Waraka’: New eco retreat in Udawalawe

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Udawalawe National Park and the surrounding area has earmarked by the tourism industry as one of the popular tourism destinations for nature and wildlife lovers. Apart from Yala, Bundala and Minneriya,Uda Walawe National Park and ‘Ath Athuru Sevena’ draw a major attraction for Sri Lankan Elephants and is an important habitat for water birds.

But the region was lagging behind with the much required star class destination facilities including accommodation.

‘Waraka’ Resort by ‘Thema Collection’, the latest addition to the luxury accommodation folder of Udawalawe, was opened on Saturday, 1st of June, 2024.

It turns the tables around for travellers to the region. Located just twenty minutes away from the Park’s main entrance and five minutes away from famous ‘Ath Athuru Sevena’, ‘Waraka Udawalawe’ offers a wonderful experience of untouched pure nature, wilderness and luxury comfort together with sustainability practice.

The name ‘Waraka’ inspired by the majestic jackfruit, a symbol of abundance and rejuvenation, and the property symbolises the essence of natural beauty and hospitality. ‘Waraka’ is an eco-friendlyluxury boutique hotel nestled amidst enchanting landscape of Udawalawe bordering ‘Dakunu Ela’ water way which feeds Chandrika Wewa from Walawe Ganga.

‘The opening ceremony graced by the presence of Katsuki Kotarao, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan and Chandra Wickramasinghe, the Chairman/Managing Director of Thema Collection.

This ecofriendly retreat boasts of having 12 luxury rooms with unique designs that seamlessly blend natural elements with modern comforts including six Deluxe rooms, six Deluxe rooms with Attic and two Suites offering the finest views of the hotel. Deluxe rooms tailored for groups of two or three, while Deluxe with Attic offers spacious for family or friends, with attic feature two separate beds and an attic.

Each of the suites consists of elevated bedrooms, a living space and a bath with all the modern amenities. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as LED TV, IDD facilities, mini bar, hot and cold running water, tea/coffee making facilities, Wi Fi connection, safety lockers and open private terrace.

‘At ‘Waraka’, we understand that true luxury lies in the details, which is why each of our rooms is meticulously designed to offer a harmonious fusion of natural elements and modern comforts. As a guests step into their room, they’ll be greeted by a palette of earthy tones. Inspired by the jackfruit each element pays homage to this iconic fruit, symbolizing abundance, rejuvenation, and the spirit of hospitality that defines our culture. We have 21 jackfruit trees in our one acre of land’ explained Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe.

Cuisine plays a major role at ‘Waraka’. The most notable feature of the menu is waraka based or waraka infused food items including waraka mixed mock-tails, juices, ‘waraka madulu’, variety of Kos preparations, ‘kos eta beduma’, ‘polos cutlets’, ‘polos maluwa’ and waraka based desserts.

‘Waraka Hotel’ prioritises the food and beverage experience, offering two different dining areas. The open-sided main restaurant that can accommodate about 30 guests comfortably offer a vast variety of Sri Lankan and International cuisine. ‘Waraka’ has a river face terrace with seats and lie lows for basking in the sun or chill outs at the later in the day. It offers all local, as well as international food and the kitchen caters to a wide array of palates. ‘Waraka takes pride in the gourmet food, prepared by the hotel’s experienced chef and well loved by the guests who come from Colombo. ‘Culinary experience at the hotel is too a journey’ said Chandra.

‘Our menu is based on the principle of using the high quality local ingredients, along with the best of ingredients from around the world, freshly cooked and presented by our well experienced team of chefs’ he added.

Moreover, with the commitment to sustainable development, Waraka focuses on empowering local communities, conserving biodiversity, promoting energy conservation through renewable sources and engaging in community development initiatives.

At ‘Waraka’, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life ingrained in every aspect of our operations. From the initial construction phase, where we ensure that not a single tree is cut down, to using eco-friendly materials throughout the building process, we prioritise environmental stewardship.

Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond construction. It soaks into every project we undertake, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on both the local community and the environment. Our commitment to sustainability extends to protecting the environment and enhancing the well-being of local communities, making your stay both eco-friendly and socially impactful’ said Chairman Wickremasinghe.

Apart from Udawalawe Park and ‘Ath Athuru Sevena’, popular Maduwanwala Walawwa is just 45 minutes away from Waraka. Sankapala, Madunagala Hot water spring and Katuwana Dutch Fort are just one hour drive away from Waraka. Yala, Kataragama, Situlpawwa, Kirinda and Kiriwehera are over two to three hours’ drive from the Hotel. Village tours, Bicycle tours and Canoeing too are possible with hotel’s naturalist.

The room rates at ‘Waraka Udawalawe’ range from Rs. 40,000/- to 45,000/- FBD.
Log on to www.themacollection.com for more details.

Pix by Sanath Weerasuriya