Get close to nature at the ‘Peacock Garden Rest’

Kolonne in Ratnapura district is not a popular destination for travelers. Though this small town is situated just thirty minutes drive from UNESCO heritage 'Singharaja Forest', it was an unknown destination till recently. Apart from Maduwanwela Walawwa, Kolonne is just unknown as far as the tourism is concerned. But with ‘Peacock Garden Rest’, it turns the opposite direction and the town has become a destination, getawa of at least two days.

‘Peacock Garden Rest’ is a haven for nature lovers, where the resort is centrally located with all adventure and nature surrounding it. ‘Peacock Garden Rest’ started just three months ago, but the popularity seems growing rapidly. 'I was toying with this idea of putting up a small getaway for local travelers for a long time. I inherited this property and I used to visit here for my meditation and never dreamt of owning a resort here. I started this as a small vacation home, but now expanded to a six room rest house' explained Krishantha Nissanka, the proprietor of ‘Peacock Garden Rest’'.

Situated in a twenty five acre midrange forest land, just few metres away from popular Maduwanwala Walawwa, ‘Peacock Garden Rest’ is a basic facility eco friendly resort, catering mainly for travellers to the Deep South and for the 'Singharaja Forest'.

‘We have basic facilities. It is meant for family and group holiday makers, and can accommodate 15 adults. The accommodation and cuisine are two of the priorities list of the guests. Authentic Sri Lankan village cuisine is our main attraction and most of the guests seem like the dishes. We serve traditional meals in health style' said Nissanka about simple living.

'Peacock Garden Rest' can be reached from Colombo via Ratnapura- Pelmadulla - Madampe - Rakwana - Suriya Kanda and to Kolonne.‘Ratnapura Embilipitiya road too is convenience but via Rakwana and Suriya Kanda road is more scenic’ he added. The excursion is the ‘word’ of the 'place' and some of the top attractions are just few hours drive away from the Rest.

Doovili Ella, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Sinharaja Hermitage, Eraporuwa Water Pool (Natural), Wawulpane Bat Caves and Morning Side are some of the popular places for excursions. 'We also cater for visitors to Kataragama, Yala and other Deep South holiday makers. Kataragama and Yala are just two hours drive away from 'Peacock Garden Rest'. We encourage visitors to take the scenic Rakwana road before stopping for lunch at the ‘Peacock Garden Rest’. After a stream bath and a rest, the pilgrims could go for the Pooja in the evening' Nissanka, who is a lawyer by profession, said.

Camping, hiking, bird watching in the jungle, visiting water falls, hiking and a tour to Maduwanwala is also popular with overseas visitors as well as local adventure travellers. 'We offer wildlife and nature packages according to individual requirements' he added. Two Mud Huts with all modern facilities and a newly build ‘weva’ will be the new additions to the place.

'The work has already begun for this new project and we are hoping to open it by next January' he said. The fall board rate per head per day is Rs 2500/-. For more details log on to www.pgr.8m.com or call Nissanka on 0714942342 and 2345683.