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An ideal spot for a relaxing holiday, Ganga Garden is back in business after the tsunami destruction
Pleasure of leisure
By Smriti Daniel
It’s all about the quiet life. If you so choose, the most strenuous thing you’ll have to do all day is lounge around, bask in the sun and watch the river drift lazily by. There are no frantic all night parties here; no loud television shows. Instead there is time enough to unwind and relax at your own pace – a pleasure that it is impossible to underestimate.

Corrinne White is the proprietor of this unassuming little haven, known as Ganga Garden. The hotel which boasts six comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a beautiful view is slowly developing a reputation for being the perfect little hideaway in an area populated by big luxury hotels.

Recently included in a list of hotels that offer “Paradise for 50$ a night,” in The Sunday Times, UK, the hotel is located on the banks of the Bentota River, close to Aluthgama. Ganga Garden can be found a little off the main road, away from the hustle and bustle of the small town.

“The idea is to get away,” says Corinne smiling, explaining that most of her clients enjoy the lovely surroundings and quiet of Ganga Garden. According to Corinne, this hotel is the type of place that moulds itself around the likes and dislikes of its clientele.

An example of this attitude is the menu offered. Entirely flexible – western, eastern or somewhere in between – guests can have their meals cooked exactly the way they want them.

For those who “never say die”, however, it is quite possible to have both the relaxed atmosphere of Ganga Garden as well as a healthy dose of adventure. Ganga Garden’s next door neighbour provides those inclined with water skis, boats and water scooters. Fishing trips too are easily arranged as well.

For those who may want to spend some time by the ocean, Corinne points out that both the Beruwela and Bentota beaches are few minutes away by boat. On the other hand, if you’re reluctant to move at all you need only pick up your rod and tackle and settle down on Ganga Garden’s very own jetty.
Ganga Garden’s simplicity and quiet appeal are mirrored in its proprietor.

orinne, who hails from Blackpool, England, had visited Sri Lanka many times in the past with her husband Billy before they decided to settle down here. The warm sunny weather was an attraction as was the exotic culture and the welcoming locals. They bought Ganga Garden in 1999 and proceeded to re-design, refurbish and transform it into what it is today.

In 2003 however, tragedy struck. Billy was diagnosed with cancer and passed away two months later. “The staff were such a support,” says Corinne, adding that they took care of everything for her and that by doing so helped her through a very traumatic time.

Ganga Garden had been something she and her husband had dreamt of and built up together, so despite her loss, Corinne stayed on in Sri Lanka. Within a year, however, her foundations were rocked again. The tsunami that came roaring and rushing up the river, swamped the hotel and wreaked more than a 1000 pounds worth of damage. Corinne is just glad that no-one was hurt. “I have to say, I’m very lucky” she says, “when I look around and see how many people were left with nothing at all…” During that period Ganga Garden (supported by funds from Corinne’s friends and family abroad) fed more than 500 people, built a house for a victim left homeless and bought another sufferer some land.

Today, Ganga Garden is back on its feet and open for business, with no trace of all the havoc caused by the tsunami. For those interested in knowing more, www.gangagarden.com is the official website, while inquiries can be made on 34 4 289444.

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