Overview
Located at the foot of 'wedahiti kanda' and in close proximity to the world famous holy shrine of Kataragama and the wild life and nature parks of Yala and Bundala.
Inspired by Tuscan architecture,with terracotta tiled roofs and sweeping verandahs. Lofty white pillars and white washed exterior reflect the sun's rays onto the central swimming pool. High ceilings and decorative armoury add charm and history to this bright and airy hotel .
A 52 room hotel offering great conveience to sightseeing in the south east. Set within a woodland estate, shady gardens surround one of the largest swimming pools in the region. A unique underwater music system will surprise and delight morning swimmers before breakfast.
A host of facilities to keep young children occupied including a gymnasium, table tennis, pool, badminton and indoor games. The real excitement begins as the family climb aboard one of the many jeeps that pull up the drive each 6am to embark on a Yala safari tosearch for leopards. The entrance beside Rosen is ideally located to catch early sunbasking leopards on the rock.
Kataragama has a constant flow of pilgrims but the town really becomes alive at the annual Perahera (festival) in August, as firewalkers, elephants and Kandyan dancers take to the streets in their vibrant colours.
Wheelchair access is available to the rooms and restaurant.
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Rooms
The hotel comprises 50 bedroms and 2 suites, all boasting over 400sqft. The rooms have a universal design with a simple yet fresh appearance. Large sliding windows lead onto the balcony and the indoor sitting area allows a comfortable refuge for a restful cup of tea.
Furnished with Sri Lankan wood and rattan fruniture and comfortable beds. Tiled floors throughout and air conditioning ensures a cool room after a hot day on safari. Pastel colours predominate highlighted with bright fresh flower displays. Satellite Tv's and mini bars are in every room for that necessary gin & tonic and a catch up on current affairs.
Ensuite bathrooms are spacious and a hot bath can be enjoyed daily if desired.
Room service is avilable but most guests prefer to socialise in the main restaurants and lounge.
The suites offer even more space with a separate sitting room enjoying super views across the woodland estate.
Dining
Careful planning has gone into selecting the right menu for those on pilgrimage. An absolute vegetarian cuisine with garden fresh vegetables and fruits come with a plethara of herbs and pulses.
However a full banquet of Sri lankan and International cuisine is on offer in buffet style each day for those not restricted.
Choose to dine on the many private terraces that over look the floodlit pool or fine dine in the open air or indoor restaurants whose bay windows look over the pretty gardens and the Tuscan style architecture.
The bar /lounge has a snooker table for those who would like to while away the hours in the evening as others sip cocktails.
Things to do & local tips
- Kateragama shrine is worshipped by people of all faiths and is only a few km away. The liveliest time to vist is around August`s Perahera. Street theatre, elephants and plate spinning are just a sample of the colouful displays.
- Yala National Park is just a 10 minute drive to the entrance. Morning or afternoon safaris can be arranged from the hotel.
- Bundala Bird Sanctuary is a 20minute drive south, where the marsh land and woodland are home to over 50 endemic birds, monkeys, the resident flamingos and other swamp creatures like monitors and crocodiles.
- Slightly north towards Buttala town.you will find the largest stone sculpture of the Lord Buddha- believed to be the largest in Asia - the Baduruwagala statue.
- Head 1.5 hours north and you can enjoy the many waterfalls, treks , monasteries and stunning contryside of the Hill Country. Buffalos and Vedhha folk roam the villages enroute and remind you of Sri Lanka of yesteryear.
For more details on activities, places of interest, transport in the UVA province, click here.