Green paradise a heaven in the woods

M F Jabir in Kubukkadanwela, Dambulla

Pictures by M F Jabir

Bounded by ancient mystery and cultural splendor, surrounded by thick jungles, the ancient monastery Kaludiya Pokuna(853 - 857 A.D.), the Dambulla rock temple, Sigiriya rock fortress and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, stands an Agro Eco marvel.This is called the Green Paradise Agro Eco Hotel.

Basking in the serene environs of Kubukkadanwela Dambulla on a 14-acre block, 150km from Colombo, built with Italian branded material, Green Paradise, offers complete privacy and secluded luxury. The hotel boasts of serene environs with endemic fauna and flora, which is unprecedented to any other. Green Paradise consists of 67 luxury eco-villas, comprising 40 Superior Duplex, 10 Garden suites with interconnections and 17 Deluxe rooms ideal for single and doubles.

The spacious Superior Duplex rooms are ideal for families who love the extra space, with the living room on the first floor and bedrooms downstairs. They are equipped with all facilities for a comfortable stay. Resident Manager Susantha Bandara, said all measures have been taken to preserve the environment and flora during construction and it had been built on concrete pillars so that the water could flow freely to adjoining lakes preserving the nature.

The villas have been designed with a village hut concept in mind, with similar resemblances. The architectural design had been from Italy with accordance to European home designs. Bandara said the hotel had been constructed in 2011, with an investment of US $ one million by a group of Italians.The roofs had been specially fitted with fibre glass sheets. The pool was unique as it comprises a lucrative expensive PVC carpet which gives a splendid view.

The main building of the hotel is spread on a floor area of 38,000 sq ft. It comprises two restaurants with excellent cuisine, the Orchid where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served and the Salt & Pepper which is opened from 12pm to 10 pm for snacks and light meals and dinner. While the Blue Elephant bar presents various cocktails, the large swimming pool with the Pizzeria Al Forno bar is located by the poolside, where guests could enjoy traditionally prepared pizza.

Bandara said they were very particular about the quality of the food, while the management was very selective in recruitment, especially in the culinary field. He said the special oven that was used for pizza, had been built by an Italian expert to operate with firewood and was one of the few available in the world. He said the pizza was prepared on a special brick which gives the unique crispy natural taste and could be prepared in three minutes in this special oven which heats up to 400 degrees.

Green Paradise is also equipped with a modern gym and spa center managed by a Thai manageress, a shopping arcade, wi-fi and internet connectivity.

The sports area includes a large sports ground and the management supports agro-eco life by cultivating fruits and vegetables within the resort, night entertainment with light music programs, weekly fashion shows and traditional cultural programmes. Bandara said that in a bid to promote the Eco friendly concept, loud music was discouraged and more emphasize was placed on classical type music.

Bandara said the hotel was experiencing a huge flow of reservations for the coming long Vesak weekend, adding that local holiday seekers could make the long Vesak weeked a memorable one with superb hospitality and quality food that was in store for them and requested for early reservations to avoid disappointment. Email reservations could be made on [email protected]

Green Paradise Agro Eco Hotel is owned and managed by the LOLC Leisure Group.

Versatile Hotelier Susantha Bandara serves as the Resident Manager of the property.