerawila Lake attracts a diverse range of bird species each year to roost and nest. Being aptly located alongside the lake within the sanctuary, Flameback Eco Lodge wondrously attracts thousands of local and migratory birds who roam across the sanctuary, which is home to both aquatic bird species and jungle dwelling birds’ explained Bhathiya Gunasekera, the Director/CEO of the project.

Flameback Eco Lodge has seven permanently built luxury tent lodges (rooms) including six deluxe double room lodges and one luxury honeymoon suite with all comfortable amenities on platforms and boulders.

‘Two large family units for three to four pax will be the new addition within a couple of months’ time,’ he added

Each deluxe lodge at the Flameback can hold a maximum of two and feature a front porch with ‘out-of-this-world’ views, comfortable king size bed, fully equipped bathroom with walk-in shower and a separate water closet.

Each of the seven luxury tented lodges reflect exquisite indigenous heritage of the eco-kissed mesmerising surroundings. Each lodge allows guests to be in close contact with nature and the great outdoors, without losing an element of luxury and comfort. The exclusive Honeymoon Suite offers nothing less than viewing pleasure from the privacy of their elevated teak sun deck within a luxurious glimpsing escapade’ said Dulani Guruge, the Managing Director of the property.

At the Flameback Eco Lodge guests can enjoy the delectable organic cuisine sourced from local communities, while being a part of the eco-friendly operation conserving mother earth.

The in-house restaurant standing on a raised platform extending to a wooden deck with seating capacity for up to 30 and looking out on to the lake, offers an arresting fusion of International and traditional local cuisines, inclusive of dishes made from appetizing organic ingredients, vegetable, fruit and grain sourced from the local community, cultivated under a highly controlled hygienic environment, passionately designed by the resort’s head Chef Mahindarathne.

There are some of the experiences revolving around food, culture and wildlife that one can look forward to at Flameback Eco Lodge. ‘Cook your Catch’ from the lake, farmer’s Lunch, Chena Lunch, Making Curd, Rod Fishing, Pottery sessions, Cooking demos and Palmyrah Weaving are some of the top attractions amongst the visitors to the Resort.

Apart from cuisine and the nature, excursions to surrounding areas are possible using ‘Flameback’ as the base. Cycling to Debarawewa town and Tissamaharama, safaris to Bundala, Yala and Udawalawe parks, Palutupana salterns, Kataragama/ Kirivehera, Sithul Pawwa and Kalametiya are some of the popular excursions.

The Resort is close to the newly built Ridiyagama Safari Zoo and Botanical Garden in Mirijjawila.

For more details call 0475100100/200, 0777288774, 0717777750 or log onto
www.flamebackecolodge.com