A throwback to the past amidst a rubber plantation
Welcoming: The gracious charm of a bygone era reflected in the staff and furnishing. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Travelling an hour out of Colombo amidst the traffic is far from a pleasant experience but upon entering the premises of the Sanctuary Lodge, all traces of weariness evaporate. The sight of the driveway lit with row after row of tiny clay lamps, the inviting ‘Ayubowan’ of a gentleman dressed in a sarong with a long beard that reminded us of the archetypal Sri Lankan bungalow caretaker, to the sound of a band striking up the tune of ‘sasara wasanathuru’ as the smell of hoppers wafted through the air immediately lifted our spirits.
The Sanctuary Lodge at Korathota Estate, Kaduwela has an exciting history and the bungalow aims to stay true to that identity.
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact date, the bungalow which is now the Sanctuary Lodge was probably built in the early 1930s during the last stages of colonial rule. Mark Anthony Bracegirdle, an Anglo-Australian national who supported the Ceylonese struggle for independence and was a founding member of the Lanka SamaSamaja Party is said to have hidden from the British in this property.
The surrounding plantation is a working rubber estate and has other crops such as pepper interspersed with the rubber. The property is home to the ‘Balum Gala’ – a rock which was used by the Seetawaka Kingdom to view the approaching Portuguese and Dutch who arrived at the Fort during the heyday of the Kingdom. We are told that today this is a beautiful vantage point with a great view of the city. The nearby Rajamaha Vihara, which was built during the time of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka is also an interesting attraction. Kaduwela is also the birthplace of Angampora – the Sri Lankan martial arts form that is said to have originated during the time of King Ravana. Guests at the lodge can visit an Angampora master and learn something of this fascinating art.
Co-owner of the estate and director of the E.A.P. Group, Deepa Edirisinghe explained that the bungalow was owned by her grandfather A.C. Perera, before it was passed down to her mother Soma Edirisinghe and then to her and her brothers. The holiday bungalow of the family, it had been a favourite place for the family to retreat to during the new year and other holidays. Deepa recalls a time when her mother would host a sumptuous lunch for all guests who joined the family during their vacations. The bungalow was converted into a boutique hotel by Soma Edirisinghe and has been relaunched as such by Deepa and her brothers today.
The antique furniture, oriental statues, display cases of ancient tools and weapons etc., have all been meticulously planned to give the feel of a pre-independence Sri Lankan home. Upon walking into the bedrooms however, it is evident that modern comforts such as air conditioning have been included to make guests feel comfortable and enjoy their stay in this bungalow with its interesting past.
A stay at the Sanctuary Lodge can be booked at http://www.ceylonsanctuaries.com/