TV Times

TV Times

Cranford Villa : Luxury nest in the valley
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Cranford Villa is a small luxury bungalow in the valley of Diyatalawa.
Diyatalawa was never a tourist destination, but since lately with the imergence of the Caraford Holiday Bungalow few years ago; Diyatalawa has come to the limelight.

The name Cranford Holiday Bungalow has changed with the time to Cranford Lodge and the latest name is Crandford Villa. Set in natural surroundings at Kahagolla, just 2 kilometres from Diyatalawa town, over looking green tea plantation and the railway line between Haputale and Bandarawela, the Villa is a haven for busy city dwellers.

After three million rupee refurbishment programme, Cranford is now ready to provide comfort to all holiday makers. This colonial bungalow has two tastefully designed deluxe family rooms and three rooms with all comforts. The new additions in the room are satellite TV, English bath and the most sophisticated bathroom.

'We did not want to change the typical colonial style. Because the visitors love the old world charm. It is a home away from home. We never let the visitors to feel they are away from their homes.' said Ivor Collom, the person behind the Marketing of this holiday home.

Cranford can accomodate about 15 people comfortably. ‘We do not let out individual room. We market the whole bungalow’ he said Rs 25,000 is the current amount for the whole Villa.

The cuisine too is prepared according to the guest's choice. Eastern, Western or authentic Sri Lankan dishes are available at the Villa. 'We grow our own vegetables and fruits such as grapes Lanka oranges at the back yard of the bungalow.

‘No chemicals used in cultivation and this organic food is very popular amongst overseas visitors' he added. The golf link at the Military Academy at Diyatalawa will be open for the Carnford guests in the future.

Apart from just a relaxed holiday, the adventure travellers use Cranford Villa as a base for the excursions in the area. Since the Nature and Eco base tours are getting popular more and more adventure tourist are visiting the place.
Bandarawela town is just 3 kms from the bungalow and the world famous Demodara Railway Loop is just 10 kms from the place.

Uva Province is blessed with beautiful water falls and four of the top falls can be found in just 30 minutes to one hours drive from the Cranford. Dunhinda Fall is 32 kms away and Diyaluma is 37 kms from the bungalow. Ravana Ella is 21 kms and Bambarakanda is just 10 kms away from the place.

Jungle trekking to Horton Plains and World's End is a popular event among young adventure lovers. 'A guided nature tour can be arranged. World's End through Ohiya jungles and 'bridge in the sky' Demodara nine and three arch bridges are popular attractions with groups' Ivor explained.

Cranford Villa has an outdoors Jacuzzi for private use and in-house recreation facilities to boost the holiday spirit of the guests. Basketball, with artificial court, carrom, darts and badminton are the other attractions

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