JEDB opens up Oodewella estate bungalow to the public

A cup of tea and a book...

Would you like to rent out a planter's bungalow, in a thriving tea estate for your next holiday?

Sounds unlikely, but not quite. The JEDB (Janatha Estates Development Board) has recently refurbished the Director's Bungalow high up on Hantane Estate and made it available to the public through their booking office in Colombo. The bungalow was opened up in August last year and has had a steady stream of visitors seeking a quiet retreat.

Chairman JEDB Danasiri de Silva Daluwatte whose brainchild the idea of letting out the bungalow was, believes there will be a good demand for occupation. He also plans to refurbish another estate bungalow at Elkaduwa and open that out to the public shortly.

Hantane Estate is conveniently located just above Kandy town. The drive-half an hour at most- takes one past the Hantane Housing Scheme towards the verdant estate. High up on the estate, commanding a marvellous view of the Hunnasgiriya hill range and nestling beneath the rocky Hantane peak sits the Oodewella Circuit Bungalow.

Large trees, Flame of the Forest, Jacaranda and African Tulip just coming into bloom throw shadows over the hedged driveway. The bungalow is built on classic, low roofed old planters' style, with a sprawling, if somewhat neglected garden.

The lawn is large enough for a game of cricket and there is a small swimming pool to take a dip in to cool off afterwards. The front door opens into a long wide corridor, furnished sparsely with a few old settees and china cupboard. Leading off this main corridor are four large bed rooms, the dining room, the sitting room and the TV room..

Everything about the bungalow bespeaks of spaciousness. Bedroom are huge with two or three beds. Each has a wardrobe, dressing table and an attached bathroom.

The living room is furnished with modern furniture in contrast to the TV room which retains some old, comfy, sofa style cane furniture. Both, sitting and TV rooms have fire places. A charming little patio leads off the TV room looking out at the superb panoramic view of the Dumbara Valley- an ideal place to have your morning cup of tea or curl up with a book, with just an occasional bird for company.

The bungalow and the garden is still undergoing renovation and refurbishment.

You can choose any itinerary-relax in the garden under the spreading mango and avocado trees or hike upto to the Hantane Peak. The not so adventurous can walk through the tea estate roads to nearby pine forests. Randenigala- Rantambe sanctuary and the Veddha village in Bintenna are just a couple of hours away by car.

In the bungalow there's the faithful caretaker of eight years, Subramaniam, who, judging by his rice and curry, is an excellent cook.

Charges for the bungalow are Rs. 1500 per night. Guests have to bring their own food stuffs, which will be prepared by the Appu but linen is provided.

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