Haputale, Beragala and its surrounding area, though not a traditional tourist destination, the potential has emerged as an attraction to the visitors, since lately. With the booming of tourism in the country, investors have looked beyond the traditional destinations.
Little known nature and adventure sites around Haputale and Beragala aroused the interest of both travellers and the investors. The attractions off the beaten track such as Lipton Seat, Pilklinton Point, Tholangamuwa Forest Reserve and Kiriwanaganga water fall are slowly coming into the tourism picture.
This is mainly due to the newly created Viharagala Colonial Bungalow in Viharagala Estate off Beragala. The Bungalow is a heavenly cosset located in Beragala in Haputale, just five hours drive from Colombo.
This century old Bungalow is nestled in a twelve acre tea estate, which is about 3500 foot above the sea level and in the ever changing climatic conditions, overlooking the Southern Plains from the top of the Haputale range. The Bungalow is about the best that one could experience in the Haputale area. Seclusion, space and privacy, the traditional colonial bungalow offers the ideal choice for the visitor when in Beragala.
Built into a mountain-side, and set among six meticulously maintained lawns, Viharagala Estate Bungalow, the estates spacious, 8 bed roomed plantation house, was originally built in 1876. A wide veranda that encircles the front of the house, commanding a panoramic view to the south and east of the Udawalawe valley extending over sixty kms to the sea, was added in 1911. The present dining room and service pantry were further additions, made in 1948 to render the house more functional without destroying its periodic character.
The same aim has inspired all later renovations: for example, the original fire-places have been retained, and the original staff quarters still function today, linked to the main house by a covered stairway running along one side of a paved courtyard filled with flowers.
The bungalow is maintained and run in the old fashioned, estate bungalow tradition, which would be an unforgettable experience to the visitor. The main bungalow consists of eight rooms and four bathrooms and these are maintained in the same manner as in the olden days.
The ‘Pemberley Study Center’, which was maintained until recently as an education center for students by the owner Dr. Brendon Gooneratne and his wife Yasmin, has now been renovated and turned into new unit close to the Colonial structure.
The staff is well trained in their culinary art, and visitors will be fed with western, Indian or traditional Sri Lankan style food cooked with fresh vegetable depending on individual choices, to satiate one’s hunger.
The most popular amongst is the ‘Jungle Bar- b- que’ in the small forest patch close to the bungalow.
Surrounded by a vast expanse of commercially grown rose garden, there will not be a dearth of bird song, due to all the birds that visit the flower arbor. If you are inclined to, excursions to Adisham Bungalow, Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, World’s End, Horton Plains, could be taken at your leisure. Also, as the house is located in close proximity to the Rawana, Bambarakanda and Diyaluma water falls, you could enjoy a short trip to these places and the bungalow management is ready to arrange the excursions on request.
The historical sites such as centuries old Soragune Devale, Buduruwagal , Dowe temple and Samanalawewa project are just half hour to one hours drive from the bungalow.
For more information call 0727 791 065, 0776 388 345, 575 670 214 or log on to www.viharagala.com |
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