“Landa” Holiday House a retreat for nature lovers

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Belihuloya is generally a tourist attraction. Apart from traditional Belihuloya Guest House by the Hotel's Corporation, there are few places that offer scenic and adventure holidays for both foreign and Sri Lankan clientele.

This picturesque little hamlet renowned for its eco tourism opportunities is situated in the 'Sabaragamuwa' province, approximately 160 km from Colombo.

This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones. As a result, Belihuloya has named one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka.

'Landa' Holiday House' is the newest kid in this beautiful hamlet of Seelogama, Belihuloya.

Though Landa is just few months old, it is already a popular destination for nature lovers, both Sri Lankans and overseas travellers. 'Landa' Holiday House is situated just by the side of beautiful Kiriwanalanda stream, a branch of Belihul Oya.

'Tailor made to your desire' is the motto of the place as it is highly driven on customer requirement. 'We do not have any fixed meal times, When ever the guest wants to eat, we are ready to serve.

This goes with breakfast, lunch and dinner and the preparation is also according to the wish of our guests' said Jeffrey Van der Lee, Chairman of the Kiriwanalanda (private) Limited, the management company of Landa.

In Landa, you won't find top professional chefs to do the works at the kitchen, but traditional driven 'Aachchi' from the village along with experienced cook will be in charge of the meals. 'Actually Aachchi is good for the authentic meals, which is popular among travellers. But other cuisine too wills be served accordingly' he added.

Jeffrey Van der Lee

'Landa' Holiday House' has three large tastefully designed rooms with a view of the jungle and the stream and a tree house.

'It is specially designed to blend with the nature and caters mainly to honeymooners, families and people who are dying to have a peace of mind. Actually I do not like to call this a hotel. This is a holiday destination, that works according to the desires of the guests' Jeff said.

Jeff is a professional landscaper from The Netherlands and he said this is his dream home. The landscaping of the Landa Holiday House is the top priority, as Jeff did it by himself.

'I am not a professional hotelier, but landscaping is my field of work and I did it perfectly. Initially my main aim was to do the landscaping without disturbing the social balance and I think I have done it perfectly. The hospitality side of the project is handled by my colleague Priyalal Malaviarachchi along with the other staff members' he said.

Land is a base for excursions around area. Most of the adventure travellers use this as a base for excursions such as rafting, hill climbing, trekking and camping.

'Trekking up to Horton Plains through Nonpareil Estate, Devils staircase from Kalupahana to Ohiya, camping in Samanalawewa area, nature trekking in the village and bird watching are some of the popular activities by the adventure travellers' added Priyalal.

'The excursions to Babarakanda Falls (Approximately 18 Km), Nature Trails (Word's End Tour), Outbound Tours, Cycling. Mountain Biking can be arranged on prior request' he said.

The room only rate at 'Landa' Holiday House' is range from Rs. 2500/- to Rs. 3500/- per double.

'A group of family members can be accommodated up to 12 personas as all three rooms has a upper deck with a bed.

But each adult will be charge Rs. 400/- extra and Rs. 250/- per kid' Jeff said. 'Landa' Holiday House' can be contacted for further information on 077659 71 83 or 077 381 13 30.