Not just a golfer’s paradise
Stunning view from the resort. Pix by Nilan Maligaspe
Every direction you look is breathtaking and scenic, with green pastures of beautifully cut grass and trees all around. The Victoria Golf and Country Resort in Digana sitting pretty on a 500- acre property near the Victoria dam, offers a variety of different activities and unique experiences for visitors.
Victoria Golf is known for its superb golf facilities – it has won the “Best Golf Course in the subcontinent”, an accolade from the Asian Golf Monthly nine times. The resort has a pro shop, where golf equipment can be rented or bought. In addition, the Victoria Golf Academy teaches golf to guests looking to learn the sport.
“Some golf courses have a splendid undulating terrain over which the holes are routed. Some have a scenic backdrop of hills and lakes that excite the senses. The Victoria Golf course is blessed with both,” says the golf course architect Donald Steele.
The food whether Sri Lankan, Chinese, Mexican, Western and Indian is courtesy of the Araliya restaurant. One of the best places in the resort to enjoy a meal is the verandah, which offers a scenic view. In addition, Victoria Golf offers customisable dining options – picnics on the grass, breakfast overlooking the reservoir and more.
A short climb of 100 metres will get one to the view point, where on one side lies the Victoria dam and the other overlooking a tributary of the Mahaweli river. This location is breathtaking, as one can sit and marvel at the panoramic view for hours or enjoy a cuppa at sunset. Only in- house guests are permitted to the ‘view point’.
An array of accomodation: Chalets, cottages and the Villa Tee Six
Even though Victoria Resort is primarily known for golf it offers several activities, for all ages. The hotel is equipped with a 25 metre pool, a Jacuzzi and table tennis right beside it. And if golf is not your preferred game, croquet is also an option, as there are specialized croquet lawns. The resort also has bicycle routes for the adventurous type. If you want something a little bit faster than a bike, the Saddle Club will be perfect as scenic tours can be taken along with riding lessons. There are also guided nature treks, as the vicinity is known for its bird life and other wildlife such as deer, mongoose and fishing cats. Accommodation choices include the luxury Chalets for two at Rs 20,000 for full board. Located near the club house and the Araliya restaurant, they offer a beautiful view. The Cottages with two rooms each, are ideal for families or a group of golfers. These cost Rs. 12,000 a night, full board.
Villa Tee Six equipped with three rooms, a pantry and en-suite bathrooms is perfect for groups of friends and families. The villa has its own private pool, with an exquisite view of the Victoria dam. Meals are served in-house which enables guests to enjoy their privacy surrounded by nature. The entire villa that can house six comes at Rs 60,000, full board.
With its beautiful location and pristine environment it is no surprise that the Victoria Golf Resort with its open- air wedding venue, which can host up to 200 people is becoming a sought-after wedding location too. The Resort also hosts corporate events as well and offers venues that can accommodate around 100 people as well as cater to both indoor and outdoor activities.