OverviewArattana Bungalow – is an eco-friendly lodge for a family holiday, in the hill country of Sri Lanka. On your way to Arattana Bungalow you can see some of the most picturesque sights in the Central Hills. The drive through Kandy-Pitiyegedara, Panwila, to Arattana is through tea estates,with a panoramic view of hills & valleys beyond, like Dumbara,Victoria, Hunnasgiriya and Knuckles.
The cottage is located in a river valley - Hulu Ganga – at the edge of a tea estate, in a very beautiful setting under the shadow of Gomaraya Kande ( a convex hill of unusual shape belonging to Knuckles Hills ….( “Knuckles- Hill- climb”- the south-west approach from Bambarella side-is a 30 minute drive from Alaady) . The cottage is on private property covering 40 acres, in complete seclusion, and has many natural adventure spots as well endemic plants & vines and wild life. The cottage has two bedrooms( for 06 p.) and a loft( where 04 can sleep,) two-bathrooms with hot-water, outside toilet, a kitchenette & a “rough kitchen”( with firewood/earthenware cooking) a living area & a tree house.Separate sleeping quarters/toilet for drivers are available. Cycles are provided for cycling enthusiasts.
The road is motorable, in any kind of vehicle, except, for the rough gravel road leading to River Song through the Tea Estate. So, be careful when you drive the last 02 Kms! We advice the guests to come in a high vehicle, specially in rainy weather.
A special attraction at Arattana Bungalow is the River Bath, in the natural pool, and the river trek uphill through mini waterfalls and pot –holes if you feel up to it. Hulu Ganga originates in the Knuckles and going uphill from River Song, along the river course exposes some breathtakingly beautiful nooks & corners. You can camp out/ have your meals in the compound,( unless it’s raining) or take walks or cycle in the tea lands, and if you feel ready to take the risk, even cross the river on the dilapidated old suspension bridge-more than a 100 years old, and do some rock climbing--- Some species of wild life is found in the compound- like moose deer ,wild boar and porcupine and peacocks & we conserve these animals.. The climate is mild & cool; ( Aver: 70F ) & no mosquitoes either. The last but the most important thing to keep in mind, if you intend coming to RS is, there are no markets/ stores or boutiques anywhere near-by; so you have to bring all the eatables, drinks & provisions. On your way to Arattana Bungalow from Kandy,you can do your marketing either at Madawala Bazaar(route 02) or Katugastota to buy the necessities, ( there’s a good Bread Shop, a Super-Market & vegetable stalls there At River Song, you are secluded but safe, & the caretaker –cook, manager and watcher is there for you; but otherwise you are on your own.
