Though Habarana is considered as a hub for tourism in the Cultural Triangle, it is the centre for all excursions from beaches of Nilaveli to Wilpattu from the West and from Kandy to Kilinochchci from the north.
Lake Habarana and Elephant safaris are the icons of the area and the other side of the lake still belongs to the wild.
Hidden away amid the lush dense greenery of the other side of Lake Habarana, lies a little known jungle lodge in the wild called ‘The Other Corner’.
Situated off the Habarana – Maradankadawela road ‘The Other Corner’ can be reached through a rusty lake path only on a elephant back rides.
The concrete buildings giving way to small huts with thatched roofs and close, friendly communities, is a welcome change for anyone trying to escape the stress of a urban life.
Built on a sprawling spread of approximately f ive acres, about ten minutes drive from the Habarana town, the chalets are located in hiding, preserving as much privacy and sanctuary as possible.
The brainchild of the project is Rahula Dassenaieke, nature photographer turned tourism investor.
‘Actually I started this place to visit with my family and other friends. Mut many have adviced me to go ahead and turn it in to a real jungle resort. Still I have not done any marketing plans but on heavy booking during weekends from the word by the mouth’ he explained.
The fact that there is no barrier or fences (to preserve natural trails and to reduce a much a possible the effect of encroaching on nature) errected around ‘The Other Corner’ in no way diminishes the sense of solitude and peace one feels. It is apart of eco concept.
Long considered a hub /transit point for travellers, who would visit Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura and other attractions within the cultural triangle, ‘The Other Corner’ is ideally suited for visitor planning on taking the best advantage of a prolonged vacation.
Built above ground level, ‘The Other Corner’ provides a unique view of the Habarana Lake and it hepls to reduce the impact of encroaching on natural trails that the elephants take during the dry period.
The lodge is given a natural look of clay and wood. With its plank stairway and wood furniture being the first things that a visitor would notice, the lodge will make sure that guests would enjoy the best of camping in comfortable and convenient surroundings.
The two family rooms available in the lodge consist of five beds and attached bathrooms in a spacious surrounding, well ventilated and lit, and is ideal to accommodate 4 to a maximum of eight visitors. For relaxation the lounge area hosts a comfortable sofa set along with a couple of deck chairs and benches and a refreshing view of the surrounding country side.
There is another separate ‘out house’. Situated the furthest away from the main lodge, the ‘outhouse’ can comfortably facilitate two visitors. Open to what could be termed a natural garden, overshadowed by trees of many varieties; the outhouse is a picturesque abode and a delight to wake up to in the mornings.
‘This outhouse is a ideal place for writers and authors to do their writing projects. That is my own creation’ he added.
Apart from that, a tree house (High Hide)is there for two adventure loving guests to feel the real wildife. ‘High Hide’ provides a cool and exciting place of observation while waiting for nature to show its wonders.
The cuisine at the Other Corner is too close to nature. ‘We serve most of the village food from the area. But our chef Asanka can prepare any meal from Sri Lanka to European, Chinese, Indian to Oriental cuisine; Rahula said.
The fact of its central location makes ‘The Other Corner’ an ideal starting point to such well known tourist attractions as; Minneriya (about 15 minutes drive), Kaudulla (about 20 minutes drive), Sigiriya (about 20 minutes drive), Dambulla (about 20 minutes drive), Pidurangala (about 20 minutes drive), Ritigala (about 20 minutes drive), Managala(30 minutes) and the Horiwila Ayurvedic village (about 20-25 minutes drive).
Along with the basic comforts of life that we take for granted such as pipe borne water and electricity, the lodge also provides hot and cold water as well as a modern sanitary section. Along with a uniquely attractive shower head, that brings to mind a miniature waterfall and is enticingly refreshing after a long day of walking amid the green forest gardens.
‘The Other Corner’ is managed by Starron Nature Resorts (Pvt) Ltd.
For more details log on to
www.tocsrilanka.com or call
0773 749904 for further details
|
E-mail